Nissan Sport Inc

[Features]

1958-2008: 50 Years of Nissan in the USA
Writer Merlin Blackwell crafts a tale that captures the essence of Nissan’s birth in America. It began with a drag race with a German automobile that convinced the Japanese car company that it could succeed in the United States. Merlin chronicles the rise of Datsun, led by Yutaka Katayama, and the wildly successful introductions of the 510 and the iconic 240Z. As Datsun changed over to Nissan in the ‘80s, the company faced a dark future and nearly went bankrupt the following decade. Current CEO Carlos Ghosn helped pull the company out of despair on a turnaround plan that stunned the automotive world. Merlin also dives into the rich racing history of Datsun and Nissan: Brock, Sharp, Morton, Newman, Millen, and many others. To accommodate his words, we’ve opened up the entire magazine for this epic. Also included: a detailed Nissan timeline and an exclusive spotlight on 20 of the best cars from this historic cover. Page 28

[Motorsports] Pg 72

GT-R successes start piling up in Super Autobacs GT, a B13 Sentra continues to turn heads with off-road rally wins, more Nissan Motorsports news and progress in the truck series. Also the Drift Corner, final drive gear and LSD advice for 350Z drifters, driving in rain, and more.

[Project Vehicles] Pg 76

2004 Sentra SE-R Spec V: HQR turbo build, Part II

[DIY Tech] Pg 78

Product Tests, Reviews & Spotlights: Turbo Wax products are put to the test, custom-made Datsun 510 floor pans.

How Tos, Tech Tips & Tech Explained: Replacing RacingBrake rotors, how dents in modern plastic can self heal.

Q&A: Why a 300ZX (Z32) might be losing power in first and second gear, investigating affordable options to a RWD SR20DET swap.

[Departments]

4 From the Publisher
Celebrating 50 years of Nissan in the US, celebrating 2 years of Nissan Sport, economic issues, staffers coping with the road of life.

6 Letters
Memories of Datsun from the 1940s, a dream Nissan garage, deciding between a manual transmission 350Z and wife, mudding in an Armada, Jerry King cartoon looks at the latest Nissan technology.

8 Ignition
Managing editor Dave Bexfield, 40, fights an incurable disease and the very real concern of a future without driving.

10 Shifting Gears
Holiday gifts for auto enthusiasts (video eyewear, motoring camera system, Bluetooth speaker phone, roof rack systems, magazine collections, best hat ever), RPM (rumors, parts, and more), Archives (1933 Datsun Phaeton), Redline, Quick Shifts.

16 First Takes
Infiniti: 2009 G37 Convertible
Nissan: 2009 Trucks, NISMO 350Z vs. GT-R

22 Behind the Wheel
Michael Francis LaViola’s 1992 Nissan 300ZX
Kurk Malwin’s 2004 Nissan Titan
John Bassett’s 1971 Datsun 510

80 The Scene
Event Recaps: Midwest Z Fest, Datsun Driving Canby Fun, Blackhawk, Datsun Heritage Museum grand opening, East Coast Xterra Challenge, Maxus 2008, MySpecV Summer Mega Meet. Also: calendar of events, the official website and club partners of the magazine, Sarah’s Web Watch.

90 Review Mirror
Associate Publisher Art Singer remembers his gear-head dad.

On The Cover
Your personal Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun cars and trucks from the last 50 years.