Affordable Performance Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T

In 1993 the all new Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T replaced the successful R32 GTS- T. Little brother to the all conquering GTR the GTS25-T is more affordable and still a thrilling ride. It features a more modern new shape with smooth lines rather than the sharp edges of the previous model. The new looks were debatable some liked the newer styling of the R33 and some preferred the harder edges of the R32.

On the road with the R33 the first thing you notice is how smooth the R25DET engine is power delivery is linier and the car pulls hard from 3000rpm to the 7000 rpm redline. The manual coupe version will propel you from 0-100 in 6.18 seconds and complete the quarter in 14.4. Maximum power is 187kw at 6400 and a max torque 295nm at 4800.

The RB25DET is a ripper and featured technology ahead of it time. The 2.5 liter turbo intercooled straight 6 features a twin cam head with variable valve timing on the intake side.

Handling of the coupe is great with a good balance between comfort and a sports like feel. The rear of the car steered by a system called HICAS which works by calculating the speed and angle of the car through the corners. This feature seems to minimize under- steer and kept the car flat through the corner. The rear on the car is equipped with a viscous LSD and steps out ever so progressively when pushing hard. This makes the car easy to control but if pushed to hard it would be easy to loose the rear end. The skyline is a medium size coupe weighing in at 1360kg and when cornering its a great drive but not quiet as direct or nibble though the bends as the lighter R32 was. But light suspension modifications improve handling significantly.

In Australia a good series 1 GTS25-T can be picked up for around 17,000 and a series 2 for around 20,000. With standard features including electric windows and climate control I thinks it is great value for money. With light modifications to the engine and suspension this car can be turned into a street weapon.

2010 Nissan Maxima Review

The 2010 Nissan Maxima has hit the market off-late, but it features no important modifications over its predecessor, which was released in 2009. It is a sporty sedan with modern interior and sleeker exterior body styling. This version carries the trade mark style of Nissan with sporty feeling, equipped with top notch luxury features to meet the expectations of consumers of all categories.

The 2010 Maxima is introduced in two trim levels – the 3.5 SV and 3.5 S. These two trim levels are featured with sport packages featuring telescopic and power tilt heated steering wheel, heated leather seats, interior room fabricated with faux metallic material, sport suspension, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The features that are especially for the 3.5 SV trim are power rear sunshade, rearview camera, cooled and heated driving seat. All versions are furnished with a 3.5-liter V6 engine to getting power of 3.5-liter V6 along with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that connected with optional paddle shifters and a manual shift gate.

For passengers and child safety, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, an antiskid system, ABS, and traction control have been duly provided. The standard conveniences are a wireless cell-phone link, and keyless entry, and engine start. Additional facilities like satellite link give updated information about traffic, while audio controls, rear seat climate control, and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive make it effortless to store music files. The 2010 Nissan Maxima is available at a starting price $30,460, which extends up to the $33,180 mark.