2011 Nissan 370Z Nismo at the Texas Auto Roundup

I always did like the 350Z and when the 370Z came out and it was much more than just an engine upgrade it made me even more excited. I have been looking for an opportunity to drive one of these for a while now and finally got the chance to, not just drive a 370Z but the Nismo.

Obviously the 370 has Nissan’s 3.7 liter V6; in the regular 370Z this produces 332 horsepower, but in the Nismo they’ve pushed that to 350 hp. This Nismo was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission but it’s offered with a 7-speed auto if that’s your thing. I loved the manual shifter with Nissan’s SynchroRev Match technology. When you push the button to engage the system then down shift into a lower gear, the revs will pop-up allowing you to have maximal power at the right time. Race car drivers do this to keep the revs up around corners so they don’t lose speed, but they do it using a system called heal-toe. The SynchroRev mimics this action and if nothing else is pretty cool.

One thing I’ve always heard about the Nismo is that it’s a fun car but too harsh for everyday driving. I guess this really depends on the individual and where they drive or what they are looking to get out of a car. For me, yes it’s too harsh for everyday. I’ve talked to others and they have been fine with it. One thing I can say for sure is that when you do get an open and smooth road, this thing comes alive! It’s quick and pointed, you are easily pushed into your racing style seat and when it’s time to stop the 4-piston Nismo sport brakes take care of you.

This really is an all out sports car and the only reason I don’t own one is because I need back seats.

Thanks to our friends at Non-Stock Photography for the photos.

Car was driven and reviewed by Adam Moore at the Texas Auto Roundup in conjunction with the Texas Auto Writers Association.

2011 Nissan Juke

The Texas Auto Writers Association meets up once a year to name a few vehicles of Texas. Trucks, SUVs, Cars, and CUVs are all tested by the TAWA and awards are handed out. So who won out claiming the title of CUV of Texas? The 2011 Nissan Juke.

Yes, the Nissan Juke was named as the CUV of Texas. Knowing all of the members of the TAWA, this came as a shock to all of us at txGarage, but it goes to show you how great this little car really is. The guys and gals cited the vehicles interesting styling, engaging driving, and 32 mpg highway as reasons for the win.

The Juke comes with a 1.6 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine pushing 188 hp and looks like nothing else out there. I’ve seen pictures of aftermarket companies already lowering them and making them look even more sporty and can’t wait to jump behind the wheel of one ourselves.

Check out more TAWA awards right here on txGarage.

2010 Camaro

East Texas Muscle Cars in Longview Texas have started developing a turbocharged 2010 V6 Camaro. Their intent is to use the platform to build an American Muscle car to take on Godzilla around the ring. That would be the GT-R’s Nurburgring time of 7 minutes 26.7 seconds also coming dangerously close to the Corvette ZR1’s time of 7:26.4.

It’s not as easy as strapping on a turbo and pushing the car to the projected 500 horsepower, the GT-R has a massively unique and sophisticated AWD system that allows it to make the most of its 480hp from its twin-turbo 3.8 liter V6. The guys at East Texas Muscle Cars are addressing this by changing up the suspension and brakes on the car as well.

Mike White from East Texas Muscle Cars told Edmunds “We wanted to do something a little different. We’re seeing a lot of interest in something like this for the V6 Camaros.”

The car will make its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show this year in the Squires Turbo System Booth.

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Check them out at: http://www.easttexasmusclecars.com

[source: edmunds]