Autoblog

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.


[Source: GT-R World]

Click above for high-res live gallery of the new GT-R in the wild

Right after we posted our first impressions of the new Nissan GT-R last night, we were contacted by our friends at SpeedAndMotion.com who told us that they had shot some high-def video of the car, too. There is footage of the car during a quick sprint down the road and a good bit of time spent scanning the car's many interesting details, inside and out. The bottom video also shows a bit of crowd reaction to this all-new GT-R, just for fun. Follow the link to see the car in motion and hear some of the features explained by one of the guys who brought the car to the States for promotional purposes.

Click above for a high-res gallery of our first encounter with a Nissan GT-R

When a friend tipped us that there might be an R35 Nissan GT-R drifting around Southern California, we tried to get more details. As the facts started trickling in, we realized we might actually be able to get some seat time if we played our cards right. Well, we did get some seat time and we were definitely impressed. So what if the "seat" was on the opposite side of the steering wheel? Even amidst car-jaded Southern Californians, this thing drew a huge crowd. We were lucky enough to work our way to the front of the line and were eventually invited inside for a short ride around the block. So, what did we think? The most highly anticipated car of the day is one helluva ride, as you might expect. But the levels to which Nissan has gone to make this car a world beater had some in the crowd comparing this to the Bugatti Veyron for sheer technology overload. Follow the jump for more first impressions and click on the gallery below for some more high-res live shots. And don't think this is our last time in a GT-R, as we'll also be on hand for Nissan's official media ride and drive in the near future.

Japan's BestCar buff book grabbed the keys to a new Nissan GT-R and made for the nearest Super Autobacs. Once they arrived, they mounted Godzilla atop a Dynapack chassis dynamometer, removed the wheels and laid down a few runs to get power figures straight from the axles. The numbers are due for publication in the mag's December 25th issue, but our new friend Jeff made Christmas come early.

The dyno chart shows a peak output of 475 hp at 6,115 rpm and 428 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,130 rpm. Those numbers are incredible close to Nissan's claim of 480 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of twist, but we'll have to wait until a few lucky souls slap the GT-R onto a set of rollers to get some idea of wheel horsepower and torque figures.

Looking over the chart shows very little happening before 3,000 rpm, which is contrary to a number of driving reports we've read so far. Turbo lag has virtually been eliminated on many new models, the GT-R included, so we're assuming that the Dynapack at Super Autobacs wasn't paying attention until later on in the rev range.

[Source: NAGTROC]

The introduction of Nissan's GT-R in North America isn't just a milestone for the automaker, but for the tuners in Japan that stand to profit from one of the largest aftermarkets in the world. MINE'S has been developing parts in Japan since 1985 and have been one of the preeminent R32, R33 and R34 tuners over the past two decades. They've already gotten their hands on the new R35 GT-R and according to a few comments by Mr. Niikura from MINE'S, they plan on bringing both ECU upgrades and other parts to the U.S. market in 2008.

Our comrades over at the GTChannel videotaped the brief interview with the man behind MINE'S and also had the opportunity to watch the tuner's GT-R and its GT500 counterpart spend some time at the Tsukuba circuit. Click those hyperlinks to check it out.

[Source: GTChannel]

Oh, what we would have done to be the gas station attendant on duty when this rolled up. Some lucky New Mexicans had a chance to adore a GTR prototype up close, when it stopped for fuel while undergoing altitude testing in New Mexico yesterday.

Not much is camo'd in the pics, with the exception of the front end and, according to the photographer, the interior. While there's nothing new to report on the styling front, we'd ask you to direct your attention to the absolutely stunning seven-spoke rimmage, framing the equally drool-worthy gold binders.

We can't wait. We can't wait. We can't wait. And this is just the latest reminder that we'll be able to finally experience the pinnacle of Nissan performance here in the States.

Mad tip proppage to Nadir Ali.