On March 29th 2008 after my everyday nine to five, I hustled to take the New York City Mass Transit train to 34th street, Penn Station to make my way to the 2008 New York International Auto Show. I got off to a bad start as I forgot my Ipod and had to sit on the train for over an hour and listen to a machine voiced PA system shout out stops. Despite the ride and then walk to the Jaccob Javitz Center, the preamble of boredom was relieved by the show. As I walked in I was instantly greeted by vehicles that catch the eye.
As I approached the Escalators to go either up or down I noticed a couple of NASCAR vehicles parked in the main lobby. Not a huge fan but I couldn't fail but notice the cars of tomorrow and their many decals. The Toyota Catepillar looked a bit sportier than the present cars used on the Sprint Cup circuit. I then move on my way towards the Scion short stack as I call it, as about ten of the xB's, tC's and xD's are in rows showing off the near endless accessories available from the Scion manufacturer. Scion Magazine gave out issues explaining Scion culture which includes music, fashion, and art.
Ok then it was on to the big show up the escalators to the main floor. I was instantly attracted to the Nissan exibit with one thing on my mind...Skyline. But first things first, the 2008 Maxima was on the scene with its 3.5 liter, 255 hp V6 engine with 252 lb-ft of torque. It also has the sport tuned Xtronic CVT or Continuous Variable Transmission. The 350z Nismo edition sported extra body welds and a functional aerodynamics package. The Altima in coupe form has a 270 hp V6 and 6 standard airbags. The Altima sedan shares the coupe's powertrain and airbags has a hybrid model with net pwer of 198 hp and 148kw. For info on the Skyline see below.
There were many other notable vehicles to be seen and here is a rundown:
Jeep Renegade Concept
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An electric motor for each axel
Triangle shaped punctured doors
Rubber taillights and headlights
Environmentally friendly with seats made of soy
110mpg BlueTech diesel engine
Mercedes Mclaren SLR Roadster
2008 Model that goes 0-60 in 3.8 seconds
Supercharged 5.5 liter, 617hp AMG V8
Top speed estimated at 206mph
Audi R8
World Performance Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year by an international jury at the 2008 New York Auto Show
420hp V8
0-60 in 4.6 seconds
Gallardo LP560/4
Lamborghini Gallardo
Aluminum and thermoplastic body
0-62 in 3.7 seconds
560hp at 8000 rpm, 5.2 litter V10 (5204cc)
Top speed of 202mph and full time all wheel drive
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Nissan GT-R
Nissan's Super Car
Nissan GT-R Door Open
The new 2009 Nissan GT-R Skyline was on display and it was definitely the star among stars at the event. Nissan boasts that the GT-R has a 3.8 litter twin turbo charged V6 engine pumping 480 horsepower and 433 lb-ft of torque. The Skyline has dual intake tracks, two IHI turbos and two intercoolers. It has all-wheel drive and 9 in car customizable settings. The information readout screen shows acceleration, gear position, braking, powertrain monitor, a lateral g-meter, a front to rear torque split enumerator and up to 16 different statistics that records driver progress.
The Skyline retains its four rear circular lights from its past models, and a G37-esq front fascica. It is a front engine 2 door coupe made of welded steel and aluminum. According to Car and Driver magazine's tests the GT-R has a 0-60 of 3.3 blazing seconds and the quarter mile is finished in 11.5 seconds at 124mph. It brakes in 145 feet from 75mph and skidpad runs at 0.99g. That is grand performance for a pricetag just above 70 grand. These numbers are usually reserved for exotic vehicles costing in the relms of at least 100 thousand dollars. If the money is available for you the Nissan Skyline definitely gives you big bang for the buck.
