Nissan 370Z Yellow special edition for UK

Nissan is set to challenge the 370Z’s toughest rival for the British market by introducing a new special edition ‘Yellow’ model.

Easily recognisable by the Porsche-like livery on either side, the 370Z Yellow features some extra, subtle, design cues that ape its European GT4 series counterpart.

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As its name suggests, the special edition model is available exclusively in the Ultimate Yellow exterior finish with 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels and the special livery completing the look.

Already a worthy adversary to Porsche in the performance stakes, it is inside where this version of the 370Z plays catch-up with integrated satellite navigation system, illuminated entry plates, special mats and a BOSE audio with eight speakers and a six-CD audio unit.

The upholstery is a mix of black leather and suede and features additional equipment such as heated seats, cruise control, speed limiter and all the other features from the 370Z GT Pack as standard.

Under the bonnet remains unchanged with Nissan’s 3.7-litre V6 engine developing 243kW and peak torque of 366Nm.

The 370Z Yellow sprints from rest to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h when mated with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

Toyota Scion IQ to Hit US Streets in 2011

Word is that Toyota plans to bring their mini-car — the Scion IQ, in the United States in a couple of years, more precisely early 2011. Although details are about the tiny IQ are scarce, what we know is that the car will be lowered by 1.5-inches (from the previewed version that debuted at the New York Auto Show earlier this year) and should come with a redesigned interior. As for what makes the wheels spin, it will probably be Toyota’s 67hp 1.0-liter petrol engine or the recently introduced 1.33-liter dual VVT-i with 98 horsies and 125 Nm of torque. [via motortrend.com]

Mercedes E 63 AMG Station Wagon render

Here’s a rendering of the Mercedes E 63 AMG Station Wagon, giving us an idea of what the final product might look like. The guys at Motorendering have designed this image of the sports model station wagon.

The E 63 Station is going to be more than just your average family wagon, though the engine choice won’t be anything over-the-top. It will be equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 AMG at 525 hp and 630 Nm, which is more than enough to get the kids to school and enjoy the drive while you’re at it.

The new Speedshift MCT transmission will be used, featuring seven speeds and steering wheel paddle. The wet multidisc clutch present on the SL63 will be included, with the four modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. Throttle-blipping and AMG Drive Unit will be part of the package.

Lamborghini: rear wheel drive for Gallardo LP550-2

Lamborghini could soon make its Gallardo LP550-2 available with rear wheel drive. We’re waiting from news from the company, but the new-entry could be available in a limited series of 250 models, at a price of ten percent less than the model already in the range.

Eight chrome colours will also be available, all with long white stripes. No news is available on whether it will be lighter than the current model, or others in the Lamborghini family. For exmaple, the Murcielago SV is lighter than previously and now covers 100 km/hr in 3.9 seconds.

Audi A7 Sportback Should See Daylight in 2010

Now that the new Audi A7 Sportback have failed the June 2009 deadline, Germans from Audi have decided that 2010 would be a much better year and postponed the new A7 Sportback release date. Rumored to hit the showroom floors at the end of 2010, the car will share some design elements with the new A5 Sportback but is obviously positioned higher than that.

Shaped like a coupe with a narrow window line and a coupe-like roof line, the A7 Sportback is unlike other sportcars as it features 7 (seven) doors. With powerful engines that include a 3.0-litre V6 used in the A6 and the S4/S5, as well as V8s, the new A7 Sportback is quite a competitor for high rollers like Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the Aston Martin Rapide. Eh? [via auto-motor-und-sport.de]

Porsche Panamera: Diesel, hybrid and high performance model in the works Porsche Panamera

Porsche is planning a diesel, a hybrid and a high performance model of the Porsche Panamera.

Porsche has already confirmed that it will offer a hybrid version of the Panamera after the gasoline Panameras make their market debut later this year (no official date on when the hybrid Panamera will arrive in dealerships). According to AutoCar, Porsche is also planning a diesel version of the new Panamera and is looking to use existing Volkswagen diesel engines.

Porsche is also said to be working on an even faster Panamera that will sit above the Turbo model. It will use the same strategy as the Cayenne GTS and will do away with the Panamera Turbo’s standard air suspension and replacing it with steel springs.