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  • The New Subaru/Toyota Coupe – The AE86 Rebirth?

    A new AE86? I know I’m interested.

    National Speed - Subaru/Toyota Coupe

    There hasn’t been a fun, cheap RWD sportscar in recent years, and I think Toyota/Subaru knows exactly what we need. A joint product between the two companies, the new Rear Wheel Drive coupe is sure to strike home with tuners. With a 2.0 liter Naturally Aspirated boxer motor producing 220hp sourced from Subaru and weighing in at only 2800lbs, the new coupe is sure to deliver thrills. The best part? It’s supposed to come in at under $20,000.

    National Speed - Toyota/Subaru Coupe Concept

    I can only imagine the aftermarket for a vehicle available to the masses like this is going to be insane. With a price point this low, the new coupe will be scooped up like hotcakes. Aside from Mustangs, there hasn’t really been a cheap RWD sportscar in a while. Expect to see lots of Subie coupes sliding by in the future. Release is slated for sometime in 2010. I know this may be old news to some, but Subaru is supposed to be unveiling a new concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Could it be this new AE86 revival? Only time will tell, but I think that this is a good bet.

  • Running on Fumes: Automotive Appreciation

    There’s no technical jargon or breaking news in this blog today folks.

    It’s Friday, my brain is fried and I’ve come to realize something lately.

    With everything automotive that I’ve been surrounded with in the past year or so, I think I’ve really taken it for granted. Once in a while everyone needs to slow down and realize how impressive some things are around them. I walk into work every morning and barely nod my head at the twin turbo ford GT, big singled Supra, or the RHD R32 Skyline I’ve gotten accustomed to seeing. If this was me a year ago, I’d be in pure awe of what I was seeing. It happens to everyone, but I never thought I’d see the day.

    National Speed - Event Coverage

    A quick glance into the parking lot and it’s a manufacturer fanboy’s dream. I’m not jaded, but I have noticed it lacks the usual “punch”, if you will. Whenever I drive around I barely notice the stares, double takes and occasional cameraphones being whipped out anymore. I don’t understand why someone would be interested in my car until I realize it looks like a purple and green children’s concoction.

    National Speed - Nissan 240sx

    I think every now and again everyone needs to take a look around and really appreciate what they see. Sure, 500hp is the new 300hp but it still takes work to get there. Far too often I see clean work often go unnoticed just because of a power number. Today, everyone needs to go outside to their car/truck/bike and appreciate it. Chances are you’ve forgotten how much it means to you.

    Enjoy your weekend readers,

    Greg Martin

  • Performance Parts: Christmas Ideas For the Performance Enthusiast

    Looking for a gift for that performance minded enthusiast in your life? We’ve put together a few items that are sure to please them! This is only a portion of our list, the rest of which will be put out later on this week.

    National Speed eStore - DEI Headerwrap

    DEI Header Wrap Kit

    Tired of heatsoak robbing you of precious power? You know the only way to be safe is to wrap it up. Get a DEI Header Wrap Kit and say goodbye to lost horsepower

    National Speed eStore - Blitz BOV

    Blitz Dual Drive Blow Off Valve

    The Blitz BOV with Dual Drive relieves compressor surge without reducing compressor speed. A smaller port is used for low boost and a larger port is used for high boost. Get one of these to ensure no compressor surge.

    National Speed eStore - HKS SSQV

    HKS SSQV Special Edition Black BOV

    The HKS SSQV is a dual stage pull type relief valve, meaning that unlike push type valves, the SSQV cannot leak under any level of boost. The SSQV uses a small primary valve for quick action and a large valve for further venting. I personally use one on my vehicle, and I suggest it! Plus, it’s special edition, and black. That’s baller!

    National Speed eStore - TiALSport Q BOV

    TiALSport Q BOV

    The TiAL Q is the first redesign in 9 years for their BOV. Due to a V-band weld flange, the TiAL Q has a very clean and unique appearance. It is the highest flowing BOV on the market and is great for low to high boost applications.

    National Speed eStore - Hawk HPS Pads

    Hawk High Performance Street Pads

    Hawk has always been synonymous with braking performance. With their unique Ferro-Carbon compound, Hawk’s Street series brake pads combine performance with extended pad life. Aftermarket pads are inexpensive and are a must for any modified car.


    National Speed eStore - Powerslot Performance Rotors

    Powerslot Performance Slotted Rotors

    Excessive heat can cause resins in your brake pads to vaporize. As brake pads wear, the used material turns into a fine dust which can inhibit braking power. Forget all that and invest in some Powerslot Slotted Brake Rotors. Powerslots exclusive Vac-U-Slots are machined to evacuate all that harmful gas and dirt for enhanced stopping power.


    National Speed eStore - Russel Stainless Steel Lines

    Russel Stainless Steel Brake Lines

    Why should I get stainless steel brake lines? That’s a question I hear all the time. Stainless Steel lines don’t swell like rubber lines, so they firm up your brake pressure. If you do off-road driving, stainless lines can also protect your lines from being punctured as well. Plus…they look awesome.

  • Nissan 370Z: Love It or Hate It

    Some love it, Some hate it. I’m very “ehhhhh” on the subject. I think it’s the headlights for me.

    As many of you know, the Nissan 370Z was unveiled about a week and a half ago at the LA Auto Show. The new body style was a big deal for Nissan and Z lovers alike, with lots of industry events and parties celebrating the car’s launch.

    National Speed - Nissan 370z Exterior

    Exterior

    Appearance-wise, the 370Z has changed a bit. The new Nissan comes standard with 19″ lightweight Rays Engineering wheels and 14″ Brakes! Looking at it from the side, the 370Z definitely reveals it’s lineage from the 240Z’s of the ’70s. The new Z is shorter, over an inch wider, and almost 3 inches smaller from nose to tail, packing a shorter wheelbase as well. The rear track has been widened by 2.2 inches, which I’m sure translates into better handling.

    National Speed - Nissan 370z Motor

    Motor

    I’m sure what everyone is mainly concerned about is the new performance. As evidenced by the name change from 350Z to 370Z, there’s now a 3.7 liter V6 under the hood which produces 332 horsepower and 270ft/lbs of torque. That’s up from 306hp and 268ft/lbs from the last generation VQ35HR.

    The new motor utilizes 30% new internals and the 370Z also weighs 88lbs less. Power is sent through either a 7 speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6 speed manual. A new feature for the 6 speed is a Synchrorev Match feature that will automatically blip the throttle on downshifts for a smooth changedown. It’s like automatic heel-toeing! 0-60 times are quoted from Car and Driver at 4.7-5.0 seconds.

    National Speed - Nissan 370Z Interior

    Interior

    Inside is arguably the most improved aspect of the 370Z. The A-pillar was minimized, the seats have stronger seat bolsters, and instrumentation is now bigger so it’s easier to see what’s going on in the car. Nissan also stepped up the game and now offers an “Intelligent Key” feature which means you no longer have to fumble around in your pockets for a key. Just walk up to the car, step in and go.

    Other interior appointments include a highly stylish gauge cluster, center gauge pods, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, an iPod interface, and an option for Nissan’s Navigation unit with real-time XM NavTraffic and 8 speaker Bose system.

    Parting Shot

    All in all, I think I can look past the headlights and see what Nissan is doing here. They definitely stepped up their game on the New 370Z and I think it’s going to sell very well. It’s a great value considering starting price is only $29,000. With a bigger motor, stiffer chassis, nicer interior and a better weight distribution, I think that Nissan’s new offering is going to get bought quick.

  • Gran Turismo 5 Full Version in 2009?

    It’s been a long time coming but gamers itching to get their hands on the full version of Gran Turismo 5 may finally have something to celebrate. According to Spanish newspaper El Financiero (why can’t we have cool newspaper names like that?) the ultimate video game driving simulation may be on U.S. store shelves around Christmas 2009.

    While most gamers were irritated at the initial Gran Turismo: Prologue release earlier this year (40 dollars for half a game?!?), fanboys will be happy that the full version is finally on its the way. Series creator Kazunori Yamauchi promises that Gran Turismo 5 will contain the requisite new tracks and vehicles we’ve come to expect, so hopefully it will be worth the wait. If they finally include realistic damaging to the cars (something that Gran Turismo has never really done) you can consider this one a done deal.

  • New Nissan GTR Spec-V specs leaked?

    Over the weekend, the Spec-V’s modification list was leaked to GTR-world. According to the leaked information, engine output for the Twin turbo 6 cylinder will increase from 478 to 520 forced induction ponies. The transmission select mode has been removed, leaving only the “Race” setting.

    National Speed - Spec V. Front

    One of the biggest downfalls of the Nissan powerhouse has been it’s weight. Weighing in at 3,814lbs, the GTR hasn’t exactly been a lightweight car. This problem has been somewhat addressed by the replacement of the backseat by a carbon fiber shelf, carbon fiber front seats, interior accents and aerodynamic aids. While it may drop weight a little bit, I don’t think that it will shed all that it needs to be considered a lightweight vehicle. Hopefully the new power and new overboost function will help out with that.

    National Speed - Spec V. Rear

    Ditched as well are the stocker brakes, being replaced by a carbon ceramic set hidden behind Rays 20 inch wheels wrapped in super sticky Dunlop tires (the same ones that set the supposed 7:29 Nurburgring lap time). The already very good stock suspension has been retuned by Bilstein and is claimed to be superior to the NISMO Clubsport package offered.

    One thing that will be hard to cushion unfortunately is the price. Coming in at an estimated $165,000 before tax, that’s a whopping $95,000 more than the current GTR. Is it $95,000 better than the current GTR? Only time will tell until a truly official spec list comes out.

  • World's Largest Diesel – The Wartsila-Sulzer RTA9-….Nevermind.

    When the Cadillac 472ci came out in 1968, they were a giant in the world of displacement. While still a large motor, it has now been overshadowed.

    The Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C Turbo 2 stroke diesel engine is the most powerful and most efficient Diesel motor in the world today. These engines were designed primarily for very large container ships that need ridiculous amounts of torque to move.

    National Speed Worlds Largest Diesel Motor

    (Note the stairs leading into the crankcase!)

    Let’s talk numbers here: How does 1,556,002 Cubic Inches sound? That’s equivalent to 25,480 liters. Take that Honda! The 14 cylinder version of the inline diesel motor produces 108,920 horsepower. Sure that sounds pretty astronomical, but not when compared to its astounding 5,608,312 ft/lbs of torque. Holy cow! You can forget about taking this baby to a 9k redline though — this motor tops out at a blistering 102rpm. You can also get rid of your hopes of a 50/50 weight distribution too because this motor weighs 2300 tons.

    National Speed Worlds Largest Diesel Motor Piston

    (Worlds Largest Piston)

    I wouldn’t expect to hear about some crazy motor swap considering I’m sure it’s hard to find something else suitably sized. It’s interesting to see how far you can push the mechanical limits sometimes, and I hope that the (deep breath) Aioi Works of Japan’s Diesel United, Ltd. (whew..) keeps pushing the limits.

  • Nissan 370Z: Some See a Letter, Others See an Annoying Commercial

    In order to promote the new Nissan 370Z, Nissan has released a promo video which features the most annoying techno music since Moby’s cat ran across his keyboard and released PLAY. “Some see a letter, others see a Car,” is their new advertising slogan and I hope you like it because it’s repeated at least 1,000 times before the commercial is even over. Take a look at it for yourself, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. At least the Nissan 370Z looks smoking hot…

    And if for some reason the embedded video above doesn’t play for you, click here to check it out via youtube.

  • Flying Aerocar N103D: The Future is Now

    Anyone that reads the National Speed blog knows that I’m a big fan of flying cars. I’ve been clamoring for flying car technology since I tried to pilot my way out of the womb (take my advice and wait until they cut the umbilical cord before trying to takeoff). Little did I know the Future is now…er…actually it’s been here since 1956 and nobody bothered to tell me.

    Created in 1956 by Moulton B. Taylor, The N103D Flying Aerocar is powered by a 160 HP engine under the hood and has the rare distinction of being the only automobile certified by the FAA. With over 1,103 flight miles accumulated, the Flying Aerocar (isn’t that redundant — when something’s called an aerocar wouldn’t you naturally assume that it flew?) is currently for sale on eBay and can be yours for the low, low price of 3.5 million dollars.

    Feel like flying the friendly skies on your way to work? Just attach the wings and propeller and you’re good to go. An informal inspection was conducted in 2006 to make sure the Flying Aerocar was in working order…not sure what an informal inspection means, but considering you’re paying 3.5 million dollars for the world’s only functioning Flying Aerocar, it’s probably well worth it.

  • Performance Parts Black Friday Special

    Performance Parts Black Friday Special - National Speed

    Happy Black Friday from us here at National Speed, and we hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! For those that may not have heard, we just wanted to let you know that we’ve got a great performance parts black friday special. We have setup some deals that you really don’t want to miss (and I’m not just saying that).

    A few of the great items we are offering is an ACT Clutch the EVO 8 for $399, a Edelbrock performer-x throttle body spacer for the GSR for $220, an Exedy organic racing clutch for the SR20 (240sx) for $215, and a lot more!