car-spotting

The Target: Porsche Cayman R (produced 2011-present).

Spotted: Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. May 12, 2012.

Significance: The track-ready Cayman R is nearly 55 kilograms lighter and 20 millimeters lower than the Cayman S it is based on. Weight savings were achieved through lighter aluminum doors and seats, as well as by removing the radio, storage compartments, air-conditioner and door handles.

This example was spotted at Infineon Raceway, where it was taking part in a track day.

The Target: Nissan GT-R (produced 2007-present).

Spotted: Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. May 12, 2012.

Significance: The GT-R’s square lines and vents were inspired by the giant robots of Japan’s Gundam anime series, according to Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s chief creative officer. “The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed supercar,” he reportedly said, “it had to really reflect Japanese culture.”

This example was spotted at Infineon Raceway, where it was taking part in a track day.

This is the third GT-R to be featured on Car-spotting.

The Target: 1974 Chevrolet Camaro.

Spotted: Menlo Park, Calif. May 4, 2012.

Significance: In 1971, Road & Track named the second-generation Camaro SS-350 as one of the 10 best cars in the world. The second-generation Camaro re-entered the spotlight in 2007 when a 1976 model was featured in “Transformers.”

The Target: Ford Model A/Hot Rod (produced 1928-31).

Spotted: Orange, Calif. April 30, 2012.

Significance: I realize I’m out of my depth here, but this appears to be a Ford Model A powered by an eight-cylinder Chevrolet Corvette engine. Chime in if you know the make and model or more details about the power plant.

This is the third Model A (I think) to be featured on Car-spotting.

The Target: Second-generation Chevrolet Bel Air (produced 1954-57).

Spotted: Orange, Calif. May 1, 2012.

Significance: The styling of the second-generation Bel Air earned it the designation of the “Hot One” by enthusiasts.

The Target: Ford Model A Pickup (produced 1927-31).

Spotted: Orange, Calif. April 29, 2012.

Significance: The Model A, which came in more than a dozen different styles, was the first Ford to feature a set of standard controls.

This is the second Model A to be featured on Car-spotting. Like the other Model A featured on Car-spotting, this example was spotted near a gathering of Nissan Z cars. Coincidence?

The Target: NISMO 350Z (produced 2007-08).

Spotted: Orange, Calif. April 29, 2012.

Significance: The NISMO 350Z was introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 4, 2007. Engine output remained unchanged over the standard coupe, but the NISMO edition featured a wild aerodynamics package based on the Super GT championship car. Only 1,607 were reportedly produced between 2007 and 2008.

Corralled machinery isn’t usually the purview of Car-spotting, but the relative rarity of the NISMO 350Z called for an exception. This example was on display at the 2012 Motorsport Auto Z West Coast Nationals.

The Target: NISMO 370Z (produced 2009-present).

Spotted: Orange, Calif. April 29, 2012.

Significance: Developed by Nissan’s Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, the NISMO 370Z is a high-performance version of the already potent 370Z Coupe. 

Corralled machinery isn’t usually the purview of Car-spotting, but the relative rarity of the NISMO 370Z called for an exception. This example was on display at the 2012 Motorsport Auto Z West Coast Nationals.

The Target: 1974 Datsun 260Z.

Spotted: Orange, Calif. April 29, 2012.

Significance: The 260Z ultimately proved less popular than its more performance-oriented predecessor, the 240Z, and fuel-injected successor, the 280Z. It was sold in the U.S. for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries through 1978.

This example was spotted just outside the 2012 Motorsport Auto Z West Coast Nationals, one of the largest annual gatherings of Z cars west of the Mississippi. The Z’s location made it fair game for Car-spotting, though we are planning to break our own rules and bring you a few posts from the show in the coming days.

The Target: Maserati GranTurismo (produced 2007-present).

Spotted: Santa Clara, Calif. April 22, 2012.

Significance: The 2+2 body of the GranTurismo was derived from Maserati’s Quattroporte V. The standard version of this rolling work of art comes equipped with a 399-hp 4.2-liter V8 and an automatic ZF six-speed transmission.