2007 Nissan Skyline Gt-R Prototype With a reputation that many cars would sell their souls for, the Nissan Skyline GT-R has only gotten stronger since its death. There are more wild theories flying around on the Internet about a new GT-R than about Bigfoot's mailing address, and with good reason. Understandably tight-lipped about the development of their flagship performance model, Nissan must be enjoying the fervor that grows with their silence. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, before your eyes is the GT-R PROTO concept car, a vehicle that is a "clear indication" of what is in store when the Skyline GT-R makes its return for the 2007 model year.
Heavily sculpted with an ultra-aggressive modern front end, the GT-R PROTO bears little resemblance to the G35 or 350Z with its massive fender flares, air ducting, and throwback GT-R rear taillights. The numerous openings in the front bumper would lead one to believe that hungry intercoolers and oil coolers lurk in hiding. The size of the engine bay seems to point towards a 400hp+ twin-turbocharged V-6 engine rather than a naturally aspirated V-8 or inline-six engine, and Nissan would be foolish to waste all the development data gained from the twin-turbo VQ engines running in the JGTC Z's. Rumors of all-wheel drive also abound, but we're sure that regardless of what's under the hood, this GT-R PROTO is a clear indication of how the Skyline GT-R will look when it appears in 2007. We can only hope they retain the sleek, low-slung bodywork, the rear bumper-exit exhaust and the perfectly matched wheel combo. Unknown is whether the GT-R will appear in the US as a Nissan or Infiniti model, and that placement is sure to affect its price tag and popularity.
Kumho's Colored Smoke Mx-C Tires Now For SaleFollowing a successful debut on Formula Drift entrant Enjuku Racing's 240SXs, Kumho has decided to offer the MX-C drift tire in more sizes to the general public. Following a new rule from Formula D authorities that drifters can only use tires manufactured in quantities of 2,500 or more, Kumho has decided to up production and sell the colored smoke producing MX-C drift tire to your mom, your mailman, your local pizza vendor-basically, anybody with cash. Derived from the grippy Kumho MX performance street tire, the MX-C is now available with red or blue smoke in 225/50/16, 255/40/17, 275/40/17, and 275/40/18 tire sizes. The tires are available through Tire Rack and through special order from any Kumho dealer. www.kumhotireusa.com
ConceptsMitsubishi Unveils Brand New Lancer Evolution XNot content with merely seventy million variants of the Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi debuted the Concept-X show car at the Tokyo Motor Show. Representing the new direction of the Lancer Evolution X, the Concept-X ditches the boxy econo-car exterior of past Lancers and instead moves into a curvier, sexier direction. Is it possible to see a Lancer Evolution coming out soon that isn't odd looking at first glance?
Retaining the Evo's devotion to speed and performance, the Concept-X comes packing a 2.0L turbocharged aluminum block MIVEC-equipped engine pushing big boost, an engine we can only imagine is the same motor as in the Evo IX. The all-wheel-drive system has also been updated with the addition of Mitsubishi's latest Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) electronics system. We're sure this means the Evo X is going to be an amazing car in any weather, especially with the same proven front strut and multi-link rear suspension setup. However, in the Concept-X the 2.0L Evo engine is connected to a clutch-less, six-speed auto-manual transmission that can be shifted with paddles on the steering wheel, a feature we are sure won't be appearing on the Evo X. Also definitely not appearing on the production car is the full bucket Recaro seats, four-point Sabelt harnesses, and 20-inch wheels.