Shadow Sport Design's Tasty Nissan GT-R Aero Kit

If you have been following us for a while now here at Carscoop you must know that we don't care much about excessive tuning proposals that stand out from the crowd for the wrong reasons. But that is not the case with Japan's Shadow Sport Design and it's aerodynamic kit for the (R35) Nissan GT-R that is complemented by a set of 20-inch forged magnesium wheels finished in black created in conjuction with Enkei. Shadow Sport Design's dry carbon aero package includes a front underspoiler, a rear wing and a rear diffuser that incorporates the new tailpipes of the full titanium muffler.

With this package the GT-R looks different enough from the standard car to grab your attention but in a way that you could easily have mistaken it as a proposal that came straight out of Nissan's factory.

Source: Shadow Sport Design , Via: GT-R Blog

Report: Toyota's Japanese Production May Fall 25% in 2009

The enduring global economic crisis brings more bad news for Toyota. Citing an unnamed senior official, Japan's top-selling newspaper Yomiuri said that Toyota's domestic output that accounts for about half of the firm's worldwide production, will drop to 3 million vehicles in 2009, down 25 percent from 2008 when it produced 4 million units. What makes things even worse is that the unnamed official told the newspaper that "producing 3 million vehicles is the minimum necessary for Toyota to keep its full-time workers."

While Toyota's spokesman Keisuke Kirimoto declined to back up the report from Yomiuri, he did note that the last time that the company's domestic production fell under 3 million was 30 years ago, in 1979, when it rolled out 2.99 million vehicles in Japan.

Earlier this month, Toyota announced that it would shut down its operations at all 12 of its Japanese factories for three days in January and 11 days over February and March. In 2008, the company saw its Japanese market sales drop by 7.4% over 2007.

Via: Businessweek , Source: Associated Press

Nissan GT-R SpecV Officially Revealed! 38 High Resolution Photos

The much anticipated GT-R SpecV model that comes to the market only a year after the standard GT-R's debut, was officially unveiled today by Nissan. While maintaining the user-friendly character of the original model, the sportiest production version of the GT-R up to date promises to offer enthusiasts even higher levels of thrills through a series of body, interior and performance equipment and modifications.

On the outside, the GT-R SpecV's new features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts while Nissan has also introduced a new exclusive Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color. Inside, apart from the removal of the two rear seats, the SpecV gains a set of special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats, while carbon fiber insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

The top-of-the-line GT-R's performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device. According to Nissan officials, this devise momentarily increases boost of the 3.8-liter V6's twin turbochargers offering greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy.

Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system, lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes that promise to provide even better stopping performance.

For the time being, the GT-R SpecV will only be available in Japan, but don't be surprised if Nissan offers a few examples in North America and selected European markets in the very near future.

Honda to Present S2000 and Fit / Jazz Modulo Concepts at 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

Two new concept cars will be the main attraction at Honda's booth at this weekend's Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 that will be held from Friday, January 9, to Sunday, January 11, 2009, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The S2000 and Fit (called Jazz in Europe and other markets) concepts have both been developed by Honda's in-house customization brand, Modulo. The Japanese firm has not released any specific details on the two cars other than that the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept combines 'superior performance' with a 'premium interior finish' and that the Sports Modulo Fit Concept is a compact and practical, yet sporty automobile.

From the official press shots, we see that the S2000 Modulo Concept gains a wider front bumper and a new grille adorned with LED lights, side sills and multispoke alloy wheels. Inside, Modulo has uprated the S2000's cabin with new leather seats and carbon fiber trim.

As for the Sports Modulo Fit Concept, it too features a sportier front bumper with LED lights, side sills and dark alloy wheels. The Fit's two-tone interior has been extensively modified with the addition of bucket seats, an alcantara sport steering wheel, carbon-fiber trim finished in orange and extra gauges around the instrument panel.