The News for May 27th, 2016

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Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of some of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. I just throw in a little opinion of mine because I can. This week:

  • 2017 GT-R NISMO – new face, same 600 horsepower bite

  • 2017 Subaru BRZ channels the STI concept for a face lift

  • BMW design study pays tribute to the original 2002 Turbo

  • Cosworth is setting up an engine shop near Detroit

  • The first Acura NSX rolls off the assembly line in Ohio

  • What’s your automotive news?

2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO

2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO
Just a few months after the face lifted and reupholstered Nissan GT-R debuted, it’s time for the NISMO to get similar treatment. The 2017 GT-R NISMO gets updated bodywork and improved aero, updated interior, and new chassis tuning.
Some of the new styling cues from the standard 2017 GT-R carry over to the NISMO, such as the “V-motion” grille and the new hood which carries those V lines all the way up. To account for the extra output of the engine, the V grille has been enlarged to collect more air without having an impact on aerodynamics. And because the NISMO has so much extra power to work with, the hood had to be reinforced to avoid deformation at high speeds. The NISMO also receives new layers of carbon fiber that make up the redesigned, stiffer bumper, and that stiffness is needed for the redesigned and more effective canards. Overall, the shape of the 2017 GT-R NISMO is one that generates more downforce than any other production Nissan to date.
The GT-R NISMO benefits from the standard model’s significantly reinforced body structure and capitalizes on that with new shock absorbers, springs, and stabilizers. Its Bilstein DampTronic driver-adjustable system features a new NISMO-tuned mode which they claim allows for the most effective power delivery to the road surface. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission is what still gets it to the wheels. Power output of the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 known as the VR38DETT remains at 600 horsepower and 481 lb.-ft. of torque. Fun fact: those turbos are the same ones used in the GT3-spec GT-Rs.
2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO
Inside, it’s a similar story to what was debuted on the standard 2017 GT-R. No surface has been left untouched during the update and it’s all much more upscale than before. High-quality Alcantara suede covers the redesigned dashboard and steering wheel. It also features a new eight-inch touch-panel monitor which utilizes larger icons for easier touch screen use or a new Display Command control in the center console which allows for easy operation without having to touch the screen, a welcomed feature in a stiffer car. Finally, the GT-R NISMO is the only way to get leather Recaro seats with red suede inserts in a factory Nissan.
All in all, it’s not a dramatic redesign or a car that’s faster by leaps and bounds, but it’s still a potent machine perfectly suited for canyon carving or racing circuits.
[Source: Nissan]

2017 Subaru BRZ

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When Scion Toyota updates the FR-S 86, a Subaru BRZ update won’t be far behind. That’s certainly the case this week following the unveiling of the mid-life refresh of the BRZ for the 2017 model year. It being a nearly identical car mechanically, it gets many of the same updates as on the new 86 but benefits from a face lift not nearly as polarizing.
The BRZ’s face lift takes a page out of the wildly popular BRZ STI Performance Concept’s styling in a less dramatic fashion. Its front bumper has been redesigned for a widened appearance and positioned lower for improved aerodynamics and cooling. Higher up are new “kono-ji” style LED headlights which provide a cleaner look over the previous design, provide better nighttime visibility, and reduce power consumption.
At the rear, all BRZ models will now come with an aluminum spoiler in matching body color and black finish. It utilizes a new pedestal design which has a positive impact on horsepower downforce. Sadly, they only gave us one picture of the exterior so we can’t see the whole thing just yet. The tail lights back there are also upgraded to full LED for energy reduction and improve visibility. The aluminum alloy wheels were redesigned as well for the Premium and Limited models and feature a new 10-spoke, 17″ design and a high-contrast black and machined finish.
17BRZ-2
Its interior gets a few new updates as well, most noticeably with a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. Tucked to the right of the tachometer is a 4.2-inch LCD multifunction display providing real-time telemetry including lateral Gs, accelerator position, braking force, steering angle, oil and water temps, voltage, and a stop watch for recording lap times.
And when you’re at the track with the 2017 BRZ, the numerous improvements made to the chassis should make it a thriller. It receives updated coil springs and dampers as well as a larger rear stabilizer bar. It also gets a reinforced strut tower brace, transmission cross-member plate, and rear wheel housings. To allow anyone to take full advantage of the new capabilities the enhanced chassis brings, Subaru has also increased the thresholds for the stability control. All of this makes enough difference that Subaru felt compelled to rename its “Sport” mode to “Track” mode. For real.
Get ready to fee like Mario Andretti because the 2017 BRZ also features a power increase… it’s five. Same power output as reported on the new Toyota 86 because they pretty much had to. 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque is what the TRACK MODE BRZ has to play with now. But making the most out of that power is a new, lower final drive ratio of 4.3:1 paired with the standard Torsen limited-slip differential when equipped with a manual transmission.
For those that want even more TRACK MODE to their BRZ, it can now be spec’d with the Performance Package on Limited models with a manual transmission. That adds Brembo brake calipers and larger rotors at all four corners, SACHS Performance shocks, and unique 17″ x 7.5″ black aluminum alloy wheels.
The Premium and Limited BRZ models will arrive by September, but Limited models with the Performance Package will have to wait till next Winter. Pricing isn’t available yet.
[Source: Subaru]

BMW 2002 Hommage

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By waiting till Friday before doing a weekly automotive news recap, I can normally get a chance to cover everything that matters. I say normally because BMW. They like to make big announcements hours after the news goes live. This story is no exception. You’ve all probably heard about it by now and it doesn’t matter that much, but it’s still worth a quick mention. Maybe.
Anyways, BMW revealed the 2002 Hommage at last weekend’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este near Lake Como, Italy. Like BMW’s previous attempts at making polarizing retro/modern concepts, this is a one-off design study with the sole purpose of showing what designers are capable of and to pay tribute to some of their most important cars. This one is an homage to the car that put BMW on the map: the BMW 2002 Turbo. Whether it’s a turbo or not,  the 2002 is still a highly revered car in company history.
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Think of this Hommage model as a re-imaging of a 1970’s engineering marvel as a design study for modern times. I won’t go into the details of its design, but overall it tries to be minimalist in terms of body lines, wider hips, bespoke Space Race Metal paintwork, 20″ multi-spoke, light alloy wheels (which I hope go on a production car somehow), and several neat details that certainly weren’t on the original car. Certain details from the original 2002 race cars of the era were adapted for the 2002 Hommage, including the BMW Motorsport livery on the front apron. mirrored “turbo” lettering, matte paintwork on parts of the roof, bonnet, and boot lid to reduce glare, and finally yellow-hued headlight lenses.
Will they ever build and sell this? No. Is it pretty? To most, probably not. Is it kind of awesome regardless? I think so.
[Source: BMW]

Cosworth setting up shop near Detroit

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Interesting news this week via Autoweek confirms that Cosworth, a British manufacturer of high performance powertrains and electronics, is setting up shop in a Detroit suburb of all places. With a $30 million investment, they’ll be building an all-new facility in Shelby Township, Michigan.
When the factory opens in 2018, it’ll start off supplying an unnamed manufacturer of “high performance road cars” *cough* TVR *cough* with V8 cylinder heads. The factory will be flexible enough to allow them to branch out with other manufacturers and produce other components in the future. Future growth plans could include expanding the same facility or opening a new manufacturing plant nearby, but for now they’ll take advantage of the facility’s close proximity to some big customers to grow as they can. Cosworth states up to 110 jobs will be added as a result.
[Source: Cosworth via Autoweek]

First Acura NSX rolls off the line

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It’s happening*! After years of teasing, concepts, delays, and starting over a few times, Acura has finally built its first real NSX for a real customer.
NSX VIN 001 was assembled at Acura’s new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio and it belongs to Rick Hendrick. The NASCAR team owner won the right to own the first NSX after bidding $1.2 million in an auction benefiting two children’s charities. Presumably, NSX 002 and 003 were right behind it and destined for the climate controlled garages of Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld after they did that commercial they did four years ago.
[Source: Acura]
*This is not a political statement. I just really like that gif.

What’s your automotive news?

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That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments. If you’re a certain someone who’s just taken delivery of a Chevrolet SS, pix pls 😉
Have a good weekend.
[Image © 2016 Hooniverse/Greg Kachadurian]

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  1. Frank T. Cat Avatar
    Frank T. Cat

    View post on imgur.com


    After removing the two timing cover locating dowels, it’s all reinstallation of parts from here. I already got the new timing chain and sprockets on, as well as the timing chain guides, the timing chain tensioner, and the two balance shaft sprockets on.
    Just waiting on a replacement for that balance shaft idler sprocket bolt I mangled yesterday to come in the mail, and I can blaze down the path of reassembly. 😀
    (not looking forward to putting the timing cover and oil pan back on without smearing the expensive anaerobic sealant everywhere)

    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      “Installation is the reverse of removal.” Good luck getting that bolt back in with a chisel.

      1. Frank T. Cat Avatar
        Frank T. Cat

        A replacement for that bolt, and its mangled washer, is in the mail right now. Hopefully it gets here tomorrow so I can make use of the long weekend…

      2. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        Do you have to yell all the curse words in reverse too?

  2. nanoop Avatar
    nanoop

    Good news: I installed the oil cooler correctly. Bad news: the leak is from the coolant pump.
    Average news: road authorities will license the new daily driver only next week.

  3. JayP Avatar
    JayP

    I love that Cosworth is investing in the TVR with Coyote.
    In Detroit!
    This can only bring good things.

  4. JayP Avatar
    JayP

    Bought a 1/2″ electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight to assist in the wheel stud upgrade.
    What’s the over/under it lasts past the 3rd wheel?

    1. salguod Avatar

      I have probably the same 1/2″ electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight and it’s served me well. It’s not gotten a ton of use, but significantly more than 3 wheels worth.

      1. JayP Avatar
        JayP

        The gal checking me out said to keep the receipt for a 90 day return.
        I’m pretty good on tools anyway.

    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      It will last forever. Mine has. Won’t loosen properly torqued lug nuts, but it will last forever.

    3. Frank T. Cat Avatar
      Frank T. Cat

      Mine stripped out the motor drive gear in the reduction drive while I was trying to hammer a rear hub mounting bolt free on my 900. I only really used it 10-12 times. :
      Got a cordless Craftsman 1/2″ impact for $89 last week, though. So far I’m loving that.

  5. CraigSu Avatar
    CraigSu

    BMW 2002 Hommage: Needs more Hofmeister Kink and Mahle wheels (among other things)
    First NSX rolls off the line: (Stretch) (Yawn) Um, what? (Rolls over, goes back to sleep)
    Subaru BRZ: If we’re going STi on this thing let’s paint it World Rally Blue (or whatever it’s called), paint the wheels gold, and slap some pink STi stickers on it.

    1. JayP Avatar
      JayP

      What couldn’t use more kink?

  6. salguod Avatar

    My friend who’s an engineer at Honda says that there are several NSX mules lined up in some back lot in Marysville awaiting their date with the crusher.

    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Pre-production cars… law says you have to crush them, or that you can’t sell them at least. Sometimes they wind up as race cars, test vehicles, or for other programs, but mostly they just get crushed.

      1. salguod Avatar

        Yeah, makes complete sense and happens all the time. Still a bit sad.

  7. Douche_McGee Avatar
    Douche_McGee

    You can see a rear shot of the new BRZ on Subaru’s webiste:
    http://www.subaru.com/2017-brz
    Part of me still really wants one, but I’ll get bored of a torqueless 205hp