2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo

Initially introduced at the Tokyo Motor show, the 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo, was re-launched to the North American public at this week’s LA Auto Show.

Usain Bolt with GT-R Nismo

Usain Bolt with GT-R Nismo

Leveraging the world’s fastest man, Usian Bolt as pitchman of their premiere sports car model is a smart move by Nissan as this 600 HP monster is one of the fastest production vehicles ever made. With an incredible 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of in the two seconds range it’s faster than pretty much anything on the road including a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Ferrari 458 Speciale. This thing is not for the faint of heart that’s for sure.

Nissan GT-R Nismo 2015

Nissan GT-R Nismo 2015

It’s other major claim is equally amazing as it recently achieved the fastest lap time of any production car on Germany’s Nordschleife track as it broke the 7 minute and 10 second record.  Check out the video as proof that Nissan means business with its Nismo series.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo will land in Canada and US middle to late next year and although North American pricing won’t be released until much closer to its availability here the Japanese car starts at 15,015,000 yen, which works out to around $150,000 USD depending on exchange rates. Yes, we know that is a lot of money for a car but seriously, as one of the fastest cars ever mass produced we think the Nissan GT-R Nismo is actually a bargain compared to its competition.

Porsche Macan

At this week’s 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show one of the models making a big splash is Porsche’s all-new 2015 Macan crossover.  Marketed as Porsche’s new entry-level compact crossover with all the comforts of its Cayenne but with a lower starting price. Designed for the soccer mom’s tasks during the week while also providing owners with a solid weekend track day partner.  It all sounds pretty good eh?  We sure think so, and it does not hurt their pitch person is the “out of this world” Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.

Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan – Photo C/O Forbes.com

Set to go on sale in the first half of next year, the Macan will be available in both an S and Turbo trim levels.  Prices will start at $49,900 but as is often the case with luxury rides the price ranges dramatically as you choose various options making the total price sky rocket. For example, decide on a Macan Turbo and you’re looking at a base price of in the $72,000 range.  Nevertheless, Porsche has kindly provided all its pricing information through its very cool new online configurator.

As for the name, according to the UK’s Car Magazine Porsche continues to leverage its wild naming convention as the name Macan “is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics” – core characteristics of the new off-road car.  Well, not sure I love the name but I do eagerly await getting behind the wheel of the Macan for a test drive at some point in the near future.

RedlineNorth News Round Up

The key auto news highlights from the last week include Chevrolet launching their new 2013 NASCAR Sprint car and confirming they will be selling a  production version starting in August 2013. This new rear-wheel-drive model will be based on GM Australia’s Holden Commodore platform currently being used in the Camaro. Chevrolet plans to sell the Australian built SS in North America as a low-volume, high-performance sedan.

2013-NASCAR-Chevrolet-SS-002-thumb-530x352-24797

There is now another great destination for road trips as Porsche has just broken ground on its new US headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.  The new location will include a test track and museum and will certainly become a “must see” destination for any Porsche enthusiast.  In other news, the LA Auto show opened to the public on Friday so this week should be busy as the coverage starts appearing in the mainstream press.