A Nissan Silva Coupe with a Schizophrenic Personality

In October of 2010 we brought you a Toyota Soarer / Lexus SC that had been transformed into an abomination with a Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM front end and a Nissan 200SX rump. It was bad, but I still liked it better than the snooze-mobile that was the ‘91 Soarer / CS.

Well, from the same website that brought us that automotive mullet comes yet another creation that’s been refashioned into something else. This time its a Nissan Silva. This particular freak of coach building features a Mercedes-Benz rear end (or at very least the taillights) and Nissan 350Z front end. The result is less than impressive.

I don’t know what’s worse – the matte white that makes the car look like it’s still in primer or the cacophony of weird vents jutting out of the plastic snap-on bodywork. Despite the owner’s best efforts, the rear bumper clearly doesn’t fit, jutting out beyond the rear wheels and necessitating the addition of those awful rear bulges. Mitsuoka could do better with a Nissan Micra and papier-mâché.

Though don’t take my word for it. Study the pictures and deliver your verdict in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Farmofminds

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

No Really, this is a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider and it's Powered by a Subaru Turbo Boxer!

Don't let the Nissan 350Z snout and the Infiniti G35 Coupe (JDM Nissan Skyline V35) rear end design fool you; the glitzy painted roadster model you're gawking at is in fact a JDM Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider - possibly a third generation model. But before you try to digest all that info let us quickly add that Paint Star's Tokyo Auto Salon project car also hides a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine under its 350Z-shaped hood. See the rest of the photos in our image gallery after the break.

Photos: Phil Alex / Carscoop

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Nissan 350Z Poses as a Porsche Panamera Convertible...

[Updated gallery] The Tokyo Auto Salon is always a blast featuring all sorts of unique tuning proposals, like this here Porsche wannabe. When our Tokyo show man Phil e-mailed the above photo, we assumed it pictured a Porsche -possibly a Boxster- modified to resemble a Panamera Convertible. We were quickly proven wrong, however, when he sent over an image of the interior and some video footage revealing that the Porsche Panamera tune was actually a...masqueraded Nissan 350Z Roadster. More photos after the jump.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

Nissan to Bring Historic Z Racers at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

As part of its year-long celebration of the 'Z' sports coupe's 40th anniversary, Nissan will display a series of historic racers at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, formerly known as the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, which takes place at the at Laguna Seca Raceway on August 12-15. The six Z racers of the past will be joined at the event by a number of vintage Nissan race cars including a 1970 Datsun 510 and a pair of 1985 Nissan GTPs. For more details about the display cars, hit the break for the official release.

___________________________________________________________

From Nissan Press Release:

Brock Racing Enterprises Datsun 240Z
In 1970, when the Datsun 240Z arrived in the U.S, Peter Brock's Southern California-based Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) racing team helped to change the motorsports world by claiming the first SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) C Production National Championship for the Z over long-established champions from Germany and England.

Datsun 240Zs swept the top 3 spots with Bob Sharp in second and John McComb in third, in another BRE car, to firmly establish the Z® as a force in SCCA C Production racing. Datsun Z®s went on to win 10 straight SCCA C Production National Championships.

The 1970 and 1971 championship car, chassis #492, carried the now famous red, white and blue BRE livery penned by Peter Brock. Unfortunately chassis #492 was destroyed in a racing accident in the 1970s. This vehicle is a faithful replica of that car created by Ron Carter. It carries the BRE front and rear spoilers as well as the aerodynamic headlight covers. Under the hood is a BRE-built 2.4-liter inline-6 cylinder engine with the original triple Solex/Mikuni carburetors and the Nissan Competition intake manifold. Even the wheels are the original American LeMans magnesium pieces, so it is very close to the BRE 240Z that John Morton and the BRE team used to rock the racing world in 1970.

Bob Sharp Racing Datsun 240Z Chassis #00006
This car is the first Datsun 240Z imported into the U.S. It was the original display vehicle at the 1969 New York Auto Show. It later went to the Toronto Auto Show and was damaged when a spokesmodel sat on the roof for a photographer. The car was quickly pulled from the publicity tour and became the first race winning 240Z under the Bob Sharp Racing banner. This car appeared at every SCCA Runoffs from 1970 to 1978. Bob Sharp and the Z® won the SCCA C Production National Championship in 1972, 1973 and 1975. This car was raced as a 240Z, 260Z and 280Z. After its days at Bob Sharp Racing, it was owned and raced for many years by Jim Fitzgerald who had also raced it for Bob Sharp Racing.

When the car was a show car it was originally dark green and a patch of dark green paint was found during the restoration and has been maintained on the car to confirm its beginnings as the infamous "spokesmodel" car. It is owned by Dr. Allan Robbins and was restored by SharpSight Motorsports.

Bob Sharp Racing Datsun 240Z IMSA GTU
This car started its long racing career as a 1970 240Z prepped by Bob Sharp Racing (BSR) in Wilton, Connecticut. It was the second 240Z BSR used to compete in C Production in the SCCA after chassis #006. Bob Sharp won the SCCA C Production National Championship in 1972, 1973 and 1975. Bob Sharp also won the IMSA GTU Championship in 1975.

This car became a backup C Production car for Bob Sharp Racing when new race cars were created for the 1976 season. The new IMSA GTU car was destroyed in Sharp's crash at Road Atlanta in April 1976. This car was pulled from backup C Production duty and quickly converted to IMSA GTU specs so Sharp could make the next race at Laguna Seca. He finished 2nd at Laguna Seca and won the next week at Ontario. Unfortunately, Sharp crashed again three weeks later at Lime Rock Park, ending his illustrious driving career.

A variety of drivers drove this car after Sharp's retirement including Elliott Forbes Robinson, Sam Posey and Paul Newman. In 1978 this car held the all-time IMSA GTU lap records at Brainerd, Daytona, Hallett, Lime Rock, Mid America, Mid Ohio, Pocono, Sears Point, Road Atlanta and Talladega. The car is owned by Dr. Allan Robbins and was restored by SharpSight Motorsports.

Nissan Motorsports 300ZX
Nissan competed with the 300ZX in IMSA GTO and then GTS from 1989 to 1995, winning 19 races during that time. Steve Millen won the Driver's Championship with the 300ZX in 1992 and 1994. Nissan also won the Manufacturer's Championship in 1992 and 1994. In 1994 the Nissan Motorsports 300ZX took the overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as 1st in class and 5th overall at the 24 Hours of LeMans. This car, Chassis #7 (the Sebring and LeMans winner), is owned by Millen.

After dominating the competition in 1994, IMSA banned the 300ZX's twin turbo V6 engine. The 300ZXs raced in 1995 with a V8 engine, but they were never quite the same. Millen suffered career-ending injuries in a crash at Road Atlanta and the cars were retired at the end of the season.

Nissan 370Z BRE Tribute Coupe
In recognition of BRE's multiple championships and the Z®'s first championship, Nissan North America teamed with Brock Racing Enterprises' Peter Brock to create an updated rendition of the famous BRE livery, a specially modified 2010 Nissan NISMO 370Z Coupe. The new BRE 370Z is not just a show car, however, it's built for the track as well. As is appropriate to commemorate the championship car, it was built to current SCCA T2 racecar regulations and will see track duty in 2010.

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate four decades of Z®, Nissan created a special, limited production version of the 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe, the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. Limited to 1,000 units, the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match™, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential) and adds a premium "40th Graphite" exterior color and red leather-appointed interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front shock tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback with debossed logo, floormat logo embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and interior 40th commemorative plaque. Every 40th Anniversary Z® also comes with a commemorative premium satin car cover.

Nissan 350Z Limited Racing Edition Released

Don’t you just love sports cars in polar white? We certainly do, and if the particular sports car happens to be the recently updated Nissan 350Z with the new 313Hp 3.5-litre V6, its love at first sight. Apart from its exclusive metallic white paintjob, this limited edition 350Z that was launched today by Nissan Germany has a few extra features hidden up its sleeves.

Dubbed “Racing Edition”, this particular “Z” pays tribute to the racing 350Z GT4. It’s equipped with contrasting black colored 19-inch rims in 235/35 (front) and 255/35 (back) Dunlop tires and a fully adjustable Bilstein suspension that enables the user to adjust the vehicle's ride height by adjusting the threaded shock bodies (front) and the threaded rear spring perch (rear). Nissan has also fitted the special edition 350Z with a Cobra muffler. Finally, all cars will bear an interior plaque with the signatures of the Nurburgring drivers Kurt Thiim, Holger Eckhardt, Nicole Lüttecke und Tim Schrick. The base price for the 350Z Limited Racing Edition in Germany is €48.590 or about $66.200.

Kid trades in his Civic gets a Nissan 350Z and a few days later splits the car in two

I’m sure you’ve heard similar stories; 20-year-old trades his ’06 Honda Civic for a much more powerful and, most importantly, rear-wheel drive, Nissan 350Z on April 9 2007. Three days later, he, and his teen girlfriend were involved in a horrific accident where the 350Z was split into two pieces after the driver lost control and ended up hitting a tree. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

According to police, the teen was allegedly street-racing with an unidentified BMW north on Kirby near San Felipe before he crashed his 350Z. "At some point, the Nissan lost control, left the roadway, striking two trees and pinning both occupants in the vehicle. The BMW left the scene." said Capt. Milton Martin of the Houston Police Department. Unfortunately, while the girl wasn't hurt seriously, the 20-year-old driver was taken to the hospital with serious head injuries. I can't help but feeling sorry for the guy even if it does appear that he did something totally immature. Links: My350Z & ABC13

Technorati: Nissan+350Z, Accicent, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

2008 Nissan Nismo 350Z coming to New York, sales start in the US in July

Nissan’s stunning Nismo 350Z will be available for the first time in the US market with sales starting in July. Like its recently introduced Japanese counterpart, the American version retains the stock 3.5 V6 that produces 306Hp but it gets a full aerodynamics package resembling that of the Super GT Zs with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing. Other features include revised suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers, gunmetal gray alloys and a new… “rhythm & bass” exhaust. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery and the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: At a Glance: 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.

Special consideration is given during assembly of the NISMO 350Z – structural rigidity is enhanced by the use of additional body welds to the already rigid 350Z body and additional supports have been added front and rear. The NISMO 350Z also utilizes special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations.

Additional performance features include a specially tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires). A special NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds an even more authoritative tone to the Z’s 306-horsepower V6 engine.

The 2007 NISMO 350Z is scheduled to go on sale in July 2007.

Highlights of the 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z include:

Body:

• NISMO aerodynamics package, including front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, rear fascia with diffuser and rear wing
• Additional body structure measures, including additional body welds and front and rear reinforcements
• Special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and rear cargo area
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights and LED brake lights
• Long wheelbase (104.3 inches), short overhangs and wide stance; raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics
• TBD coefficient of drag
• Strong, spine-like beltline anchored with large, distinctive taillights
• Aluminum hood, distinctive vertical door handles, heated outside mirrors
• Four available exterior colors – Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy, Pikes Peak White

Engine and Driveline

• Next-generation 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 (VQ35HR), 306 horsepower @ 6800 RPM, 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4800 RPM
• Ram air dual intake, equal length exhaust manifold and dual exhaust system with laser-welded rear mufflers
• High compression ratio (10.6:1), 7500 rpm redline, eCVTCS (electromagnetic variable exhaust cam timing), twin knock sensors, improved cooling and stiffer engine block structure, small pitch silent cam chain
• NISMO-branded tuned dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips
• 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
• Front engine/rear-wheel drive
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) driveshaft

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• NISMO-tuned 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension with use of lightweight aluminum components
• Brembo power-assisted vented 4-wheel disc brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors), 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels, 18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear
• Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
• Vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

Interior Features

• Unique black cloth seats with red inserts
• Red stitching throughout the interior
• Special NISMO white-faced tachometer
• Serialized NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console
• Driver-oriented two-passenger interior environment with a combination of classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design
• 3-bay gauge pods – similar to the original 240Z design
• Specially shaped driver’s seat (different from passenger design) to hold the body firmly
• 8-way manual driver’s seat/4-way manual passenger’s seat
• Standard automatic temperature control
• Lockable rear luggage box behind passenger seat
• Center console with aluminum trim
• Power windows with auto one-touch up and down, power door locks
• Aluminum pedals
• HomeLink® Universal Transceiver

Safety and Security

• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System
• 3-point ALR/ELR seatbelts (driver’s seatbelt ELR only)
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Active Head Restraints
• Standard Vehicle Security System and Immobilizer

Models and Manufacturing

• One well-equipped NISMO 350Z model

2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Continues Tradition of Performance With Super GT Race-Inspired Styling and Features

Taking Performance One Step Further With the 2007 NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.

NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in the United States since 2003, previously participated in the development of the NISMO Frontier off-road pickup truck, introduced in 2005. The NISMO 350Z is the second Nissan model to be branded with the legendary marque. Like the Frontier model, which is specially equipped for off-road excursions, the 2007 NISMO 350Z is optimized for enthusiast drivers.

"With the combination of the new VQ35HR engine found on all 2007 350Zs and NISMO performance and design enhancements, the NISMO 350Z represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance machines," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA).

"The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts – adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment which is not available in the aftermarket – while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z," he continued.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.

Special consideration is given during assembly of the NISMO 350Z – structural rigidity is enhanced by additional body welds to the already rigid 350Z body and additional supports have been added front and rear. The NISMO 350Z also utilizes special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and in the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations.

Additional performance features include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires). A special NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds an even more authoritative tone to the Z’s 306-horsepower V6 engine.

"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bosley. "Every exterior and mechanical improvement made to the NISMO 350Z isn’t just for show, it’s also for performance."

Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White.

Inside, NISMO 350Z drivers receive special treatment with unique black cloth seats with red inserts, red stitching throughout the interior and special NISMO white-faced tachometer. All NISMO 350Zs receive a serialized NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console, designating its limited edition status.

The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM – with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 RPM. Engine features include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a 7,500 rpm rev limit and a symmetric twin ram air intake system.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st through 5th gears for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for highway fuel economy. For performance handling, standard on the NISMO 350Z is a Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Also standard is electronically-controlled vehicle speed-sensitive dual-orifice rack-and-pinion power steering system, front and rear strut tower bracing, 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, LED taillights, Advanced Air Bag System, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.

"The NISMO 350Z is geared towards enthusiasts who want the ultimate 350Z straight from the factory performance experts,” said Bosley. “They also want a Z that makes a statement and is a testament to their love of driving."

In addition to the new NISMO 350Z, the 2007 350Z Coupe is offered in Base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models. The 2007 350Z Roadster is offered in three models – Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.

About NISMO

NISMO originated in Japan in 1984 and has established itself as the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in Japan and, since 2003, in the United States. NISMO components in the U.S. cover three areas - NISMO "S-tune" (which are backed by Nissan’s Parts and Accessory Limited Warranty, see warranty and dealer for details), "R-tune" suited for closed-track and off-road use and NISMO apparel and lifestyle items. Also available are Legacy components for older Nissan and Datsun vehicles. R-tune and Legacy components are designated for off-highway use and are not warranted. NISMO parts are available only through participating Nissan dealers.

Technorati: New+York+International+Auto+Show, NYIAS, Nissan+350Z+Nismo, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures