‘How to Beat the Germans’ Nissan Style

Nissan is taking jabs at the Germans claiming their performance cars can do anything the Germans can do and do it better.

In a new ad campaign in the UK, Nissan touts the abilities of the 370Z and the GT-R. Both make an excellent case for being among the best in the performance world, but Nissan really wants everyone to know it.

When people think of performance, they tend to think of the German makes such as BMW, Audi, and Porsche. Well they are exactly who Nissan is taking aim at. The billboard ads feature either the 370Z or the GT-R with BMW, Audi and Porsche logos on the side of the car. Next to that is the five bar gate scoring system etched into the paint which showed the number of racing victories against each brand in the famous Nurburgring. Then the ad says “How to beat the Germans” or “The Germans came off Wurst” or “Kaisers Chiefed”.

BMW and Audi are no strangers to taking jabs at each other through friendly ads, so they likely won’t care too much, however this ad seems to have hit a nerve with Porsche. Apparently lawyers for Porsche are threatening legal action for unauthorized use of their logo. Nissan reportedly will comply, but will continue on with the campaign nevertheless.

That’s a bit of a bitch move Porsche. I mean, really? Getting lawyers involved? How about shutting Nissan up by putting your cars against theirs on the track instead?

[The Guardian]

Porsche Shootout: 911 Carrera 4 S vs. Cayenne Turbo

Even though the Cayenne has long been criticized by Porsche fans for not being a true sports car, it has proved again and again that it can definitely hang with the rest of the Porsche family.

The new Cayenne will be out soon and Porsche has promised it to be even better than the last. But really, every car company says that about their product, don’t they? Well Porsche says the Turbo version is so good, that it has an identical 0-100 time as the 911 Carrera 4 S and could even give it a run for its money on the track.

To find out if that is just blatant PR or the shocking truth, Autocar took both out to find out for themselves.

The results, I admit, are quick astonishing.

[Autocar via Youtube]

Happy 25th Birthday, BMW M3!

Can you believe its been 25 years since the BMW M3 has been gracing our roads?

Many regard the M3 as being the ultimate BMW, sometimes even the ultimate sports car as it blends raw performance, handling and style into one tidy package. This was the concept 25 years ago when BMW’s M division decided to have a go at a regular old 3-series. Little did they know that they would create something that was going to be the benchmark in the performance world for decades. Even today, the M3 is the car to be measured against. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Lexus, and Jaguar have all tried their hand at dethroning the M3, and while they all came up with some credible copies of the M3, they were still copies nonetheless.

My favourite generation M3 was the E46 (pictured above). Even today, I’d wager it’s probably the best looking iteration of the M3, but not only that, it evoked a driving experience like no other. There are some cars out there faster than the M3, less expensive than the M3 and maybe even better looking than the M3, but no car to date has been able to evoke such a well-balanced adrenaline inducing driving experience.

Today’s M3 is still carrying on the legacy, even if it has become bigger and heavier, but there is no doubt that the passion of the original M3 is still there.

Happy birthday, M3!

Drool: BMW Releases Video of 1-Series M Coupe

Even though it is still fully camouflaged, BMW has released an official video of the upcoming 1-Series M. In the video, they do not give it an official name, but BMW has said that it will not be called the M1. That name is reserved for the original M1 and for a possible successor down the road.

Rumours of power have been all over the map, but the most consistant seems to be in the 320 horsepower range, about 20 more than a regular 135i. The 1-series M will also add two more air intakes, two additional ducts, wider fenders, a more pronounced ducktail shaped trunk spoiler, and of course drilled rotors are large brakes. Oh, and those sweet looking wheels will indeed make it to production as well.

No word yet on pricing, but BMW did say that the 1-Series M will only be available in limited numbers.

FAIL: In Soviet Russia, Car Drives YOU!

I’m not sure what possesses people to do crazy things with their cars, but a lot of people seem to expect them to be capable of anything.

Case in point, a couple of men in Russia deemed it possible for their Bentley Continental GT to handle the elements of off-roading. Not only that, but they also figured they might as well attempt to do a few donuts on the grass on a very enclosed space with lots of cars and people around.

Well, they pretty much got what they deserved, but that makes it no less painful to watch.

The strange part is they seem to show off to the crowd afterward. Really? You’re proud of crashing your Bentley in a very foolish way? That’s kinda like being proud of your erectile dysfunction.

[Youtube]

Fiat & Alfa Romeo To Have Their Own Dealerships in North America!

Can you imagine having what’s pictured above in your neighbourhood to drive by everyday! Great news! You will!

You already know by now that since Fiat saved Chrysler from certain death, they’ve confirmed that the two Italian brands once sold here will be making their return as early as next year with the small but mighty Fiat 500 being the first model available for sale.

It was originally thought that the 500 would be sold here as a Chrysler with Chrysler badges, but Fiat must’ve realize how embarrassing that would be for everyone, so they then announced that the 500 will indeed be sold with Fiat badges.

But now they’ve taken it even further by promising that Fiat and Alfa Romeo will have their own dealerships. That’s right, you won’t need to bring a barf bag with you to test drive a Fiat or Alfa Romeo because there will be no Chryslers in sight! Well, that’s not entirely true. While Fiat & Alfa will get their own dealerships, they may be on the same site as Chrysler dealers, or they may even share the same building as Chrysler dealerships.

Right now the CEO of Fiat, Sergrio Marchionne, is planning 200 Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealerships across North America. As you’d imagine, that isn’t going to be cheap. Each brand new dealership is expected to cost $1 million. Then there’s the marketing which will cost an estimated $100 million. Oh well, you gotta pay to play. And it sounds like Sergio Marchionne definitely wants to play in our market.

[The Detroit Bureau]

Oh Hi: 2011 Smart Fortwo

Even though our Amurrican neighbours haven’t quite warmed up to the little bug that is the Smart Fortwo, parent company Mercedes-Benz thinks a slight refresh will help boost sales.

Here in Canada, Smart sales have been better, but have trailed off a bit lately, so the refresh is a good idea.

Though you probably can’t tell by looking at it, the new Smart gets a slightly revised front facia, optional LED running lights (how Mercedes) and newly designed 15 inch alloy wheels. A new range of colours is now available too, not least of which is a matte finish option.

The interior is updated with new fabrics and a leather steering wheel is now optional.

The big news is the new power plant choices. Those in Europe still get the CDI diesel engine, however we still will not. Thanks for that one, America. You’re foolish habits keep affecting us. But anyway, horsepower will get a boost from 70 horsepower to 83. The Brabus edition will now be more than just an appearance package. Brabus editions will feature a 100 horsepower engine.

Now if only Smart could address the horrid automatic transmission of the Fortwo. It’s probably the worst I’ve ever encountered in any vehicle.

No word yet on fuel efficiency numbers. Mercedes-Benz has announced improved efficiency with the 2011 Smart now rated at 4.9 l/100 kms city over the current version’s 5.9 l/100 kms city. Better, but still not as good as the CDI’s 3.9  city rating.

[Top Speed]

Oh Hi: 2011 Volvo V60

We’ve known about the V60′s existence for a while, we’ve even seen pics of it without any camo, so there aren’t really any surprises here, but now we have an official reveal and I must say it looks fantastic.

The very shapely and sporty looking wagon apparently enjoys being taken by the scruff of the neck. The video Volvo has released above shows just how well the wagon can handle the elements. Volvo has bragged about the new S60′s handling capabilities, so it’s safe to say the V60 can pull off similar tricks, only with more room for all your stuff.

Even though Volvo has had huge amounts of success with its SUV’s (I came away quite impressed with the XC60 for instance), I really appreciate that they haven’t given up on their wagons, which have really helped to catapult Volvo’s sales in the past.

This new V60 will replace the V70 & V50 (at least in our market). The XC70 will still stick around for those who want a bit more space and a bit more off-road capability. As you would expect, you get all the usual Volvo safety bits as standard.

In any event, looks like another winner from Volvo.

Check out some pics at Autoblog

[Volvo via Autoblog]

Oh Hi: Victoria Beckham and the 2011 Range Rover Evoque

Top Gear was invited to the official unveiling of the new baby Land Rover, once thought to be called the LRX, but is officially called the Range Rover Evoque. Car Driven’s invite to the event must’ve gotten lost in the mail.

Anyway, topgear.com has posted some pics and I must say it doesn’t look so bad. Victoria too. She could stand to put on a few pounds though. Anyway, this new baby range is going to be the lightest most fuel efficient Range Rover ever. There were rumours that it was going to be front-wheel drive only, but according to the press release from Land Rover, the Evoque will compete in the 4WD compact luxury SUV segment. Therefore it stands to reason that the Evoque will indeed be 4WD.

Also according to Top Gear’s Tom Ford, the reason why Posh Spice was in attendance was because she is the new creative design executive for Range Rover. She’s going to design special editions. I still can’t tell if he’s joking about that one or not. Turns out it’s not a joke, the least talented member of the Spice Girls indeed holds the position. Yeesh.

The Evoque will make its second public appearance at the Paris Auto show in September where more details are likely to be released. Expect the Evoque to be ready for North American showrooms in the fall of 2011.

Official pic after the jump.

[Top Gear]

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Happy Canada Day!

Happy birthday Canada!

While I won’t do this to my car, I will celebrate by going on a drive on part of this great land!