....and my wish comes true.....Subie coupe gets AWD!

HAHA!  I called it (read a few posts down talking about the rumored Subaru version of the FT-86).  Subaru is confirming their version of the joint venture coupe will have AWD.  It's only common sense since Subaru has been AWD only since the mid-late '90s.  It is expected to not only have AWD over RWD, it is also suppose to be bigger and more powerful then the FT-86 Toyota.  To farther distingush the Subaru from the Toyota, the chassis codes will be different, 086A/087A/088A for Toyota and 0216A for Subaru.  Expect alot of the Impreza WRX/STI bits to come on this bad boy since they share the same architecture (Legacy chassis) and VERY similar dimensions.  I'd assume a $5k+ price point over similar equiped WRX/STI's being it is the 2-door "sporty" version.  I can hear the 22B comparo's now :)

SOURCE: 7tune

FIA GT GTR's finish test season and ramp up for '10

Wrapping up the '09 FIA GT season in style, the Nismo GT1 spec car qualified in 8th position on grid.  Eventually getting as high as 4th, the GTR  had a faulty rear cailper that required replacement, ultimately pushing them out of a competitive finish.  Development of the GT1 will continue in the off season as Nismo gears up for a full '10 FIA GT season with multiple teams sporting brand spanking new GTRs!

ROSSI FOR PRES!!! '09 MOTOGP CHAMP?

Congrads to Rossi for re-emerging as a champion again in MotoGP.  Stoner's fall will make this short lived IMO.  Looking forward to seeing Spies as well.  Lets go '10 !

I came across this car in my daily raid of my fav blog list.  The owner/builder of this clean Evo 6 is an Aerospace Engineer in the UK.  Now I've seen a few Evo 6's, many with $100s of thoussands of dollars poured into them.  This one however stood out to me because of the details a single man put into his track toy.  From the CUSTOM BILLET Dif housing to the caster plates, body work, piping, and even the "shop" he built to do the engine and fab work himself.  From what I read, he only outsourced the painting of the car, everything else was with his two hands!  It's such an inspiration to see such people taking advantage of their drive and talent and using it on something they love.  Enjoy the few pics I pulled from the thread then go and read all 38+ pages of it and see true passion :)  Link to Clivew's Evo 6 Build Thread on LancerRegister

Production LF-A finally sheds its skin.....

Toyota decided it was time to unwrap the most hyped about car to come out of JDM besides the GTR.  The LFA is expected to be a heart-stopper for apparently 500 select (i.e. RICH) owners during its limited run.  Specs are below .......

- Top speed: 201.94 MPH

- 0-62 MPH: 3.7 seconds

- Redline at 9,000 RPM

- 4.8-liter 72-degree V10

- 553 hp @ 8,700 RPM

- 354 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 RPM

- Titanium valves, connecting rods, exhaust manifold, forged aluminum pistons,

- dry sump oil system

- Six-speed sequential gearbox

- Torsen limited slip differential

- 65% of the body is carbon Fiber

- 3,263 pounds with a 48/52 weight distribution

- 15.4" front carbon ceramic rotors with six-piston monoblock calipers up front , 14.2" rear

- Production limited to 500 units

Clearly after unveiling the FT-86, Toyota wanted to keep the hype machine rolling so they pulled the ugly coverings on the LFA.  I love Toyota's edgy styling direction and can't wait to see a "low grade" model of the LFA with a Toyota badge around $70k *cough* SUPRA *cough*. lol

....Godzilla's playground in '10

I was giggy to see Nissan stepping into FIA GT with the GTR earlier this year.  It was only a few races as development but the steps took place for the GTR to make a full program push for the '10 season.  It's final race will be Oct. 24/25th in Belgium at the Zolder Circuit.  Look for several teams to enter the '10 season sporting GTRs with Nismo support.  Now I just gotta pray hard enough for ALMS to get some GTR love :)

Source: Nismo Website

Something about the s2k that I can't get away from.  I considered getting one for a while and eventually I am.  But this one is exactly how I would do mine up.  Clean, low and simple is just my style.  Some cars just have such beautiful body lines, you can't mess with them.   Shout out to Hellaflush for being a magnet for some really awesome rides from their forum members.  Click here for article about this car

Hybrid performance.......hmmmmm

I remember not to long ago when I first heard of such a thing.  I think it was some rumor mill article about Honda's next gen NSX concept that was suppose to sport a hybrid v8 that made "v10" power.  I mean the concept isn't far fetched since Honda's v6 accord hybrid made more power then the non-hybrid v6 version.  Of course they bagged the model after slow sales (mileage wasn't as good as a camry 4 cyl hybrid).  Of course we all know Honda bagged the concept along with anything else of a relevant performance nature thanks to the craptastic global economy.

Well now there is rumors of a Nissan VQ hybrid that may show up in the next Skyline model update (Infinity G37, in the U.S.) shown above.   Expected to push GTR type power (450hp?) but keep MPG in the smaller v6 range, the Essence Concept inspired 2012 model Skyline will be shown at the New York Auto Show in 2010.  There is plenty of speculation on all this plus details about the car so my main goal was to highlight the fact that hybrid engines seem to be making a push into performance markets for sure now.

.....and then God made the LF-A

Had to pull this shot from Len Clarke's recent post on SpeedHunters.com.  I love the Lexus LF-A and have to say, Mr Toyoda will be a god among CEO's if he can bring Toyota from the ashes of pansy and put Toyota back in the mix of new sports cars.  It has everything a sports car fan would want, power, style, elegance with a reputation for reliablity.  Lets hope it hits the U.S. soon and they make a lower end model priced around the GT-R and FINALLY badged as a SUPRA!

Hot on the heels of the FT-86 concept from Toyota, Subaru's lil gem surfaces in this sketch.  Apparently dubbed the 086A, it will have subtle exterior changes from the FT-86 but carry the same drivetrain as the FT-86 in it's base package.  The STi version however is getting alot of attention since many believe it will sport the wider fenders, wheels and heft power the WRX STi has.  As quoted by 7Tune......

"The standard 086A of course utilizes Subaru’s EJ20 flat-four boxer engine with D4-S direct injection, an Aisin 6-speed gearbox and a rear differential as used on the Lexus IS250/350. The rumored output of 200PS has been quoted once again as to be “almost certain” but a conflicting rumor from another source sets the output as being low as 160PS. Nevertheless, the STi Version should answer people’s prayers for more power."

Of course the STi version would probably be in the 250-300whp range similar to most of the present EJ25 turbo variants.  Being that my girlfriend owns a IS250, I'd say the rear differential would need some beef to handle this STi variants potential power.  My personal opinion, I like the idea of a RWD Toyota better (and I own an STi!) but if the turbo variant doesn't go to Toyota, the Subaru has an ace in the hole for many more potential buyers. I think it would be beneficial as well as REALLY awesome, if Subaru made their version AWD (being that the car is apparently based off the Legacy chassis).  It keeps with their "all time awd" heritage as of late plus it brings a TRUE sports coupe to the company inventory.   Info and Pic provided by http://www.7tune.com/

Was scoping the latest racing buzz and spotted this on Speedhunter.  Got to love the newest Subaru in Japan's SuperGT series. Running in the GT300 class, the Legacy B4 is the first-factory backed STi program to run in the series (not to be confused with Cusco's factory backed Impreza of yester-year).  It's a great program that took 14 weeks from concept to race day!  Best of luck to STi in the '10 season when it expects to make a big impact on the front runners, these last few rounds of the '09 season are purely test and tunes. (pics/info thx to Speedhunters.com)

Hachirok-who? New AE-86 replacement taking shape......

WOW, Toyota has been bland with their brand cars as of late but this thing is SEXY!  Apparently this is the replacement for the famed AE-86 (hence the 86 hint in the concept name) and a dual partnership with Subaru.  Subaru provides a flat-4 from under the hood, so it will be interesting to say the least!  As I said previously, the body lines scream "power over drift me!" with some clean wheel arches and sharp nose.  I see hints of the GTR in the greenhouse (black a-pillars and sloping roof to hatch) as well as the Lexus sharp headlight styling as of late.  It looks alot like the hybrid concept toyota unveiled, just with less sharp and more "real" lol.

UPDATE! - FT-86 will be on Gran Turismo 5 !!!

I have a soft spot for Porsche (especially the 930s and 993s).  I've been watching Speedhunter's coverage of Rauh Welt's many creations in Japan and love his style and detail.  I'd love to grab a 930 like the one above and swap a ej257 in it!!  omgz!!!  Check out many of Speedhunter's Articles on Rauh Welt here.....Speedhunters

Hauling brings ladies to my yard.....

One of the main reasons for getting my STi was the room! Coming from a Bugeye (no pass through?) and then an SUV (ugh), I had to have the space I got from the SUV while maintaining some performance. In the coming weeks, I'll also be adding a tow hitch and a cheap trailer for future bike tow duty!!  I may have to swap tags and get "Tow Whre" eventually, I may just never bother with my STi again lol.

Tires!!!

The mention of the word frightens me. As a guy on a major budget, tires can destroy any hope of affording track days! Case in point, I got a couple sets of used summer tires to enjoy for the '10 track events I have planned. Set of RT615s and a set of sp600s !!! (the XSs are for my gf's supra, she gets new cus she is special!)

Agressive Subie

I am a frequent visitor to iwsti.com and enjoy looking at the many creations people come up with. One of my favorite one's is Logan's GR Sti (bias much?). Here is a teaser pic and the link to his member journal thread.....

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-members-journals/149393-l-schlegs-08-sti-revised-lots-pics-vids.html

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