New GT-R More Hardcore Than V-Spec?

“As hot as the Nissan GT-R V-Spec is, it is not going to be the last word in the highly-engaging GT-R saga. After the InsideLine team spent some time driving the V-Spec in Japan, their initial delight was turned into feverish excitement. This was caused by V-Spec chief engineer Mr Kazutoshi Mizuno casually telling the team that “the V-Spec, in contrast to what you might be thinking, is not the high-performance version of the GT-R.”

The GT-R was launched in 2007 after a long period characterised by speculation and spy pictures. In its basic form it makes 480hp and 588Nm of torque from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine. The engine is mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission and together they can hurl the AWD Nissan from 0 -100km/h in about 3.5 seconds. Top speed is estimated at around 309km/h.

In 2008 Nissan infamously claimed the production car lap record at the Nürburgring with a car that was said to be stock, bar one or two items. Additionally, it was reported that the V-Spec was tested independently and, although inconclusive, found to be slower than the stock car around a famous Tsukuba race track.

Exactly what else can be done to extract more performance out of the GT-R is a mystery only Mizuno san and those close to him can solve for us.”

by Thami Masimola of World Car Fans

Impul Grand Livina

Nissan is spicing up the popular Nissan Grand Livina 7-seater MPV with this new edition that features accessories from Impul. Called the Nissan Grand Livina Tuned by Impul, it is fitted with a bodykit comprising of a new front grille, lips for the front and rear, side skirts, and an Impul rear wing spoiler.

The MPV is also fitted with the Impul sports suspension system which lowers ride height by 25mm and are tuned for a sportier drive with reduced body roll and pitch. The sporty look is completed with an Impul Blast II exhaust muffler, and 17 inch Impul Aura SX-10 alloy wheels wrapped with Dunlop Formula D 01 205/45R17 tyres.

All components are made in Malaysia except for the alloy wheels, which helps Nissan offer the Impul Grand Livina at only a RM10,500 premium over the standard Nissan Grand Livina as there is no prohibitive import taxes.

Those who already own a Grand Livina and wish to fit the Impul kit as an aftermarket item can also do so from Nissan. For aftermarket purchases, the front grille goes for RM800 while the all-round bodykit including the spoiler costs RM3,400. This is inclusive of installation and painting. The Impul sports suspension goes for RM2,800 with installation. The Impul Blast II exhaust tailpipe goes for RM1,800. The 17 inch Impul wheels go for RM4,500 for a set of 4 inclusive of center caps, air valves and installation, but tyres are not included as they cost an additional RM350 per tyre, and excludes wheel balancing and alignment. Aftermarket fitment only has a 90 day warranty for material defects while the factory Impul Grand Livina has a 3 year warranty.

The following are the prices for the Impul Grand Livina:

Impul Nissan Grand Livina 1.6 MT Comfort	RM 95,586.00
Impul Nissan Grand Livina 1.6 AT Comfort	RM 99,386.00
Impul Nissan Grand Livina 1.8 AT Comfort	RM 108,086.00
Impul Bodykit with Spoiler	RM 2,800
Impul Front Grille	RM 800
Impul Suspension	RM 2,800
Impul Blast II Exhaust	RM 1,800
Impul Aura SX-10 17 inch wheels	RM 4,500
Dunlop Formula D 01 205/45R17 tyre	RM 350 per tyre

There are four body colours for the Grand Livina exclusively available for the Impul version only, which are tungsten silver, sapphire black, brilliant white and twilight gray.