Autoblog

VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST

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

Super Snake vs. Godzilla - click above to watch the video

Recently, we ran a little poll in which we asked which car would you prefer: A Nissan GT-R or a Ford Shelby Mustang GT500? The results - which aren't too surprising - had just over two thirds of you rooting and tooting for Godzilla. And that's all fine. However, someone pointed out that the contest should have been between Godzilla and the new Shelby Super Snake. Well guess what?

Thankfully, Motor Trend has totally obliged you. In this video, the 412-horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque (at the wheels, people, at the wheels) Nissan GT-R takes on the 635 hp and 581 lb-ft of torque Shelby GT500 Super Snake do the quarter-mile. The results? We're going to make you jump to find out, but we aren't surprised. At all. But then again, we've driven both cars (in fact, this appears to be the exact 2010 GT-R we drove). We will however say hats off to our buddy Ed Loh at MT for making such a fun video. Click here to watch it. Thanks to Pete for the tip!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan continues work on GT-R SpecM

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST

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

2010 Nissan GT-R "New Spec" - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has come and gone, and despite rumors leading up to the event, Nissan never unveiled a SpecM version of the GT-R. However, a new report from Japan says that work continues on the softened, marginally up-market super coupe, although there's no word when we'll finally see it.

According to InsideLine's correspondent from Japan, the R35 version of the Nissan GT-R SpecM will dispatch Godzilla's standard hard-riding suspension with a more road-friendly setup that won't affect the twin-turbo'd AWD monster's prodigious grip. Early reports indicate that a few interior modifications will bring the GT-R up to par with its more luxurious, European competition, including new interior color combinations and optional aluminum or wood grain trim. However, no amount of interior tweaks will make the price premium for the SpecM go down any easier -- IL reports that the SpecM will be sold for around 18,000,000 yen (the equivalent of over $200k), or 2,250,000 yen more than the already cost prohibitive (and more lust-worthy) SpecV.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R "New Spec"

[Source: InsideLine]

REPORT: Nissan continues work on GT-R SpecM originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le Mans

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Maserati, Nissan

Nissan GT-R and Maserati MC12 at 2009 FIA GT test session - Click either image for high-res gallery

If you think you've seen schisms in motorsports by following the on-again, off-again rifts in F1, Indy racing and rallying, those are nothing compared to the fisticuffs endured in sportscar racing over the past few decades. In addition to the Rolex Daytona series and the IMSA, to name just two, the FIA and ACO have been running separate series with separate rules for years. But as the former realigns its sportscar series and the latter further branches out from the Le Mans venue itself to series around the world, the two France-based governing bodies have been getting their ducks in a row. And new coordination between the organizations could lead to some cars which had been relegated to one over the other to bridge the gap and compete for top honors in both.

Among those potential series crossovers are the racing-spec Nissan GT-R and the Maserati MC12, both of which comply with the new FIA GT regulations which ACO is now ready to adopt. Based on the Japanese Super GT-spec GT-R racer and with input from Nismo, British racing team Gigawave Motorsports fielded a GT-R in four races of the 2009 FIA GT Championship in preparation for a full-scale assault on the reformed GT1 World Championship next year.

Meanwhile, the Maserati MC12 has been dominating the GT1 category in the FIA GT Championship for the past five years running, winning back-to-back titles, but had remained outside the Le Mans rules as the ACO refused to homologate the Enzo-based racer. With the door to Le Mans now opened - and the corresponding series in Europe, America and Asia potentially along with it - the teams fielding both cars are reportedly enthusiastic to meet the ACO's requirements with backing from their respective factories.

Gallery: 2009 FIA GT Test Days

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R

Chris Paukert — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Without much fanfare (okay - zero fanfare), Nissan has rolled a tweaked version of its home-market GT-R onto the show floor here at the Tokyo Motor Show.

While you're not likely to notice any exterior differences, JDM buyers should appreciate that Nissan has fettled the suspension, fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response (as if this were a problem before), and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navi system that includes iPod connectivity.

On the suspension end of things, the rear suspension radius rod bushings have come in for a stiffening, and the front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy" (no, we're not entirely sure what that means either).

Perhaps the only modification that will be visible to passers-by is the inclusion of rear diffuser cooling ducts across the range - previously these were only fitted to the SpecV model.

Speaking of SpecV, the higher-performance model also gets new rear shock settings and standard Dunlop tires - Bridgestone loyalists, fear not - those shoes are also still available by request.

The updated GT-R hits JDM dealers on December 7, but Godzilla-crazed performance fans in the rest of the world will have to wait until spring to get one of their very own. Check out our galleries below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: Nissan GT-R "New Spec"

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R

Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Nissan, Porsche

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its new-for-2010 direct-injected, 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-six, the upgraded 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo has fired a shot across the bow of the world's supercar armada. Promising better performance, better fuel economy and better emissions, this tweaked 997 should hold the fort until the 998 appears in a couple of years.

With 20 extra horsepower motivating the lightened (by 55 pounds) all-wheel drive coupe, it should be noticeably quicker than its 2009 counterpart. How much quicker? Autocar is reporting that it's a full ten seconds faster around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than a 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo. That means the new Turbo just breaks into the 7:30s at 7m 39sec.

That still puts it behind the rival Nissan GT-R at 7:28 after former Formula One driver, Toshio Suzuki, went out and shaved more than a second off the car's previous best. Of course, Porsche still has a possible Turbo S model in the works and already produces a wicked 911 GT3 RS that can probably close the official gap between them and Godzilla.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: Autocar]

Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next-gen Nissan GT-R in the works for 2013

Noah Joseph — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Nissan

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot on the heels of reports, brought to you by British car site PistonHeads upon their visit to the Nissan's Ring-side test facility, of updates planned for the current R35-generation Nissan GT-R comes another report detailing the Japanese automaker's plans for the next-generation R36 model.

With competitors lining up to challenge the current GT-R's performance benchmark, Nissan's senior veep for global product planning, Andy Palmer, confirmed that plans are underway to succeed Godzilla with a next-generation model. The R36 will, according to the report, carry over the current model's twin-turbo V6, but with enough modifications to keep it ahead of the pack. The new GT-R is expected to hit the road by 2013 at the latest. Beyond that, Palmer didn't disclose many details, except to say that Nissan is committed to the GT-R program and won't be letting the Porsche 911 GT2 alone without a fight.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Next-gen Nissan GT-R in the works for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan GT-R reportedly set to receive suspension and aero upgrades, SpecM confirmed

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Rumormill

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GT-R is already one of the most devastatingly fast cars on the market, but the speed-hungry record-breakers at Nissan aren't about to rest on their finely calibrated laurels. According to a report from British car site PistonHeads, upon their visit to the Japanese automaker's testing facility at the Nürburgring, they learned that yet another batch of updates are planned for Godzilla in a bid to keep it even further ahead of the competition.

Among those updates reportedly revealed by GT-R project chief Kazutoshi Mizuno are an upgraded suspension, rear diffuser and air intakes. The suspension tweaks promise to be mild, with slightly stiffer dampers and springs at the front and stiffer counterparts at the rear. A pair of NACA ducts, like those on the hood, will reportedly be placed on the car's flanks, while the rear diffuser from the exclusive SpecV model is to be adopted to the standard version as well. Finally, NISMO will be offering a new data system with a PC interface.

A few more details on the rumored SpecM model also came out: while the luxurious GT-R won't be in Tokyo, according to Mizuno, when it does show up some time next year, it will feature extra equipment for a more exclusive feeling and not, as some suggested, dilute any of the supercar's capabilities.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Nissan GT-R reportedly set to receive suspension and aero upgrades, SpecM confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Nissan to debut exclusive luxury-oriented GT-R SpecM in Tokyo?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan, Rumormill, Luxury

The development of an Infiniti version of the Nissan GT-R has been more on-again, off-again than couple on an NBC sitcom. But while the jury deliberates over that project, fresh rumors from Japan once again suggest that Nissan is planning to unveil a more luxury-oriented version of the existing GT-R at the upcoming Tokyo show.

Reportedly called the SpecM, the exclusive GT-R is tipped to pack the same aero kit and rims as the ultimate SpecV, but with a softer suspension and further customization options for discerning customers. Unfortunately, that's all we've got right now, together with the rendering above, so we'll just have to wait another couple of weeks until the curtain raises in Tokyo for more. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

[Source: Carmode via CarScoop]

Rumormill: Nissan to debut exclusive luxury-oriented GT-R SpecM in Tokyo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Nissan

It was nearly a year ago when we reported on a NAGTROC forum user getting hit with a $20,000 bill to replace his toasted transmission after using Launch Control (LC1) on his GT-R. In time for the second model year of the car, Nissan first dropped Launch Control, then they decided to include it, but with safeguards (LC2). In the meantime, a growing number of owners of the initial batch got together and filed a class action suit against Nissan in the hopes of receiving some compensation for their transmissions.

That suit was settled last weekend in California. The verdict: any owners with LC1 will have their warranties reset for 5 years/60,000 miles once they upgrade to LC2, and the LC2 transmission and internals -- including VDC -- will be fully covered by Nissan. If you use the LC2 with VDC on and something breaks, everything's covered. If you turn the VDC off and use LC2 and something breaks, you're in the poo.

However, if you turn the VDC off and use LC2, then turn VDC back on and everything is fine, then you drive for a while and then a few weeks later something breaks, Nissan will have to prove that turning the VDC off weeks earlier is what caused the breakage. Previously the burden of proof was on the owner; now it's on Nissan. Owners of 2009 cars will also get a $75 coupon for service at a GT-R-approved dealership. Owners will receive notices in the mail with the details. Whew. Glad that's over. Now can we get back to enjoying one of the finest cars on the roads today? Hat tip to Matt

[Source: NAGTROC]

REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NISMO renting GT-R engine and transmission computers in Japan

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Japan, Supercars, Nissan

Nissan GT-R SpecV - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Beginning June 1, NISMO will begin taking pre-orders on a new ECU and Transmission Control Module (TCM) for the standard GT-R and its SpecV sibling. According to Nissan's motorsports arm, the ECU increases maximum boost pressure by 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) to crank-up low-end torque and enhance throttle response. The TCM tweaks supposedly deliver quicker downshifts and the speed limiter on the street (i.e. when not running on a GPS-approved race track) has been raised to 320 km/h - or just one tick shy of 200 mph.

But as you'd expect, there's a hitch. Aside from the sizeable buy-in (294,000 yen, or just over $3,000 US), NISMO will only rent the duo of upgraded controllers for a 24-month term. After which, you either return the ECU and TCM units or shell out an additional $329 per year to keep them on board. Both modules are covered by NISMO's warranty and deliveries begin on June 24.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

[Source: GTRBlog]

NISMO renting GT-R engine and transmission computers in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan GT-R wins 2009 One Lap of America

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Nissan, Porsche

2009 One Lap of America - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For the first time in the modern incarnation of One Lap of America, a Japanese car has claimed the top spot. After a grueling 3,400+ mile, nine racetrack odyssey around the United States, veteran "Lap Dog" Steve Rankins and "Lap Puppy" Will Taylor captured the overall trophy in their 2009 Nissan GT-R this weekend. The victory marks the first for a Nippon car since the event's 1986 running, when rallyist Karl Chevalier's Toyota Celica beat out fellow racer John Buffum's Audi 5000S wagon. OloA's timing and scoring procedures were markedly different at that point, however, as from 1985 to 1991, One Lap was essentially a time-speed-distance (TSD) rally.

With five-time defending champion Mark Davia and Drew Wikstrom taking the year off in their Porsche 911 Turbo, a new winner was assured, but for quite a while, it looked like another Stuttgart powerhouse would take the podium, as the 996 GT2 of Peter Lier and Ian Stewart held down the top position for much of the event. In the end, the consistency of the #3 Team Cannonball GT-R outlasted all comers - including the green #2 GT-R of Derek Whitis, Tom Long and Mark Pombo, which fell by the wayside when it was beset by gremlins (faulty boost controller pushing the ECU into limp mode, overheating, etc.). Along the way, the #3 GT-R was a consistent performer all week long, setting OloA's best-ever wet skidpad performance, a tidy 0.953g and winning events at Turfway Park, Talladega Grand Prix Raceway, Daytona International Raceway, Carolina Motorsports Park, and the BMW Performance Center. While stockpiling that many victories may make this year's race sound like a walk-off, tight competition from Lier and Stewart's 996 GT2 and the aforementioned #2 GT-R meant that the issue was in doubt almost until the very end.

Check out the high-res gallery below for more shots from this year's event, the full results here, and comprehensive wrap-up coverage courtesy of Motor Trend here.

Gallery: 2009 One Lap of America - Wrapup

[Sources: One Lap of America; Motor Trend]

Nissan GT-R wins 2009 One Lap of America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Nissan GT-R spotted testing at Nürburgring?

Dan Roth — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Nissan

One way to win races is to bury the pedal and never lift. It would appear Nissan may be following the same plan with the development of its GT-R. Rather than sit around and let the car's development go cold, Nissan is continuing to refine its bargain supercar slayer.

Nürburgring watchers have noticed a seemingly base model GT-R lapping the track lately. There's camo on the front and rear fascias - somewhat strange for a car that's been released for public consumption - so the folks at gtrblog took a closer look.

While it may look innocuous enough, the latest GT-R o be snapped on its German vacation has aerodynamic pieces that are subtly different, leading gtrblog to come to the conclusion that this is probably thee 2011 version of Nissan's Godzilla. Thanks for the tip, Jim!

[Source: gtrblog.com]

Spy Shots: 2011 Nissan GT-R spotted testing at Nürburgring? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revised Nissan GT-R clocks 7:27.56 lap time at the Nürburgring

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Nissan

2010 Nissan GT-R at the Nurburgring - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Enough is never enough. Not when you're talking supercars and Nürburgring lap times. As if enough jaws weren't dropped when Nissan posted their fantastic initial time of 7:29 around the vaunted Nordschleife (besting Porsche's best), the automaker's engineers went back to the garage looking for a little extra for 2010. They came back with a slightly updated version, with five extra horsepower and revised dual-clutch transmission with updated launch control, plus a bigger fuel tank, new tires and a retuned suspension. So what effect would these modifications have on the GT-R's 'Ring run? About a second and a half off the record, which now stands for the Japanese supercar at an awe-inspiring 7:27.56.

According to Nissan, the time was posted using a 2010 GT-R with the optional V-Spec wheels and tires, driven by former F1 tester Toshio Suzuki. Fantastic as that time is, it's still another second short of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's 7:26.4 (to say nothing of the Dodge Viper ACR's 7:22.1), so Nissan will be back at it. And without the dirt and dust which the Japanese team says was coating the track to impede its lap time, they figure they just might find enough extra speed to claim the record. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan GT-R sets 7:27.56 Ring lap time

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Revised Nissan GT-R clocks 7:27.56 lap time at the Nürburgring

Revised Nissan GT-R clocks 7:27.56 lap time at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Bargain: Inside Line reports $2000 routine maintenance bill for Nissan GT-R

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Coupe, Supercars, Nissan

2009 Nissan GT-R in the Autoblog Garage - Click above to view in high resolution

Our fathers always told us there's no such thing as a free lunch, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Then along came the Nissan GT-R, billed as a "bargain supercar" for those of merely elevated means. With a list price below eighty grand and performance to embarrass exotics worth several times as much, it seemed like the shoestring exotic had finally arrived like Santa Claus on Christmas. Couple that with what you'd be forgiven for assuming would be reasonable ownership costs - it is, after all, a Nissan, not a Ferrari - and the impossible had appeared to have happened.

However, such optimistic judgments about upkeep may have been premature. That's what the boys over at Inside Line found when their GT-R was called in to have its fluids changed. With transmission fluid selling for over $100 a quart, plus labor, the costs added up rather quickly, resulting in a routine refresh of the car's fluids and filters adding up to a sign-of-the-times-if-we've-ever-seen-one total of $2009 and change. If that's a bargain, we don't want to know what expensive is. Follow the link below to see IL's full breakdown.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Inside Line]

Some Bargain: Inside Line reports $2000 routine maintenance bill for Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rated M for "Matured" - Nissan readying kinder, gentler GT-R Spec M?

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Rumormill

2009 Nissan GT-R (regular strength version) - Click above for high-res image gallery

So, you've fallen in love with Godzilla, but the bumps and bruises of everyday life with a stiff-riding supercar matched to a dour (if tech-happy) interior might be too much to bear over the long haul. Well, if new rumors are true, Nissan may have just the car for you - a softer-sprung, lux'd-up GT-R dubbed "Spec-M."

According to the folks at Pistonheads, Nissan is preparing this new model featuring a recalibrated suspension setup for greater compliance, including what it calls "ripple control shock absorbers." On the inside, more upscale trimmings are also expected, with new seat color choices, as well as optional aluminum and woodgrain(!) finishes available. No drivetrain or exterior modifications are mooted, and if that's the case, we'd expect very similar performance figures.

No word yet on what markets the rumored Spec-M will be sold in, but we can see a business case being made for the U.S. at Nissan HQ in light of America's often questionable road surfaces and stereotypically softer posteriors.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Pistonheads]

Rated M for "Matured" - Nissan readying kinder, gentler GT-R Spec M? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?!

Chris Paukert — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Japan, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a gallery of the Nissan GT-R "wagon"

Let's get this over with right now: This isn't really a Nissan GT-R wagon. That said, it is a decidedly artful conversion of the Japanese automaker's M35 series Stagea wagon, a JDM load-lugger it produced from 2001 to 2007. Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive with a variety of V6 powerplants, the now-dead Stagea has been called the "GT-R Wagon" by many enthusiasts.

Spotted at Nagoya Auto Trend this weekend, this particular Stagea looks to be a super-clean conversion, with a well-integrated R35 GT-R front-end that's been carried through along the bodysides, with factory-like rocker panel indents and modestly rear quarter panels to keep the theme.

While we don't have information about what lurks underneath, the folks at GTRBlog speculate that the wagon could have something interesting like a stroked VQ-series V6 with a twin-turbo kit. Given the apparent high level of finish on the outside, we would hope for nothing less. Check out the galleries below for more shots of both the GT-R and Stagea wagons... and if you find any additional information on this particular car, drop us a tip!

Gallery: Nissan R35 GT-R Wagon

Gallery: 2001-2007 Nissan M35 Stagea Wagon

[Source: n-autotrend via GTRBlog]

Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan confirms GT-R headed for FIA GT racing in 2009, 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Japan, Supercars, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the FIA-GT1-spec Nissan GT-R

Nissan has announced its Global Motorsports Activities for 2009 and it looks like we'll be seeing the GT-R campaign in the FIA-GT1 category earlier than expected.

Initial reports claimed that Nissan would begin offering LeMans-spec racers to privateer teams for the 2010 FIA-GT1 season, but in an effort to test the performance and competitiveness of the platform, a NISMO-developed GT-R will run as a non-championship entry in four races in 2009. Nissan is partnering with Gigawave MotorSport on the GT-R entry and has tapped GT500 racer Michael Krumm from NISMO and Darren Turner from Gigawave to pilot the GT-R during the season. Nissan hasn't announced exactly what events the NISMO GT-R will participate in, but there's a good chance that we'll be seeing Godzilla running at LeMans.

The specs on race-ready GT-R haven't been officially revealed, but there's a possibility that NISMO will drop the twin-turbo'd V6 in favor of the 4.5-liter VK45D8 V8. Output is estimated to be between 540-590 hp and 450-500 lb-ft of torque, with a curb weight as low as 3,000 pounds.

Nissan also took the opportunity to announce its SuperGT contenders, with four teams - NISMO, Hasemi Motor Sport, Impul and Kondo Racing - each campaigning a GT-R in the GT500 class. The new SuperGT car will sport a new air-cooling system and, in keeping with the new regulations, shortened overhangs to reduce downforce. A new paddle-shift transmission is also being developed.

All the details on the drivers, the teams and Nissan's other motorsports efforts are in the press release below the fold, along with a video of the official announcement. No word yet on a possible Grand Am GT-R, but with every automaker throttling-back their motorsports efforts, we're not surprised.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R FIA-GT1

[Source: Nissan via GTRBlog]

Continue reading Nissan confirms GT-R headed for FIA GT racing in 2009, 2010

Nissan confirms GT-R headed for FIA GT racing in 2009, 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Nissan pulls out of most 2009 auto shows

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Autoblog has learned that Nissan is withdrawing its presence from the fiscal 2009 show season, with the following exceptions: Geneva, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. That means that Nissan will still have a presence at most of the major international shows that generate the lion's share of media coverage this year, but they will not be attending big shows like Melbourne and Frankfurt in 2009, let alone second-tier, locally-focused events like those in Atlanta, Calgary, and Denver. It also means that the company will miss out on Detroit and Los Angeles next year, because Nissan's fiscal year runs through March 31, 2010. As you may recall, the company was already a notable absentee in Detroit earlier this year.

Scott Vazin, Nissan's U.S. director of product public relations has informed us that:

In a short-term move to address the severe economic challenges to the industry and to consumers worldwide, Nissan has decided to streamline the company's participation in auto shows during fiscal year 2009. As a result, the company has selected Geneva, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo as the four major international shows where the company will showcase offerings from the Nissan and Infiniti brands during the fiscal year.

"This decision has been taken to ensure maximum return on marketing investments in the midst of extraordinary market conditions. We are confident it is the right decision from a company committed to prudent management of shareholder resources.

"Meanwhile, we will continue to monitor market conditions and adjust our marketing strategies and tactics accordingly.

Of course, Nissan isn't the only automaker scaling back its auto show aspirations in 2009. Automakers like Ferrari, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Suzuki have all missed at least one "major" show stop this year, and given the state of the economy and the auto industry in particular, we suspect that Nissan's statement to us is just the tip of the iceberg.

[Image: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty]

EXCLUSIVE: Nissan pulls out of most 2009 auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Nissan GT-R rumored to clock 3.3-second 0-60 time

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Supercars, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan GT-R

When the Nissan GT-R launched last year, the automaker stated an official 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds. Shortly thereafter, the buff books began reporting faster sprints to the magic mark, ranging from 3.3 to 3.4 seconds. Although they rarely divulged how they accomplished the feat (some admitted to using a one-mph rollout, others claimed superpowers), we knew things would change for the 2009 model year.

The refreshed GT-R is equipped with a few extra ponies and a reworked launch control system, and according to our friends at GTRBlog, a Nissan test driver clocked a 3.3-second 0-60 mph run while testing at the automaker's Tochigi track... with the VDC on.

Nissan has decided not to officially restate the 2009 GT-R's 0-60 time, leaving it to independent testers (read: the media) to confirm or deny this new rumored run. So for the time being, the 3.5-second figure will stand... until an outside source performs a thorough, repeatable and instrumented test.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Nissan, GTRBlog]

2009 Nissan GT-R rumored to clock 3.3-second 0-60 time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan cancels RWD Silvia successor and GT-R sedan, Prius-fight planned

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Infiniti, Nissan

We knew this was coming, it was just a matter of getting confirmation. According to Autocar, Nissan has suspended plans to create a compact, rear-wheel-drive successor to the Silvia due to Nissan's financial difficulties and Carlos Ghosn's pledge to reduce costs.

The first indication that Nissan was working on a Silvia/240 replacement came in the form of the Foria concept that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. The Urge design study quickly followed and development of the RWD coupe continued over the following years. We talked to a Nissan exec back in August of 2008 and they were able to confirm that work was still underway, but wouldn't put an exact date on when it would be unveiled.

Another casualty of the financial crisis is the rumored and refuted GT-R-based sedan for Infiniti. Work on the Porsche Panamera fighter has been put on indefinite hold, but it hasn't been cancelled outright. Ghosn wants the automaker to focus its development efforts on producing small- and medium-sized cars, including a Toyota Prius competitor which could arrive as early as next year.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Nissan cancels RWD Silvia successor and GT-R sedan, Prius-fight planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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