Autoblog

First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R

Michael Harley — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, First Drives

Japan's Supercar Killer Comes Back Even Stronger

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Invincible. According to Webster's, the word means "incapable of being conquered, overcome or subdued." The adjective is often used to describe something so superior that it's nearly impossible to overthrow. Want to know what invincibility feels like? Strap yourself into the driver's seat of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, and then press the start button.

Just three years after successfully launching its flagship performance vehicle on our shores, the engineers at Nissan have introduced a subtly but completely reworked supercar. The engine has more power, the suspension has been revised, the wheels are lighter, the seats have been redesigned, the brakes are bigger, the chassis is stiffer and the aerodynamics have been reconfigured to improve cooling and provide more downforce. This isn't a manufacturer's token "mid-cycle refresh" to boost sales; these are changes that improve the overall drivability and performance of the GT-R so significantly that most will be inclined to consider it nothing short of a second-generation rebirth.

For starters, how does 0-60 in 2.88 seconds sound?

Continue reading...

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R

First Drive: 2012 Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Nissan GT-R changes appear on web

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R - Click above for image gallery

The thing about a halo car is that it needs that pretty little halo buffed and shined every single year to be sure the machine is kept at the forefront of consumers' minds. Nissan has been doing a pretty good job with its GT-R over the last few years in this regard, bumping power here and adding new techno-goodies there - all in an effort to give its giant slayer the tools to continue properly slaying.

That trend looks to continue for the 2012 model year, as the hive mind from GTRBlog.com has managed to score enough information on the upcoming machine to put together a nice little preview. Starting with the exterior, the next GT-R will get a revised front fascia complete with new (and sure to be controversial) LED driving lights frenched into new canards at either corner of the front bumper, lowering the car's coefficient of drag from 0.272 to 0.268.

There's also a new rear diffuser that adds 10 percent more downforce at the business end and a set of forged wheels from Rays cut 6.6 pounds of unsprung weight at each corner for a total loss of over 26 pounds. Impressive. There are reportedly two new colors for both the wheels - Hyper Blue Black and Hyper Titanium - and for the car - Aurora Flare Blue Pearl and Nebula Opal Black.

Expect price increases for both the base model, which will now be known as the Pure Edition, and the Premium Edition. Naturally, we're also told to expect some additional horsepower. We'll keep our eyes and ears peeled for more.

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R

[Source: GTRBlog.com]

2012 Nissan GT-R changes appear on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan GT-R Club Track Edition revealed?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, Racing

Ready for another Nissan GT-R iteration? In April, Nissan said it would be working with third parties to set up a driving club that would offer members track-ready Godzillas, and this is apparently the result: the Track Club Edition GT-R, a product of the minds at Nissan, NISMO, NOVA Engineering in Shizuka and Nordring tuning in Saitama, Japan.

A Japan-only endeavor, the umbrella organization is called The Prestige Club of GT-R, and to run in it will require a cave-full of yen: the car itself is ¥10,479,000 ($120,725 U.S.); membership in The Prestige Club membership is ¥2 million ($23,024 U.S.) and annual dues are a further ¥1 million ($11,513 U.S.). For all of that you get the special GT-R, a race number and inclusion in two race days and an annual gathering.

As for the racer itself, performance upgrades include new ECM, traction control, ABS and VCD programming, two-way adjustable Bilstein dampers and revised upper front links, a front lip spoiler, NACA duct and brake air guides among other things. Inside, there's a four-point harness with a six-point retention system available over a Bride Gardis III seat, automatic fire suppression system and NISMO data logging kit. The twin-turbo motor puts out in excess of 493 horsepower and 434 pound-feet, and the package rides on 20-inch Rays Forged Aluminum wheels from the SpecM shod with Dunlop Direzza Long Life Slicks. If you're going to be in Japan and want in on the series, applications are being accepted until September 20. Check out GT-R World at the links below for more images and information. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: GT-R World (translated), GT-R World (translated), NAGTROC]

2011 Nissan GT-R Club Track Edition revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: German-baiting Nissan ads at Goodwood draw Porsche ire

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan, Porsche, UK

Why is everybody picking on Porsche these days? Last month, the marketing team at Mini had quite a bit of fun at the expense of the German sports car maker, daring the storied automaker to step into the ring to take on a Mini Cooper S at Road Atlanta. A privately sourced 911 ended up kicking the Mini's go-kart-handling butt to the curb, but even in defeat, the British marquee had the nerve to mention that the 911's two-second victory would cost the typical weekend warrior about $36,000 per second.

Mini isn't the first automaker to go after Porsche; Nissan has been nipping at the heels of the 911 since the venerable GT-R hit the streets a couple years back. Nissan was back at its German rival during the Goodwood Festival of Speed last week, with a splattering of advertising preaching general superiority. Nissan smacked at Porsche, Audi and BMW on a giant billboard at London's BFI IMAX cinema and on smaller postcards handed out. The ads are part of a UK-wide campaign that includes such slogans as "How to beat the Germans" and amusingly, "Kaisers Chiefed" and "The Germans Came Off Wurst." The aggressive campaign at Goodwood included a brace of Nissan GT-R and 370Z models displayed wearing BMW, Audi and Porsche logos next to fighter plane-style kill marks.

So, is Porsche going to take this face-slap sitting down? Actually, lawyers at the German automaker have already blew the whistle on the ad, but not because of any embarrassment, pain or trauma it may have caused. Instead, Porsche suits simply asked that any unauthorized use of its crest trademark be removed. Nissan is reportedly removing the trademarks and continuing the ad campaign. For our money, we'd rather see the lawyers stay out of this fight and get a GT-R and a 911 Turbo on the 'Ring for a final showdown.

[Source: Guardian UK]

Report: German-baiting Nissan ads at Goodwood draw Porsche ire originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-generation Nissan GT-R to go alt-fuel?

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Nissan, Electric, Diesel

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

Rumors of a hybrid-drive next-generation Nissan GT-R have been floating around since late 2009. And given Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's wholesale commitment to electric vehicles, it should come as no surprise that the automaker is seriously considering adding some form of battery power to the next iteration of its sports car. Speaking at an event in Australia, GT-R chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno confirmed that an alternative powertrain will be a necessity to keep the GT-R relevant and meet future emissions and fuel economy standards.

Both Mercedes-Benz and Audi have already announced plans to build electric versions of the SLS AMG and R8 respectively. According to Mizuno, Nissan is considering a straight battery variant, a hybrid or even a diesel version, although the latter is unlikely. A battery version is certainly possible, but Mizuno also says a hybrid would be easy to do thanks to the GT-R's front engine/rear transaxle layout. The Leaf and other EVs will give Nissan some breathing room on regulations, so a new GT-R is still a ways off. At this point work has yet to start on the new model and no decision has been made on the powertrain.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

[Source: The Motor Report]

Report: Next-generation Nissan GT-R to go alt-fuel? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R Facelift - Click above for high-res image gallery

Look closely and use a bit of imagination and it's obvious that Nissan is upgrading the GT-R's front and rear fascias for the 2012 model year.

The changes are slight, but they deserve noting. Particularly the new rear bumper, integrated diffuser and sharper flares aft of the rear wheels. The front grille has been revised with a more horizontal opening than the previous model and with camo covering the side intakes, it's obvious that the bumper is going to be benefit from a slight restyling.

Our spies caught both a standard GT-R and its SpecV sibling at the Nurburgring, so it appears that these changes will carry over to both models. Expect an official reveal sometime this fall.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Nissan GT-R Facelift

Spy Shots: Facelifted 2012 Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus, Nissan

Lexus LFA versus Nissan GT-R - Click above to watch the video after the break

Japan is back in the supercar race in a major way following the introduction last year of the Nissan GT-R and the addition of the Lexus LFA for the 2011 model year. The question now is this: If the $85,000 GT-R is Godzilla, then what in the world (Or perhaps it's otherworldly? Read our review and decide for yourself.) is the nearly $400,000 (or more) Lexus?

Clearly, with a price gap that large, the two automakers don't necessarily count the opposing product as direct competition for its own... but that doesn't mean we aren't keenly interested in seeing how the two Japanese performance behemoths stack up when the light turns green. Got your interest piqued?

Fortunately for us, Motor Trend managed to procure a brand-new Lexus LFA for testing just long enough to line it up against the magazine's own long-term Nissan GT-R for an impromptu drag race. What happened? Well, the Lexus unleashed all 552 of its horsepower (at 8,700 RPM) and 354 pound-feet of torque (at 6,800 RPM) to its rear wheels and the Nissan used its all-wheel drive system to its advantage.

And? Click past the break to find out how the rest of the story unfolds. Oh, and as cool as this grudge match may be, we still want to see what happens between the two warriors after a few laps on a proper race track. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race

Video: Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Maserati, Racing

Maserati MC12 GT1 - Click above to enlarge

While GT1 cars have faded away from the American Le Mans Series, they're still running strong in other parts of the world. The 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship kicks off a 10-race series this weekend in Abu Dhabi with two dozen cars signed up, including a quartet of Maserati MC12s. The Maseratis are the defending GT1 champions and this year's new series will see them challenged by Ford GTs, Nissan GT-Rs, Lamborghini Murcielagos, Aston Martin DB9s and ex-works Chevy Corvettes.

The format for this year's events has been changed from a single two-hour race to a pair of one-hour sprints. Four events will be held outside Europe, including this weekend's races and December's season finale in Argentina.

[Source: Maserati, FIA]

Continue reading 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s

2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained?

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

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

The illustrious Nissan GT-R is, quite possibly, one of our favorite cars currently in production. Now entering its third year in America, Godzilla receives a few minor tweaks for 2011, including some minor suspension tuning, a double clear coat on its front and rear fascias, new rear cooling ducts and - wait for it - slightly darker wheel center caps than on the 2010 model that is pictured. Additionally, the 2011 GT-R - henceforth only available in Premium trim - gets more standard features, including auto on/off headlamps, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, Bluetooth, a USB iPod interface and XM NavWeather and NavTraffic. All of this can be yours for $85,060 (*including $1000 destination charge), which represents an increase of $1,020 over the 2010 GT-R Premium. Get your pocketbooks out.

Curiously, the folks at Nagtroc.org are reporting that just 315 GT-R units are slated to come to the U.S. during the 2011 model year. That striking us as odd, we talked with Nissan spokesperson Darryll Harrison, and he says that the automaker can't confirm the limited production volume. Hmmm. The 2011 model is just now hitting the nearly 700 GT-R certified Nissan dealers across the country, though if the unit constraint holds up, it's likely that more than half of the approved showrooms will never see one. Either way, hit the jump for the full details in Nissan's press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Sources: Nissan, Nagtroc.org]

Continue reading Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained?

Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tommy Kaira presents Nissan GT-R "Silver Wolf" edition

Noah Joseph — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST

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

Tommy Kaira Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Japanese tuning enthusiasts (and racing sim fanatics everywhere) have come to know Tommy Kaira as one of the best in the business. The Japanese outfit works its magic on Skylines, Imprezas and more, and has now released a tuning package for the current Nissan GT-R.

Called the Silver Wolf, this GT-R sees its engine left intact, but gets treated to a full body kit, plus new rolling stock, brakes, exhaust and suspension components. The carbon fiber widebody package gives Godzilla a serious attitude adjustment, while the functional components - if Tommy Kaira's previous offerings are anything to go by - promise to squeeze that extra bit of performance out of this Japanese icon. Click the thumbnails below for a closer look.

Gallery: Tommy Kaira Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R

[Source: Tommy Kaira]

Tommy Kaira presents Nissan GT-R "Silver Wolf" edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Nissan each donate $100k+ to Haiti relief effort *UPDATE

John Neff — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM, Nissan

Both General Motors and Nissan North America have announced they will be donating over $100,000 each to aid the earthquake relief effort in Haiti. If you haven't seen the news lately, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on January 12 near Port-au-Pince, killing tens of thousands of people (maybe over 100,000) and destroying the country's infrastructure. Governments and companies from all over the world have pledged aid for the victims and this broken nation, but so far GM and Nissan's American arm are the lone representatives of the U.S. auto industry.

GM pledged $100,000 straight up to the American Red Cross relief fund through its General Motors Foundation and has also added a direct link on employees' computer desktops to the Red Cross disaster fund. Nissan is giving a $25,000 cash donation, another $5,000 from Nissan Canada, matching employee contributions up to $25,000 for another $50,000 and giving $52,000 to Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild 13 homes in Haiti.

Just as some cynics did when automakers pledged money and supplies after Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami, one could argue there's an ulterior motive to these gifts of charity, but we're quite sure the Haitians could care less and just appreciate the life-changing money. If you'd like to donate to the American Red Cross, click here.

*UPDATE - Toyota announced just today that its companies operating in the Americas will donate a total of $500,000 to be divided among the American Red Cross, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders.

[Sources: General Motors, Nissan | Image: Angel Valentin/Getty]

GM and Nissan each donate $100k+ to Haiti relief effort *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan to display nine cars at Tokyo Auto Salon including GT-R Nismo with data-logging

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon

With everything going on in January (Detroit Auto Show and CES, just to name two), it's easy to overlook one of the largest tuning expos in the world: The Tokyo Auto Salon. As it's done in previous years, Nissan will have have a large presence at Japan's aftermarket extravaganza, bringing nine vehicles in various states of tune, along with a new variant of the venerable GT-R.

Nissan hasn't divulged exactly what's included in the updated NISMO Club Sports Package for the GT-R, only saying that it boasts "a high level of sports performance." It's safe to assume that a tweaked ECU, reworked suspension, new aerodynamic components and a set of wheels are part of the package, but the most compelling part is a new data logging system. Developed by Nissan's in-house tuning arm, the NISMO Data Logger Kit allows drivers to download performance data from the GT-R to their computers via a USB cable. Nissan hasn't released pricing or availability yet, but this strikes us as something that could make it to the States in due time.

Joining the tweaked GT-R, Nissan will show off the Roox Highway Urban Selection concept, a sport-pack equipped Skyline coupe and sedan, a few Autech-tweaked models and the NISMO 370Z (known in Japan as the Fairlady Z). You can get a sneak peak at Nissan's booth, along with some of the models it plans to display, at Nissan's Tokyo Auto Salon minisite, and make the jump for all the official details.

Continue reading Nissan to display nine cars at Tokyo Auto Salon including GT-R Nismo with data-logging

Nissan to display nine cars at Tokyo Auto Salon including GT-R Nismo with data-logging originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Godzilla versus the Ducati 1098 superbike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Motorcycle

Ducati 1098 versus Nissan GT-R - Click above to watch the video after the break

What happens when you line a motorcycle up with a car on a racetrack? As always, the answer is up for debate and depends on the vehicles being compared, the track they are running on, track and weather conditions and the skill of the pilots. Still, it's an age-old battle of four wheels versus two, good versus evil - and somehow we just know that the video from Autocar pasted after the break will only serve to drive the two camps further apart than ever before.

First, the combatants. A stealthy black Nissan GT-R carries the turbocharged, all-wheel drive torch on the four-wheeled side, while a Ducati 1098 ably handles the motorcycle duties. As you probably expect, the superbike has no problems whatsoever leaving the GT-R for dead in a straight line, while the car's two additional contact patches allow it to brake and turn with much more authority than the Ducati. And the winner is? Click past the break to see for yourself.

[Source: Autocar via Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Godzilla versus the Ducati 1098 superbike

Video: Godzilla versus the Ducati 1098 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Autocar pits Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10 on Castle Combe

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi, Nissan, Porsche, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

These are our favorite kinds of car videos. Take a few super hot, fire-breathing, track-ready road cars and pit them against one another on a race track and see who wins. Autocar magazine's Steve Sutcliffe assembled the Nissan GT-R, the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Audi R8 V10 at the UK's Castle Combe circuit to see which of the entry level supercars could turn in the fastest lap.

The GT-R is the low-cost track star of the bunch, with the most mass, the least power and, arguably the most grip of the group. The 911 Turbo is the featherweight of the entry supercar trio, with middle-of-the-pack power and an (apparently) adventurous ride. The R8 V10 has the most power and Audi's excellent Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Sutcliffe took all through road warriors through the paces at Castle Combe, and the dynamic trio finished within about one second of each other. One of them could have won if it weren't for some iffy brakes, another didn't quite have the grip to win the day while the winner was quickest in and out of turns. Who won? You'll have to hit the jump and watch the high-res footage to find out.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: Autocar via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Autocar pits Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10 on Castle Combe

VIDEO: Autocar pits Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10 on Castle Combe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Motorsports, Maserati, Nissan

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2009 FIA GT Test Days

[Source: Autosport]

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

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

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

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Nissan, Porsche

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: Autocar]

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

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

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

Filed under: Performance, Nissan

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

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

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

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

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

[Source: PistonHeads]

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

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

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Rumormill

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

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

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

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

[Source: PistonHeads]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV

[Source: Carmode via CarScoop]

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

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Autoblog Podcast #146 - WSG Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell!

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

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Episode #146 of the Autoblog Podcast puts Chris, Sam, and Dan in fast company, talking to Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell. Johnny's heading out to run the Petit LeMans, but he took some time to chat with us first. Once the crew settles down about apexes and back straights, we head off into a couple of topical discussions. Jay Leno's two-lap challenge starts us off, and GM's new "May the Best Car Win" ads get our attention next, and then we move on to Nissan's settling of the class-action lawsuit over GT-R transmissions. Some questions finish us off near the hour and a half mark. Thanks for listening, and if you like what we're doing, be sure to let us know in our survey or by leaving reviews in iTunes. Our friends over at Engadget and Joystiq do great podcasts as well, in case you need a fix before we circle around again next week.

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Autoblog Podcast #146 - WSG Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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