Lumeneo Smera

Lumeneo Smera was introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. With 144 volt lithium ion battery Lumeneo Smera can go from 0-60mph in eight seconds. The lithium ion battery is supplying the power to the dual rear wheel motors. This concept car is able to transport two passenger up to 93 miles and with 80 mph of top speed. In 2009 Lumeneo plan to produce 250 units of this cool car. The price range is starting at 24,500 euros ($33,000 US).

General Specifications :

First Introduced at : 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Country of origin : France

Dimensions :

Length / width / height : 2380 / 800 / 1450 mm

Doors / Seats : 2 / 1+1

Wheelbase : 1700 mm

Track : 655 mm

Steering diameter : 7 m

Maximum tilting angle : 25 °

Weight (with batteries) : 350kg / 770 lbs

Pneumatic dimensions : 145/70 R14

Engine :

Boot volume : 70 / 150 liters

Motorization Technology : Brushless electric motors with permanent magnets

Max Power : 30 / 40 kW / Hp

Max Torque on wheels : 1 000 Nm

Max Voltage : 144 V

Technology : Lithium

Capacity : 10 kWh

Battery weight : 80 kg / 180 lbs

Speed :

Performances Max speed : 130 kph / 80 mph

0-100 kph / 0 – 60 mph : 8.0 s

Range : 150 km / 90 miles

Lumeneo Smera

Lumeneo Smera was introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. With 144 volt lithium ion battery Lumeneo Smera can go from 0-60mph in eight seconds. The lithium ion battery is supplying the power to the dual rear wheel motors. This concept car is able to transport two passenger up to 93 miles and with 80 mph of top speed. In 2009 Lumeneo plan to produce 250 units of this cool car. The price range is starting at 24,500 euros ($33,000 US).

General Specifications :

First Introduced at : 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Country of origin : France

Dimensions :

Length / width / height : 2380 / 800 / 1450 mm

Doors / Seats : 2 / 1+1

Wheelbase : 1700 mm

Track : 655 mm

Steering diameter : 7 m

Maximum tilting angle : 25 °

Weight (with batteries) : 350kg / 770 lbs

Pneumatic dimensions : 145/70 R14

Engine :

Boot volume : 70 / 150 liters

Motorization Technology : Brushless electric motors with permanent magnets

Max Power : 30 / 40 kW / Hp

Max Torque on wheels : 1 000 Nm

Max Voltage : 144 V

Technology : Lithium

Capacity : 10 kWh

Battery weight : 80 kg / 180 lbs

Speed :

Performances Max speed : 130 kph / 80 mph

0-100 kph / 0 – 60 mph : 8.0 s

Range : 150 km / 90 miles

Lumeneo Smera

Lumeneo Smera was introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. With 144 volt lithium ion battery Lumeneo Smera can go from 0-60mph in eight seconds. The lithium ion battery is supplying the power to the dual rear wheel motors. This concept car is able to transport two passenger up to 93 miles and with 80 mph of top speed. In 2009 Lumeneo plan to produce 250 units of this cool car. The price range is starting at 24,500 euros ($33,000 US).

General Specifications :

First Introduced at : 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Country of origin : France

Dimensions :

Length / width / height : 2380 / 800 / 1450 mm

Doors / Seats : 2 / 1+1

Wheelbase : 1700 mm

Track : 655 mm

Steering diameter : 7 m

Maximum tilting angle : 25 °

Weight (with batteries) : 350kg / 770 lbs

Pneumatic dimensions : 145/70 R14

Engine :

Boot volume : 70 / 150 liters

Motorization Technology : Brushless electric motors with permanent magnets

Max Power : 30 / 40 kW / Hp

Max Torque on wheels : 1 000 Nm

Max Voltage : 144 V

Technology : Lithium

Capacity : 10 kWh

Battery weight : 80 kg / 180 lbs

Speed :

Performances Max speed : 130 kph / 80 mph

0-100 kph / 0 – 60 mph : 8.0 s

Range : 150 km / 90 miles

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: It’s Sexy!

So let’s have a chat about the latest and greatest 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. This truck is by far one of the sexiest tucks in the world. Not only is it a sport truck, but it is a vehicle that blends a sports car feel with the ability to cargo things like a truck. The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is based on the Pontiac G8 performance sedan and it is actually the newest member of the G8 family, incase you didn’t know.

The design of this particular truck is all around incredible. It has 18-inch wheels, which gives it a very wide and extremely confident stand. The roofline is going to be coupe-like and it actually looks sort of like a car, until you take a peek into the back.

This sport truck has an incredible V8 engine and puts out 361 HP of power. So if you are looking for a new truck, you should absolutely check out the sexy 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck!

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: It’s Sexy!

So let’s have a chat about the latest and greatest 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. This truck is by far one of the sexiest tucks in the world. Not only is it a sport truck, but it is a vehicle that blends a sports car feel with the ability to cargo things like a truck. The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is based on the Pontiac G8 performance sedan and it is actually the newest member of the G8 family, incase you didn’t know.

The design of this particular truck is all around incredible. It has 18-inch wheels, which gives it a very wide and extremely confident stand. The roofline is going to be coupe-like and it actually looks sort of like a car, until you take a peek into the back.

This sport truck has an incredible V8 engine and puts out 361 HP of power. So if you are looking for a new truck, you should absolutely check out the sexy 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck!

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: It’s Sexy!

So let’s have a chat about the latest and greatest 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. This truck is by far one of the sexiest tucks in the world. Not only is it a sport truck, but it is a vehicle that blends a sports car feel with the ability to cargo things like a truck. The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is based on the Pontiac G8 performance sedan and it is actually the newest member of the G8 family, incase you didn’t know.

The design of this particular truck is all around incredible. It has 18-inch wheels, which gives it a very wide and extremely confident stand. The roofline is going to be coupe-like and it actually looks sort of like a car, until you take a peek into the back.

This sport truck has an incredible V8 engine and puts out 361 HP of power. So if you are looking for a new truck, you should absolutely check out the sexy 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck!

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: It’s Sexy!

So let’s have a chat about the latest and greatest 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. This truck is by far one of the sexiest tucks in the world. Not only is it a sport truck, but it is a vehicle that blends a sports car feel with the ability to cargo things like a truck. The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is based on the Pontiac G8 performance sedan and it is actually the newest member of the G8 family, incase you didn’t know.

The design of this particular truck is all around incredible. It has 18-inch wheels, which gives it a very wide and extremely confident stand. The roofline is going to be coupe-like and it actually looks sort of like a car, until you take a peek into the back.

This sport truck has an incredible V8 engine and puts out 361 HP of power. So if you are looking for a new truck, you should absolutely check out the sexy 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck!

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: It’s Sexy!

So let’s have a chat about the latest and greatest 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. This truck is by far one of the sexiest tucks in the world. Not only is it a sport truck, but it is a vehicle that blends a sports car feel with the ability to cargo things like a truck. The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is based on the Pontiac G8 performance sedan and it is actually the newest member of the G8 family, incase you didn’t know.

The design of this particular truck is all around incredible. It has 18-inch wheels, which gives it a very wide and extremely confident stand. The roofline is going to be coupe-like and it actually looks sort of like a car, until you take a peek into the back.

This sport truck has an incredible V8 engine and puts out 361 HP of power. So if you are looking for a new truck, you should absolutely check out the sexy 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck!

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: It’s Sexy!

So let’s have a chat about the latest and greatest 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. This truck is by far one of the sexiest tucks in the world. Not only is it a sport truck, but it is a vehicle that blends a sports car feel with the ability to cargo things like a truck. The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is based on the Pontiac G8 performance sedan and it is actually the newest member of the G8 family, incase you didn’t know.

The design of this particular truck is all around incredible. It has 18-inch wheels, which gives it a very wide and extremely confident stand. The roofline is going to be coupe-like and it actually looks sort of like a car, until you take a peek into the back.

This sport truck has an incredible V8 engine and puts out 361 HP of power. So if you are looking for a new truck, you should absolutely check out the sexy 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck!

Super Car: Updates on the newest 2010 Jaguar XJ concept

This is an update version of the newest model of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the wheelbase will remain virtually identical to the last model, so the improvements will come from mounting the rear seat to lower. All the Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facial modeled on the XF.

There will be a revised version of the 3.0 liter V6 and the top model R under the hood. It will be powered by a 500BHP 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hybrid version of this car is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar's latest six-speed box, all with complete steering wheel-mounted paddles. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi's Magnetic ride.

Super Car: Updates on the newest 2010 Jaguar XJ concept

This is an update version of the newest model of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the wheelbase will remain virtually identical to the last model, so the improvements will come from mounting the rear seat to lower. All the Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facial modeled on the XF.

There will be a revised version of the 3.0 liter V6 and the top model R under the hood. It will be powered by a 500BHP 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hybrid version of this car is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar's latest six-speed box, all with complete steering wheel-mounted paddles. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi's Magnetic ride.

Super Car: Updates on the newest 2010 Jaguar XJ concept

This is an update version of the newest model of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the wheelbase will remain virtually identical to the last model, so the improvements will come from mounting the rear seat to lower. All the Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facial modeled on the XF.

There will be a revised version of the 3.0 liter V6 and the top model R under the hood. It will be powered by a 500BHP 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hybrid version of this car is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar's latest six-speed box, all with complete steering wheel-mounted paddles. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi's Magnetic ride.

Super Car: Updates on the newest 2010 Jaguar XJ concept

This is an update version of the newest model of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the wheelbase will remain virtually identical to the last model, so the improvements will come from mounting the rear seat to lower. All the Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facial modeled on the XF.

There will be a revised version of the 3.0 liter V6 and the top model R under the hood. It will be powered by a 500BHP 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hybrid version of this car is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar's latest six-speed box, all with complete steering wheel-mounted paddles. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi's Magnetic ride.

Super Car: Updates on the newest 2010 Jaguar XJ concept

This is an update version of the newest model of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the wheelbase will remain virtually identical to the last model, so the improvements will come from mounting the rear seat to lower. All the Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facial modeled on the XF.

There will be a revised version of the 3.0 liter V6 and the top model R under the hood. It will be powered by a 500BHP 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hybrid version of this car is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar's latest six-speed box, all with complete steering wheel-mounted paddles. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi's Magnetic ride.

Super Car: Updates on the newest 2010 Jaguar XJ concept

This is an update version of the newest model of the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the wheelbase will remain virtually identical to the last model, so the improvements will come from mounting the rear seat to lower. All the Major updates will be made to the dashboard, with a facial modeled on the XF.

There will be a revised version of the 3.0 liter V6 and the top model R under the hood. It will be powered by a 500BHP 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hybrid version of this car is also in the work. All engines are mated to Jaguar's latest six-speed box, all with complete steering wheel-mounted paddles. The 2010 Jaguar XJ will also have a new damping system similar to Audi's Magnetic ride.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Car of the Year Winner: Nissan GT-R

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year.

Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's pool runs deeper than any of recent memory. Yet, no contender proved as profound, awe-inspiring, or, more important, able to fulfill our criteria as the GT-R. How did Nissan so competently clinch the calipers?

2009 Car of the Year Winner: Nissan GT-R

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year.

Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's pool runs deeper than any of recent memory. Yet, no contender proved as profound, awe-inspiring, or, more important, able to fulfill our criteria as the GT-R. How did Nissan so competently clinch the calipers?

2009 Car of the Year Winner: Nissan GT-R

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year.

Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's pool runs deeper than any of recent memory. Yet, no contender proved as profound, awe-inspiring, or, more important, able to fulfill our criteria as the GT-R. How did Nissan so competently clinch the calipers?

2009 Car of the Year Winner: Nissan GT-R

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year.

Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's pool runs deeper than any of recent memory. Yet, no contender proved as profound, awe-inspiring, or, more important, able to fulfill our criteria as the GT-R. How did Nissan so competently clinch the calipers?

2009 Car of the Year Winner: Nissan GT-R

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year.

Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's pool runs deeper than any of recent memory. Yet, no contender proved as profound, awe-inspiring, or, more important, able to fulfill our criteria as the GT-R. How did Nissan so competently clinch the calipers?

2009 Car of the Year Winner: Nissan GT-R

Yes, we are fully aware of the GT-R's best-known nickname, "Godzilla" -- so called because the automotive press found previous generations as ferocious and all-conquering as Japan's fire-breathing monster. But following a full week of intensive evaluation in Nissan's new sports car, we here at Motor Trend now lay claim to a more suitable GT-R moniker -- Ichiban. From Japanese, ichiban translates to "number one." In Motor Trend vernacular, however, it simply denotes: 2009 Car of the Year.

Every September, it seems a few editors comment, "This is the toughest field I can remember." Sure enough, as this year's testing drew to a close, several staff members expressed those same sentiments. And for sound reason-the competitive set is more imposing than Jamaica's Olympic track team. From the jumbo-shrimp Honda Fit and the discount-Lexus Hyundai Genesis to the quicker-than-a-Cayman BMW 1 series and the cat's-meow Jaguar XF, this year's pool runs deeper than any of recent memory. Yet, no contender proved as profound, awe-inspiring, or, more important, able to fulfill our criteria as the GT-R. How did Nissan so competently clinch the calipers?