Special Car, auto, cars, vehicles

Auto enthusiasts already know what’s hot at Nissan for 2009. It’s the GT-R, a fifth-generation Nissan Skyline coupe that finally comes to the States after four iconic generations in Japan.

As exotic a Japanese car as could be, the GT-R has awesome power from a nearly lag-free 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that generates 480 horsepower and 430 foot-pounds of torque. In fact, the zero-to-60-mph time is well under 4 seconds. Front seats in the GT-R hold riders in place while the suspension, standard all-wheel-drive and the grip of 20-inch performance tires make this car ride like it’s on rails.

Alas, the GT-R has the distinction of being the most expensive Nissan ever sold in the States, with a starting price, including destination charge, of $70,850. And only a couple thousand GT-Rs are planned for sale in this country annually, because demand in Japan and Europe is high, too. So don’t be surprised to see some bidding up of the price.

Also for 2009, the Murano SUV is revised as a second-generation model with more power and options. The 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 265 horses now, as well as 248 foot-pounds of torque. Power folding and heated rear seats are a new option along with 9.3-gigabyte music hard drive.

The five-passenger Maxima sedan arrives in 2009 with new styling, a more aggressive stance and improved performance and handling. Power comes from a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with 261 foot-pounds of torque meted out to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

Nissan’s Xterra SUV and Frontier are refreshed by new front styling and wheels, while the 370Z coupe is revamped with a more powerful 3.7-liter V-6.