Corvette "ZR-1" - motor shots leaked

For several months now there has been a frenzy in the auto industry with regards to the new Corvette ZR-1, as is its latest moniker. It was first known as the Corvette Blue Devil, then became the Corvette SS, Corvette Z07 and now they seem to have settled on ZR-1. As some might know, the ZR-1 was the most powerful production Corvette C4. The Corvette C4 was introduced at the end of 1982 as an early 1984 model and continued thru the close of 1996. A run that was much too long in the eyes of many a car enthusiast. after all, a 12 year run is almost unheard of in the automobile industry.

So with all the buzz surrounding the "ZR-1", the main question has been "what motor does it have?" It was leaked that they were using a newly developed LS9 motor. Well, the rumors were correct. Below you have the first leaked official pix. Remember where you saw it first.

Jordan XX3 leaked?

This is the closest thing we have seen to the final production version. Not very clear, so I can't really comment. Either way, here it is.

Jordan Brand and Levi's announce partnership

Well, the Jordan Brand and Levi's have officially announced a partnership looking at combining, as they put it "classic style with urban design flair" all the while "delivering freshly-interpreted takes on iconic product from both leaders." What does that mean for us? Well, they are going to create an exclusive Jordan/Levi '23/501' collection in March of '08.

Will we get any kix?

Yup. The collection will include an AJ1, jeans and T-shirts. The jeans are going to feature "premium, selvage denim lined with the signature Jordan Brand elephant print" and will include a "sneaker protector at the cuff, reducing the transfer of indigo dye into the shoe. The 501® trademark jean will feature a gold metallic zipper and the Jumpman logo embroidered onto the pockets, along with the Jordan Brand name on the rear leather-measurement waistband patch."

The AJ1's will be "one-of-a-kind and will be made from Levi’s® Original 501® denim, printed with the traditional Jordan Brand elephant graphic design."

So, when do we get the goods?

Today, the Jordan Brand x Levi's "23/501" Collection is set to release on March 1, 2008 at select specialty retailers, Levi® Stores and Niketown locations. Now, as most avid Jordan consumers know, this date can fluctuate.

That is all......

Nissan Officially Debut's 2009 Skyline GT-R

I'm not even going to speak on it just yet. I'm gonna let the official press release speak first. There is PLENTY of time for me to divulge my opinion.....

TOKYO (Oct. 24, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of “an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime”. The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.

The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth’s natural forces – gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics – and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.

Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance “speed and efficiency,” “high-output with environmental consideration” and “high performance and safety.”

Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation – whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas – all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

The Nissan GT-R’s unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle’s design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a “clean room” environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world’s first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38” engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

The Nissan GT-R’s new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.

Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.

High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, “super wide beam” headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.

Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.

Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.

Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R’s styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle’s driving experience – as well as suggesting GT-R’s “supercar” level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R’s aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The all-new GT-R’s body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.

The front fenders express power and stability, while the “aero-blades” on the fenders’ leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders’ trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New “super wide beam” headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.

The Nissan GT-R’s large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated f120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.

The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R’s paint – which utilizes a “double clear coat” and “anti-chipping” process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.

An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.

The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver’s head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.

Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red “engine start” button.

Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special “set-up switch” located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings – Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R “supercar” application.

A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.

For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an “optimal gearshift map,” to emphasize economical vehicle operation.

A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.

Pricing and Sales Target
200 units / month

Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen, Consumption tax included)
- GT-R GR6-type dual 7,770,000 yen
- AWD VR38DETT GT-R Black edition clutch 7,927,500 yen
- GT-R Premium edition transmittion 8,347,500 yen

Specifications
Engine
• VR-series twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. • 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200–5,200 rpm. • Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing. • Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores. • IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank. • Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
• ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case. • Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle. • Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential. • Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system). • Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
Transmission
• 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts). • Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. • Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode). • Downshift Rev Matching (DRM). • Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Wheels and Tires
• 20 x 9.5" (front) and 20 x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with Gunmetal Gray finish. • Exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Bridgestone® RE070A high-capacity run-flat summer tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear. • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). • Optional exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Dunlop® run-flat all-season tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear (includes Bright Silver wheels).
Brakes
• Brembo® 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking. • Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation. • 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Steering
• Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist. • 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
• 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering). • Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs. • Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes. • Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Body/Chassis
• Exclusive Premium Midship platform with jig-welded hybrid unibody. • Aluminum hood, trunk and door skins. Die-cast aluminum door structures. • Carbon-reinforced front crossmember/radiator support.
Standard Features
Exterior
• Wide-beam headlights with High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams. • LED taillights and brake lights. • Dual heated power mirrors. • Flush-mounted aluminum door handles. • Body-color rear spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop light. • UV-reducing tinted glass.
Audio/Navigation/Performance Monitor
• Digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer and 11 speakers including dual subwoofers. • HDD Music Box system, including hard drive with 9.4 GB for audio storage. • MP3, WMA and DVD audio capable. In-dash Compact Flash card reader. • HDD-based GPS navigation with touch screen. • Driver-configurable performance monitor, developed with Sony® Polyphony, with graphical readouts of vehicle data and driving data displayed on a total of 11 screens. • 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD display for audio, navigation and performance monitor.
Interior
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC). • Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator. • Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature. • Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks. • Cruise control. • Tilt/telescoping steering column. • Bluetooth® Hands-free phone system with voice recognition.
Seating/Appointments
• Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts. • 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers. • Driver-shaped bucket seat. • Dual individual rear seats. • Heated front seats. • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. • Drilled aluminum pedals.
Safety/Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor. • Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags. • Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. • Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System. • Vehicle Security System.
* Japan-market features and specifications shown.

Update on the Air Jordan x AF1 fusion

During the recent retro explosion the last few years, Jordan Brand has blessed us with colors that they consider LifeStyle. Which basically means that they come in rarer colors and limited quantities. With this in mind it should come as no surprise that for the Air Jordan 12 x AF1 fusion they will do the same. Below I have he pic of the LS Fusion shoe.



The Air Jordan 12 x AF1 Low fusion




In case you haven't seen these, here is the Air Jordan 5 x AF1 fusion



The clear sole is bananas

Jordan Countdown pack update

It's no secret that the Jordan Brand is releasing special packs next year commemorating the final year of the Air Jordan line. These packs will be distributed in sets where the shoes will equal 23. For example, the first pack releasing is the Air Jordan 10 x Air Jordan 13.

The latest update is related to the pack with the famed Air Jordan 7. There was speculation as to whether it would be the Bordeaux colorway, other said the Hare colorway. Well, apparently the 'Hares' have spoken. It has been confirmed.

Detailed pix of the G.I. Joe pack.

I've had these for quite a few days, and I noticed that a lot of people haven't put up the detailed pix of the shoes. Like I said before, not really too excited about this, but still worthy of reviewing none the less. Notice the 3M finishing touches....

Charles Barkley Air Alpha Force x AF1 Collaboration continues..

Here are some close up shots of the Air Alpha Force and Air Force 1 collaboration. As you can see, Nike is doing a very good job with all of these hybrids.

Pretty crazy if you ask me. Let me know.

Here is the classic Air Alpha Force.



Here is the Air Force 1 Mid.



Here is the collaboration.

So did you get them?

By now, if somehow you have not heard, the Nike Supreme Trainers are out on the streets. Did you get yourself a pair? In case you are wondering why your local exclusive's spot didn't get them, it is because they were strictly sold @ the Supreme store, hence the name Supreme Trainer. Unless you live in New York, Los Angeles, or Japan, chances are the internet is your best friend right now. Here are the pix so that at least you know what to look for. I had a friend mention to me how they had slight similarities, as far as the styling queues, to the Air Jordan 5. Hmmm. Personally, I had to give it to him some merit. Whatchoothink? Either way enjoy. And as always, careful with the bootlegs......






Clear Soles?




The jackets are crazy..

AT&T realizes the power of the sneakerhead community....

Peep this new commercial....

Jordan Brand brings back the infamous FLIGHT CLUB!!

Thats right folks. The Jordan Brand has brought back the infamous Flight Club. Some might remember the original Flight Club from the 80's. This was a way for all of us kids to become part of something Jordan related. It died in the early 90's, but apparently with the end of the Jordan line nearing fast, they figured they would bring it back. If you aren't part of the Jumpman family, then you haven't received the invite for this. If you are...you already know.




This is the store...



I'm sure you know what this means. If not, heres a hint. Look up the shoes.



And I wonder what this is....hmmmmmmmmmm...

Nike AF1 x Air Max EXPLOSION!!

Ok, out of all the things brewing in the Nike labs, this has got to be my favorite so far. I have seen collaborations with the Air Force 1 for many many years. From the Statsh AF1, to the Lebron Chamber of Fear collection, to the City packs that include the illustrous AF1's with the bubble out back. Well now comes the illest of the illest. The Air Max packs.

AF1 x Air Max 90 ( Classic Infrared )



AF1 x Air Max 95 ( Classic Neon's )






AF1 x Air Max 97 ( a la HTM edition )



and another colorway.


AF1 x ACG

G.I. Joe pack?

Word on the street is that there is a G.I. Joe pack coming soon. Apparently the shoes will have a military motif to them, hence the G.I. Joe name. Personally, I was a HUGE G.I. Joe fan. But these shoes are pretty ugly. I don't think they do the heritage of the G.I. Joe's any justice. At least not the name. It is including a pair of Nike Vandal's, Bo Jackson's, and a pair of Air Assaults

ADIDAS continues its Jam Master Jay tribute

If you don't know by now, Adidas released a special pair of shell toe (known as the Superstar) in commeration to Jam Master Jay, the famed DJ of the eternally respected rap group RUN-DMC. Their acccolades are endless. We all know that RUN-DMC revolutionized the sneaker game as we know it. Before they made the classic track My Adidas, the sneaker culture was something that was very underground and primarily only in major cities, especially and primarily New York City, followed by the other fashion capitals of the U.S. like Los Angeles, and Chicago, thanks to the likes of Clyde Frazier, Dr. J, and of course the Chuck Taylor Converse. Below I have included the pictures of the upcoming JMJ special edition. These will mark the 5 year anniversary of the death of JMJ. There will be 2 models in 4 colorways: Three colorways will be for the Adidas Brougham and a colorway of the Ultrastar.

Now, without further ado.