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Not so long ago, General Motors was able to justify having at least one brand for every day of the week. In postwar America, Oldsmobile lay comfortably in the middle of GM's brand hierarchy as the maker of cars for middle-class folks who enjoyed the latest features but wanted something more reserved than a Cadillac or a Buick. Oldsmobile's dignified customers still appreciated horsepower, as evinced by the famous overhead-valve Rocket V-8 of 1949, but the division's performance image was in decline by the early 1960s. In April 1964, though, just six months after the historic release of the Pontiac GTO, Olds boosted its reputation with its own big-engine package -- the 442 -- for its newly redesigned F-85 series, which shared its platform with the GTO as well as the Chevrolet Chevelle and the Buick Skylark.
I'm amused that a cargo net is a $59 extra. Really, Lexus, you can't throw in a $59 cargo net as part of the $45,700 base price?
The GT-R, while new to the US, has its origins In the Nissan Skyline, which has been in production in Japan since the 1960's. The GT-R now gives Nissan America a supercar to tout. It is a 2+2 coupe that can hang with the best in the world in virtually all of the merits that make a supercar, super. This road going rocket is one of the most comfortable of the cars in its class with a decent amount of interior space and a wealth of available options. While its ride would be considered stiff, it's still not as bad as some of its competition.
The GT-R, with a first time rear transaxle to power its all wheel drive system is one of the quickest production cars on the road its powered 3.8 liter V-6 that can generate 485 HP and 434 ft. lbs of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a custom dual clutch automatic transmission. Big Brembo disc brakes all round help keep the vehicle on the road when you get going too fast. Nissan has built a world beater that can be purchased for much less than a standard supercar.The Nissan Frontier is Nissans newest pickup and is now in its own second generation. It competes in the dwindling midsize truck segment. Once this was one of the most contested genres, but of late, there are only a few auto makers who remain to compete in this class. The Nissan frontier is one of the main competitors here.
This generation of frontier is more comfortable and civilized than the previous iteration. It features a very car like ride and proves far easier to maneuver than its looks would suggest. The ride is, however, rather on the firm side. The Frontiers strength comes from a fully boxed, ladder frame, construction completely of steel. This frame rides on control arm suspension up front paired with an old school solid rear axle, with leaf springs to absorb the bumps. Power for the Frontier comes from two engine choices; a base 2.5 liter four cylinder making 152 HP or a 4.0 liter V-6 good for 261 HP. Either engine can be matched to either a 5 or 6 speed manual. A five speed automatic comes as an optional transmission.After the success of the company's Scion XB, the cube takes over as Nissan's box on the road. This class includes the Element from Honda and Kia's Soul. The Cube does its best to standout from the pack by utilizing unique styling cues, such as a wraparound rear window, a side opening rear door and a spacious cabin offering a reclining rear seat and high style headliner.
The Cube is a four door hatchback. With plentiful headroom and legroom for all occupants, the Cube is good place to spend some time. However, it does lack some of the cargo space of the competition. The cube is based on Nissan's B platform and is powered by a 122 HP 1.8 liter four cylinder which can be mounted to either a six speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. Some of the drive train features are somewhat less modern. The beam rear suspension, drum brakes and 15" wheels are some examples of these. The cube also has a higher than normal center of gravity and soft suspension, giving it less than confidence inspiring.