Though the pre-sales started on February 4th, 2008 for the 2009 Nissan GT-R at 676 select “GT-R Certified” Nissan dealers worldwide, the GT-R won’t be on the road until July 2008. We, however, recently drove the all-new 2009 GT-R at the Reno-Fernley Raceway in Nevada and were quite impressed by this AWD supercar.

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2009 Nissan GT-R at Reno-Fernley Raceway.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R features a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. On the track, the paddle shifters are responsive, changing gears without a lag. Under the hood, it is the all-new 480 horsepower (@ 6,400 rpm) 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine with plasma-coated cylinders that powers the GT-R to an impressive 0-60 time that is under 3.5 seconds, a time that ties the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The only supercar to beat that 0-60 time is the Lamborghini Murcielago. Peak torque is 430 lb-ft from 3,200 to 5,2000 rpm and top speed is 193 mph. The 15″ Brembos slow the car from 60-0 mph in under 110 feet.

Special “set-up switches” located in the center console adjust the transmission, suspension, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R), with each switch having three settings for ultimate adjustability. The driver can select the Normal Mode for “daily driving”, the R-Mode for “high-performance” with a quickened shift time, and the Snow Mode that locks the AWD system at standing start for smooth starts in rain or snow, reducing throttle response. Gran Turismo makers helped design the multi-functional display with 7 fixed and 4 customizable screens of info on the 17 performance parameters like brake pedal position, braking/acceleration G’s, throttle position, etc.

With a sticker price of $69,850 (premium version is only $71,900), you will be hard-pressed to find any reasons to ignore this top performer.

Browse the photos from our recent trip to Santa Catalina Island off the southern California coast where we test drove the new 2009 Subaru Forester. Subaru had exciting off-road and on-road routes to showcase all of the 2009 Forester’s capabilities. There are three available models: the standard Forester, the LL Bean Edition, and the XT model.

Browse the photo galleries of each model and let us know what you think of the totally redesigned Subaru Forester.

2009 Subaru Forester:

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2009 Subaru Forester LL Bean Edition:

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2009 Subaru Forester XT:

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Mazda has had a string of notable successes lately. The MAZDA3, CX-7 and CX-9 have all exceeded corporate sales expectations and have planted the Japanese automaker firmly on the map. With the 2008 MAZDA5, Mazda hopes to continue the positive sales trend.

The 2008 MAZDA5 Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV), if marketed correctly, should re-write the small utility segment. Think of it as the ultimate urban people mover. It’s styled like a mini Minivan. It’s not as long as a Honda Odyssey, yet still transports six in comfort. It’s not as powerful as a Toyota Sienna, yet the MAZDA5’s proven 2.3-liter four offers smart acceleration. It’s not as thrifty as a Ford Escape Hybrid, but you can’t put the starting five and the coach in an Escape. Who needs more size when less will do just fine?

Now in its third year of production, the ‘08 model features significant upgrades. The 2008 MAZDA5 got a significant makeover, with a new front fascia, grille, headlights and taillight design. The overall design is athletic, superbly masking its people moving duties.

Inside, much has been updated for the MAZDA5’s Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Electroluminescent gauges have been added along with second row heating/cooling vents with fan-speed controls, front passenger inboard armrests, second row passenger outboard armrests, and audio auxiliary input jack (full iPod integration is optional). New shift panel and center console designs add a sporty flair. Five-speed automatic or manual transmissions are standard depending on trim level.

Grand Touring models add a security alarm, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a leather-wrapped shift knob, auto on/off headlights, LED taillights, heated door mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.

For the driver and up to five invited guests, Mazda’s aim was to make the cabin as spacious and comfortable as possible. Three features contribute to the MAZDA5’s roomy interior: a low profile fuel tank, a compact multi-link rear suspension, and a stepped floor. The latter permits excellent legroom for all – especially those sitting in rows two and three. In the third row, legroom is a generous 30.7 inches. In row two, legroom is a comfortable 35.2 inches. Second row seats slide and recline and can be folded flat without removing their headrests. They feature a one-touch lever that automatically tips the seatback forward and slides the cushion to its front-most position to allow access to the third row.

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The third row seats are split 50:50. They can be tipped forward individually and folded flat, creating 44.4 cubic feet of storage capacity. Fold the second row and the load floor area is over 63 inches long.

Interior storage space includes an illuminated glovebox, half-liter bottle holders in each front door pocket, a removable tray/net between second row seats, and under second row storage bins.

On the safety front, standard advanced front air bags use sensors to measure seat occupants’ weight, severity of the impact, and distance from seat to dash, before deploying. The front side and side curtain airbags that protect occupants in all three rows of seats are also standard. Additionally, three-point seat belts and head restraints are standard for all six seats.

MAZDA5 pricing begins at $17,995. Nicely equipped models will set you back about $25K. Comparison shop and do the math. If you are a young family who needs a vehicle with room to grow with, or a Boomer with the desire for a fun-to-drive ride with space to spare, you should consider this solid offering from Mazda.

You may be wondering why Nissan is bothering to launch a new car (the Altima coupe) into the auto market when they are already doing so well. The warranty claim rate on Nissan vehicles has dropped 60% in the past two years. The company hopes to launch a 3-liter, Nissan-original hybrid that gets 100 km (or 78 mpg) by 2010 as part of the Nissan Green Program. A purely electric car is also expected within the next decade, and a Maxima diesel engine by 2020. So the question remains, with all of the great news coming out of Nissan, “The Altima coupe: Why now?”

I first saw the Altima coupe at a 2006 LA Auto Show event, did a double take, wondering, “What Nissan vehicle IS that?! and “When does this hit the market?”, seeing that I would soon be interested in purchasing a new car. However, as time progressed, I became a bit skeptical about the coupe, since the car was, and is, being marketing to my demographic, the “younger males and females in their late 20s, up-and-coming professionals.” However, after getting some seat time in the Altima Coupe, I was pleasantly surprised.

There are two model options, the V6 and the 4-cylinder, (both with standard dual exhaust), and I was lucky enough to get to drive both. The V6 and 4-cylinder Altima Coupe are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a Xtronix CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmission). Available models are the 2.5 S 6-speed manual tranny, the 2.5 S CVT, the 3.5 SE 6 speed, and the 3.5 SE CVT. The V6 Coupes come with 17” aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires and the 4-cylinder Coupes come with 16” wheels and tires. The Altima Coupe also comes with standard traction control systems. Oh, and by the way, just like some of the high-end luxury vehicles out there, the Altima Coupe comes with a push button ignition.

This front wheel drive coupe, built on the all-new rigid Nissan “D” platform, comes with a 20-gallon fuel tank, which could be problematic if you are interested in the V6 3.5 SE because premium gas is recommended. The 3.5-liter, for its 270hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, gets 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway in the manual and automatic. The 4-cylindar 2.5S luckily takes regular gas, and its mileage is at 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway in the manual and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway in the automatic. The Altima Coupe proved to be quick to the punch when accelerating and you felt confident with its sport-tuned suspension and rigid chassis. It also handled turns at speed decently, but we found that we had to oversteer to push through the corners.

Interior perks include the kangaroo pouch on the front sear cushion, good for squirreling away loose odds and ends, almost absurdly large vanity mirrors, and a 60/40 split and flat fold down rear seat. More notably, the Altima coupe comes with extra touches of class with the I-Key (again, the Push Button Ignition), and a variety of other choices in the Comprehensive Option Package: touch-screen navi RearView Monitor (a 6.5” color monitor), a 9-speaker Bose-development audio system, a power-sliding glass moonroof, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Sport bucket seats, numerous cubbies, and dual climate control bring the coupe’s sportiness and functionality together.

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The Altima Coupe is a great choice for someone who wants the G35 coupe but can’t afford it or someone is looking at the 350Z but needs a backseat and a less sportiness. Price is affordable: $20,450 base and around $31,000 (V6 engine) for fully loaded. For all of those that think the Altima Coupe is just the Altima Sedan minus two doors, they are quite wrong. Length-wise, it is 7.1 inches less than the sedan and height-wise it is 4.0 shorter than the sedan. The only major body panel they share is the hood. The Altima Coupe also comes in two colors that the Altima Sedan does not: Code Red and Metallic Blue.

Overall, I would have to agree with the Nissan folks and say that this coupe is the perfect car for the young professional who is loving life, always on the move and free of constraints like kids. The Altima Coupe is speedy, stylish, sporty and powerful enough to break the boredom of point A to point B driving. The variety of transmission options also means that there will be a fit for ever driver, from the manual transmission lover to those that like to just put it in drive and go.