Autoblog

Video: AutoExpress tests the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan

Autoexpress goes for a spin in the Nissan GT-R Spec-V - Click above to watch video after the jump

AutoExpress has put the 478-horsepower Nissan GT-R Spec-V through a round of semester exams, and it looks like this carbon fiber kid has the guts to make it in the real world. It motored to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, ran the slalom at 74.7 mph - beating everything from Europe and tying the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 - and soaked up 1.12 G on the skidpad - beating everything including the ZR-1. It's all right to admit... you want a Spec-V. Don't you? Follow the jump for the video.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

[Source: AutoExpress]

Continue reading Video: AutoExpress tests the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Video: AutoExpress tests the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | 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

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Nissan, Specialty

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

When the Nissan GT-R SpecV was unveiled, we called it "Nissan's most super of supercars." We were, uh, mistaken. Inside Line spent a few fast days in Japan trying out the SpecV under the eye of the car's chief engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno. At the end of it, he casually told them that "The SpecV, in contrast to what you might be thinking, is not the high-performance version of the GT-R."

So no matter what 'Ring time the GT-R SpecV posts next month, there's still another, quicker one coming. The question is, how is it coming? A stripped-out, lightweight trackie? More base horsepower and torque, instead of a time-limited torque booster? Rockets and lasers? We have our own ideas of what could trump the SpecV, but we look forward to finding out what The Creator himself has in mind. Hat tip to Jim.

[Source: Inside Line]

A GT-R more wicked than the Spec-V this way comes...? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Nissan headed back to 'Ring in search of new GT-R and GT-R SpecV lap times

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Nissan

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

At this point, it's clear that a good showing at the Nürburgring is of the utmost importance to any automaker with supercar ambitions. Contestants ranging from Porsche, Nissan, Chevrolet and Dodge have all visited the famed German racetrack to try and set a new fast lap record, despite the fact that none of these test sessions are officially recorded by anyone other than the automakers themselves.

Back in mid-2008 when the GT-R was first establishing its formidable credibility, Nissan's Chief Test Driver, Toshio Suzuki, took Godzilla to a lap time of 7 minutes, 29 seconds. That mark has since been eclipsed by the Corvette ZR1 and Dodge Viper ACR, but Nissan's supercar may have a bit more to offer in its latest guise for 2009. Plus, the even hotter SpecV will also hit the market in very short order, featuring larger brakes, less weight and a slight bump in power thanks to a turbocharger overboost function.

Will Suzuki-san be able to shave enough time to best the Viper's 7:22 in either the standard-fare GT-R or the high-test SpecV? We'll find out for sure next month when Nissan puts on a full court press at the Green Hell in search of those elusive few seconds it needs for ultimate bragging rights.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV Live

[Source: GTRBlog]

REPORT: Nissan headed back to 'Ring in search of new GT-R and GT-R SpecV lap times originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Left-hand-drive Nissan GT-R SpecV caught in Best Motoring video

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:02:00 EST

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

Click either image for a gallery of the LHD Nissan GT-R SpecV

We've been waiting for some indication that the Nissan GT-R SpecV would go on sale in markets outside of Japan, and thanks to the eagle eyes of the man at the helm of GTRBlog, there's finally proof.

The latest edition of Best Motoring includes a test of the SpecV and the prototype used for filming is a left-hand-drive model.

Sales of the SpecV in Asia, Europe and the Middle East aren't assured, but with a LHD model floating around, it's clear that Nissan won't be keeping the goods to itself in Japan. However, sales in the U.S. are still highly unlikely, particularly considering the premium (almost $100k) over the standard model.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV in LHD

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV Live

[Source: GTRBlog]

Left-hand-drive Nissan GT-R SpecV caught in Best Motoring video originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan GT-R SpecV: Details, live images and video

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Supercars, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon, Specialty

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

Nissan's press release on the GT-R SpecV left a lot of unanswered questions, particularly the geeky tidbits that we thrive on. So with the help of our friends at GTRBlog who were on hand for the unveiling in Japan, and a few of our super-secret sources abroad, we were able to scrounge up some of the more salient details on Nissan's upgraded Godzilla. Follow the jump to find out the inside scoop on Nissan's most super of supercars.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV Live

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

Continue reading Nissan GT-R SpecV: Details, live images and video

Nissan GT-R SpecV: Details, live images and video originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan GT-R SpecV unveiled!

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:16:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Japan, Supercars, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon, Specialty

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

After nearly a year of speculation and spy shots, it's official: the Nissan GT-R SpecV has arrived. The limited edition GT-R is a subtle evolution of the super coupe that's set the world on fire after its introduction last year, and Nissan claims that it offers race car-levels of performance in a street-legal vehicle.

The body mods consist of a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille and brake ducts, along with an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal paint job. On the inside, a set of carbon fiber Recaro buckets are fitted up front, while the rear seats have been nixed to save a few pounds. Carbon fiber also adorns the center storage box, instrument panel and replaces the majority of the interior trim.

The only substantive engine modification is a new high gear boost controller that increases the amount of compressed oxygen entering the twin-turbo'd 3.8-liter V6 to deliver more torque in mid- to high-range revs. A titanium-coated exhaust and a reworked suspension is fitted underneath, and carbon ceramic brakes hide behind 20-inch NISMO wheels that conspire to reduce unsprung mass and improve braking performance.

Sales begin in Japan at seven pre-selected dealers, with pricing set at 15,750,000 yen. There's no word on whether the GT-R SpecV will make the trek across the Pacific, but we're not holding our breath just yet.

UPDATE: 30 more images added to the gallery below.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

Continue reading Nissan GT-R SpecV unveiled!

Nissan GT-R SpecV unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan to Porsche: Put the GT-R down before you hurt yourself

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Supercars, Nissan, Porsche

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

The GT-R/911 schoolyard scuffuffle continues, with Nissan looking at Porsche's test and basically saying "yer doin it wrong" to the German automaker. Chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno has graciously offered remedial driving classes to the driver for Porsche's lapping session where a GT-R was reportedly 25 seconds off Nissan's torrid time of 7 minutes, 29 seconds. Porsche had concluded that special tires must have been quietly fitted in a quest for 'Ring primacy. Porsche has yet to say anything other than "Ve don't sink zee car can do it in schtock form."

Not so, says Nissan. While a claim to the fastest production car on the Nürburgring might help prospective customers froth up some money, and owners are unlikely to try verifying the claim, Nissan is not interested in wasting time on one-offs, according to Mizuno. "For us, testing the car in standard production specification is far more relevant", says the engineer. The very tires that carried driver Toshio Suzuki on the 7:29 run are in the hands of Sumitomo, and Nissan would encourage interested parties to STFU and go look at the rolling stock. It seems Nissan thinks Porsche needs a little help figuring out the GT-R, to which the company will be happy to help. "We are aware that several automakers have purchased the GT-R for their own testing and evaluation," Nissan says in its most recent rebuttal, "we would welcome the opportunity to help any auto manufacturer with understanding the full capabilities of the GT-R." Nissan's statement is after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

[Source: carsguide]

Continue reading Nissan to Porsche: Put the GT-R down before you hurt yourself

Nissan to Porsche: Put the GT-R down before you hurt yourself originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:27:00 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 V-Spec lap times stun observers

Michael Harley — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Nissan

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

The prototype Nissan GT-R V-Spec, wearing the "Victory Specification" designation reserved for the ultra high-performance Nissan GT-R, has been caught lapping the famed Nürburgring at an incredible, if not simply unbelievable, 7:25 per lap. This, according to bystanders trackside. (For comparison, Walter Röhrl lapped the Ring in 7:28 while driving a Porsche Carrera GT in 2004.)

In contrast to the standard Nissan GT-R, that made the run around the 'Ring in 7:38, the GT-R V-Spec has a new front splitter, modified rear spoiler, and different wheels. A more extensive use of carbon fiber has reportedly reduced the weight by upwards of 330 pounds. Of course, Nissan engineers also tweaked the twin-turbo powerplant for another 70 horses... or so. Thanks for the tip, XeroK00L!

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

[Source: Car]

Nissan GT-R V-Spec lap times stun observers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R Spec V confirmed, caught running the 'Ring

John Neff — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of Nissan GT-R Spec V spy shots at the 'Ring

Those spy shots we showed you yesterday of a higher-performance GT-R have been confirmed by inside sources as the Spec V model, which will both shed poundage and gain power compared to its baser sibling. Weight is expected to drop by over 300 pounds thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, and as for how much power the twin-turbo 3.8L V6 will make in Spec V trim... some are saying 550 - 600 horsepower, though we think that's a bit optimistic as well as just overkill. These shots show the GT-R Spec V attacking a corner at the Nurburgring, and in the German sun we can see the new front splitter below the grille and carbon fiber rear wing much clearer. The current GT-R's performance has already surprised us all, but it's clear that this is just beginning for Nissan's new halo car.

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

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R Spec V confirmed, caught running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R Spec-V

John Neff — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of Nissan GT-R Spec-V spy shots

The Nissan GT-R has already proven it can more than hold its own against competition like the Porsche 911 Turbo and Chevy Corvette Z06, but don't forget that Nissan still plans on revealing a victory specification, i.e. V-Spec, model of the car. Spy photogs from KGP Photography recently caught what they believe is the GT-R V-Spec being unloaded from a transport truck at the Nurburgring in Germany for testing. While the car doesn't outwardly appear as different from the base GT-R as we expected, some differences are noticeable including more air intakes in the revised front splitter, new wheels and a different brake package (carbon ceramic perhaps?), and what could be a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Reports suggest that whole body panels on the Spec-V model will be comprised of carbon fiber, which should, among other things, help reduce the car's portly weight by at least a few hundred pounds. While the spy shooters didn't get to hear the engine fire up, rumor has it that the GT-R V-Spec will be more powerful than the base model, an achievement that shouldn't be hard to accomplish considering dyno results suggest that the twin-turbo 3.8L V6 is already making more than Nissan's official claim of 473 horsepower. We're also not sure on what Nissan's export plans are for the GT-R V-Spec, though it will be sold in limited quantities to some lucky Japanese for sure.

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

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R Spec-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gozilla goes on a diet: VIDEO of GT-R race car mule, V-Spec details surface

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:27:00 EST

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

We've reported previously on both a club racer and a V-Spec version of the Nissan GT-R, and it's now apparent that they are both very different beasts. The V-Spec variant will be in the same mold as the previous versions offered, with Japan's Best Car citing a 220-pound diet, 30 more horsepower with upgraded binders and suspension components.

The racing version, previously shown in spy shots, is equipped with a full roll cage, a significantly revised suspension and a nice set of Volk TE37s that are also featured in last week's Best Car article. When we'll be seeing either version is an open question, but we've got video of the production-based racer making the rounds and Best Car's spec scan after the jump.

[Source: 2009gtr.com]

Continue reading Gozilla goes on a diet: VIDEO of GT-R race car mule, V-Spec details surface

Gozilla goes on a diet: VIDEO of GT-R race car mule, V-Spec details surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments