Rewind
We regret making a mistake in the feature article, "Zoom Zoom Zoom" (Sept. 2004). We credited Racing Beat as the custom oil pan manufacturer; however, the true fabricator is Danstoy Performance Products of Norwalk, Cailf. As such, Racing Beat should not have been listed in the Hotbox. Danstoy Performance Products can be reached at (562) 863-7709.
SE-R Under $30G
Attention bargain hunters: Nissan says the base price on its 2005 Altima SE-R will be $29,200. What? You say that ain't cheap, especially compared to the Sentra SE-R? Think of all you get, man! Like, there's a 260-hp version of the 3.5-liter V6. Dude, you can't deny the performance-tuned front struts and rear shocks, stiffer front and rear springs, and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars. And, like, those 225/45WR-18 tires and 18-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels? How could you not be stoked? If I were you, I'd be excited about the SE-R's new front and rear fascias, compact fog lights, new rear spoiler and side-sill spoilers, and large dual exhaust finishers pronto, amigo. Because if you don't, you're gonna look so l-a-m-e when the SE-R goes on sale in September and you're the only one not down with it. Loser. Do me a favor and go hang with the Pi Kaps.
Traffic Sucks The Life Out Of Us
Traffic, thou foul time vampire! That's what Shakespeare would say. Yep, we're pretty convinced of that, especially given the results of a new study from Texas A&M University. The University's Texas Transportation Institute reports in this year's Urban Mobility Report that drivers in the 85 biggest U.S. cities lose 3.5 billion hours of their lives to traffic each year, a figure that's risen from 700 million hours just two decades ago. While the problem is epidemic in cities like Los Angeles, where commuters lost 93 hours a year on average to traffic, it's increasingly a problem in small towns like Anchorage, Alaska; Brownsville, Texas; and Honolulu, too. Dallas, Texas, reported the biggest gain in traffic time, from 13 hours lost a year in 1982 to 57 hours in 2002. Worst of all, the report cites data that claims 67 percent of urban roads suffer traffic jams during rush hour, up from 30 percent in 2002.
Dial M For...Mom? Mordred? Moldavia?
We're not exactly sure what Infiniti means by naming its new luxury sedan the "M." But while we come up with even more words to fit the mysterious initial, savor the details that distinguish this new M from the current M, which has captured all the media attention of a Punky Brewster press conference. The next M will go on sale next spring as a 2006 model, with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine. The interior of the new vehicle seats five, Nissan says, with luxurious aluminum or wood trim, leather, and an optional DVD navigation system.
Test Ride: R-Tune S15 Silvia
The 240SX/Silvia platform is one of the most popular drifting platforms the world over. It's so popular that even Nismo threw its own hat into the ring. Built as a showcase/test bed for drift-spec parts, the R-Tune S15 Silvia prototype is powered by a tuned SR20DET featuring reinforced engine internals, more-aggressive camshafts, a prototype turbo system and an upgraded fueling system. It pushes more than 350hp. The new power band is very noticeable too. The car is significantly quicker than any stock SR20DET-equipped car and power-on oversteer is easily reached and controllable for smooth drifts.