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The current-generation 370Z was released in the 2009 model year, and has been essentially unchanged for the past seven years. Many of us at NICOclub and the rest of the autmotive world expected to see or hear about the next Z car for model year 2016. As you can see by the recently-obtained order sheet, it appears the current 370Z will continue to live on for at least one more model year, although not without some key changes.
[click for larger images]
The available color combinations will change, and some interior features will get mild upgrades. One of the most notable changes is that the 370Z will no longer be available in Midnight Blue, but will be available in the GT-R's Deep Blue Pearl finish. In addition, Pearl White (also shared with the GT-R) will be available and will now command an as yet undisclosed pricing premium.
The 370Z's package choices remain as they are for model year 2015, although the NISMO and Sport models will now get a version of the BOSE audio system featuring the Active Noise Control originally found in the GT-R. The Active Noise Control uses a microphone in the ceiling to identify undesirable low-frequency engine sounds and neutralizes them with sound waves of the opposite phase, resulting in a quieter overall ride that emphasizes the engine note. Thankfully, Nissan has not seen fit to go the BMW route and generate "faux" engine sounds into the passenger cabin. A new feature, Active Sound Enhancement, does not currently appear to be utilized in any Nissan model - we will post more details regarding this as they become available.
While the BOSE audio system is now offered in the base NISMO and Sport trims, you must step up to the "Tech" levels of each trim in order to get XM Satellite Radio and Streaming Bluetooth Audio. All other packaging and trims remain the same as their 2015 predecessors.
As changes continue with the 370Z, we are now in the eighth model year of the vehicle, and the platform is showing its age with respect to the competition. Some have speculated that Nissan may repeat a previous decision with the Z cars - introducing a new model while continuing production of the old model - as they have done with the Rogue/Rogue Select and the G37/Q50. Many have clamored for a "budget" rear wheel drive sports car, to compete with the BRZ / FR-S twins, and Nissan could easily splinter the Z into different trims and offerings to cater to both factions. This would serve to appease the Z fanatics who have remained loyal over 45 years of production, while enticing new fans to the platform (and the Nissan brand).
Engine offerings have been rumored to range from a turbocharged, direct-injected, small-displacement 4 cylinder to a 400hp twin turbo V6 variant of the GT-R's powerplant... Alternatively, we may simply see a newer iteration of the VQ series engine (which would also employ direct injection and advanced fuel management technologies). However, the new Z may still share a platform with its Infiniti siblings, the G37/Q60 coupe, which will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
While we're going to have to wait at least another year for a new Z car, we may see a newly invigorated set of performance capabilities from this line of cars sooner than we think.
Author: Zack Brown (RicerX) is a NICOclub Administrator and current 370Z owner
[post_title] => 2016 Nissan 370Z - The Legend Continues, but what's next?
[post_excerpt] => NICOclub has acquired a build sheet for the 2016 Nissan 370Z, which means a replacement for the current Z will not appear until the 2017 model year or beyond.
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The current-generation 370Z was released in the 2009 model year, and has been essentially unchanged for the past seven years. Many of us at NICOclub and the rest of the autmotive world expected to see or hear about the next Z car for model year 2016. As you can see by the recently-obtained order sheet, it appears the current 370Z will continue to live on for at least one more model year, although not without some key changes.
[click for larger images]
The available color combinations will change, and some interior features will get mild upgrades. One of the most notable changes is that the 370Z will no longer be available in Midnight Blue, but will be available in the GT-R's Deep Blue Pearl finish. In addition, Pearl White (also shared with the GT-R) will be available and will now command an as yet undisclosed pricing premium.
The 370Z's package choices remain as they are for model year 2015, although the NISMO and Sport models will now get a version of the BOSE audio system featuring the Active Noise Control originally found in the GT-R. The Active Noise Control uses a microphone in the ceiling to identify undesirable low-frequency engine sounds and neutralizes them with sound waves of the opposite phase, resulting in a quieter overall ride that emphasizes the engine note. Thankfully, Nissan has not seen fit to go the BMW route and generate "faux" engine sounds into the passenger cabin. A new feature, Active Sound Enhancement, does not currently appear to be utilized in any Nissan model - we will post more details regarding this as they become available.
While the BOSE audio system is now offered in the base NISMO and Sport trims, you must step up to the "Tech" levels of each trim in order to get XM Satellite Radio and Streaming Bluetooth Audio. All other packaging and trims remain the same as their 2015 predecessors.
As changes continue with the 370Z, we are now in the eighth model year of the vehicle, and the platform is showing its age with respect to the competition. Some have speculated that Nissan may repeat a previous decision with the Z cars - introducing a new model while continuing production of the old model - as they have done with the Rogue/Rogue Select and the G37/Q50. Many have clamored for a "budget" rear wheel drive sports car, to compete with the BRZ / FR-S twins, and Nissan could easily splinter the Z into different trims and offerings to cater to both factions. This would serve to appease the Z fanatics who have remained loyal over 45 years of production, while enticing new fans to the platform (and the Nissan brand).
Engine offerings have been rumored to range from a turbocharged, direct-injected, small-displacement 4 cylinder to a 400hp twin turbo V6 variant of the GT-R's powerplant... Alternatively, we may simply see a newer iteration of the VQ series engine (which would also employ direct injection and advanced fuel management technologies). However, the new Z may still share a platform with its Infiniti siblings, the G37/Q60 coupe, which will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
While we're going to have to wait at least another year for a new Z car, we may see a newly invigorated set of performance capabilities from this line of cars sooner than we think.
Author: Zack Brown (RicerX) is a NICOclub Administrator and current 370Z owner
[post_title] => 2016 Nissan 370Z - The Legend Continues, but what's next?
[post_excerpt] => NICOclub has acquired a build sheet for the 2016 Nissan 370Z, which means a replacement for the current Z will not appear until the 2017 model year or beyond.
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"
NICOclub has acquired a build sheet for the 2016 Nissan 370Z, which means a replacement for the current Z will not appear until the 2017 model year or beyond.
Friday morning began early; way too early for some of us.As we headed to Roebling Road Raceway, it was a beautiful sight to see dozens of Nissan's in the pits. Broken up into three driving groups, after the driver’s meeting the advanced/instructor class took to the track. After the instructors had learned the course, the intermediates had their crack at it, then finally the beginners. All beginners got to have an instructor ride along with them, so not only were they safer, but also learned some pointers as they went out on the track for their first time.
The last day of the convention came too early. As Sunday began, we all made our way to Fort McAllister State Park. The weather managed to hold out to create a beautiful day. Lots of cars shined for the show.After everyone spent a couple hours checking out each other’s rides, we headed inside for lunch, awards, and raffle prizes. The catered food was delicious—true southern cooking. We started by giving awards to the nicest cars at the event. Unlike most events, this car show was judged by other participants, not but a panel of judges. We tallied the results and handed out the awards.)
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Three years ago, Nissan announced a big push to replace and reinvigorate a large portion of its North American lineup. You might recall a commercial showing five different Nissan models driving around with white sheets draped over them. Within that period, four of those models: Altima, Sentra, Pathfinder and Versa Note were introduced and the fifth, the second gen Rogue, recently made its debut.
The 2014 Rogue SL AWD I drove could be considered a true world car, being built on the Nissan/Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform. It differs from that last Rogue model (still being sold as the Rogue Select), which was underpinned by the Nissan Global C platform. Both chassis are FWD based, with options to specify an AWD drivetrain that switch over when needed. Styling-wise, the new Rogue has sharply creased bodywork, and evocative light modules that make it look distinctly upscale. From the V-shaped chrome grille opening and LED-strips ringing the HID headlights, it has a face distinctly refined over its predecessor.
The paint on this particular Rogue (one of eight available shades) was particularly noteworthy. Called “Midnight Jade”, its dark green metallic flakes shimmered through the black base coat in direct sunshine. But at night or under cloudy skies, it was simply a sleek black color. While this color shift may not have been nearly as dramatic as the iridescent paint jobs on late model Mustangs, repairing or repainting shouldn’t drive you into bankruptcy either. Nissan seems to offer several shades of these color shifting paints throughout their current lineup and they are all attractive, particularly if you’re already a fan of black cars.
Step into the cockpit and everything looks and feels more upscale and attractive than the outgoing model. From the revised steering wheel, switchgear and zero-gravity seats adapted from the Altima, to the instrument binnacle that houses the brightly lit speedo and tach, it’s a tangible improvement.
It’s also bigger on the inside, with 70 square feet of room for seven passengers using a sliding “EZ Flex” rear seat and “Divide-N-Hide” cargo panel system in the back. This particular model had a lighter, beige colored interior that certainly brightened the cabin, but might prove to be a challenge to keep clean on a daily basis.
While track testing the new Rogue was out of the question in snowy Colorado, driving it in a variety of conditions still proved educational. Accelerating onto the highway, the QR25DE (with 170-horsepower and 175-ft/lb torque at 4400 RPM) worked well with the revised CVT gearbox (lower friction with less fluid and moving parts) to get up to speed. There was little to no torque steer under heavy acceleration, but the electric power steering still felt a little less direct than I remember in the last Rogue. But that could also be the byproduct of this version having a slightly longer wheelbase (0.4”) and a taller stance (1.2”). With four-wheel independent suspension, the Rogue seemed sure footed enough in sedate city driving, but more prone to body lean and understeer when pushed harder. This SL model used sharp looking 18” Enkei-sourced alloys wrapped with 225-65-18 all-season rubber.
Brakes were strong and progressive, with four wheel discs and ABS that always stopped straight and true, despite a late season snow shower. Nissan is also using the CVT to aid in slowing the Rogue in certain situations. Active Engine Braking is a new technology designed to reduce pedal effort under braking. I could only feel it kick in at highway speeds while modulating the brakes to fit traffic patterns.
So what are the biggest advantages to this new model over what had been Nissan’s second best-selling vehicle? First, better fuel economy (including a whopping EPA-rated 18% increase in highway mileage for the FWD Rogue) on regular unleaded fuel will resonate with consumers. With combined mileage ratings of 27 MPG for the FWD and 26 MPG for the AWD version, Rogue moves to front of the affordable, compact crossover class. And as with most of Nissan’s newest models, the Rogue moves up a class, with comfort and convenience features not usually associated with the mid-to-high 20 thousand price range (the Rogue SL AWD tested was top-of-the-line with a MSRP of $32,685).
One feature I wished I had the chance to try is the new NissanConnect system, which uses the navigation display to link to a smartphone and a variety of apps for use on the road. But media vehicles don’t usually allow any Bluetooth linkages (as so many get in and out of the test models), so that’ll have to wait for another day. What won’t wait is that crossover sales continue to accelerate and Nissan is counting on Rogue to go along with that trend.
- 
We're going to do a complete brake flush on a C5 Corvette Z06 today... This car belongs to a good friend who happens to be an accident investigator - He's seen, firsthand, the results of brake failure. We're not taking any chances, and neither should you.
The first thing we're going to do is to test the existing fluid. The revolutionary BrakeStrip brake fluid testing system guarantees fast, accurate results.
Simple process - Remove the master cylinder cap and dip the strip for one second, then wait 60 seconds and read the results.
Now, this fluid has been in the car for two years... I know, because we flushed it ourselves when we upgraded the brakes. The dark color consists of numerous contaminants, including seal material (suspended rubber molecules), as well as corrosion from inside the metal lines. Remember, brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This allows corrosion in the lines (and inside that expensive ABS pump), and it also affects the fluid's boiling point, meaning your brakes can underperform or fail under severe use.
Clearly, it's failed our test... which is great, because we're flushing it!
The first step was to clean up the master cylinder reservoir as best we can. We did this by pumping the old fluid out (using an old cheap brake bleeder) into a container. I didn't use the V12 bleeder, because I don't want ANYTHING except pristine, fresh fluid in my new bleeder! Check out this nasty mess:
The rest of the task is relatively simple. With the car on 4 jackstands and all four wheels off, we assembled the V12 bleeder to reverse-bleed the brakes. This means we're going to be pushing fluid from each caliper, UP to the master cylinder. With the nose of the car slightly higher than the rear, this allows us to get ALL of the air out of the lines (as well as all the old fluid).
Using the Professional V-12 was super-easy. No drips, no leaks, and ONE person can do the whole job.
Speaking of which, some of you are probably thinking, "Yeah, but I got a buddy to pump the pedal, I crack the bleeder, wait for the fluid to squirt out, close the bleeder, and I'm done." That's nifty - but you're doing it wrong.
That method takes the internal components of the master cylinder FAR outside the normal "stroke" range, which is a very good way to tear a seal. It also doesn't allow all trapped air to exit the system, as the bleeder threads themselves are often a key leaking point. Lastly, unless you're going to do a LOT of stroking and pumping, you're just pushing the contaminants down into your calipers - which aren't cheap to replace.
Starting at the farthest wheel from the master cylinder, and working my way forward (RR / LR / RF / LF), the actual bleeding process took about 10 minutes. About four strokes of the trigger per corner pushed dirty fluid up into the reservoir (where we could suck it out easily) until the fluid came up clear.
On the fourth corner, it was really cool to see the master cylinder fill up with pristine, clear fluid.
I'm totally sold on this system. In fact, if you've got a group of car nuts who like to do "Tech Days" like we do here at NICOclub HQ, it'd be a great thing for everyone to pitch in for - you could do brake fluid flushes for everyone in the club in a day, and teach them what you've learned here in the process.
The V12 system also works for bleeding clutches - another regular maintenance task that most DIY guys do terribly wrong.
So, there you go - I hope this was helpful, and if you have questions about the PhoenixSystems bleeder kits, you can check them out at BrakeBleeder.com!
[post_title] => Review: Phoenix Systems V12 Professional DIY Brake Bleeding System
[post_excerpt] => One of the most misunderstood and incorrectly-done DIY projects for the automotive enthusiast is bleeding brakes. We'll show you how to do a brake fluid service properly.
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[post_content] => One of the most misunderstood and incorrectly-done DIY projects for the automotive enthusiast is bleeding brakes. Sure, it sounds easy, and the old "two-man pump and bleed" process seems like a simple task - but it's actually a terrible way to properly bleed brakes.
On top of that, it's also a messy, time-consuming job. So much so, that most people don't ever bother with it - they figure as long as they stop when they hit the pedal, they're good to go, right? Wrong.
Professional brake technicians know that trapped air kills the response of even the most tricked-out high-end brake systems... You can have multi-pot calipers, huge slotted rotors, stainless lines, and track pads, and they'll STILL get outperformed by a properly-functioning stock system. Why? Because air is compressible. Extremely compressible (how many PSI will a shop compressor handle?)... and that tiny bit of air leaves any brake or clutch assembly mushy, weak and dangerous.
The ONLY way to do a brake fluid service properly is to completely remove trapped air, making sure your brakes perform perfectly and giving a rock-hard pedal.
So, this past year at SEMA, I spent some time talking with the guys from Phoenix Systems, the industry leader in professional brake bleeding systems. We discussed a couple really problematic applications I've encountered (such as a Datsun Roadster with the bleeders pointing DOWN), and they showed off their 