Autoblog

Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Japan, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, Specialty

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition - click above for high-res image gallery

We're not apologizing to Nissan, but we were pretty flippantly dismissive of both the 40th Anniversary Z and the Rogue S Krom Edition. Why? Because both struck as as badge jobs. When we think of special edition Nissans, we think of V-Spec, and that typically entails more power and/or pumped up handling. But not with these two cars. Though at least the Krom gets a new front end, which sadly isn't nearly as eye-catching as the nose of the not-for-us 2010 Qashqai.

However, the truth of the matter is that our favorite ever special Nissan was the legendary Black Gold 10th Anniversary Datsun 280ZX (and the even rarer Black Red - only 500 made, as opposed to 3,000 Black Golds). And that car was little more than a plaque and a ~~coke habit~~ paint job. Our point? Nissan had better produce a theme song for this new car.

Anyhow, the prices of both the 40th Z and the Rogue Krom have just been announced. The Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition will set you back $38,860. Some of you might be asking why not spend the extra $330 and get the better-than-a-regular-370Z NISMO for $39,190? Well, Nissan will only be producing 1,000 40th Anniversary Zs. Other than that, we can't think of any reason. The Rogue S Krom Edition comes in at $23,940 for the front-wheel drive version, $25,140 if you want all-wheel drive. The 40AZ will be available in Q2 of 2010, the Krom in late Q3. Press release(s) can be found after the jump, along with a little surprise.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]

Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Germany's Senner Tuning Whitelady Z gets alles weiß mit der Nissan 370Z

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST

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

Senner Tuning Whitelady Z - Xlick above image for hi-res gallery

Live long enough and you'll eventually see everything. Especially if you hang around the tuner scene. Now, we've been to SEMA a few times and we've seen some things -- many of which are fairly awful, if not flat out hurtful. However, we're not saying that the Senner Tuning Whitelady Z is hurtful. Nor is it even close to awful. In fact, as far as a tuned Nissan 370Z goes, Senner's Whitelady is on the mild side of the salsa bar. In fact, we think it looks good and the list of what's changed is short.

You've got some KW coilovers replacing the stock dampers, an Invidia exhaust system with 101 mm pipes releasing an additional 21 horses (for a total of 353 hp, three ponies more than the factory tuner Nismo) and a sport air filter. And, besides the wheels, that's it. Well, those sill-graphics, but really, that's it. So then, why are we acting like the Senner Tuning Whitelady Z is a SEMA-mutant all star? Make the jump, por favor.

Gallery: Senner Tuning Whitelady Z

[Source: Senner Tuning]

Continue reading Germany's Senner Tuning Whitelady Z gets alles weiß mit der Nissan 370Z

Germany's Senner Tuning Whitelady Z gets alles weiß mit der Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, First Drive

2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no safe way to say it: this blogger just doesn't like the 2010 Nissan 370Z very much. Sure, it's a fine sporty car that goes about its business quickly and competently, but it just leaves me cold. Yes, it can hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, hold 0.99 g on a skid pad and get around a track faster than a Porsche Cayman, but it doesn't rocket to 60 mph in 5 seconds like Wile E. Coyote shot from a greased Acme canon. Nor does it tenaciously hold 0.99 g like a baby possum gripping onto mama during a lightning storm. And yeah, you guessed it, I'd much rather get there a second or two late in the mid-engined Porsche. Or, more appropriately, a 2010 Mustang GT. Long story short, the 370Z is a little dull.

I'm not just saying all this to be contrary or cute. I've personally logged over 1,500 miles in a couple different 370Zs and, to be honest, the experience wasn't much different than the more than 1,500 miles I've traveled in various Infiniti G37s. Not that there's anything wrong with the Infiniti, but the Z should be a sports car, not a luxury tourer. That's why it was such a breath of fresh air - both literal and otherwise - when we got our hands on the 370Z Roadster. It was like going from black and white to color. Finally, the new Z was fun, engaging - thrilling even. Trouble was, we knew the Nismo was coming and had that stuffy roof. Yeah, we'd go fast for a week, but I feared being ultimately underwhelmed. Well guess what? Not so with Nismo.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks

First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First official screenshots of Gran Turismo 5 released to giddy masses

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Gran Turismo 5 screen shots - Click above for high-resolution image gallery

Psst...PlayStation fans: Bet you've been getting a little irked about all these screen shots and details about Forza 3 for the xBox 360, haven't you? Well we've got something for you: the first batch of screen shots of the new Gran Turismo 5 for PS3. So far, it's just five shots of the Japanese Super GT-spec Nismo GT-R, but it looks good.

The long awaited and highly anticipated fifth installment from the iconic racing simulator franchise packs some 1000 different vehicles to choose from - according to Sony, more than twice as many as its "closest racing competitor" (wonder who they're talking about) - brought to life in unprecedented quality with state-of-the-art damage rendering, rollover crashes and the whole nine yards. There's even a sweet little feature worked in to allow gamers to export their favorite replay footage straight to YouTube. Alright, enough hype. Check out the screen shots in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 screen shots

[Source: Sony]

First official screenshots of Gran Turismo 5 released to giddy masses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2009 NISMO 370Z officially priced from $39,130

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Nissan

2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z - Click above for image gallery

The hardcore NISMO 370Z first appeared in April at the New York Auto Show, but Nissan didn't stick a price tag on it at that time. Those interested in the ultimate in factory Z performance now know that they will have to save up $39,130 in order to get a taste. For that near 40 grand price tag, pretty much everything is included on this late-to-the-party 2009 model. The only options available for the NISMO are back-lit sill plates, carpeted floor mats and a carpeted trunk mat, none of which do anything to make the NISMO any quicker.

All of the go-faster bits are included in price of admission, including an upgraded 3.7-liter V6 that bumps power from 332 to 350 horsepower, and torque nudges from 270 to 275 pound-feet. Like the standard Z, the NISMO gets SynchroRev matching for its close-ratio gearbox, and unique five-spoke 19-inch wheels work with the upgraded suspension and brakes to get the most out of that more powerful engine. Needless to say, the car's airflow get a substantial reworking thanks to the less-than-subtle aerodynamics package. Check out the full press release after the jump and the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 Nismo Z

Gallery: New York 2009: 2009 Nissan Nismo Z

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2009 NISMO 370Z officially priced from $39,130

2009 NISMO 370Z officially priced from $39,130 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: NISMO 370Z hits the show floor

Drew Phillips — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Nissan NISMO 370Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

We got our first sneak peak of the new NISMO 370Z yesterday afternoon, and we decided the car was worth a second look when we spotted it on the floor of the New York Auto Show today. The jury is still out on whether the fast and furiously styled body kit is simply boy racer or just way overdone, but we all seem to like that Nissan decided to pull some teeth and deleted the fangs from the Z's front grille. The NISMO 370Z isn't all about looks, though, and benefits from 19-inch lightweight wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tires, a stiffer suspension and a bump in horsepower to 350 thanks to optimized air intake into the cylinders. Full details on the NISMO 370Z are after the jump, and high-res live shots can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York 2009: Nissan NISMO 370Z

Continue reading New York: NISMO 370Z hits the show floor

New York: NISMO 370Z hits the show floor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster and 2009 350 hp Nissan NISMO 370Z w/VIDEO

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Nissan

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster and 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z will be unveiled during a live webcast tonight at 7 PM EST, but we've got the details on both models ahead of their official debut.

The Roadster retains the same greasy bits as the coupe, but adds open air action in the form of a new power-operated, fully-lined fabric top with a glass rear window. The top automatically connects to the windshield header so the driver doesn't have to fiddle around with a latch and it can be lowered or raised from inside or out, through the use of an interior-mounted switch or a button on the door handle. A glass wind blocker between the headrests keeps buffeting to a minimum without impacting visibility, and although we haven't seen the new 370Z convertible with its top up, we've been assured it's far more attractive than its predecessor.

2009 Nissan NIMSO 370Z - Click either image for a high-res gallery

For those who find the standard 370Z too pedestrian for their tastes, a NISMO edition is on its way later this year. Like the last NISMO Z, the 2009 model sports a larger rear wing, new bumper and an aggressive front splitter, along with standard 19-inch RAYS ultra-lightweight wheels shod in Yokohama Advan Sport tires. The suspension and brakes get the usual array of upgrades to make the NISMO more amenable to track use and the VQ V6 gets a bump up from 332 hp to 350 hp at 7,400 rpm, thanks in part to a new exhaust and a revised ECU. Power goes from the close ratio six-speed manual 'box (the only transmission available) to the rear axle through a carbon fiber driveshaft. Press releases and specs for both cars are after the jump, and expect pricing and availablity to be announced before spring gives way to summer.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Gallery: 2009 Nismo Z

Continue reading 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster and 2009 350 hp Nissan NISMO 370Z w/VIDEO

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster and 2009 350 hp Nissan NISMO 370Z w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan 370Z S-Tune begins to get official with new images, info and website

John Neff — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Click above for a gallery of the Nissan 370Z S-Tune

Nissan has released four more official images of the NISMO 370Z S-Tune, and the photos show a much more hardcore of version of the Japanese brand's new rear-wheel-drive sports car than we saw debut at the LA Auto Show last month. Buyers will be able to choose between the full-on body kit above with a new lower chin spoiler, "extension nose piece", rocker moldings, rear valance and rear wing or a toned down version. Those larger deep dish, five-spoke aluminum wheels are also an option, as are a stainless steel exhaust system, upgraded S-Tune suspension, additional body braces and S-Tune brake pads. Nissan already has an official website up in Japanese extolling the virtues of the 370Z S-Tune, including an opening intro video that flies around the car. Check out the new official pics in high-res, as well as detail shots of each NISMO component, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z S-Tune

[Source: 370Tech.com via AutoFiends]

Nissan 370Z S-Tune begins to get official with new images, info and website originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Nissan GT-R Spec-V coming Janaury 8th, full specifications leaked

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:01:00 EST

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

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec-V

Over the weekend, Nissan and Datsun devotees descended on the Fuji Speedway to enjoy the festivities at the 12th NISMO Festival in Japan. In the lead-up to the event, speculation swirled that the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec-V would be revealed to the world, but instead, the Spec-V's modification list was leaked to GTR-World. The supposed specs leave us cold. Hit the jump to find out why.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Spec-V - spy shots

Continue reading 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec-V coming Janaury 8th, full specifications leaked

2010 Nissan GT-R Spec-V coming Janaury 8th, full specifications leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan GT-R Spec-V release confirmed, possible unveiling at NISMO festival

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Supercars, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R Spec-V testing

Reports about the release and pricing of the Nissan GT-R Spec-V have been circulating for months and Nissan HQ has supposedly confirmed the rumors and targeted an on-sale date in Japan in late January or early February.

The GT-R Spec-V is expected to be packing another 100 hp through the use of a new exhaust, more boost and a retuned ECU. Carbon fiber will replace some of the body panels to reduce weight, while new wheels, upgraded brakes and suspension tweaks will round out the mods.

Rumors suggest that Nissan could release the Spec-V at the 12th annual NISMO Festival at Fuji Speedway in Japan later this month. Pricing could be up to 15,000,000 yen - 2,000,000 more than earlier predictions - or around $154,000, more than double the cost of a standard GT-R. If the Spec-V goes on sale in the U.S., expect pricing to be considerably lower.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Spec-V - spy shots

[Source: GTRblog.com]

Nissan GT-R Spec-V release confirmed, possible unveiling at NISMO festival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

NISMO 370Z S-Tune parts revealed in leaked brochure

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Japan, Nissan

Click above for a gallery of the Nissan 370Z NISMO S-Tune

We're just over a week away from the official unveiling of the Nissan 370Z, but a factory brochure of the NISMO S-Tune Z34 has leaked out from Japan, showing the two in-house tuned models buyers abroad can choose from when the new Z goes on sale later this year.

The first package is the NISMO S-Tune Aero Package that reduces lift and provides increased downforce through the use of a new nose, front lip spoiler, side skirts and rear spoiler. Also included in the package is a set of "fender protectors" - essentially mud flaps - and a set of NISMO-badged floor mats.

The NISMO S-Tune Performance Package is more our style, and includes a stainless steel exhaust, NISMO LMZ5 wheels - featuring five spokes and sized 19-inches - an S-Tune suspension, upgraded brakes and the obligatory floor mats. Pricing in Japan is outlined in the spec sheet, and you can check the gallery for a handful of images detailing what may (or may not) be offered in the U.S. later next year.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z NISMO S-Tune Brochure

[Source: GTRBlog]

NISMO 370Z S-Tune parts revealed in leaked brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First look at new NISMO 370Z?

Alex Nunez — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST

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

Click above for slightly larger version

It appears that the current NISMO Fairlady Z S-Tune GT might have a replacement waiting in the wings when the new Z car (370Z here in North America) arrives on scene. The photo above is now making the rounds on the web, and at the very least, it indicates that NISMO will probably have accessories (like the body kit shown) ready to go for the Fairlady Z's JDM launch.

The current Fairlady Z S-Tune complete car is equipped with all manner of NISMO goodies (underhood, suspension, brakes, interior, exterior -- the works), and you can pretty much write it down that they'll do something similar with the new ride as well. It's more a matter of when than if. Anyway, we expect to hear much more in the days to come, since the 370Z's official unveiling in L.A. is just around the corner. Thanks to Chuck for the tip!

[Source: 370Z Tech]

First look at new NISMO 370Z? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

NISMO releases Club Sport package for R35 GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:32:00 EST

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

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

NISMO has finally released all the details on its line of upgrades for the R35 Nissan GT-R, and per usual, there's good news and bad news.

On the positive side, the parts are the typical blend of OEM quality and fitment, with a focus on tighter handling and weight reduction. The Club Sport tuning package includes the Chassis pack made up of race-tuned Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers sheathed in 18.5kg/mm (front) and 9.6 kg/mm (rear) springs. The combination of rock-hard coils and adjustable damping at both low and high speeds should make the GT-R stickier in the corners and more stable while bombing through a fast sweeper. Rounding out the handling package is a set of Rays forged aluminum wheels, sized 20x9.5-inches in front (+45mm offset) and 20x10.5-inches (+25mm offset) in the rear, and wrapped in Bridgestone RE070R run-flats, sized 225/40 and 285/35, front and rear. These are rumored to be the same rollers we'll see on the Spec-V when it's unveiled in Paris this October.

The rest of the parts focus on weight reduction, beginning with a lightweight axle-back exhaust that drops 11 pounds from the GT-R's curb weight, along with a carbon fiber undertray that reduces air turbulence and parasitic drag. Upgraded carbon-fiber backed and leather-trimmed seats are also part of the package, which retains the side airbags but nixes the electronic controls, reducing weight by another 13 pounds total. Naturally, some NISMO badging rounds out the upgrades.

Now here's the bad news: the parts are only available in Japan as a package, can only be installed by 12 NISMO-authorized shops and come in at a whopping ¥5,460,000 (over $50,000). However, some U.S. importers have already worked out a distribution deal with NISMO, but for those of us in the States, we don't get the added benefit of the three-year/60,000 km warranty.

Gallery: NISMO R35 GT-R Club Sport

[Source: NISMO via JPCNews]

NISMO releases Club Sport package for R35 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan GT-R V-Spec delayed, 'Evolution' model due in the interim

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:27:00 EST

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

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

The word from Japan's BestCar magazine is that Nissan has delayed the launch of the GT-R V-Spec in Japan from this fall to sometime later this year or early 2009. The reason for the delay hasn't been divulged, but as a stop-gap measure, Nissan will be releasing an Evolution or S-Tune version fitted with several of the parts developed by NISMO and fitted on the race-spec version of the GT-R that campaigned in Tokachi 24-hour enduro.

The launch of the Evolution/S-Tune model will coincide with the release of NISMO's line of performance parts, due out later this month, and will include suspension upgrades, new aero parts, wheels and tires, along with a revised ECU and a new exhaust system. Look for an official announcement from Nissan on August 20th.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Spec-V - spy shots

Gallery: NISMO Tokachi 24-hour Nissan GT-R

[Source: BestCar via LeBlogAuto]

Nissan GT-R V-Spec delayed, 'Evolution' model due in the interim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan GT-R tuning packages from NISMO coming Aug. 20th

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Nissan

Nissan's motorsports arm has been hard at work developing parts for the GT-R, and on August 20th, R35 owners in Japan will get their first taste of NISMO's efforts. Tuning packages - ranging from street to circuit kits - will be offered in either comprehensive combinations or ala carte, and will include wheels and tires, carbon fiber aero parts, exhaust systems, tweaked ECUs and upgraded cooling kits. All the parts have already undergone rigorous testing, primarily during NISMO/MOTUL's campaign of a race-prepped R35 GT-R in the Tokachi 24 hour endurance race.

More details are due out in a few weeks, although there's no word on if or when these parts will be available in the U.S.

Gallery: NISMO Tokachi 24-hour Nissan GT-R

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: GTRBlog]

Nissan GT-R tuning packages from NISMO coming Aug. 20th originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

NISMO Tokachi 24-hour Nissan GT-R gets more carbon, V-spec mods

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST

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

The Tokachi-bound R35 Nissan GT-R is on a carbon-rich diet, as evidenced by images captured by our new friends at GTR-World. On the outside, the trunk lid, hood and side mirrors have been replaced with carbon fiber bits and the rear-quarter windows have been swapped out in favor of lightweight acrylic pieces. The stripped cockpit gets a carbon fiber racing bucket, a fire suppression system (with a carbon fiber mounting bracket) and a C.F. gauge and dash surround that's expected to migrate to the Nissan GT-R V-Spec when it goes on sale next year (look for the dry-carbon mirrors too).

The only other additions needed to make the R35 ready for its 24-hour race are the on-board pneumatic air jacks, a new steering wheel, a racing harness and the bolt in roll cage, which is more for safety than stiffness. GTR-World is reporting that NISMO isn't doing any additional spot-welding to the body, as the stock GT-R's chassis is stiff enough to campaign in a production race class without modification. Look for more coverage of the NISMO/MOTUL GT-R when it hits the tarmac in Tokachi on July 20th and 21st, and rest assured that many of the carbon fiber pieces that have been developed for the race car will find their way to Nissan retailers as either dealer-installed options or on the forthcoming V-spec.

Gallery: NISMO Tokachi 24-hour Nissan GT-R

[Source: GT-R World]

NISMO Tokachi 24-hour Nissan GT-R gets more carbon, V-spec mods originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan bringing tuned R35 GT-R to Tokachi 24-hour race

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Nissan

Nissan's motorsports arm, NISMO, will bring a race-prepared GT-R to the Tokachi 24-hour race on July 20th and 21st equipped with NISMO tuning parts that will be available to consumers later this summer. The car is being prepped by both NISMO and MOTUL, the ~~Japanese~~ French specialty oil manufacturer, and the modified GT-R will benefit from a special blend of the brand's high-performance oil.

The GT-R won't be packing additional ponies, with power still pegged at 480 PS (473 hp) and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. However, the curb weight of the racer has dropped from over 3,800 pounds to 3,527 pounds. Masami Kageyama (former Formula Nippon racer and SuperGT pilot) and Tetsuya Tanaka (2008 Super GT GT300 driver) will be handling the tuned GT-R around the track at Tokachi.

The team's director, Taro Kumagai, points out that this is the first time a production-based GT-R has been raced, and that the aim of the campaign "is to complete the race distance, testing both the performance and reliability of the car." There's no word yet on what performance parts will be released and whether they'll find their way into NISMO-certified dealers in the U.S. We'll let you know.

[Source: NISMO via GTR-World]

Nissan bringing tuned R35 GT-R to Tokachi 24-hour race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan GT-R to act as safety car for SuperGT series

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Nissan

The season opener for Japan's SuperGT series is a little over a day away, and the organizers have finally deemed one vehicle worthy to lead the GT300 and GT500 racecars around the track. A new Nissan GT-R, swathed in white and sporting the required safety stickers and light bar, will make its way around Suzuka this Sunday, March 16th, which also marks the return of the GT-R to the series after a three-year hiatus.

To celebrate, Nissan will be bringing out a half dozen GT-R racecars that the automaker has campaigned over the last 18 years, including the 2003 XANAVI NISMO GT-R, 1996 NISMO GT-R LM Clarion and the 1990 Calsonic Skyline, all of which will be making demo-runs during the morning of the 16th. Nissan will also have the 2003 MOTUL PITWORK GT-R, 1998 Pennzoil NISMO GT-R and the 1992 STP Taisan GT-R on display for spectators to gawk at before the festivities commence.

Nissan's full press release is after the jump and we'd be remiss not to point out that three of the newly minted GT500 GT-Rs are already in the top five during the practice sessions held earlier today. We'll be following their progress through our friends in Japan as the weekend unfolds.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan GT-R to act as safety car for SuperGT series

Nissan GT-R to act as safety car for SuperGT series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments