All of us here at The Garage hope you treated your moms right on Mothers Day, and we offer a belated happy Mothers Day to the moms that read our blog. En route to lovely Knapps Landing restaurant in Stratford, Connecticut, my wife spotted a cool car on our way to lunch. Not wanting to be late, I vowed to check it out later. A tribute to my lovely wife for her keen eye.

After lunch, I drove to where she spotted the car, and what I found was cooler than I ever could have imagined. Not only was it a cool car, but it was resting on the flatbed of an equally, if not more cool flatbed truck, a vintage Dodge, rusted and faded, but what especially struck me was the barely legible painting on the doors for the shop it did duty for decades ago.

The little sports car, slowly atrophying to the elements is a Datsun 2000, also known as the Fairlady in its native Japan. The 2000 was the car that preceded the groundbreaking 240Z. Built from 1967 to 1970, the 2000 sported a 2.0L four, good for 133hp with a whopping 7,000 rpm redline. With a weight of just 2,000lbs, the 2000 could comfortably cruise all day at 120mph in fifth gear, an overdrive gear, but in fourth the 2000 could hit 140mph. Competing against MG, a five speed manual was exotic stuff for this class of car. Datsun wanted the car to appeal to SCCA racers, and offered an optional Competition Package with Solex carbs and special camshaft, bumping power to 150hp.

By all measures, the Datsun 2000 was years ahead of the MGB and Triumph TR-4 in terms of technology and performance, but at the time, the American sports car buyer just wasnt ready to embrace a Japanese roadster. The 2000 was a limited production car, and lacked the British charm MGs and Triumphs offered. With World War II in the not so distant past, I have no doubt that for as good as the Datsun 2000 was, it was simply crossed off buyers lists for it country of origin.

But for anyone who respects and covets the Z-car, look back and see the Datsun 2000 as the final evolution of their sports car before launching the sports car revolution the Z created. For now, reflect on the beauty and/or sadness of the car that came before.

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3. Forgotten Sporty Cars Part X: Mercury Cougar
4. Forgotten Sporty Cars: Mazda 323 GTX
5. Forgotten Sporty Cars: Chrysler Laser

Breath of fresh air in the compact class provides the new Brabus Mercedes A-Class takes now the athletic attack. Expressive design, the Brabus-representative also provides additional momentum to emphasize and increase the driving fun significantly. , Mercedes-Benz already in volume in the interior a high demand on the perceived value, Brabus Mercedes A-Class also sharpens the premium ambience.

Sporty elegance characterizes the body program, stylish touch and the optimized aerodynamics. By the new front spoiler for the “AMG Sport” equipment line, the A-Class is not only dynamic. The wind tunnel optimized shape at high speeds also reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle.

Also the rear of the Brabus Mercedes A-Class took under his wing: A modified rear apron for the “AMG Sport” bumper diffuser-look is custom-tailored cutouts the four chrome tailpipes of the stainless-steel sport exhaust system from Brabus Mercedes A-Class well staged. In development, there is also a rear spoiler to reduce lift on the rear axle.

Even more striking is the Brabus Mercedes A-Class with alloy wheels in 17, 18 and 19 inches in the scene, giving the car also more agile handling. As an option, the largest wheels in 8.5 x 19 inches in five designs Monoblock E, F, Q, R and S with tires up to size 255/30 on the rear axle.

The Brabus Mercedes A-Class will not only convince with its expressive design, but also provide additional momentum. Therefore, the tuner is currently developing new variants for the petrol and diesel engines of the Mercedes A-Class, which are already in the final stages of development. The current standard model represents most of the 211-hp A 250, the Brabus Mercedes A-Class would presumably show correctly on the jumps.

Specifically for use with sporty low-profile tires developed Brabus Mercedes A-Class springs that will achieve optimal combination of sporty handling and excellent ride comfort. Also benefits the appearance of the lowering of some 25 millimeters.

Naturally Brabus Mercedes A-Class also finished the interior of the new Mercedes A-Class. Two-tone stainless steel sill with Brabus Mercedes A-Class logo are part of the program as matte anodized aluminum pedals and aluminum door locking pins. Soft, durable mastic leather and fine Alcantara accents on the same footing as additions to the factory leather or full leather upholstery.

Brabus Mercedes A Class

If you visit the website of Infiniti, you will see that the EX is offered as a SUV with FX and QX models. With the exception of QX, which is a behemoth of roads, the other two models offer us a very slender figure, which is more of a sports car. Nevertheless, FX models may still be occasionally more sports utilities because their dimensions are quite generous. But with regard to the Infiniti EX 2012, it is in fact a wagon version of the sedan G. Indeed, as its size and general configuration does not allow it to qualify as a commercial vehicle. This is my opinion.

Seats kimono, you know? ….Infiniti EX 2012

One thing is certain, marketing managers of this division of Nissan do not lack imagination. We remember that at the launch of the first generation FX SUV, it was “bionic cheetah”, nothing less. Associate stylists indeed the slender silhouette of the beast with this model look great. Because Infiniti EX 2012 uses the silhouette of FX, should we say “baby cheetah”? …

Back to more serious things. It is undeniable that the cabin is a refined and pushed his presentation gives the impression of entering a place of luxury and comfort. The seats are extremely comfortable and to describe them, talking to Infiniti EX 2012 ”seats kimono.” Why this name? This is because, according to Infiniti, they are also comfortable … a kimono! But regardless of the term used to describe them, they are actually friendly and made of fine leather which give the impression of riding in a car of great value. To improve the comfort level of the seat, steering wheel and outside mirror adjust in sync.

Performance now in Infiniti EX 2012

When installing an engine of about 300 horsepower under the hood of a vehicle relatively light, it is reasonable to expect sports performance. The alliance between the 3.5-liter V6 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission can rely on a powertrain nervous, efficient and whose consumption is reasonable. Even if the vehicle is not designed to go into the rainforest, it is important to note that its AWD system, named “Intelligent AWD” by the manufacturer, is really effective. In fact, unlike many other models in its class, it is a propulsion and drive system can send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels.

The Infiniti EX 2012 is not a vehicle for large families and is not an opponent specially concocted to undermine the Range Rover. By cons, it offers a level of luxury interesting, good performance, balanced driving behavior, in addition to a highly efficient all-wheel drive on the road. Sum all, a good option.

Infiniti EX 2012 on FaceBook