Features
24 Development Lab
As automotive enthusiasts, we can choose from a plethora of aftermarket and OEM parts. But with the ever-increasing complexity and sophistication of the latest Nissan models, the days of producing relatively simple bolt-on products is long past. And lest you think it’s always a cadre of white-coated technicians who use CAD/CAM technology to dissect every last nut and bolt, the reality is quite a bit different. For Dan Oliver, who spent over a year examining and reexamining the strengths and weaknesses of the latest 370Z, there was a long and difficult journey working with various companies to develop fully functional upgrades for NISMO’s latest wonder car. Beyond the final products, Nissan Sport found Oliver’s journeys an interesting insight into what the sharp end of the development stick really looks like.
30 motorsports
Godzilla is lurking once again. The monster is ready to pounce on the Japanese Super GT series, European GT-1 and SCCA World Challenge Championships in 2011. Infiniti rides with the F1 World Champions and Nissan readies its LeMans challenge. Rally news from South America and in off-season drifting- launch the missle cars!
34 project vehicles
Datsun 240Z:
Rear disc brake conversion and cold air intake
Xterra Offroad:
Fun with winches
38 DIY tech
Product Tests, Reviews & Spotlights: Goodyear’s latest Eagle RS R-compound tire.
How Tos, Tech Tips & Tech Explained: Easy install for a brake controller on Nissan trucks and SUVs. Trail-braking technique explained.
Q&A: Drivetrain and brake tips for the 240Z. Brake advice for the Nissan 350Z.
Departments
2 from the editor
It’s been predicted that sometime within the next century, Japan would suffer from
a major earthquake or tsunami. Despite a stringent building code and steps to prevent disaster, the worst has happened.
4 letters
An old ignition key in a shoebox holds the promise of future dreams fulfilled. Off-road fan finds beauty in diversity. A 280ZX fan finds reading pleasure in Nissan Sport collection.
6 ignition
The real scandal of Wikileaks is uncovered. The days of cheap oil may be coming to an end, but the latest innovations by your favorite car company mean driving fun might just survive in the future.
8 shifting gears
From opposite ends of the world, the Tokyo Auto Salon and Geneva Motor Show show strength in innovation from both Infiniti and Nissan. RPM (rumors, parts and more), Archives (1952 Fairlady 1500), Redline 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami ravage Japan, terrible damage estimates, Infiniti small car concept takes shape, power of the yen shifts future production, record sales don’t mean record profits, why mergers aren’t for everyone and quick shifts.
12 first takes
Infiniti: 2011 Infiniti QX56
Nissan: 2011 Nissan Quest, 2011 Murano Cross Cabriolet and 2012 GT-R
20 behind the wheel
Todd Griesch’s hand-painted ’95 240SX
Damian Rodriguez’s 2009 SEMA Cube
43 the scene
A look at what clubs have been doing across the country. Also: calendar of upcoming events, Nissan Sport website, Sarah’s Web Watch.
48 rearview mirror
Think you can’t drive that Datsun Roadster flat out in North America? Think again. La Carerra Panamericana is back!
on the cover
Nick Pugliese’s turbocharged 2010 NISMO 370Z. Photo by D.tek. Tod Griesch’s 1995 240SX drift car. Photo by Jason Peckovitch.
