Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2014 Nissan GT-R Track Pack squares off against Audi R8 V10 Plus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GT-R vs Audi R8

The team over at Motor Trend has pitted the new Audi R8 V10 Plus against the Nissan GT-R. While both of the bright red all-wheel-drive supercars are comparably matched in power output, the similarities end there. Audi offers a mid-engine aluminum coupe with a naturally aspirated V10 that spits out 550 horsepower. Nissan shows up with a more traditional coupe equipped with a 545-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 at the front of the car.

The Head-to-Head video takes both cars to the Streets of Willow Springs in the California desert for some track work with professional racing driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel. After a day at the track, the pair head to the local mountains for some spirited real-world driving. One dominates on the circuit, while the other earns back its credibility in the canyons. We won't tell you which coupe comes out on top, but we think you may be surprised. Follow the link below to watch for yourself.

Continue reading 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Pack squares off against Audi R8 V10 Plus

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Pack squares off against Audi R8 V10 Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 v10 plusmotor trendnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r track packrandy pobstvideoWed, 22 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580390/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/20580390/article-detail.xml 20580390 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autoblogheadtohead628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autoblogheadtohead628.jpg <![CDATA[Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zach Sobiech driving Nissan GT-R - video screencapLike presumably any other 17-year-old out there, Zach Sobiech was ecstatic when a Nissan GT-R rolled into his driveway. As you can see in the image above, he had an ear-to-ear smile as he got to spend a week driving his dream car - but what you can't see is that he was just weeks away from losing a four-year battle against a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma.

Nissan found out about the teen and his dream of driving a GT-R, and actually did something about it. Says Mike Disser from Nissan Marketing Communications, "The team at Nissan was inspired by Zach's story. Loaning a GT-R to Zach to help make one of his dreams come true was an opportunity to do something uplifting and rewarding for a very special car-guy."

"You don't have to find out you're dying to start living"

Diagnosed with the cancer at the age of 14, Zach fought back with inspiring optimism and an infectious smile, but he ultimately lost his battle with cancer on May 20. In the video posted below, Zach says "you don't have to find out you're dying to start living," and hopefully, his heartwarming spirit will live on with those who watch it. Zach's love for the GT-R starts to show around the 5:30 mark, but we definitely suggest that you grab a box of Kleenex and watch the entire 22-minute video.

This video was posted on his 18th birthday ­- May 3 - when he had just weeks to live. Be sure to check out some of the videos for songs that he wrote including "Clouds" (also embedded below).

Continue reading Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero

Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissan gt-rosteosarcomavideozach sobiechTue, 21 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/20577711/article-detail.xml 20577711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zach-sobiech-nissan-gtr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zach-sobiech-nissan-gtr.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan GT-R drag races Swiss fighter jet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Proving that speed is fun in any language, Nissan's German arm recently pitted a GT-R up against an ex-Swiss Air Force fighter jet, called the Hawker Hunter. Now the idea of a car-versus-plane drag race is nothing new, but this is the first time we can recall a GT-R being involved.

While this Nissan video is almost a month old, we're pretty sure you won't be disappointed by the action, which shows the two high-speed machines racing along the two-kilometer runway. We don't want to ruin the suspense, so scroll down for the latest matchup of sports car versus fighter jet.

Continue reading Nissan GT-R drag races Swiss fighter jet

Nissan GT-R drag races Swiss fighter jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car vs planedrag racenissannissan gt-rvideoThu, 09 May 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563556/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/20563556/article-detail.xml 20563556 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-gtr-vs-fighter-jet-1368110165_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-gtr-vs-fighter-jet-1368110165.jpg <![CDATA[Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In what must have looked and sounded to motorists on the M6 like an invasion of The Swarm, a parade of 50 enthusiast gems leaving a charity event were caught shooting down the on-ramp and merging into traffic. There were plenty of Porsches joining the 959 and Ducktail above, Aston Martins going back to the badboy V8 of the last millennium, a Ferrari Testarossa, a TVR and numerous other Easter eggs.

There were not, however, plenty of turn signals, with someone counting just five among the fifty engaging in proper use of the blinker. One reason put forth for that is the same reason we're posting this video, which is from last Summer, below: "because supercar." Enjoy.

Continue reading Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing

Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinferrarilamborghinim6nissan gt-rporscheporsche 911ukvideoThu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/20562691/article-detail.xml 20562691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan prices limited-edition 2014 GT-R Track Edition from $115,710*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nissan has released its pricing for the model-year 2014 GT-R, including the new Track Edition of Godzilla. The 2014 Nissan GT-R Premium will now command an MSRP of $99,590, while the Black Edition will go for $109,300 and the new Track Edition will ask $115,710 (*not including a $1,000 destination and handling charge for all models).

Nissan calls the GT-R Track Edition its most exclusive model, which makes sense as it will be limited to just 150 examples for the US market. The competition-ready Track Edition gets Bilstein DampTronic shocks and revised spring rates; all chosen after more development work by Nissan engineers at the Nürburgring. (Good work, if you can get it.) A carbon fiber rear spoiler and six-spoke black wheels come with the package, as do blue-trimmed, high-grip front seats inside. To save weight, the car's rear seats have been deleted in this model.

Continue down below to read Nissan's press release, or have a gander at the (quite large) gallery of 2014 Nissan GT-R images.

Continue reading Nissan prices limited-edition 2014 GT-R Track Edition from $115,710*

Nissan prices limited-edition 2014 GT-R Track Edition from $115,710* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 nissan gt-r2014 nissan gt-r track editionnissannissan gt-rWed, 01 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/20554781/article-detail.xml 20554781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-nissan-gt-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-nissan-gt-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan GT-R goes 183 mph on ice in Russia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



When a pair of Russian pilots wanted to set a local ice-speed record, they chose a stock Nissan GT-R for the task. Roman Rusinov, a Russian race car driver, and Andrey Leontjev, a Russian auto journalist, took Godzilla to Lake Baikal and ran it up to 294.8 kilometers per hour (182.8 miles per hour) across frozen stuff estimated to be 1.4 meters thick.

While the worldwide record of 205.48 mph was set by Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Supersports Convertible, the mark achieved by Rusinov and Leontjev establishes a new Russian record. Well done, boys. You can watch it all go down in the video below.

Continue reading Nissan GT-R goes 183 mph on ice in Russia

Nissan GT-R goes 183 mph on ice in Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ice speed recordlake baikalnissannissan gt-rrecordrussiavideovideosyoutubeSat, 06 Apr 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532197/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/20532197/article-detail.xml 20532197 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-gt-r-ice-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-gt-r-ice-record.jpg <![CDATA[Watch BJ Baldwin jump a Nissan GT-R in his Monster trophy truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/watch-bj-baldwin-jump-a-nissan-gt-r-in-his-monster-trophy-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/watch-bj-baldwin-jump-a-nissan-gt-r-in-his-monster-trophy-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/watch-bj-baldwin-jump-a-nissan-gt-r-in-his-monster-trophy-truck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Trophy Truck jumps a GT-R

There could hardly be two more disparate machines than a Nissan GT-R and BJ Baldwin's wicked trophy truck. While the supercar from Nissan needs no introduction, Baldwin's rig boasts 850 horsepower and an equally dizzying 34-inches of suspension travel. Monster Energy has taken it upon itself to throw those two together in a new short film that features Baldwin rescuing the female pilot of the GT-R by first jumping both her and her car in his desert bruiser. (Please keep the snickering to yourself until the conclusion of our program.)

The clip features plenty of shots of the truck bashing across the desert, slinging sand on scantily clad models and otherwise having a hell of a time. It's automotive porn of the highest caliber, though it stays safe for work. Click below to enjoy the show for yourself. Our only regret is that there's not enough engine noise to match the otherwise hot action.

Continue reading Watch BJ Baldwin jump a Nissan GT-R in his Monster trophy truck

Watch BJ Baldwin jump a Nissan GT-R in his Monster trophy truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bj baldwinmonster energy trophy trucknissannissan gt-rtrophy truck jumping a gt-r videovideoTue, 02 Apr 2013 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20526949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/watch-bj-baldwin-jump-a-nissan-gt-r-in-his-monster-trophy-truck/20526949/article-detail.xml 20526949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/truck-jumps-a-gt-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/truck-jumps-a-gt-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Qashqai getting Juke-R treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/nissan-qashqai-getting-juke-r-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/nissan-qashqai-getting-juke-r-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/nissan-qashqai-getting-juke-r-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Qashqai

As long as there are sacred cows, there will be heretics sharpening their knives in anticipation of the butchering. When Nissan first carved into the mighty GT-R to create the Juke-R, onlookers quickly fell into two camps: those who thought the plan was sheer genius and those who believed cannibalizing a GT-R to feed a Juke was a new brand of obscenity. We fell firmly in the former camp. Now Severn Valley Motorsport is looking to take that theme one step further by shoving the go-faster bits from a GT-R into a Nissan Qashqai. That noise you hear? It's us cackling like mad men.

While we can't say for certain, we're guessing the project should yield the world's fastest Qashqai thanks in no small part to the twin-turbocharged VR38DETT V6 engine from the GT-R. Throw in the all-wheel-drive system and the little CUV should change demeanor dramatically. We can't wait to see this thing in action.

Nissan Qashqai getting Juke-R treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissannissan gt-rnissan juke-rnissan qashqaiWed, 20 Mar 2013 09:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20510023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/nissan-qashqai-getting-juke-r-treatment/20510023/article-detail.xml 20510023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nissan-qashqai-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nissan-qashqai-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan planning another Nürburgring record run with 2013 GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Nissan GT-R prototype testing at the Nurburgring

Nissan is reportedly gearing up for another assault on the Nürburgring. According to The Truth About Cars, the company believes the refinements it made to the 2013 GT-R will be enough to skip the supercar around the track in record time. Chief Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno says there's "quite a bit of margin" in the car's current 7-minute, 18-second time for the course. That's just over five seconds slower than the unofficial time by the Dodge Viper ACR. But Nissan has something special up its sleeves.

The company has whipped up a new Track Edition that Mizuno says is good for under seven minutes. That machine makes use of the same engine as the production car, but lacks a full interior in the name of weight savings. Likewise, there's a set of super-sticky Dunlop race rubber on all four corners. The car isn't legal in Japan because it does not come equipped with the required 112 mph speed limiter. Even so, we can't wait to see what it does around the Green Hell.

Nissan planning another Nürburgring record run with 2013 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan gt-rgt-rgtrkazutoshi mizunonissannissan gt-rnurburgringnurburgring recordTue, 13 Nov 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/nissan-planning-another-nurburgring-record-run-with-2013-gt-r/20376510/article-detail.xml 20376510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-gt-r-at-the-nurburgring-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-gt-r-at-the-nurburgring-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan GT-R boss discusses changes for 2014 at semi-annual meeting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/nissan-gt-r-boss-discusses-changes-for-2014-at-semi-annual-meeti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/nissan-gt-r-boss-discusses-changes-for-2014-at-semi-annual-meeti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/nissan-gt-r-boss-discusses-changes-for-2014-at-semi-annual-meeti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



One of the most integral pieces of the Nissan GT-R legacy is the Japanese automaker's commitment to improving the car every single year, rather than waiting for a mid-cycle refresh. While an accountant at Nissan may favor the latter method, it is quite apparent that the GT-R's development team is more focused on the pursuit of performance perfection. While we have brought you some details on the mechanical updates to the GT-R, a recent video featuring lead engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno explains the motivating factors behind the changes.

The GT-R engineering boss explained that his team comes to Germany twice a year to test on the Nurburgring, as well as the Autobahn. It comes as no surprise that the team would be working on things like performance driving and the stresses that are put on the car, but what is surprising is the aim of comfort. According to Mizuno, "This year we are offering a version with a fashionable interior called 'Amber Red.' This is intended to increase our customer base of women or slightly older drivers."

Another goal of this year's testing was safety in the context of performance. The questions that Mizuno asked his team included, "How do we design a car to endure a flat tire at 200 kph (124 mph) that can make it to a repair shop?" and "How do we activate the VDC (vehicle dynamics control) at 250 kph (155 mph)?" So while the GT-R has been widely considered a "daily-drivable supercar" it appears that Nissan is committed to making it even more comfortable, as well as safer in performance driving situations. Scroll down below to watch the video.

Continue reading Nissan GT-R boss discusses changes for 2014 at semi-annual meeting

Nissan GT-R boss discusses changes for 2014 at semi-annual meeting originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobahngt-rnissannissan gt-rnurbrugringsafetyvdcvehicle dynamics controlThu, 08 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373052/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/nissan-gt-r-boss-discusses-changes-for-2014-at-semi-annual-meeti/20373052/article-detail.xml 20373052 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-powow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-powow.jpg <![CDATA[Watch two Nissan GT-R rally cars collide at the Targa Adelaide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nissan GT-R Targa Adelaide wreck

The 2012 Targa Adelaide started off with some excitement this year. The competition opens with a prologue stage on city streets where fans can come to watch their favorite racers slide their machines toward the flying finish. This year featured a new modern class, and a couple of competitors got a bit closer than they intended. Two Nissan GT-R racers bunched up coming into a tight hairpin. One driver went wide while the other opted for a tighter line, resulting in some unnecessary contact that saw car 997 on the raw end of a pit maneuver.

Neither vehicle saw substantial damage, and both went on to continue competing throughout the rest of the event. Still, a couple of bruised egos are a bad way to start any targa rally.

The Targa Adelaide is one leg of the Australian Targa Championship, and runs from August 22 through the 26th. Check out the video below for the GT-R shenanigans as well as a few clips from the opening night.

Continue reading Watch two Nissan GT-R rally cars collide at the Targa Adelaide

Watch two Nissan GT-R rally cars collide at the Targa Adelaide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r wrecktargatarga adelaidevideowreck videoWed, 22 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/20306945/article-detail.xml 20306945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nissan-gt-r-targa-wreck-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nissan-gt-r-targa-wreck-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan GT-R dominates 2012 One Lap of America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/nissan-gt-r-dominates-2012-one-lap-of-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/nissan-gt-r-dominates-2012-one-lap-of-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/nissan-gt-r-dominates-2012-one-lap-of-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Topspeed Motorsports' 2010 Nissan GT-R - Leh Keen

After eight days, 3,300 miles, nine tracks and untold bloody knuckles and zip ties, the song remains the same: Leh Keen and the No. 3 TopSpeed Motorsports Nissan GT-R emerged victorious at the 2012 Tire Rack One Lap of America on Sunday. Keen, his co-drivers Doug Wilks and Lawrence Richard, and their 2010 GT-R put on a clinic, remaining atop or near the top of the leaderboard of every event, from road courses to ovals to drag races and autocrosses.

If Keen's name sounds familiar, it's either because you follow racing - the Georgia native is a multiple Grand Am Rolex GT series champion, currently campaigning a Porsche 911 GT3 with Brumos Racing - or because you follow One Lap (this is the third victory in a row for Keen and his second victory in a row at the wheel of the gray and green GT-R). In fact, the top three spots this year were all occupied by Nissan's heavyweight, with the No. 4 2009 GT-R of Todd Treffert and Tyson Timperley and the No. 7 2012 GT-R of Hugh Bate and Craig Kahle rounding out the podium. A total of seven GT-Rs entered this year's One Lap, though none were officially sanctioned Nissan efforts.

Of course, for most competitors and fans, Brock Yates' One Lap isn't actually about winning - there's no prize money doled out and trophies are modest. The event is more about the camaraderie among driving enthusiasts that inevitably results from one of the most unique and challenging tests in motorsports - a week-long pressure-cooker test of man and machine. For more results, photos, videos and tall tales, check out One Lap of America on their website or Facebook page.

Nissan GT-R dominates 2012 One Lap of America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brock yatesdoug wilksgt-rgtrleh keennissannissan gt-rone lapone lap of americatire rack one lap of americatop speed motorsportsMon, 14 May 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237606/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/nissan-gt-r-dominates-2012-one-lap-of-america/20237606/article-detail.xml 20237606 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/top-speed-motorsports-gt-r-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/top-speed-motorsports-gt-r-3.jpg <![CDATA[Depth of Speed does track time in a classic Skyline with JDM Legends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/depth-of-speed-does-track-time-in-a-classic-skyline-with-jdm-leg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/depth-of-speed-does-track-time-in-a-classic-skyline-with-jdm-leg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/depth-of-speed-does-track-time-in-a-classic-skyline-with-jdm-leg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Skyline GT-R

Depth of Speed is Josh Clason's video series that cosses the country looking for cool automotive stories to tell. He found another one in Utah at JDM Legends. They let Clason take one of their vintage Skyline GT-R projects out on track for some sunset lens time, and the result is nothing less than you'd expect from Clason.

On a side note, while the current Nissan GT-R is totally awesome, we wish it had a bit more of this car's cool vibe. Follow the jump for the video.

Continue reading Depth of Speed does track time in a classic Skyline with JDM Legends

Depth of Speed does track time in a classic Skyline with JDM Legends originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>depth of speedgt-rjdm legendsjosh clasonnissannissan gt-rutahvideovideosSat, 12 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/12/depth-of-speed-does-track-time-in-a-classic-skyline-with-jdm-leg/20235300/article-detail.xml 20235300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dosjdmskyline_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dosjdmskyline.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Targa Tasmania kicks off with prologue stages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The 2012 Targa Tasmania is officially underway, having started on the 17th of April. While we'd give (nearly) any portion of our anatomy to see the spectacle in the flesh, we'll simply have to content ourselves with living vicariously through the miracle of YouTube for the time being.

Competitors use the prologue stages to work out any kinks in their vehicle as well as get a feel for the competition. As always, the range of vehicles in attendance is as wide as it gets. We're particularly fond of the fire-spitting Nissan GT-R, though the sight of a Holden Commodore SS ute thrashing about puts a smile on our faces, too.

The Targa runs through April 22, covering 366 miles of transit and rally stages in the process. We'll do our best to keep up with the coverage. In the meantime, you can check out the competitor list at the Targa site and click scroll down below for the Prologue recap.

Continue reading 2012 Targa Tasmania kicks off with prologue stages

2012 Targa Tasmania kicks off with prologue stages originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 targa tasmaniacommodore sscommodore ss uteholdenholden commodore ssnissan gt-rtargatarga tasmaniatasmaniautevideoThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/20218375/article-detail.xml 20218375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/targa-tasmania-prologue-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/targa-tasmania-prologue-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan GT-R at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan gt-r24 hours of nurburgringgt-rgt-r nurburgringgtrnürburgringnissannissan gt-rnurburgringproduction gt-r nurburgringMon, 09 Apr 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20210870/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/20210870/article-detail.xml 20210870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/nissan-gtr-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/nissan-gtr-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[Tiff Needell pits latest Porsche 911 Carrera S against Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/tiff-needell-pits-latest-porsche-911-carrera-s-against-nissan-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/tiff-needell-pits-latest-porsche-911-carrera-s-against-nissan-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/tiff-needell-pits-latest-porsche-911-carrera-s-against-nissan-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tiff Needell with Porsche 911 Carrera S and Nissan GT-R

Few rivalries are as heated as that between the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911. And with both models having recently been updated, Evo magazine has taken the updated GT-R and the new 911 Carrera S to the Bedford Autodrome for a little head-on-head action. And who better to put in front of the camera and behind the wheel than Tiff Needell, the longtime Fifth Gear co-host who's now doing a series of video tests for the magazine British enthusiasts love best.

Now if you're thinking that the GT-R really ought to be compared to the 911 Turbo and not the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera S, well, you're probably right. Particularly since Nissan hiked the price on its latest performance flagship to nearly $100,000. But Porsche hasn't released the turbocharged version of its latest 911, so the Carrera S will have to do. Skip past the break to see how they compare, as well as which one is Tiff's favorite.

Continue reading Tiff Needell pits latest Porsche 911 Carrera S against Nissan GT-R

Tiff Needell pits latest Porsche 911 Carrera S against Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911bedfordbedford autodromeevoevo magazinegt-rneedellnissannissan gt-rporscheporsche 911porsche 911 carrera stifftiff needellWed, 28 Mar 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20202898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/28/tiff-needell-pits-latest-porsche-911-carrera-s-against-nissan-gt/20202898/article-detail.xml 20202898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/tiff-evo911s-vs-gtr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/tiff-evo911s-vs-gtr.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan to field Nismo GT-R in Super GT300 class [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/nissan-to-field-nismo-gt-r-in-super-gt300-class-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/nissan-to-field-nismo-gt-r-in-super-gt300-class-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/nissan-to-field-nismo-gt-r-in-super-gt300-class-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nismo GT-R GT3

Think of Japan's Super GT series and you're likely to conjure up images of competition versions of top-spec Japanese supercars like the Lexus LFA, Honda HSV and the Nissan GT-R lapping the likes of Fuji, Suzuka and Motegi, their thunderous 500-horsepower V8 engines drowning out the thunderous applause from the enthralled crowds. But that's just the GT500 class.

Below it there's also the GT300 class, where new challengers this season will include the Subaru BRZ, Honda CR-Z and even the Toyota Prius, all decked out for competition duty with no more than 300 horsepower on tap. So while Nissan has dominated the GT500 class with its purpose-built GT-R racing machine, this year it's fielding a much more production-based version in the GT300 class as well.

While the GT500-spec GT-R ditches its twin-turbo V6 in favor of a V8 - making it more akin to the production car in appearance than in substance - the GT300 challenger is closely based on the road car. It starts out with the Nismo GT3 version (pictured above), and from there applies modifications like an air restrictor to bring it under the 300-horsepower cap to comply with series regulations.

The car is being fielded by the Nissan Driver Development Program, and forms part of the global motorsport program which the Japanese automaker just announced, with participation in both classes of Super GT, Le Mans and associated series, various GT and off-road series here in North America and even the Australian V8 Supercars series. Follow the jump for all the details and an spectacularly cheesy 80s-style montage clip.

Continue reading Nissan to field Nismo GT-R in Super GT300 class [w/video]

Nissan to field Nismo GT-R in Super GT300 class [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt300nismonissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r gt3nissan gt-r gt300super gtWed, 29 Feb 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179900/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/nissan-to-field-nismo-gt-r-in-super-gt300-class-w-video/20179900/article-detail.xml 20179900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nismo-gt-r-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nismo-gt-r-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52012 nissan gt-rbmwbmw m5chris harrisdrivem5nissannissan gt-rnissan gtrWed, 15 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172786/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/20172786/article-detail.xml 20172786 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/harris-gtr-m5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/harris-gtr-m5.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti still considering version of Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/infiniti-still-considering-version-of-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/infiniti-still-considering-version-of-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/infiniti-still-considering-version-of-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan GT-R Egoist

The rumor is back: Infiniti is considering a top-dog model based on the Nissan GT-R. The GT-R running gear is impressive with its 500-plus turbocharged horsepower and sophisticated all-wheel drive system, but anyone who's driven Nissan's supercar will tell you that it lacks the finesse you'd expect from an Infiniti.

"We have three or four proposals we are looking at right now." Infiniti Advanced Planning chief Francois Bancon told CAR. Of course, automakers create lots of internal proof-of-concept models that never see the light of day, so having proposals doesn't necessarily have any bearing on what might make production. "It would have to be softer than the GT-R," continued Bancon, acknowledging, "You can't easily tweak the GT-R to deliver the sophisticated, more refined performance we would need on an Infiniti." Whether an Infiniti version of the GT-R is mere rumor or eventual reality, there's going to be a wait. For now, Infiniti is focused on launching a smaller model for 2015, and a GT-R-based halo car would come after that program is successfully under way.

Infiniti still considering version of Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti gt-rinfiniti gtrinfiniti nissan gt-rnissan gt-rnissan gtrThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/infiniti-still-considering-version-of-nissan-gt-r/20166789/article-detail.xml 20166789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/027-nissan-gt-r-egoist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/027-nissan-gt-r-egoist.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan taking orders for new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

What would a Nissan GT-R be without the racing pedigree that's helped make it what it is today? The truth is that we don't even want to know. But we don't have to, because the car known as Godzilla is as devastating on the race track as it is on the street.

Very different racing versions have been made to challenge the FIA GT1 World Championship and for Japan's own Super GT series, the latter powered by a naturally aspirated V8 to satisfy regulations instead of the twin-turbo V6 in the production model. Getting your hands on either of these, however, could prove a bigger challenge than passing one in a race. Fortunately, Nissan has just released a competition-spec GT-R you can buy.

Co-developed by Nismo (Nissan's in-house tuning department) and JR Motorsports (which campaigns a pair of GT-Rs in the aforementioned GT1 series), the GT3-spec model first debuted at the Magny-Cours circuit in France back in August, but is now available for order by privateer teams and gentlemen racers alike. It packs the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 as the production model, tuned to deliver 523 horsepower.

That may be slightly less than the current production model (due to the constrictions of GT3 regs) but the Nismo GT3 model also offers a fully adjustable suspension, stripped-out interior with roll cage and all the trimmings, extra cooling ducts and an aggressive aero package. The extra grip is where the extra speed comes from, and it can all be yours for a hair under 300,000 euros, or about $390k at today's rates.

Nissan taking orders for new GT3-spec Nismo GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgt3gtrjr motorsportsjrmnismonissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r nismo gt3nissan gt-r race carnissan gtrTue, 24 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155136/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/nissan-taking-orders-for-new-gt3-spec-nismo-gt-r/20155136/article-detail.xml 20155136 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nismo-gt3web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nismo-gt3web.jpg -1 2