Autoblog

Nissan GT-R 24h Nürburgring race car caught testing

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Nissan, Racing

Nissan announced earlier in the month that it would be fielding a factory team in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, piloting a 2012 GT-R. The car is reportedly a Club Track Edition, a race-ready derivative sold in Japan, and our spy shooters have spotted it out in the wild.

The car is only lightly camouflaged, with coverings over parts of the the front fascia, hood, and rear windows. We will admit that your guess is as good as our as to what might lie beneath the wrapping, but given that Nissan has said the only changes from production car to race car are some added downforce in the front and a new rear wing, we'll just go with "nothing" as our answer.

Nissan GT-R 24h Nürburgring race car caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Zach Bowman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Nissan

There are plenty of ways to test a vehicle's durability. You might hand the keys to your average teenager for a week or plop a journalist behind the wheel for an hour. Or you could simply enter the machine in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Nissan has opted for the latter option for the company's upgraded-for-2012 GT-R. The automaker's development team want to fully stress the supercar's systems by putting it through one of the world's most grueling endurance races. Of course, the fact that Nissan wants to one-up Porsche in its own backyard certainly doesn't hurt, either.

Nissan has thrown a bit more downforce at the vehicle's front end and the factory wing has been replaced as well, but the engine, transmission and suspension all remain unaltered from the factory Club Track edition. The competition vehicle will wear slightly wider tires, as well as safety cage and a larger fuel cell to accommodate the race regulations. The factory brakes have also been swapped out for more aggressive hardware.

Nissan says some of the changes may make their way to production in the near future as the company pushes the vehicle to break the seven minute lap time barrier at Germany's most famous track. Scroll down to see the video for yourself.

Continue reading Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Showdown: Nissan Juke-R pitted against GT-R on track

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, UK

Now that Nissan UK is finished with the dog-and-pony promotional show for the Nissan Juke-R, it's free to do what we've all been waiting for: hand it over to The Fourth Estate for proper testing. AutoExpress was the first in line, and they didn't waste the chance, pitting Faust's CUV against the car that made it possible, the Nissan GT-R, around the Bedford Autodrome circuit.

We could tell you more, but this isn't the time for words - the long-awaited action is in the video after the jump. Still want more? There's an article to go with it over on AutoExpress.

Continue reading Showdown: Nissan Juke-R pitted against GT-R on track

Showdown: Nissan Juke-R pitted against GT-R on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Nissan

Pitting the Nissan GT-R against the all-new BMW M5 is ridiculous. They're two different beasts in two different classes with two different purposes. It's a cynical, SEO-optimized comparison. And even worse, it's already been done. But...

We can't help but post on it. Not because it's clicky or that a few of us have man-crushes on Chris Harris. No. It's because watching the two cars being flogged back-to-back on a damp circuit demonstrates how technologically sophisticated each one is and how they go about putting the power down so differently. You can actually see the GT-R - traction control switched off - trying to right itself as Harris flings it sideways, while the M5 slackens and goes neutral while the turbocharged eight responds like a naturally aspirated mill.

Scary with a capital "F?" Indeed. But just as educating as it is entertaining. See for yourself below the fold.

Continue reading Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this

Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan rolls out new Track Pack for GT-R

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, UK

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. In the meantime you can check it out in the press release after the jump and the fresh batch of high-resolution images in the gallery.

Continue reading Nissan rolls out new Track Pack for GT-R

Nissan rolls out new Track Pack for GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan releases updated 542hp GT-R overseas [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Nissan

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. So stay tuned. In the meantime, you can check out the huge batch of fresh high-resolution images and follow the jump for the video clip and Euro-spec press release.

Continue reading Nissan releases updated 542hp GT-R overseas [w/video]

Nissan releases updated 542hp GT-R overseas [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #249

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Chevrolet, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

Chevrolet Sonic, Dodge Ram wins shootout, Dodge Caliber replacement, Supercharged Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Episode #249 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. This week Chris, Zach, and Dan are joined by AOL Autos Editor in Chief David Kiley. Topics include the Chevrolet Sonic, the Ram pickup's $30,000 truck shootout victory, the Alfa Romeo-based replacement for the Dodge Caliber and rumors and spy shots suggesting a supercharged Hyundai Genesis Coupe is coming. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #249:

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate
2012 Nissan GT-R
2011 Cadillac CTS Sedan

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman,
Guest: David Kiley
Runtime: 01:25:25

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Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #249

Autoblog Podcast #249 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan GT-R to get power bump, Spec R version

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist - Click above for high-res image gallery

Staying on top demands constant improvement, and Nissan has certainly proven itself up to the task with the current R35-generation GT-R. Since its domestic introduction in 2007 and global roll-out in 2009, Nissan has launched successive improvements on its flagship sportscar, and now word is coming of another upgrade on the way.

According to the folks at 7Tune, output from the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is set to increase from 530 horsepower up to 560. And to supersede the current Spec V model, a Spec R is said to be in the works, dropping another 70 pounds or so for even more extreme performance.

Development of the new GT-R has reportedly been postponed in the wake of the quake fallout in Japan, pushing the car's launch back by several months. These are expected to be the final iterations of the R35 before its successor arrives.

Nissan GT-R to get power bump, Spec R version originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R shaving 2.48 seconds off 'Ring time

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R takes on Nürburgring - Click above to watch video after the jump

Nissan loves spending time in Germany. We imagine that Nissan engineers have passports filled with German point-of-entry stamps. However, they've likely only spent time in one specific area: the village of Nürburg, Germany.

With the GT-R now producing an extra 45 horsepower for model year 2012, Nissan went back to the Nürburgring last October with it's updated super coupe to see how much time it could shave off the old car's best lap - a blistering 7m 26.7s. The result? With a new lap time of 7:24.22, how does a hair quicker than the Maserati MC12 sound?

That time doesn't just place the 2012 Nissan GT-R ahead of the Maserati. Other cars with slower times include the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Carrera GT and a host of other expensive, hard-to-pronounce exotic machines, at least according to Wikipedia. Since there is no official governing body that records Nürburgring lap times for production cars, it's hard to say which ones really do have the lowest lap times. From what we can tell, the Dodge Viper ACR and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 are still quicker than the 2012 GT-R.

Follow the jump to watch the run for yourself, which we just found on YouTube for the first time today, but note that the driving action begins around the 3:09 mark.

[Source: Youtube via Motor Authority]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R shaving 2.48 seconds off 'Ring time

Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R shaving 2.48 seconds off 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: MT five-figure supercar comparo pits Corvette Z06 vs. Shelby GT500 vs. GT-R

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Nissan

Motor Trend tests three sub-$100,000 supercars - Click above to watch video after the jump

Motor Trend is on a quest to determine the best budget supercar. Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan stepped up to the challenge with the 2011 Shelby GT500, 2011 Corvette Z06 and 2012 GT-R. Total cost of the vehicles used in this 1,585-horsepower shootout? $244,290... or $37,040 less than the 570-horsepower $281,330 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera we tested in 2010. Perspective, folks.

This comparision is not about high-dollar exotics, however, because M/T is looking for the best sub-$100,000 performer. The 2012 Nissan GT-R develops 530 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. The American muscle machines perfer V8 power with the supercharged 5.4-liter GT500 producing 550 horses and the 7.0-liter Z06 pumping out 505.

The Shelby GT500 certainly represents the best bang-for-your-buck due to its $55,330 as-tested price tag. Yet both the Z06 ($98,010 as-tested) and GT-R ($90,950) offer equally appealing performance at a relative bargain.

Motor Trend took all three super coupes to the drag strip and the Streets of Willow road course. The winning car is not much of a surprise (hint: it's not American) but the resulting videos are still fun to watch. Click past the jump for clips of the drag race and the road course testing, then head over to Motor Trend to read about the test.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: MT five-figure supercar comparo pits Corvette Z06 vs. Shelby GT500 vs. GT-R

Video: MT five-figure supercar comparo pits Corvette Z06 vs. Shelby GT500 vs. GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R

Michael Harley — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, First Drives

Japan's Supercar Killer Comes Back Even Stronger

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Invincible. According to Webster's, the word means "incapable of being conquered, overcome or subdued." The adjective is often used to describe something so superior that it's nearly impossible to overthrow. Want to know what invincibility feels like? Strap yourself into the driver's seat of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, and then press the start button.

Just three years after successfully launching its flagship performance vehicle on our shores, the engineers at Nissan have introduced a subtly but completely reworked supercar. The engine has more power, the suspension has been revised, the wheels are lighter, the seats have been redesigned, the brakes are bigger, the chassis is stiffer and the aerodynamics have been reconfigured to improve cooling and provide more downforce. This isn't a manufacturer's token "mid-cycle refresh" to boost sales; these are changes that improve the overall drivability and performance of the GT-R so significantly that most will be inclined to consider it nothing short of a second-generation rebirth.

For starters, how does 0-60 in 2.88 seconds sound?

Continue reading...

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R

First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Luxury

The 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist has landed - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Nissan GT-R is already out destroying pavement and causing saliva stains on the t-shirts of slack-jawed enthusiasts. The engine produces 530 horsepower, the launch control system propels the car forward like a runaway bullet train and the styling continues to polarize those who stare at its lines. Now Nissan has prepared a more luxurious GT-R for the people and it's called the Egoist.

All the details surrounding the GT-R Egoist have not yet materialized, but a plethora of pictures has made its way to the web. We know the interior will feature upgraded leather and carbon fiber materials and that a multitude of additional color choices will be available. No word yet on the cost for this super luxury coupe.

If you're a potential buyer of the Nissan GT-R Egoist, stop staring at yourself in your Rinceaux full-length mirror and check out the gallery of your future ride. If you can't find the scratch for the 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist, you can still click through the gallery and enjoy the opulence.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Egoist

[Source: Nissan]

Pics Aplenty: 2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autoblog witnesses the 2012 Nissan GT-R's launch control

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:43:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R deftly launches - Click above to watch the video after the break

Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Well, only if you're really just interested in showing off. In reality, if your tires go up in giant plumes of white smoke, you're going nowhere fast.

It stands to reason, then, that drivers of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, which once again has an official factory launch control mode, won't be indulging in any tire-smoking shenanigans. Instead, they will be launching themselves and any passengers they may be carrying into ludicrous speed with nary a hint of wheelspin to contend with.

And we finally have first-hand video evidence that proves the point. We witnessed the 2011 GT-R catapult itself into near orbit using launch control with our own eyes and managed to capture the act on video. Click past the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading Video: Autoblog witnesses the 2012 Nissan GT-R's launch control

Video: Autoblog witnesses the 2012 Nissan GT-R's launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R blasts off the line courtesy of new launch control system

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R shows off its new launch control system - Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2012 Nissan GT-R is one fast supercar-slaying coupe. With 530 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque on tap, it sprints off the line with plenty of traction as it sends power to all four wheels. The 2012 GT-R can run from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds, and it does so with the assistance of its LC4 R35 launch control function, otherwise known as the R-Mode Start function.

Yes, this process is surely hard on the transmission (and we're counting on plenty of transmission and warranty jokes in the comments - we've heard 'em all... and so has everyone else). So, instead of worrying about the car's innards, why don't you instead click past the jump and check out the 2012 Nissan GT-R utilizing its launch control system to the fullest. Video starts in 3... 2... ahem, 60.

[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R blasts off the line courtesy of new launch control system

Video: 2012 Nissan GT-R blasts off the line courtesy of new launch control system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Launch control is back on 2012 Nissan GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GT-R obessives at NAGTROC managed to secure a copy of the 2012 Nissan GT-R owner's manual and discovered that Nissan has reinstated the formerly verboten Launch Control feature for the 2012 model. But this time it's called something different.

The new name is R Mode Start Function and the screen cap on the right lists off what you need to do to click of 0-60 mph runs in the low three-second range - or even the high twos, according to some preliminary reports.

After several reports of transmissions and half-shafts grenading themselves soon after the GT-R hit U.S. shores, Nissan removed the L.C. feature for the 2011 model year. This revised system seems to do the exact same thing, although the 4,000 rpm rev-limit is significantly higher than the last version and the ECU limits the start function to four consecutive runs before its disabled to protect the GT-R's twin clutches and the rest of the transmission's oily bits.

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R

[Sources: NAGTROC (PDF warning) via 2009 GTR]

Launch control is back on 2012 Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Nissan GT-R order guide leaked

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R Club Track Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've got good news for you if you want the skinny on exactly how the 2012 Nissan GT-R will be available when it arrives. The crew over at 2009GTR.com have sourced up the ordering guide for the next Nissan supercar from the North American GT-R Owners Club, and it looks like buyers will be able to pick from a total of six colors. Of those, it's unclear exactly how man that the company will only charge extra for at the moment. Right now 2009GTR.com seems to think that Super Silver will be the only cost-adding hue, though the forums are rife with speculation otherwise. The 2012 GT-R will be available in just two packages, including Premium, which will fetch $89,950 excluding destination and Black, which is expected to land around $95,100.

Options include floor mats, a cold-weather package and a rear view camera, though at this point it's unclear how much Nissan will want for those niceties. One of the most curious additions comes from the car's homeland. Japanese buyers will be able to opt for an Egoist package for the interior that drapes the cabin in red and pink leather as seen above. Let's just say we won't be missing that one in the States. More demure owners can go for grey and red hide.

To each their own, we suppose. There are also a heap of photos of a new JDM-only Club Track Edition, though details are scarce at the moment. Judging from the photos, that machine is a full-on track heathen with a gutted interior, unique dampers, a roll cage and a driver controllable rear differential cooler. Tasty. Sadly, it looks like that particular car isn't headed stateside anytime soon, either.

Head over to 2009GTR.com to have a look at the full order sheet.

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R Club Track Edition

Gallery: Egoist Nissan GT-R

[Sources: NAGTROC via 2009GTR.com]

2012 Nissan GT-R order guide leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Nissan GT-R officially goes 0-60 in 2.9 seconds

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

What's it take to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under three seconds flat? According to Nissan, it takes exactly 530 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a sophisticated electronic all-wheel-drive system and a dual-clutch transmission.

Put more simply in actual dollars and cents, that will cost you $89,950. For those unaware, that's the sum Nissan is asking for its updated 2012 GT-R, which recently made its live American debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show. The Japanese automaker has kindly provided a digital readout from an electronic measurement device from Digitek to silence the doubters (above). As you can ~~clearly~~ squint and see, the GT-R hit 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds and 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in exactly three seconds.

Your move, Corvette ZR1.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2012 Nissan GT-R officially goes 0-60 in 2.9 seconds

2012 Nissan GT-R officially goes 0-60 in 2.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Nissan GT-R adds 45 HP for 2012, hits 60 under 3 seconds *Update

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is making quite a splash at the 2010 LA Auto Show. Despite the presence of the bat-guano-crazy Murano CrossCabriolet and rather attractive Ellure Concept, perhaps the most highly anticipated machine from the Japanese automaker is the 2012 GT-R. Here are the most important pieces of information to chew on: 530 horsepower and 488 pound-feet of torque.

That means Godzilla Part II (Tokyo Strikes Back!) offers up 45 more raging stallions than the first edition, which Nissan claims is enough to push its all-wheel-drive super coupe to 60 miles per hour in under three seconds(!). Those upgraded figures come courtesy of increased boost from the twin turbos packed into the six combustion chambers along with larger inlet and exhaust pipes.

Body modifications include an enlarged front fascia and grille openings along with double rectifier fins and LED running lights. These updates are said to allow for more air to enter the engine compartment and sweep across front brakes for cooling. Out back, Nissan says its redesigned rear fascia lowers the car's center of gravity.

Aerodynamic improvements such as the aforementioned front fascia, rear diffuser and underbody trays equal a coefficient of drag that falls to just 0.26. All models get new and improved Rays wheels, and a new Black Edition sees darkened six-spoke affairs along with red-trimmed Recaro seats that should look pretty darn nice with the new across-the-range carbon interior highlights.

Colors include Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production four-stage metallic Super Silver, which join two new shades for the new year: Deep Blue Pearl (pictured) and Jet Black. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, but what you really want to see are the high-res images in our galleries below. Enjoy!

*Update: Nissan reports the starting MSRPs for the 2012 Nissan GT-R are $89,950 USD and $95,100 USD for the Premium and Black Edition respectively.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading LA 2010: Nissan GT-R adds 45 HP for 2012, hits 60 under 3 seconds *Update

LA 2010: Nissan GT-R adds 45 HP for 2012, hits 60 under 3 seconds *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well look what we found tucked away in a glass-enclosed corner of the Nissan stand. What you're looking at is the 2012 Nissan GT-R, complete with a fascia comprised of a restyled bumper, air-intakes and LED daytime running lamps. A new diffuser pulled from the SpecM is mounted out back, along with new lightweight wheels that may or may not be included in the final package. Our insider wouldn't give us any details on power increases, but they did say we should keep an eye out for an official announcement in the coming months.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2012 Nissan GT-R

Paris 2010: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Nissan GT-R changes appear on web

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for image gallery

The thing about a halo car is that it needs that pretty little halo buffed and shined every single year to be sure the machine is kept at the forefront of consumers' minds. Nissan has been doing a pretty good job with its GT-R over the last few years in this regard, bumping power here and adding new techno-goodies there - all in an effort to give its giant slayer the tools to continue properly slaying.

That trend looks to continue for the 2012 model year, as the hive mind from GTRBlog.com has managed to score enough information on the upcoming machine to put together a nice little preview. Starting with the exterior, the next GT-R will get a revised front fascia complete with new (and sure to be controversial) LED driving lights frenched into new canards at either corner of the front bumper, lowering the car's coefficient of drag from 0.272 to 0.268.

There's also a new rear diffuser that adds 10 percent more downforce at the business end and a set of forged wheels from Rays cut 6.6 pounds of unsprung weight at each corner for a total loss of over 26 pounds. Impressive. There are reportedly two new colors for both the wheels - Hyper Blue Black and Hyper Titanium - and for the car - Aurora Flare Blue Pearl and Nebula Opal Black.

Expect price increases for both the base model, which will now be known as the Pure Edition, and the Premium Edition. Naturally, we're also told to expect some additional horsepower. We'll keep our eyes and ears peeled for more.

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R

[Source: GTRBlog.com]

2012 Nissan GT-R changes appear on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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