Nissan R32 GTR emblems for sale. Brand new, genuine Nissan Parts. Front "S" emblem $55 CDN, and Rear "GTR" emblem $80 CDN, OBO (or best offer).
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Nissan R32 GTR emblems for sale.
Nissan R32 GTR emblems for sale. Brand new, genuine Nissan Parts. Front "S" emblem $55 CDN, and Rear "GTR" emblem $80 CDN, OBO (or best offer).
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Ricers Vs American Muscle
Or should I say JDM VS GDM VS ADM
It is amazing how passionate people get about what country their car comes from. I see all kinds of Ford and Mustang owners putting down Japanese cars. I think it is all very childish myself. When I was young, I was only into Audi and Porsche. Then I went through an American Muscle car phase. Then I went to Japan, and totally got into Japanese cars. What I am trying to say is that it doesn't matter what country your car comes from, just look at the individual specs of each car and then decide from that.
It is amazing how passionate people get about what country their car comes from. I see all kinds of Ford and Mustang owners putting down Japanese cars. I think it is all very childish myself. When I was young, I was only into Audi and Porsche. Then I went through an American Muscle car phase. Then I went to Japan, and totally got into Japanese cars. What I am trying to say is that it doesn't matter what country your car comes from, just look at the individual specs of each car and then decide from that.
Monday, September 24, 2007
GT-R, orginal brochure
Finally, the GT-R. It was a long strange trip. Notice how the GT-R is the only one to have the three meter gauges on the center console inside the interior.
http://jdm-imports.com
Visit nissangtrblog.com to buy Nissan Skyline parts.
GTS-4
AWD Coupe. The closest thing to a GTR. The rear wing has a flush mounted brake light. Not suitable for the GTR, however, it give the GTS-4 a very high tech look.
http://jdm-imports.com
GTS Type J
Red is not bad, but I like the darker red. Notice how they start to use the sunk in rear lights. Amazing how they pay so much attention to the detail and minor changes.
http://jdm-imports.com
GTS Type S
How many variations do they need?!?The rear lights use a flush, smooth surface. A high-tech feeling is created, but not quite an aggressive look like the GT-R. Handsome tail lights none the less.
The dark, royal blue is a very unique color. It would be funny to see a GT-R in this very, adult color.
http://jdm-imports.com
GTXi Type X
Fromhttp://jdm-imports.com
This one had a mere 91 hp and white is the cheapest color to produce. In Japan, white cars outnumber all other colors. Notice the ultra cheap plastic wheel covers. They look they came from Canadian tire.
Visit nissangtrblog.com to buy Nissan Skyline parts.
Friday, September 21, 2007
R34 Police car
This one is fromhttp://commons.wikimedia.org
This is quite an odd site for me. Here in Canada, cops often pull over Skyline owners, but in Japan, some police cars are Skylines. How the tables are turned! Maybe the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) should recruit some Skylines on the force, lol. Heck, these days, half the Taxi's are Japanese in Toronto. Why not? The automotive world is changing fast.
Another interesting side note, there have been R32, and R33 police cars as well. There have also been RX-8, RX-7, and Subaru Impreza Police cars in Japan. I have seen them first hand.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
1963-68 Skyline
Visit http://history.jbskyline.net/ to see more history on the Skyline.
Yes, it started way back then. The four round lights and the lip over the rear wheel. This Skyline is not exactly the most exciting as it looks like it was made in Eastern Europe, but it hints at greatness to come.
This was the S50 series, and was built from 1963 until 1968. I believe this model represented the metamorphoses from luxury sedan to sports car. The next model after this was definitely all muscle.
In 1967 Prince merged with Nissan.
1961-62 Prince Skyline
This one is fromhttp://www.importculture.com/
This Skyline was from around the time Prince merged with Nissan. The amazing thing about Skyline's is that they maintained the same design ques/elements from the beginning. Like the four round lights and the little line over the rear wheels like the ones you see on this car. Granted, there is not as much lineage as the Porsche 911, but compared to other Japanese makers, they didn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Toyota for example, is a great company, but they hardly ever look that their past models when designing a new car.
This Skyline was Italian designed, but it was short lived as it was too expensive to produce compared with the up and coming S50 models.
Inspiration for the Skyline C211?
This one is from
http://www.renaultklassiek.nl/
I can totally see that the designers were looking at this design when they designed the C211. Specially the front end. This Renault 15 is a very handsome car. The rear end was very unique too. Also, you got to love the vibrant orange and green shades European automakers used in the 1970's.
1971 Skyline
This one is selling at
http://www.terra2imports.ca
for $18,675 CDN. I am sure these are great cars, but I have never been a fan of this design. Like the R31 Skyline, I feel the design is a bit bland. It reminds me of a supped up Lada.
1975 Skyline
This one is on sale from
http://www.terra2imports.ca
It is selling for $22,097 CDN. I didn't think they made these after 1973 but maybe I am wrong. I don't think this is a real GT-R, rather, it is a replica made from a lower grade Skyline. Some real C110 GT-R's in great condition go for close to $100,000! This makes them just about the second most expensive vintage Japanese cars. I predict that in the future, vintage Japanese cars will go way up in price. Considering how most of them have rusted away.
Anyway, this car is well worth the money as this car is basically non-existent in North America. I hope to own one someday. Oh yea, and the wheels are nice. The original wheels were basic steel rims. I guess in those days, slick low-profile rims were non-existent.
A powerful C110 (240k GT) model from Arabia!!
This one is from Arabia believe it or not. This thing is over the top. I think it has a good ol' V8 with a huge blower. Check out http://www.q8hp.com for more crazy cars. The Datsun 240k GT was the name used in Europe.Visit nissangtrblog.com to buy Nissan Skyline parts.
European C211 Skyline "Datsun"
Looks Like a European C211 Model. It's funny that they used square rear lights in Europe instead of the trademark, four round lights.
西部警察!!
A model from http://s597016.exblog.jp/m2005-02-01/
This appears to be from a 1980's Police Drama Show called "Nishibukeisatsu" or 西部警察. That means west wing police force. It's kinda like a Japanese version of Starsky and Hutch.
1977 Nissan Skyline (1977-1980)
A 1977 model from http://www.amayama.com/
I quite like this one. Clean, simple and unique. I would say it is very European looking. I reminds me of a Renault or Peugeot from the same era. However, I feel it does not have the same robust looks of the 73 model or the newer 90's Skylines. The top model had 145 hp.
R30 Skyline. (1981-1985)
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Here is an image of the R30 from
http://theskylinesunderground.hostingzero.com
Slightly bigger headlights than the R31. I love the understated wheels on this one. They suit the two tone color scheme. There was a popular Japanese Drama series based on this car. I will try and find a link about this.
There was also a version called the Iron Mask, or 鉄仮面, Tekamen. It was the RS version, and the front end was reminiscent of the Iron Mask from medieval times. The Top model had 205 hp.
R31 Skyline Club (R31 1986-1988)
In Australia, there is a strong following for the R31. The website is http://gallery.r31skylineclub.com
or http://wiki.r31skylineclub.com
Personally, this is my least favourite Skyline. Can we say bland styling? Anyway, I sure they still perform very well. The top model had 210 hp. All other Skylines after this were limited to 276 hp by Japanese law. However, this number was far under their potential.
Visit nissangtrblog.com to buy Nissan Skyline parts.
R31 Engine
Here is a view of the R31's engine. I am sure this had some power too. This is from one of the club meets at http://gallery.r31skylineclub.com
RB20 Engine 2.0L
This one is going for $1200 USD. From http://www.japangeneraljdmmotors.com
I believe this is the engine from the GTS model. It has 212 hp and a single Turbo.
RB26 Engine
This RB26 engine is on sale at http://www.japangeneraljdmmotors.com
for a price of $3900 USD. It looks quite clean.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Original Wheels
These are the original wheels found on the R32 GTR. It is rare to see them these days because everybody ops for lower profile aftermarket wheels. Personally, I would love to have a set of these rims. However, they do not suit a silver body. Matching silver rims work far better on a silver body. On black, gun metal gray, and dark red, these rims work very well. I also like the "S" logo in the middle. This Skyline was sold by http://www.theskylineshop.com
An interesting side note, the lowest powered R32 Skylines had a mere 91 hp! This would be the GXi Type-X model. Could you imagine that!? That is even lower than all the Skylines from 1968 until 1988. They had at least 95 hp.
73 GTR 1/18 scale model
I own this great model from Kyosho. The detail is excellent. Even down to the seat belts. They have a numerous other skylines. See their website at http://kyosho.com
1/18 scale model from auto art.
I highly recommend these 1/18 scale models from http://www.autoartmodels.com
I have one, and the detail is excellent. They have them with many different racing decals, and they also have the R33 and R34 models as well.
Skylines on film
Here is a cool website called Internet Movie Cars Database. A kind of takeoff of Internet Movie database (IMDb), but this one is for cars.
http://www.imcdb.org
http://www.imcdb.org
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
1989 Nissan Skyline GTS -t Type M
I have always liked the lines of the clean sleek GTS models. In some ways, I even like the looks better than the GTR model. All the side panels are more narrow than the GTR's. The side turn signals are a different yet an interesting design as well. This design looks far more European to me. Elegant in an understated way. This one is on sale for $12,950 at http://www.jdmcars.ca/
My friend had one of these and I was very impressed with the soft fabric seats and the sunroof. It was a nice change to sit in compared to my stiff GTR. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my GTR for the world, but sometimes it is nice to ride in luxury.
On a side note, they even made an all wheel drive version on the gts just in case you didn't know.
Where to race your Skyline: calabogie motorsports
Never been here, so I don't know much about it.
http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/
http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/
Where to race your Skyline: Shannonville
Visit their website at http://www.shannonville.com/
I have actually taken my car to this track, but I was not able to race my car because a motorcycle race was going on. I did however sneak some time on the back track, but I was quickly asked to stop. There was a drag race going on at the same time, but I decided not to take part. It is my everyday car after all.
Where to race your Skyline: Dunnville Autodrome
This is a track southwest of Toronto. You can see their website at http://www.dunnvilleautodrome.com
Nostalgic Hero
Nostalgic Hero is one of my favourite Japanese Magazines. I have about 4 issues so contact me if you want to buy one. They tend to focus on very old Japanese cars, but I know for a fact that they have done an issue on the GTR R32. I would love to get my hands on that issue. They are published by this company
http://www.geibunsha.co.jp/teiki/mo_nh.html
Hyper Rev Magazine.
I have this issue if anybody wants to buy it off me (GT-R No.6, Vol.120). The Hyper Rev series is the most complete magazine and parts guide for the Skyline on the planet. Unfortunately, it is only written in Japanese. So unless you can read it like me, you will just have to enjoy the pictures. Either way, it is well worth it if you can get your hands on a copy. The American website is http://www.hyperrevusa.com/
Check it out!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Killer Links
Here are some great links!!
http://www.skylinegtrhome.com/
http://www.skylineowners.com/forum/
www.gtrcanada.com
Gtrcanada.com is a great site! Perfect for skyline owners in Canada. I found my car on this website, and was very happy with the results. There were quite a few cars to choose from, so I feel that I made a good choice given the options I had. In saying that, it is always best to take a trip to Japan and pick you own, but not everybody has the time or money to do that.
Anyway, GTRCanada has lots of users and lots of valuable information on their forums. You can find almost any part you are looking for. Give them a try if you live in Canada or one of the neighbouring states. Look me up on the forums too. My user name is samsam81073
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Nissan Skyline spotting in Toronto!
A black GTR I spotted on Bloor street. right in front of the Roots store. September, 12th, 2007.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Let Me Introduce You To The Nissan Skyline
Not commonly found in the United States, the Nissan Skyline is a Japanese sports car with a lot of history. Dating back 45 years, the Nissan Skyline has received many awards and has earned the nickname “Godzilla.” While it’s far from being the monster machine that it’s nickname implies, this Japanese original is larger than life.
After an absence in production for 10 years, Nissan announced that it would release a new GT-R Skyline model in 1989. It was set to compete in the Japan Touring Car Group A racing series and lead the field in an undefeated first season. For the next four years, the GT-R Nissan Skyline was awarded the Japan Touring Car Group A championship. In 1994, in honor of it’s spectacular achievements, the Nissan Skyline was given it’s own series, which was called the Japan GT Car series. For the years ahead, the Nissan Skyline proved to be a dominating force in Japanese racing. Ultimately, there was never a Skyline GT-R made to comply with standards set forth by the United States. However, Motorex imports and modifies the Nissan Skyline GT-R in order to meet requirements so that the cars may be sold in America.
The Nissan Skyline automobiles are popular among youngsters, as well. Ok, so maybe they don’t have a license to drive, but they can certainly burn some rubber on video games and that’s exactly what they are doing. Throughout the years, racing video games have become very popular among kids of all ages - both young and old. The Nissan Skyline has appeared in numerous video games after being recognized for it’s speed and sleek sporty design. Along those same lines, the Nissan Skyline has been recognized in many of the biggest motion pictures to feature a racing theme. Clearly, the motto for these cars are outlined in their sleek design and sports car appearance.
The Nissan Skyline is an intermediate-size automobile, which is originally manufactured in Japan before being exported to other countries. It is sold as either a coupe or sedan style automobile and has been produced, in various models, since the 1950s. In 2008, the next generation of Nissan Skyline GT-R automobiles may be sold in the United States. Until that time, these luxury style sports cars can be converted to local standards by various manufacturers who agree to sale the automobiles. Only time will tell what the Nissan Skyline has in store but, with its rich racing history, you can bet they will race out of stock.
Vincent Abrugar is the online publisher of http://www.nissaninfo.com a website about nissan skyline.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Abrugar
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Problems I have had with my Skyline.
The car is 15 years old after all so I have had my fair share of problems. However in the end, I still think the car is worth all the problems. Here are a list of the problems I have had.
1. The clutch gave out after a few weeks. I think the sellers didn't warn me about this and wanted my business so they could work on the car and get even more money out of me.
2. I was in Japan for 3 months this summer, and when I got back, the battery was completely dead. This is to be expected, but I should have removed the negative connection to the battery.
3. Tragically, while the car was sitting for 3 months, the transmission completely froze up. Somehow the clutch was fully engaged. This cost about $600 to have the transmission taken out, repaired and put back in.
4. Not a problem, but I needed to get a new set of tires. A set of Sumitomo's set me back another $600.
5. The lower black spoiler on the front was torn off countless times due to driveways with very uneven surfaces. I just took it off completely, and to tell you the truth, I think it looks better without the spoiler.
So be aware about all the potential problems a 15 year old car can have. Could you imagine if this was a 25 year old Skyline.
1. The clutch gave out after a few weeks. I think the sellers didn't warn me about this and wanted my business so they could work on the car and get even more money out of me.
2. I was in Japan for 3 months this summer, and when I got back, the battery was completely dead. This is to be expected, but I should have removed the negative connection to the battery.
3. Tragically, while the car was sitting for 3 months, the transmission completely froze up. Somehow the clutch was fully engaged. This cost about $600 to have the transmission taken out, repaired and put back in.
4. Not a problem, but I needed to get a new set of tires. A set of Sumitomo's set me back another $600.
5. The lower black spoiler on the front was torn off countless times due to driveways with very uneven surfaces. I just took it off completely, and to tell you the truth, I think it looks better without the spoiler.
So be aware about all the potential problems a 15 year old car can have. Could you imagine if this was a 25 year old Skyline.
Here is an interesting article from Japanoid.com
"I feel very passionate about this topic and I sure hope they never change the law in Canada about this. There should always be room for the car enthusiast in any society. Here is the article, I hope you find it as interesting as I did."
Peter Albrektsen
Stop the 25 year rule!
Transport Canada is thinking about changing the vehicle import law from 15 years to 25 years old, help us send them a message; THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
According to current law, Canadian citizens can import any vehicle outside North America that was manufactured 15 years ago or older. American citizens can also import vehicles to the US, but they have to be 25 years or older. Pressure is building for Canada to change our law to match the United States, 25 years. This change in law would unfairly limit Canadian consumers and destroy many small businesses. Imported vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and in such low numbers they pose no threat to the Canadian public.
Transport Canada claims that since these vehicles are not manufactured to American Standards, they don't belong on Canadian roads. While this is true for some imported vehicles, the origin of nearly all imports is Japan, Germany and the UK; not exactly countries known to be unsafe. All three of these countries rank in the top 10 for road safety; while Canada and the US rank 11th and 25th respectively, Germany (#8) Japan (#6) and the UK (#2) do a much better job. According to 2002 statistics, 9.3 Canadian drivers died for every 100,000. In the United States this number is 14.9; not a system we should align with. And although Transport Canada claims Canadian and American standards are better than the 52 countries who are part of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, most experts fiercely disagree. Ask a Swede (#1) or the Dutch (#3), heck even the Swiss (#5) are in that club.
Please share!Digg it
digg_url = 'http://www.japanoid.com/petition.php';
digg_bgcolor = '#f0f0f0';
digg_skin = '';
Send a letter to Transport CanadaPostal Code:
Did you know?
In British Colombia motorcycles are exempt from carbon emissions tests. Most motorcycles in BC are above 750cc. Kei cars are not exempt in BC but their engines are 660cc and smaller.
It can be claimed that imported cars are in fact safer than their domestic counterparts of the same age.
A majority of these foreign imports are arriving from Japan. Besides the recognized quality of Japanese cars, domestic use 15 year old Japanese cars are amazingly well maintained. The Japanese don't fool around with safety; they force every car on the road to pass a strict inspection every two years. This system of Japanese inspection standards called the "Shaken", tests brakes, emissions, shocks, tires, body condition, everything. As a result, the most popular imports are much safer than vehicles sold in North America 15 years ago, which don't have mandatory inspections.
Find out more about the Shaken
Besides, Canadians who import 15 year old cars don't exactly bring these vehicles in and drive away. Upon entry, importers pay custom duties and tax, go through agricultural inspections, modifications inspections, provincial inspections and in BC, emissions testing. Any and all maintenance, repairs or modifications have to be made before a vehicle is granted approval for road use. More often than not, new headlights, tires, reflectors, catalytic converters, and day-time running lights are added to these vehicles, making them compliant to Canadian standards to the very last detail.
Find out more about Federal and Provincial Vehicle Compliance
Canadians buying these vehicles are looking for a healthy alternative.
A majority of the cars imported are fuel efficient or Bio-diesel ready. Diesel Toyota Lancruisers, Mitsubishi Delicas, VW Sycros and Jettas are often readily converted to Bio-Diesel. There is no real domestic alternative to these multi-passenger four wheel drives. Additionally, many Canadians prefer the smaller set, the Kei Cars with 660cc engines. Kei cars get an average of 5.8l/100kms, which if sold new would qualify for an ecoRebate from the Canadian Government. And although Transport Canada claims that older vehicles and smaller engines don't always mean fewer pollutants, California's Smogcheck Program exempts diesels and engines under 800cc. In addition, Kei Cars save space on our crowded roads and public spaces. And unlike their hybrid counterparts, take much less energy to manufacture and dispose because of their small size and simple materials.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) also claim that Canadian drivers are incapable of operating Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles safely.
This claim has no evidence to back it up. Japan and England drive on the left side of the road and thus manufacture RHD Vehicles. However, Japanese and British citizens have the freedom to import vehicles from Left Hand Drive (LHD) countries like Canada and the US. Ford, Mercedes, Chrysler, and General Motors left hand drive vehicles can be bought new in Japan without any question. Vehicles imported to Japan do not have to meet Japanese Safety Standards, only emissions regulations. The Japanese do not pay more for insurance; are not required to take additional tests and are not subject any other form of prejudice for choosing a foreign vehicle. The Japanese even provide LHD toll-booths to facilitate LHD vehicles. If Canadian authorities feel the Canadian driver is not as competent as the Japanese or British driver, they should provide us with the basis for this belief. Some attribute our Canadian policies to pure protectionism.
Find out more abotu LHD vs. RHD
Transport Canada instituted the 15 year old import law in 1986 for the benefit of car collectors collecting American muscle cars.
Today many Canadians are taking advantage of this law to import environmentally friendly vehicles from places like Japan and Germany. Given the current concerns with global warming and the movement towards freer trade, it is difficult to understand why Transport Canada wants to change the law to 25 years. Just like back in 1986 the number of imported cars on Canadian roads is extremely low. Out of the more than 18 Million cars in Canada there are no more than 73,000 cars that fall under the 15 year import rule; this is only 0.004% of cars on the road. And many are driven only on weekends or off-road. Clearly not a threat to the motoring public.
As their owners will tell you, imported cars provide for a need in the marketplace that currently does not exist. Imported vehicles are safe and on average, more environmentally friendly and cost effective than domestic vehicles. Changing the 15 year import law now would be a big mistake and send the wrong message on the environment and free trade. Not only would it negatively impact choice for the car collector, many small businesses across Canada would be destroyed. Keeping the current law is in the best interest of all Canadians. Please Stop the 25 year import law change.
To find out more:Visit the Canadian Association of Vehicle Importers CAVI.ca
Or Send an Email to Transport Canada and tell them how you feel
Printer friendly version of this page.
Peter Albrektsen
Stop the 25 year rule!
Transport Canada is thinking about changing the vehicle import law from 15 years to 25 years old, help us send them a message; THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
According to current law, Canadian citizens can import any vehicle outside North America that was manufactured 15 years ago or older. American citizens can also import vehicles to the US, but they have to be 25 years or older. Pressure is building for Canada to change our law to match the United States, 25 years. This change in law would unfairly limit Canadian consumers and destroy many small businesses. Imported vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and in such low numbers they pose no threat to the Canadian public.
Transport Canada claims that since these vehicles are not manufactured to American Standards, they don't belong on Canadian roads. While this is true for some imported vehicles, the origin of nearly all imports is Japan, Germany and the UK; not exactly countries known to be unsafe. All three of these countries rank in the top 10 for road safety; while Canada and the US rank 11th and 25th respectively, Germany (#8) Japan (#6) and the UK (#2) do a much better job. According to 2002 statistics, 9.3 Canadian drivers died for every 100,000. In the United States this number is 14.9; not a system we should align with. And although Transport Canada claims Canadian and American standards are better than the 52 countries who are part of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, most experts fiercely disagree. Ask a Swede (#1) or the Dutch (#3), heck even the Swiss (#5) are in that club.
Please share!Digg it
digg_url = 'http://www.japanoid.com/petition.php';
digg_bgcolor = '#f0f0f0';
digg_skin = '';
Send a letter to Transport CanadaPostal Code:
Did you know?
In British Colombia motorcycles are exempt from carbon emissions tests. Most motorcycles in BC are above 750cc. Kei cars are not exempt in BC but their engines are 660cc and smaller.
It can be claimed that imported cars are in fact safer than their domestic counterparts of the same age.
A majority of these foreign imports are arriving from Japan. Besides the recognized quality of Japanese cars, domestic use 15 year old Japanese cars are amazingly well maintained. The Japanese don't fool around with safety; they force every car on the road to pass a strict inspection every two years. This system of Japanese inspection standards called the "Shaken", tests brakes, emissions, shocks, tires, body condition, everything. As a result, the most popular imports are much safer than vehicles sold in North America 15 years ago, which don't have mandatory inspections.
Find out more about the Shaken
Besides, Canadians who import 15 year old cars don't exactly bring these vehicles in and drive away. Upon entry, importers pay custom duties and tax, go through agricultural inspections, modifications inspections, provincial inspections and in BC, emissions testing. Any and all maintenance, repairs or modifications have to be made before a vehicle is granted approval for road use. More often than not, new headlights, tires, reflectors, catalytic converters, and day-time running lights are added to these vehicles, making them compliant to Canadian standards to the very last detail.
Find out more about Federal and Provincial Vehicle Compliance
Canadians buying these vehicles are looking for a healthy alternative.
A majority of the cars imported are fuel efficient or Bio-diesel ready. Diesel Toyota Lancruisers, Mitsubishi Delicas, VW Sycros and Jettas are often readily converted to Bio-Diesel. There is no real domestic alternative to these multi-passenger four wheel drives. Additionally, many Canadians prefer the smaller set, the Kei Cars with 660cc engines. Kei cars get an average of 5.8l/100kms, which if sold new would qualify for an ecoRebate from the Canadian Government. And although Transport Canada claims that older vehicles and smaller engines don't always mean fewer pollutants, California's Smogcheck Program exempts diesels and engines under 800cc. In addition, Kei Cars save space on our crowded roads and public spaces. And unlike their hybrid counterparts, take much less energy to manufacture and dispose because of their small size and simple materials.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) also claim that Canadian drivers are incapable of operating Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles safely.
This claim has no evidence to back it up. Japan and England drive on the left side of the road and thus manufacture RHD Vehicles. However, Japanese and British citizens have the freedom to import vehicles from Left Hand Drive (LHD) countries like Canada and the US. Ford, Mercedes, Chrysler, and General Motors left hand drive vehicles can be bought new in Japan without any question. Vehicles imported to Japan do not have to meet Japanese Safety Standards, only emissions regulations. The Japanese do not pay more for insurance; are not required to take additional tests and are not subject any other form of prejudice for choosing a foreign vehicle. The Japanese even provide LHD toll-booths to facilitate LHD vehicles. If Canadian authorities feel the Canadian driver is not as competent as the Japanese or British driver, they should provide us with the basis for this belief. Some attribute our Canadian policies to pure protectionism.
Find out more abotu LHD vs. RHD
Transport Canada instituted the 15 year old import law in 1986 for the benefit of car collectors collecting American muscle cars.
Today many Canadians are taking advantage of this law to import environmentally friendly vehicles from places like Japan and Germany. Given the current concerns with global warming and the movement towards freer trade, it is difficult to understand why Transport Canada wants to change the law to 25 years. Just like back in 1986 the number of imported cars on Canadian roads is extremely low. Out of the more than 18 Million cars in Canada there are no more than 73,000 cars that fall under the 15 year import rule; this is only 0.004% of cars on the road. And many are driven only on weekends or off-road. Clearly not a threat to the motoring public.
As their owners will tell you, imported cars provide for a need in the marketplace that currently does not exist. Imported vehicles are safe and on average, more environmentally friendly and cost effective than domestic vehicles. Changing the 15 year import law now would be a big mistake and send the wrong message on the environment and free trade. Not only would it negatively impact choice for the car collector, many small businesses across Canada would be destroyed. Keeping the current law is in the best interest of all Canadians. Please Stop the 25 year import law change.
To find out more:Visit the Canadian Association of Vehicle Importers CAVI.ca
Or Send an Email to Transport Canada and tell them how you feel
Printer friendly version of this page.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Nissan Skyline - A Truly Japanese Sports Car
By Andy Maingam 
Know affectionately as Godzilla among its enthusiasts, the Nissan Skyline truly is a fine Japanese sports car, and by gum what a fine looking beast she is too. They're not all that common around the USA, so when you do come across one there are plenty of curious admirers and enthusiasts gathering around whenever these cars park up.
Believe it or not, the Nissan Skyline has been around for some 45 years and has deservedly picked up many prestigious awards along the way. However, there was a 10 year period where production stopped, but delighted fans were over the moon when Nissan announced in 1989 that it would be releasing an all new GT-R Skyline.
The few years after the production of this stylish machine, the GT-R Skyline was awarded with the Japanese Touring Car Championship for Group 'A' touring cars. In 1994, because of its phenomenal success, the Nissan Skyline was given its own series. This series was aptly named the Japan GT Car series.
Although the Nissan Skyline was a much sought after motor in the United States of America, the Skyline GT-R was never made to comply with US standards, but all was not lost thanks to Motorex. Motorex imports and modifies the Nissan Skyline GT-R so that it complies with these standards and consequently these cars can then be released on American soil.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is not a cheap car but it is a dream of many a young driver. Sadly for them, most only get to push the pedal to the floor by driving it via a computer screen. It's a real popular choice in computer racing games and for good reason.
Options for the Nissan Skyline have come as a sedan or a coupe. If you're not sure what the modern models look like, just do a search on Google images for the Nissan Skyline GT-R and you will be able to see for yourself why this car is so pleasing to the eye. If you're into the mechanics of the motor, there are a plethora of sites out there that will strip it down to the bare bones and rebuild it for you bit by bit.
Cars are more than just a means of transport, in fact many men treat their vehicles with the same tender loving care as they do to their women. Now I'm not saying there's anything healthy in that, but it's the way it is, and I would go as far to say that many a boy racer would live in his car rather than get rid of it, and especially if it was a Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Andy Maingam is a proficient writer for keepingcars.com where he has articles on the Hi-tech Radio Controlled Cars and buying Cheap Tires and Wheels. He also has many other auto related pieces on the site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Maingam
Nissan: Mark of True Craftsmanship
By Joshua Zimmer
“Love Car. Love People. Love Life.” Through the years, Nissan has been preaching this mantra along with the constant innovation and continued customer services to provide the authentic riding experience only Nissan can offer. Its advanced and durable parts make Nissan the reliable choice when it comes to quality vehicles.
The year 1933 saw the dawning of a new name for top-class driving pleasure. Nissan built trucks, airplanes and engines for the Japanese military. Their main plant moved to China after it has been seized by the military. The plant made machinery for the Japanese war effort until it was captured by American and Russian forces.
It carried the Datsun brand for the cars and trucks it has manufactured since it was officially founded in June 1, 1934 by Yoshisuke Aikawa. The Datsun brand traces the history of the company even long before it was named Nissan, as it came from the car type called DAT, the first car designed by the company when it was still called the Kwaishinsha Motorcar Works.
No wonder Nissan has designed work-of-art cars suited for the sophisticated driver as it carries the Datsun brand. As most of the cars were very similar to Austin cars, Austin became the company's early partners. Previous cars were built for domestic use. But with ventures with other companies, Nissan began to expand and built more cars that gave rise to such notable models like the Z-car and the Skyline GT-R.
The early cars were designed for domestic consumption. However, through partnerships with other companies, it has started to introduce its car in the early 50's. From this period, Datsun cars started to gain a hefty reputation. Among the most recognized and loved Nissan cars are the Z-car and the Skyline GT-R.
In the 60's, Nissan began its tie up with Prince Motor Company to elevate its range to more upmarket cars, including the Skyline and the Gloria. The Prince name was eventually abandoned, with successive Skylines and Glorias bearing the Nissan name. However, "Prince" is still used in names of certain Nissan dealers in Japan. Nissan would introduce a new luxury brand for the United States market in the early 1990's called Infiniti.
Years have gone by and the Nissan brand rose to prominence. And by the 80's, Nissan would soon carry the Nissan badge with wide array of cars, trucks and SUV's. Present models of the Nissan include the Maxima, Sentra, Altima, Z and Z Roadster. For trucks and SUV's, there is the Murano, Xterra, Quest, Pathfinder, Titan, and Frontier.
Nissan's driving force is the manufacturing of industry-exceeding parts and accessories that will surely gain two thumbs up rating from a motorist. These components are made only from the finest, most durable materials carefully tested before it gets clamped in the assembly line. From the grill to the compartment, each part performs its role well. If one goes berserk, the overall function and mechanics of the vehicle fails. These parts and components are built only to mean one thing: provide the utmost driving pleasure for the satisfaction of its customers.
Though it has created a major niche in the automotive market, Nissan will still strive hard and continue to improve to roll out the best there is in Nissan vehicles, equipped with the latest technologies, durable materials and safety conscious accessories. To note, Nissan has been improving on performance parts and eco-friendly gadgetry. The company is also undertaking measures to build fuel-efficient vehicles in response to the rising oil prices.
With bold designs, innovative styling and inspired performance, Nissan is in a league of its own. Nissan parts and accessories are the building blocks that make up the good genes of a Nissan.
A busy 32-year old market analyst that has a kind of fetish for anything and everything about electronic gadgets. He is a single father with two sons. Joshua Zimmer is also fond of putting electronic accessories and gadgetries that could fit well to his car.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Zimmer
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