If you were holding out on picking up the new 370Z then I think now is the time to pull the trigger.  Nissan just announced a 40th Anniversarymodel to celebrate the sixth generation of the Z.  The 40th Anniversary 370Z starts off as a Coupe in “Touring” trim with the viscous LSD, front lip, rear spoiler, and the Rays wheels.  Where it starts to get exclusive is the aesthetics.  The new anniversary model comes in a limited “40th Quartz” paint job and what Nissan calls “smoke finish” wheels, which are really a satin matte black with red brake calipers in the background.  Inside is a special edition red leather interior with badging and and embossed “40th Anniversary” logo on the seats.  Also just to make you feel special Nissan will throw in a plaque of authenticity and satin car cover. 

Personally, I’m really feeling it.  I love the color, the wheels, and the interior is fresh.  Nissan also did the right thing by building it on a touring model instead of a base so you still get more than just the extra flash.  If you’re feeling it too then jump quick because Nissan is only producing 1,000 units.  With the price hovering just below $40k it should go pretty quickly unless dealers mark it up.

It was recently announced that Rays Engineering will be the official wheel provider for Rahal Letterman Racing’s (RLR) BMW American LeMans Series effort next year!  RLR’s ALMS BMW M3 will sport RAYS wheels at each stop in the series starting with the debut of the new team at the 12 Hours of Sebring next March.

The fact that RLR going with RAYS for their wheel providers when they could have just as easily followed the pack and went with a German wheel manufacturer could possibly show some of the Euro guys that occasionally going JDM isn’t so bad after all.

Check out the press release:

RAHAL LETTERMAN RACING ANNOUNCES TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP WITH RAYS WHEELS FOR NEW BMW AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES PROGRAM TO DEBUT IN 2009


HILLIARD, Ohio (October 22, 2008) - As Rahal Letterman Racing continues to prepare for its first year with its new BMW GT2 program in the American Le Mans Series, it today announces that it has partnered with RAYS Wheels in a technical agreement that will see the high-end wheels used on the new BMW M3 next season.”We are proud to become technical partners with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW North America,” said RAYS Overseas Marketing Director for RAYS, KJ-Yamaguchi. “We pride ourselves with providing the best performing wheels on the highest of motorsport stages and the Rahal Letterman team provides the perfect match to our first entry into ALMS.”

The new BMW M3, with RAYS Wheels, is set to make its 2009 racing debut in the American Le Mans Series’ season kickoff event - the historic Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring - to be held March 18-21.

“When entering the top level of production car racing it is key to deploy a top level approach,” said BMW North America Motorsports Manager Martin Birkmann. “This holds true for the people involved but also for the competencies of the technical partners that make significant contributions to the success of the program.  Rays is a great partner and its wheels represent the top echelon of race and performance car engineering.

“When undertaking a new project such as this, you want to align yourself with people that can perfect your program, and our partnership with RAYS Wheels will do that,” said team co-owner Bobby Rahal. “RAYS and BMW both hold themselves to high standards and use all their resources to provide efficient, lightweight products that not only hold up to the rigorous competitive demands of the race track, but are eye-catching and draw attention from everyone that experiences them.”

 

 

 

Rays Co. Ltd, established in 1973, is a world-class manufacturer of high end forged and cast wheels for both high-level OEM and aftermarket. Most known for their patented mold forging technologies, RAYS has continually strived to bring meaningful wheel products that not only improve on the appearance of the vehicle, but provide an improved driving experience and safety through the highest technology. The application of the highest technology enables RAYS to offer wheels that have the most effective blend of lightness, durability, rigidity and safety. Their wheels are manufactured and tested 100% in house and verified on the racetrack. RAYS participates in the highest level of motorsport, which includes F1, ALMS, Lemans, Super GT, WTCC, BTCC, Touring car, and more.