Rides : Nissan GT-R, Ducati 1098 and Lamborghini Reventon Roadster battle it out

One 2.5-mile runway, three different ways to take off: a Ducati 1098, a tuned Nissan GT-R with 580 horsepower and a launch control upgrade, and a Lamborghini Reventon Roadster. You'd naturally expect the Ducati to assert it's lightweight, high-horsepower authority in these matters, but with more than two miles to run, the ride that gets the jump at the line isn't always the one that gets the win.

That comes in especially handy for the Lamborghini, which suffers from a bad start in the first race and just looks plain ordinary in the second, until it finds redemption. You can see how it all goes down in the video below. 

 

Credit : autoblog

Rides : 2014 Nissan GT-R squeaks in under $100k*, Murano CrossCabriolet priced, too

Another year, another price hike for the ridiculously awesome Nissan GT-R. When the GT-R was introduced for the 2008 model year, it had a starting price of $69,850, increasing steadily each year up to $96,820 for 2013, and now Nissan has announced that the 2014 GT-R will have a base sticker price of $99,590 (*not including the destination charge, which has not been announced yet).

More than just a simple price hike, the 2014 GT-R gets some upgrades, continuing the model's other longstanding tradition – continuous improvement. While there has been no increase in power, Nissan says the 545-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 now has better response in its mid- and upper-rpm ranges. Nissan has also improved the car's handling, giving it different shock absorbers, springs and a reworked front anti-roll bar, along with "increased body rigidity," though it doesn't specify how the latter is accomplished. The changes are said to lower the coupe's center of gravity and further improve its (already spectacular) handling. A few styling tweaks include the addition of a Premium Interior Package offering hand-stitched red leather seats, a color pattern for the steering wheel on the $109,300 GT-R Black Edition and an engraved aluminum plate showing the owner who built their car's engine.

Along with the announcement of the 2014 GT-R, Nissan also released details for the 2014 Murano CrossCabriolet. The big – but not surprising – news is that Nissan has lowered the price of its slow-selling crossover convertible to $41,995, representing a price drop of just over $2,500. Aside from price, model year changes include two new exterior colors and redesigned 20-inch wheels.

Scroll down for the press release for both the GT-R and the Murano CrossCab.

 

 

Press Release

• GT-R Premium $99,590 USD
• GT-R Black Edition $109,300 USD

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, now in its fourth model year, features a unique combination of open-air motoring in an all-wheel drive crossover. For 2014, the MSRP has been lowered by $2,545 USD. Enhancements include a revised exterior color palette and a new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet include:

• Murano CrossCabriolet AWD $41,995 USD

About the 2014 Nissan GT-R
Following performance enhancement last year that upped the horsepower and torque of the GT-R's advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 to 545 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque, the development and refinement of Nissan's legendry supercar continues for the 2014 model year.

Among the notable modifications are improved engine response in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges, increased body rigidity and specification changes to the shock absorbers, front anti-roll bar and springs that result in a lower center of gravity. The result is improved high-speed handling and more refined ride comfort. As in previous years the GT-R engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room – for 2014 an aluminum nameplate is added to each engine showing the name of the individual engine builder.

Other changes include the addition of a new Premium Interior Package, which features hand-stitched Amber Red semi-aniline leather appointments (front seats only). A new red-accented steering wheel is added to Black Edition models.

The interior again features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position and a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder. A specially designed 11-speaker Bose® sound system – which provides sound quality suitable for a supercar, is standard – along with a RearView Monitor.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R is offered in two models – GT-R Premium and the GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black aluminum forged RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and a unique dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

About the 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
The 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet continues to provide a unique, all-season perspective on driving as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. The Murano CrossCabriolet's designers rethought the convertible experience by rethinking the trunk – giving it an extraordinarily engineered, fully automatic cloth convertible top that folds to about the size of a 2-seat roadster top. As a result, there's ample room for four adults and plenty of cargo space with the top up or down.

Two new exterior colors are offered: Midnight Garnet and Gun Metallic, along with carryover colors Super Black and Pearl White. The standard 20-inch split 5-spoke titanium finish aluminum-alloy wheels have also been redesigned.

Inside, the luxurious interior starts with the foundation of the top-of-the-line Murano LE AWD and takes it to the next level of standard features and convenience. Premium materials are used throughout, with standard leather-appointed seats, unique wood-tone trim tuned to match each of three available interior colors (Black, Cashmere and Camel), and available premium double-stitched pattern leather-appointed seating. Every CrossCabriolet also comes with standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Bose® premium audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor. An advanced Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Recognition and 7-inch VGA touch screen is also available.

The Murano CrossCabriolet shares its drivetrain with the hardtop Murano – starting with the proven "D" platform and standard 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a second-generation Xtronic CVT® with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for sporty response and smoothness. All 2013 Murano CrossCabriolets include Nissan's intuitive all-wheel drive system.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, front seat Active Head Restraints, and Dual Pop-up Roll Bars for rear passengers.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Usain Bolt, World's Fastest Man, goes for gold with Nissan GT-R

Usain Bolt, the Jamaican Olympic gold medalist and world's fastest man, is teaming up with Nissan to auction off a Nissan GT-R on eBay later this month with the proceeds going to the Usain Bolt Foundation. The one-of-a-kind GT-R is painted in a special gold hue and the hood has been signed by Bolt.

In addition to helping create this car for his charity, Bolt, who has been named Nissan's "Director of Excitement," will also be working with the automaker to create numerous "What If_" advertisements and even assisting in the development of a limited-edition GT-R. This last little tidbit really perked up our ears, but Nissan says that it will release details about this car "at a later date."

Until then, Nissan has included some videos below showing its involvement with Bolt including the ceremony where he signed the gold GT-R for his auction and some entertaining footage of the Olympian being driven around Nissan's Japanese proving ground in a GT-R. 

Press Release

USAIN BOLT "GOES FOR GOLD" WITH NISSAN
11/10/12

-Unique gold GT-R to be auctioned for Usain Bolt Foundation

-World's fastest man to help develop limited edition GT-R

-Olympic champion extends brand ambassador role as "Director of Excitement"

Usain Bolt is extending his partnership with Nissan - and the world's fastest man has already helped produce a special one-off gold GT-R for charity.

The unique GT-R, which is embossed with Bolt's signature and features interior fittings finished in real gold, will be auctioned on eBay later this month to benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation (http://usainbolt.com/foundation/). Proceeds will help the foundation's work creating opportunities for children and young people in the Olympic Champion's home of Jamaica.

As part of Bolt's partnership with Nissan, he will start work with Nissan product specialists on a limited-edition run of special GT-R models, which will be available throughout the world. Details of this project will be announced at a later stage.

The sprinter has already been celebrating his medal horde from the 2012 London Olympics by developing a special "Bolt GT-R" for his own personal use, after spending this week testing various GT-R models at Nissan's proving ground near Oppama, Japan. Appointed Nissan's new "Director of Excitement", Bolt said: "Racing is my inspiration, and I want to help Nissan become an even more exciting brand for everyone."

Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer, welcomed Bolt's endorsement and deepening ties with Nissan. "Nissan shares the spirit of excitement that captivated worldwide audiences at the Olympics. There is no-one better qualified than Usain Bolt to help us translate that spirit into great experiences," said Shiga.

Bolt is expected to contribute further to Nissan's "WHAT IF_" global brand campaign. The campaign, featuring Nissan's iconic products and breakthrough technologies in billboards at airports around the world, forms part of the company's Power 88 mid-term business plan - aimed at capturing eight per cent market share and eight per cent operating margins.

To continue building brand momentum at Nissan, TV commercials featuring the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, called "What if you could drive the future, today?", will also be aired via six major international TV networks starting this month.

Credit : Autoblog

Car Porn : Nissan GT-R doing 0 to 300 km/h

A fabulous Nissan GT-R has been captured on camera while doing the 0 to 300 km/h sprint on the German Autobahn.

After the new generation of the Porsche 911 in the shape of the Carrera S has been tested by autoblog.nl on the same 0 to 300 km/h sprint not too long ago, gtboard.com has decided to upload a video where the Nissan GT-R is doing the same things, only better. As you can see from the video below, the fabulous Japanese vehicle is passing the 300 km/h barrier and its testers have chosen one of the best driving roads in the world, the German Autobahn, with its no speed limit. The Nissan GT-R managed to reach a top speed of 312 km/h (194 mph), proving once again that Porsche is a step behind.
As a reminder, the Nissan GT-R is a sports car released in Japan on December 6, 2007, reaching the United States in mid-2008 and finally the rest of the world in 2009. The Nissan GT-R has been in production since 2007 and it’s coming as a two-door coupe, being powered by the impressive 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. We can talk about the sports car’s total output but the thing is that no one really knows how much it develops, because every GT-R is unique.

Rides : Nissan rolls out new Track Pack for GT-R

The Nissan GT-R has become something of a cult favorite for a number of types of enthusiasts: supercar slayers, import tuners, and especially track-day junkies. Particularly in the UK, where congestion (and a proliferation of speed cameras) prevents stretching out your car's legs, where there are legendary racing circuits abound and where, subsequently, Nissan has now rolled out a new Track Pack for the recently updated GT-R.

The Track Pack doesn't touch the engine, so the same 542-horsepower twin-turbo V6 applies. What it does provide is better cooling for the brakes with extra ducting front and rear, lighter six-spoke Rays alloys, a stiffer suspension (whose dampers can, of course, still be softened for road use), and an interior stripped of its rear seats and bolstered in the front for harder cornering.

Nissan UK is pricing the Track Pack at £10,000 ($15,000) on top of the £74,450 ($116,000) purchase price of a stock GT-R, and fortunately, the kit's addition doesn't preclude it from being driven on public roads. Although the package is currently only available overseas, we're hopeful that when the revised Godzilla makes its way to these shores, we'll have a chance to get our driving gloves on it as well.

Press Release

GT-R GETS HARDER WITH TRACK PACK

- Model Year 2012 line-up includes new track-focused edition
- Features designed to improve lap times
- Fully road legal, available to order now

The 2012 Nissan GT-R may well be one of the fastest cars in the world, but its owners are the most demanding in the world. So Nissan has developed a new version of the GT-R for drivers who want an extra edge on the race track.

Called 'Track Pack', this new version of the GT-R offers a harder edge and yet remains fully road legal.

Externally the Track Pack is easily identified by lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloys with gloss black painted centres.

The brakes behind these are cooled by additional cooling ducts built into the front bumper. These reduce the operating temperature of the front brake discs by as much as 100 degrees during track use, improving the stopping performance. Similar ducts, hidden behind the rear wheels, channel cooling air over the rear discs.

To reflect this GT-R's harder edge, the suspension's spring rates have been revised to be optimal for track use. Like all GT-Rs though, the dampers are adjustable to offer more comfort when the car is being used on the road.

Internally, Recaro front seats are trimmed with blue bolsters and an innovative high grip material to help keep the driver in place during hard cornering and braking. The rear seats have been removed to save weight. A 'Track Pack' emblem on the centre console identifies this model as a special GT-R.

The engine retains the same specification as the 'regular' 2012 model GT-R, which means 550PS of power. The 0-60 mph time is just 2.7 seconds.

The Track Pack adds £10,000 to the £74,450 list price of the standard MY2012 GT-R, making it £84,450.

Orders for all 2012 GT-R's can now be taken at any one of the 21 Nissan High Performance Centres around the UK. The first deliveries are expected in March 2012.

Rides : Nissan releases updated 542hp GT-R overseas

There's no question that Nissan has done some radically impressive things with its GT-R, proving beyond the shred of a doubt that Japan's mainstream automakers can stick it to Europe's elite. But you don't get to where Nissan has gotten with the GT-R by sitting back and letting it grow old. Yokohama's finest spend day and night keeping Godzilla razor-sharp and ready for action. And to that end, they've launched a series of improvements for the latest model.

To say that the updated GT-R represents any sort of major step forward would be a gross exaggeration, but it does pack some new features. Among them are a retuned version of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that now delivers more power – 542 horsepower instead of 523 – while returning higher efficiency and lower emissions. A recalibrated shift action, new differential lubricants, an even tauter frame, available carbon-ceramic brakes and an available "track pack" for hot-lap enthusiasts are also part of the improvements. Right-hand-drive models get an assymetrical suspension setup to compensate for the weight of the driver and steering column, there's a new Bose sound system and a rearview camera now comes as standard.

The improvements are said to shave an astonishing eight to ten seconds off the GT-R's already impressive Nürburgring lap time and drop the 0-60 time to as little as 2.7 seconds. Now that's what we call progress. Click past the jump for the official video and press release.


Currently, the new model is being rolled out in Japan and Europe – set to debut later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show – but it's probably only a matter of time until we get the improvements Stateside as well, where we expect it will debut soon as the 2013 model.

 

Press Release

Show full PR text

Nissan Releases the 2012 Model Year Nissan GT-R

YOKOHAMA, Japan (November 7, 2011) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of the 2012 model year Nissan GT-R. The new model goes on sale November 24 in Japan and arrives in European showrooms in January 2012.

At a glance
- More power (550PS), improved economy and lower emissions
- Unique asymmetric suspension settings on RHD cars
- Enhanced transmission shift feel
- Special race tuned oils used in differential
- Body strengthened for even greater handling finesse
- Ceramic brakes option according to model
- New Bose® Precision Sound System woofers
- Rear view camera now standard
- New version 'For TRACK PACK' enhances GT-R's pure performance (RHD only)

Significant improvements to the engine, chassis and transmission, plus a new lightweight "For TRACK PACK" version (currently available in some market such as Japan, UK), which accentuates the pure performance potential of the GT-R are the key changes to Nissan's flagship model for the 2012 model year.

When it was launched, the iconic GT-R created a new type of super car. Performance and handling were exceptional, of course, but more importantly the car's potential was accessible to all drivers under all conditions. It was greeted with universal praise but Nissan's policy of constant development means the GT-R continues to evolve.

The latest version, which is due on sale in Europe in January 2012, is the most efficient yet. It offers even greater performance but this is allied to improved economy and lower emissions to provide further excitement to drivers and passengers.

As well as more power, the 2012 MY GT-R has a newly developed asymmetric suspension which compensates for greater weight on the driver's side in RHD models, enhanced transmission 'feel' and a stronger body for extra rigidity and ever better handling.

There's also the arrival of a new "For TRACK PACK" version (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK) which inherits the DNA of the Spec_V model and turns the GT-R into a light-weight two seater for the ultimate in trackday performance.


2012 MY Nissan GT-R Overview

1. Mechanical Features
Engine
By improving the GT-R's engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been decreased from 12L. to 11.8L/100 Kms, while engine output rises significantly from 390kW to 404kW (550PS) from /6,400rpm with maximum torque of from 612 to 632Nm(64.5kgfm) from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm.

Engine response and torque at mid- and low-speeds, and power at high revolutions, has been significantly improved, mainly due to:
- Improved intake efficiency
- Better air flow resistance, which has been reduced by the addition of an intake manifold fitted to the head of each unit and the use of resin in the enlarged air intake duct for the intercooler.
- Improved exhaust emissions efficiency and enhanced control.
- Reduced air flow resistance thanks to a more compact under floor catalyzer which improves emissions efficiency and reduces weight.
- Improved exhaust valve cooling performance by the adoption of a newly-designed metallic sodium-filled valve. At the same time, valve control timing, the air mixture ratio and ignition timing have been improved.

Transmission
Shift feels and quietness has been refined thanks to a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing. A special differential oil R35 COMPETITION Type 2189E (75W140), which was developed for competition is now used in every version of GT-R.

Body
As well as greater power and torque, the reinforcing of certain areas around the rear part of the engine compartment and dash panel deliver more responsive handling while a greater sense of the vehicle's grip on the road is transmitted to the driver.

At the same time, more precise production methods, accompanied by advancements made in the vehicle body, have improved the inter-vehicle detection capability. This was achieved by changes in the positioning of the sensor and more rigid, highly-damped vehicle body, and by adding a more accurate acceleration sensor in areas with higher sensitivity in the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

Suspension and brakes
Accounting for the added weight of the driver in a right-hand drive vehicle coupled to the fact that the propeller shaft for front wheels is located on the right side of the vehicle; the GT-R's suspension in RHD versions has been set asymmetrically. For the front suspension, there's a harder spring rate on the left side while at the rear the suspension arm has been installed upwards on the left side and downwards on the right. This means an imbalanced wheel load when the car is stationary, but which is equalized during driving, providing improved responsiveness, smoothness and steering feel, as well as enhanced cornering stability and riding comfort (for RHD only).

NCCB (Nissan Carbon Ceramic Brakes) are available as a factory-installed option for the GT-R Premium Edition and EGOIST grade. These brakes accentuate the car's agile road hold and supple ride feel thanks to a dramatically-reduced spring weight and refined, sharp braking performance unique to carbon ceramics. (In addition, service parts prices for the rotors and pads have been reduced.)

2. Interior
The quality feel of the instruments placed in front of the driver have been enhanced by the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light giving a more sophisticated atmosphere in the cockpit.

Rear View Camera device will be standard on all models.

The Bose® sound system woofers, have been changed to Bose® Precision Sound System woofers that were developed for the EGOIST grade to further enhance sound quality.


3. "For TRACK PACK" (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK)
"For TRACK PACK" (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK) is a new version in the GT-R line up, designed for customers who want to enjoy a more visceral driving experience in their Nissan GT-R.

Jointly developed with NordRing Company in Japan, it features revised suspension settings, extra brake cooling (front and rear), and aluminum-alloy wheels from Spec-V made by Rays (with black quartz chrome color coating). The front spoiler with carbon air duct has been exclusively made for this edition and is installed as a set.

To reduce the car's weight, this edition is a two-seat configuration with quilted fabric mats in place of the rear seats. The front seats are covered with leather and high-grip fabric, newly developed for the "For TRACK PACK" version and which firmly holds the driver in place during even the most spirited of trackday action (RHD only).

With the latest 2012MY version, the legend that is the Nissan GT-R continues to evolve.

 

Rides : 2013 Nissan GT-R to get 570 HP

Nissan has big plans for its models in the new generation and besides developing a high-performance version of the Juke, with more than 500 horsepower by using the GT-R’s powertrain, the iconic sports car’s new generation will get a power boost of 40 HP.

Rumors are that the 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 engine powering the Nissan GT-R will be upgraded to deliver a total output of 570 horsepower which is actually a 40 HP increase over the current model and 90 HP more than the model had when it was originally launched.
The same rumors that announce the 2013 GT-R’s increased power, thanks to modifications on the intake and exhaust as well as some ECU remapping, say that the new generation will have no aesthetic changes, but Nissan will offer some limited editions like the Premium Black or Egoist, while the right-hand drive markets will receive the Track Edition.
The new generation of the Nissan GT-R is expected on the Nurburgring next month but knowing the Japanese automaker makes us think that official details of the 2013’s version of the sports car won’t be announced pretty soon.

Rides : VIDEO of a Nissan GT-R crashing into the water

Supercar crash day here on inatuonews.com and after the two Ferraris presented earlier today now we will move a bit to the East, going to Japan, the original country of one of the hottest cars out there: Nissan GT-R.

The fact that it’s powerful is no longer a surprise, the fact that it’s cheaper than many other slower cars is a good thing but the GT-R apparently can’t go fast underwater so if anyone know how to say that in Dutch, please feel free to do it: “You can’t win in the water, man!”.
It seems that the driver of the GT-R was coming home from this weekend’s Assen car festival in Holland when he bounced off a bridge ending up in water, so remember, take your pills before you go driving next time and also remember what we said above: “You can’t win in the water, man!”.
Sadly (or happily), depends on what side you are, the video doesn’t show the moment of the crash, the crowd only captured the extraction of the drowned Japanese.

Rides : Nissan debuts new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is no stranger to motorsports. Topping off its long history of racing around the world, Godzilla currently competes in Japan's own Super GT series and in the FIA GT1 World Championship, among others. But while those models are loosely based on and bear a visual resemblance to the road car, they're both largely purpose-built racers. In fact they're both powered by V8 engines instead of the turbo six in the supercar you can buy at your local Datsun store.

Enter the GT3 version. Jointly developed by Nismo (Nissan's racing division) and the JR Motorsports team that fields it in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the GT-R GT3 is much closer to the road car, powered as it is by the same turbocharged V6 engine (albeit tuned to GT3 specifications). The racer made its debut at the Magny-Cours circuit in France this weekend where it finished eighth out of 35 entries after 98 laps. 

 

Press Release

OUTSTANDING RACE DEBUT FOR NISSAN NISMO GT-R GT3
Blancpain Endurance Series - Round 4 Race Report

JR Motorsports entered Nissan NISMO GT-R GT3, jointly developed by NISMO and JRM , proved 100% reliable in its first ever competitive outing. The fourth round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at the Magny-Cours circuit in central France saw the car run faultlessly throughout the 98 laps of the race in three hours, with its drivers Richard Westbrook and David Brabham crossing the line in an impressive eighth place overall out of a field of 35 cars, both paying tribute to the car's reliability and how easy it is to drive.

The Nissan NISMO GT-R GT3 concept started life over a year ago. Since then the car has undergone a series of tests, with the three-hour Magny-Cours race representing its first ever competitive outing and an important part of its extensive development programme.

Qualifying at Magny-Cours took place on Saturday afternoon in dry and sunny conditions, with Westbrook setting a time that placed the Nissan 18th on the grid. With 35 cars competing and the GT3 GT-R situated in the middle of the pack, the strategy was to keep out of trouble and that's exactly what Westbrook did.

With no work other than the obligatory refuelling, tyre-change and driver swap required, Brabham took the wheel and joined the race in 12th place. He continued to circulate the 4.41 km track making good progress and gaining places in the process.

Again, with no problems to report, he pulled into the pits at the end of lap 73 having climbed to ninth place. Westbrook then took over for the third and final stint and, he was able to make the most of the cooler conditions and set the GT-R GT3's fastest lap towards the end of the race.

With 20 minutes to go the Safety Car was deployed once again. This moved Westbrook into eighth place.

The JRM team was delighted when the car finally crossed the line having run faultlessly for 98 laps, three hours and 440kms. The race had provided everything the team had hoped for - and more - the final position of eighth overall and sixth in class a bonus for everyone concerned with the Nissan NISMO GT-R GT3 project.

Drivers Quotes

Richard Westbrook
"The car ran like clockwork. I had to keep reminding myself that this was its first race! It's excellent on tyres, so it means you can lap at the same speed at the end of a stint as you can at the start. For a brand new car to run the whole of the three-hours without a problem is a great achievement. It's easy but rewarding to drive and I must admit that, even after completing two one-hour stints, I didn't want to get out of it."

David Brabham
"Once I was out of the traffic I was able to put in some really solid laps. The car is easy to drive which means it doesn't take long to dial yourself into a good rhythm. To finish where we did is a great debut for a brand new car and a tribute to Nissan, NISMO and JRM."

Rides : Nissan GT-R tuned up to 1.309 BHP

The AMS Performance American tuner has modified a Nissan GT-R boosting its power up to 1.309 BHP.

Performance is everything when it comes to successful tuning, this is also the case of a recent modified Nissan GT-R by AMS Performance, making its figures almost unbelievable.
The 1.309 BHP GT-R can accelerate from 60 to 130 mph in just 3.46 seconds and even better than that, the car can do a quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds, 9 to be more exact. By the time the “animal” will have finished the 402 meters, its kilometer gauge will have indicated a top speed of 267 km/h.
No problem in torque either for the mighty Nissan, which develops 1347 Nm, or 995 lb-ft. Burning rubber is what this modified Nissan GT-R can do best, and it does like there’s no tomorrow. But you can also see this from the video below. Enjoy!

Rides : 2012 Nissan GT-R

The 2012 Nissan GT-R is getting a 30-hp power boost that increases ponies to 560. It’s also getting a SpecR version that well have a weight loss of between 66 to 88 lbs. and a gold engine cover to replace the current red one of the SpecV.

Rides : Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R vs 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The battle of the Titans is back! Fifth Gear has compared the 2012 Nissan GT-R with the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S. Tiff Needell and Jason Plato did three specific tests with the two sports cars.

It’s a battle between the 530 HP 2012 Nissan GT-R and the 530 HP 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S. With equal power outputs and similar 0-60 mph sprint times - 3.0 seconds and 3.3 seconds - the real winner will come down to handling, weight, and aerodynamics.
The Turbo S’s 530 hp are available between 6250 and 6750 rpm. The added power is achieved through different intake-valve timing and increased turbo boost pressure. Maximum torque is rated at 516 lb-ft, which happens between 2100 and 4250 rpm. The Turbo S torque figure can be matched by the regular Turbo, but only when that car is equipped with the Sport Chrono package.
On the same time, with incredible performance at a relatively low price, the 2011 Nissan GT-R is one of the most desirable vehicles for the driving enthusiast.
Check out the video …

Rides - VIDEO: Motortrend Lines up the 2011 Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500, and Nissan GT-R

Motortrend pits the Ford Shelby supercar against the Chevy Z06 and Nissan GT-R.
Let’s take a glance at the challengers:
2011 Ford Shelby GT500
$49,000
550 horsepower
0-60: 4.1 seconds
¼ mile: 12.4 seconds
60-0: 104 feet
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
$71,000
505 horsepower
0-60: 3.8 seconds
¼ mile: 11.8 seconds
60-0: 102 feet
2012 Nissan GT-R
$91,000
530 horsepower
0-60: 2.9 seconds
¼ mile: 11.2 seconds
60-0: 101 feet
Who will take away the title? Watch the video after the jump to find out!

 

Rides : Video - Nissan GT-R Porsche Killer Marketing in Germany

Rides : Nissan’s GT-R for the Bentley crowd

The GT-R is the epitome of performance and speed when it comes to Japanese metal (outside of the insanely priced Lexus LFA). Problem is, it has a luxury car price without much luxury. It’s bred for speed, not pampering. Nissan knows this, and with the new Egoist spec, it plans to cater to those that want some desert with their steak. No details are yet available, but here are some leaked pics. More details to come as it becomes officially official in the coming days. My guess is that it’ll be priced significantly less than a new Bentley GT, and run circles around it.

Rides - 2012 Nissan GT-R Gets Six Colors, Three Options

The lizard wizards of the Nissan GT-R forum have the order guide for the 2012 Godzilla. Six colors, four of them extra, and choices of a rear camera, all-weather tires or floor mats. Sorry, no pink-leather Egoist for America.

Rides - Rumor: Nissan working on a lighter version of its GT-R sports car

NIssan GT-R

According to the latest reports from Japan’s Best Car Magazine, it seems that Nissan is working on a lightweight version of the GT-R sports car. Yes, it appears that the Japanese engineers are not satisfied with the performances offered by the GT-R (currently, one of the fastest production cars on the market) and want to offer more for their customers. As you may know already, the 2012 Nissan GT-R made its debut in November, at the 2010 LA Auto Show and showed some updates at the interior but also at the exterior.

The most important upgrades were made under the hood, were he 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine delivers now 530 hp (outgoing model delivers 485 hp) and 612 Nm of torque from 3,200 to 6,200 rpm (outgoing model delivers 588 Nm).

Moreover, the fuel consumption was improved to 8.5km/L (10-15 mode) or 8.6km/L (JC08 mode), thanks to a modified boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio. Also, the coefficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26, which is one of the best in its class. The complete 12MY Nissan GT-R model lineup now includes six versions - the "Pure edition," "Black edition," "Premium edition," "SpecV," "Club Track" and "Egoist". But, do expect a new and lighter version!

Video : GT Academy Announce Trailer

By the time I had watched thirty seconds of that video, I knew Nissan and Sony had done something epic. The two companies have paired up to offer the best Gran Turismo 5 drivers from around the nation a chance at becoming a real world, flesh-and-blood race car driver. Just look at those spinouts. I can’t wait.

Here’s a little clip from the press release:

GT Academy will challenge gamers and racing fans alike across the U.S. to compete in a series of online time trials in pre-selected Nissan vehicles in Gran Turismo 5. Throughout the course of the competition, participants will earn free digital content just for playing, as well as have an opportunity to win prizes for winning regional time trials. The top 32 virtual racers in the country will compete in the live national finals event scheduled for March 2011 to become one of 16 GT Academy finalists. The 16 finalists will compete against each other in a series of challenges, including behind the wheel of real Nissan race cars, for a chance to become a professional race car driver as the GT Academy winner for the U.S. The winner will have the opportunity to train with elite race car drivers at international tracks and race as part of a professional team.

Rides : Video - Audi R8 V10 vs Nissan GT-R (english subtitled)

Despite the English Subtitles, it's well worth watching it.
I've driven both cars, I can tell you that the GT-R is a beast! - Craig Mills