The Baron

Transcript of thios mornings article in John Mellors Auto News (Industry Type Journal)<<<<<< GTAaaah! Nissan finally takes the covers off its GT-R supercar - due here in about a year with an expected bargain price of $150,000 By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in TOKYO FORGET its awesome 310km/h top speed, ballistic 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.6 seconds and Porsche 911 Turbo-equalling 353kW of power … 150,000 is the number in Australian dollars that may yet excite GT-R fans the most. This is the price that Nissan Australia is hoping to stick on the twin-turbocharged V6 all-wheel drive four-seater R35-series GT-R coupe when it arrives here in the first quarter of 2009 – or even late next year if all goes well. Over four years in engineering gestation, the production car known in Australia as “Godzilla” was finally unveiled today at the Tokyo motor show, six years after it first appeared as the GT-R Concept at the same event, and two years since that initial show car morphed into the GT-R Proto concept. Japanese buyers will pay around $A78,000 when sales commence in December. Consider also that the latest version of a series started by the Prince Motor Company as the Skyline GT-R in 1964 – and briefly imported into Australia in R32 guise in the early 1990s – delivers 588Nm of torque (32Nm short of the Porsche) and can lap Germany’s hallowed Nurburgring Nordschliffe racetrack in seven minutes and 30 seconds, while pulling g-forces of ‘2’ (side) and 1.8 (braking). In fact, Nissan defines a supercar as a vehicle with a power-to-weight ratio of 4kg/hp (0.75kW), having a top speed capability on a public road of over 300km/h and being able to lap the Nurburgring in eight minutes or less. Yet despite the massive capabilities on offer, Nissan has dubbed the R35 GT-R – an all-new and bespoke vehicle which has the job of being its technological showcase for future models – as the “Multi Performance” supercar, declaring that it is a year-round proposition that can be driven anytime, anywhere, and by anybody. To prove the GT-R’s docility and accessibility, Nissan filmed an 18-year-old woman in Japan – with an automatic-only licence – driving the car and obviously enjoying it. She duly pronounced it as feeling “great”. Part of that lies in the GT-R’s debut GR6 dual-clutch six-speed gearbox, which features a three-mode “A” automatic mode as well as a two-speed “M” manual sequential paddle and floor levers that – in “R” racing mode – can shift up or down in real-world conditions in 0.2 seconds. Nissan’s engineers claim they had commenced work on the gearbox – in collaboration with BorgWarner – almost five years ago, and had the idea for it before the Volkswagen Group launched the conceptually similar DSG dual-clutch transmission in 2002. GR6 works in conjunction with Nissan’s ATTESA all-wheel drive system that now features an electro-magnetic clutch instead of a hydraulic one, a heat exchanger for reduced heat build-up and lower friction, a 1.5-way mechanical LSD limited slip differential, and dry-sump lubrication. Torque is usually apportioned 100 per cent to the rear wheels, but up to 50 per cent can be diverted to the front wheels. The engine is Nissan’s all-new VR38 60-degree angle V6 of 3799cc capacity, a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and a bore/stroke of 95.5mm x 88.4mm. Its 353kW peaks at 6400rpm, with the rev limiter cutting in at 7000rpm. The 588Nm plateaus between 3200rpm and 5200rpm. And the official Japanese combined cycle fuel-consumption average is 12.2L/100km. This powerplant also rates a US ULEV Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle status. Its integrated twin-turbocharged induction system features electronic boost pressure control and a secondary air-injection system for cleaner emissions and improved fuel economy. One senior GT-R engineer revealed that discarding the decades-old tradition of inline six-cylinder engines for the more common V6 design was not a point of debate, especially when it became clear that the latter would be far better suited to achieving the performance, packaging and weight distribution targets that Nissan had set out to achieve. Suspension is by an independent double wishbone set-up at the front, and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. It includes Bilstein electronically adjustable dampers for improved ride characteristics. Brakes are by Brembo, and have big drilled fl oating rotors, aluminium monoblock callipers (six-piston at the front, four-piston at the rear) and a large-diameter master cylinder, for repeated non-fade stopping performance capabilities. Tests show a GT-R braking from 200km/h to 90km/h can create a 1.5g-force. Runfl at tyres are used, and are 225/40ZRF20 97Y at the front and 285/35ZRF20 100Y spec at the back, ensconcing lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels. Stylistically, the GT-R will only come as a two-door coupe. Designer Masato Taguchi pointed to the front mudguard’s “aero grade fender” blister and feature line – which also contains a vent housing designed to help with airfl ow and brake cooling – as his favourite styling detail on the car. Other high points for the designer include the rear-quarter view, which imparts the GTR’s strength and angularity of line, as well as the horizontal crease in the C-pillar, there to help the fl ow of converging airfl ow at speed for aerodynamic optimisation. The overall silhouette is meant to recall previous Skyline models dating back from the 1960s, while the “Single Power Intake” grille – incorporated purely for air-fl ow function – also connects the latest GT-R with its R34 predecessor. Three main materials are used in the body – steel, aluminium (mainly for the bootlid, bonnet, front suspension strut and seatbelt housings, door panels and some underbody bracing brackets), and carbon fi bre, which is found in the front underbody sheeting area. There are also various plastic compounds. More raw numbers: the GT-R’s kerb weight is 1740kg, while front/rear weight distribution varies according to equipment levels, but it is mostly about 53/47. Developed over three years in Japan and Britain, underbody shielding under the GT-R’s nose and tail helps deliver far more racecar-style downforce while improving aerodynamic effi ciency – rated at 0.27Cd. The interior has been specifi cally designed to be driver-orientated, evident in the high-up eye-line placement for all instrument and monitor displays. The latter is a multi-function meter that has a vast array of vehicular motionrelated tech data inspired – and created – by Sony’s Polyphony group that is behind the Gran Turismo PlayStation phenomenon. With today’s GT-R, life is imitating art that is imitating life, it seems… However, pimply teenagers will obviously not be the target customer group, nor will the wealthy banker, lawyer and advertising agency types that drive 911s today. Instead, Nissan is counting on Baby Boomers: aged over 50, and also over the superfi ciality of brand image. The GT-R’s outstanding value and performance balance, uncompromised usability, unparalleled aftersales care and uniqueness among cliche choices should reel them in, the company reckons. To help lure penta- and sexagenarians, Nissan is making much about some of the R35 GT-R’s handmade aspects as a point of differentiation against its more mainstream competition. This includes such things as a Nissan-fi rst engine assembly process that is overseen by one specialised technician working in an environmentally controlled “clean room” to ensure highest-possible quality and control, craftsmanship levels of build quality that would not allow even a 0.1mm gap discrepancy, and chip-resistant paint fi nishes, to name a few. Second-to-none customer service is another hook to make buyers feel special. Nissan is introducing a global maintenance regime that will see specially trained technicians servicing the GT-R from its 1000km service through to the 12-, 24- and 36-month check-ups. >>>>>>>

Maybe its worthwhile to make a 'Sticky' with all the good tips and advice on what to do when selling a car (you know - keep the licence etc.) Might help some of the people out there. Cheers The Baron PS : Hope you, they or we find the guy PPS : As a tip - always ask to take a picture of the person wanting to buy your car (you know as a memento) - heck every Mobile Phone has a camera nowadays. PPPS - Always have insurance!!!!

If you've completed Year 12 or equivalent, you would be looking for an Undergraduate Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) at one of the Universities. this is usually a 4 year course full time. however anoter option would be to work towards such a degree by completing a number of smaller post graduate type courses and utilising RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) from your existing career in the field. This would start with a Certificate II or IV, then move onto a Diploma and finally to full degree and then Mastersa. Most of it can be done part time but this obviously takes a lot longer. Best advice - contact the Universities and tell them wa=hat you want to do - they will surely accomodate you - especially if you want to be full fee paying

The new Corolla architecture is based on that of the current RAV4. The 100-200kg weight increase of the latest model is directly attributable to a requirement to be able to fit AWD to the platform, and as the RAV4 will soon be mounting the 200kW 3.6 V6 out of the Aurion, the same capacity exists for the Corolla. A 2.4 litre Corolla is already on sale in Japan and known as the 'Blade'. Currently the big T is still deciding on it's next platform for TRD after the Aurion and Hi-Lux and it appears to be leaning towards a TRD Yaris. A Euro Hot Yaris with a 90odd kW engine is currently out here on trial. The Corolla might be thge next cab off the rank maybe by 2009.

The Steering arm on the missus's Morris Minor broke going home late one night - basically snapped the bolt that connected the wheel to the arm. Thankfully there was a coathanger that was used to 'tie' the two bits together till we got home. Steering response was not the greatest

The jets with the F111 were the RAAF Hawk Trainers -looked puny in comparison

always check the ticket carefully - I once had someone paste thier ticket on my windscreen - presumably in the hope I would 'blindly' pay it......

I remember a little setup a mate of mine had. A small photo receptor on the rear windscreen linked to a flashbulb. It reacted to the flash of the camera by 'flashing back' overexposing the film in the camera resulting in a blank shot as the aperture on the camera stays open longer then the flash response time........ as for the debate on the need to stick toi speed limits - I concur - but at the same time there are a lot of 'revenue raiser' cameras that do little to influence driver behaviour or reduce the road toll.

Let's look at this from the police point of view. I suggest it's something like; Hoons : SMS Everyone let's get to Macca's and do Burn outs Media : Hoons out of control - police impotent Minister : We need something done about hoons Commissioner : Okay - we'll have a crack down - we know where they hang out. Okay Senior Seargeant go get'em Senior Seargeant : Okay Commissioner - you heard me lads - go get'em Police Officer - Okay Sir - we'll stake out places where we can defect people Let's remember - the Police rank and file don't have choice about where they go and what they do - they are under orders and failure to comply means disciplinary action. Do we seriously expect them NOT to issue a defect notice when they see an illegal mod ?? I agree that in my opinion our cars are a lot less dangerous then manyu of the sh!tboxes with bald tyres, rust, non working lights etc that are out there, unfortunately they are not in the focus right now. So what do we do ?? Well, I suggest we need to tackle the root cause which is hoon behaviour and street racing. It's only when there is a public perception that this problem is solved that there will be any let up in the stringent policing and even then it'll take some weeks to trickle down. So batten down the hatches and ride out the storm. Open rebellion certainly won't solve anything - remeber "I fought the law and the law won" Just my 2 c Note : The actual root cause of hoon behaviour probably has more to do with the alienation of today's youth and failures in social and education systems but maybe that's a bit tough for us to change

And I suppose I'd better add a quote. "Don't hit me with them negative waves Moriarity"

OMG I didn't know you could get a 'Firefox'

Deserves everythinghe gets - I actually wanted to report him for littering asfter he tossed his cigarette on the sidewalk as clealry shown in the news report On a more positive note - of the 900 cars impounded by Police for Hooning - 50% are Commodores - Skylines made 3rd place with 9% - story is in the weekend papers

Makes me ashamed to work for toyota - it is a Celica right ??? - I couldn't tell with all the vomit running down my screen ;-)

Hello, my brother in law has gone to Japan for a year and has given us authority to sell his Honda. I said I'd post it on the forum just in case someone is interested in a good little daily driver and runabout. Here are the details: Vehicle 1995 HONDA CIVIC GLi Price $7,000 Kilometres 200,000 Body 4 door 5 seat SEDAN Colour White Interior Colour Grey Transmission 5 speed Manual Drive type Front Engine 4 cylinder U Multi-point injected 1.6L (1590cc) Reg Plate NOU356 Reg Expiry NOV-2007 Road Worthy Certificate Yes Vehicle ID 3832646 Brief Comments A very reliable 1995 Honda Civic GLi 4 door sedan. Regularly serviced with Long Rego Nov 28, 2007 Long Comments Very fuel efficient. Two owners only. I'm heading overseas so car must be sold. Recently Major serviced. Tyres and body in very good condition. Asking price is $7000 ono. Seller Details Name David Suburb Northcote State Victoria Post Code 3070 Mobile Phone 0407896309 (voice mail so leave a message) Contact Details Anytime PM me if you want anymore details http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/the...mk1/1867130.jpg http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/the...mk1/1867113.jpg http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/the...mk1/1867100.jpg

I think the key here is to partner with the police to get to the media - sure if we approach the media on our own there is a strong chance of them twisting the story - if we go with the police as a combined story there is no chance of that happening. Maybe someone can table the idea at the meeting tonight ?? (that and the stickers ??) or maybe do a survey on the forum to see whether there is an interest in pursuing this further ??

Valid point - one that should be made - however why shouldn't we promote the fact that we do remind our members to behave ?? Sticker "Car Enthusiasts do it on the track" ?? ;-)

Actually the media wants 'ratings' - they couldn't care less what the story is about ;-) So is there a way that a positive story on SAU (and let's not exclude partner clubs like WRX etc) can translate into ratings ?? Well there is a possibility to appeal to the inherent rivalry in current affairs to offer a story that the other side doesn't have. I could imagine that if we combine an activity like a 'charity cruise' (i.e. bumper stickers with donation) and co-ordinate that with the police (they are under a lot of pressure to be seen to be doing something about Hoons after all - and they have a media unit!!) that we could co-ordinate an event that would make the news or current affairs. i.e: "New Police initiative to promote responsible driving" - "Car Clubs and Police united in stand against Hoons" "Sandra Sultry here - tonight a story on how police and Car Clubs are uniting to promote safe driving behaviour - Background - Kids will be Kids - (insert hoon footage) how do we combat hoons - strong penalties (insert police footage) - impounding - supporting statement from Car Club (we are enthusiasts) - safe and fun activities (legal track day footage - safe driver training etc) - call for everyone to sign up to charity drive bumper sticker - we donate $$ (huge novelty cheque) end story

Should we at least try to find out whether that's the case ??

In light of the Noble Park issue and recent mediua spotlight I've been thinking about what we can do as a club to reinforce a more positive image of our community and so here are some thoughts - now these are only my ideas. First of all I'm assuming that SAU wants to represent Enthusiasts moreso then Hoons. If that is the case I am thinking we should be proactive in reinforcing that internally and with external stakeholders. What I mean by that is: Does the club constitution have a statement advoacting responsible driving behaviour as an aim of the club and specifically commenting on a desire not 5to promote or endorse hoon behaviour ?? should it ?? Can the club contact the Police proactively to discuss how we can assist them in dealing with hoon behaviour, have they got some ideas ?? We have some informal contacts already don't we ?? What is the police's point of view and how can we positively interact with them ?? Can the club contact the media and take them along to a 'track day' or cruise - promote an alternative piece on youth car culture and show our side of the fence - Maybe there is an interest on that kind of story ?? Maybe also discuss why we believe there are people who behave as 'Hoons' and what we think solutions might be (i.e Legal Drag Strip in the South East) ?? Should we publicly display our aversion to 'Hoon' behaviour - a suitable bumper or windscreen sticker i.e. "VIC SAU - supporting Car Enthusiasts not Hoons" - anybody displaying the sticker is making a public commitment not to act as a hoon - if they do the club can revoke membership - Charge the sticker at $20 (50??) and donate the proceeds to a traffic accident charity or similar (or the Police foundation - you know the one with 'blue ribbon day') - inform the media of this action. I think we need to decide whether we can and should act as a club to address the negative image currently in the media.

The times they are'a changing. Basically you can look forward to having to reduce water consumption by something like 80% over the next decade or so. Recycled water will become a part of daily life - Heck City West Water are already running the pipeline for industrial users from Werribee to Altona. Nuclear Power is the biggest Furphy on energy in a long time. The Switkowski report suggested 25 reactors for Australia by 2025. If we assume there is a population of about 25 million by then this means 1 reactor per 1 million people or about 5 of the beasts for Melbourne. They would have to be near the coast and near the city to be useful - now can you think of any place where they could put them ?? Just look at the hassle they get for a couple of wind turbines - now imagine putting 5 nuclear reactors around Melbourne. Simply won't happen. Instead we'll be asked to reduce energy consumption (and rightly so) and hopefully we'll all get used to putting some solar panels on the roof. BTW Looks like the 2008 Prius will have a 'solar roof' to assist in charging a 'plug in' hybrid system. If you are skeptical on all of this- there is plenty of knowledge out there. It's really an engineering question - how much water is there, how much can we capture therefore how much can we use.

I work for Toyota as a tree hugging Hippie (read: Environmental engineer) Did consulting prior to that but wasn't too keen on the 50+ hours a week (even though I owned my first BMW -brand new- before turning 30) - turns out money isn't everything - who knew ;-) Now I have a great job, 38 hrs per week + overtime (car industry is still on a federal award) and I even get great Karma ;-) Now if only Toyota would build a decent Sports car that I could get as an employee lease vehicle (waiting on an Aurion ZR6 due in April ;-)

I grew up in Noble Park and it's been going on for 20 years, it get's 'locked down' by the Polixce then eventually it flares up again. Last Friday was disgraceful and a perfect example of 'flash mobs' and 'mob mentality'. I was out that way on Saturday (for my Mum's Birthday) and the place was crawling with cops. Anybody who had a remotely modified looking car was being pulled over by unmarked interceptors. (Thankfully a Yaris doesn't really attract attention ;-) However rather then just a 'stick' approach by the local lawmakers, how about a 'stick and carrot' thing. Sure, impound cars of those stupid idiots, do licence and roadworthy checks etc, however I would also suggest spending 50K and opening up nearby Sandown as a proper Drag Strip once a week so these kids have got a legal way of doing what they are going to do anyway. Heck with fuel costs etc they couldn't afford to drive their V8's to Calder if they wanted to ;-)

If buying from a branded Dealer, and you are ready to buy, always go on the last sales day of the month (better yet end of fiscal or financial year). A lot of Dealer principals get bonuses and commissions etc on how much they sell and each extra unit gives them a greater chance for that trip to Heyman Island (or whatever). At the end of the month/year, if they are one or two cars short, they will sell well below retail to get the bonus instead. Be prepared to haggle and walk away (to another branded Dealer ;-), play them off against one another. It's amazing what happens at 4.30 pm on the last day ;-) This does require knowing exactly what you want beforehand though.

Has been on the Japapnese Prius since the second model a couple of years ago - not currently approved in US or Oz due to the litigious nature of our legal system (i.e. is Tooyta liable if the car hits someone while parking itself.

Aussie Icon in Saudi Arabia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_IQHheTdTY