Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Autocar</i> pits Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10 on Castle Combe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/video-i-autocar-i-pits-nissan-gt-r-vs-porsche-911-turbo-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/video-i-autocar-i-pits-nissan-gt-r-vs-porsche-911-turbo-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/video-i-autocar-i-pits-nissan-gt-r-vs-porsche-911-turbo-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Nissan GT-R2009 Porsche 911 Turbo2009NissanGt-r2009Porsche911Turbo2010 Audi2010 Audi R82010 Audi R8 V102010Audi2010AudiR82010AudiR8V10audi r8 v10AudiR8V10autocarcastle combeCastleCombenissan gt-rNissan GTRNissanGt-rNissanGtrporsche 911 turboPorsche911TurboThu, 10 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-nissan-gt-r-maserati-mc12-heading-to-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-nissan-gt-r-maserati-mc12-heading-to-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-nissan-gt-r-maserati-mc12-heading-to-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acofia gt championshipfia gt1 world championshipFIA GT3 European ChampionshipFiaGt1WorldChampionshipFiaGt3EuropeanChampionshipFiaGtChampionshipgt-rgtrle mansle mans seriesLeMansLeMansSeriesmaseratimaserati mc12MaseratiMc12mc12nissan gt-rnissan gt-r fia gtnissan gt-r fia gt1nissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGt-rFiaGtNissanGt-rFiaGt1NissanGtrThu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/improvements-to-2010-porsche-997-turbo-slash-ten-seconds-from-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/improvements-to-2010-porsche-997-turbo-slash-ten-seconds-from-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/improvements-to-2010-porsche-997-turbo-slash-ten-seconds-from-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 9972010 Porsche2010 Porsche 911 Turbo2010 Porsche 9972010 Porsche 997 Turbo2010 Porsche Turbo20109972010Porsche2010Porsche911Turbo2010Porsche9972010Porsche997Turbo2010PorscheTurbo911911 turbo911Turbo997 turbo997TurboGT-Rgtrnissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrNordschleifeNurburgringPorschePorsche 911 TurboPorsche TurboPorsche911TurboPorscheTurboTurboWed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Next-gen Nissan GT-R in the works for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/report-next-gen-nissan-gt-r-in-the-works-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/report-next-gen-nissan-gt-r-in-the-works-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/report-next-gen-nissan-gt-r-in-the-works-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan gt-r2013NissanGt-rAndy PalmerAndyPalmergt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrnurburgringr35r36Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan GT-R reportedly set to receive suspension and aero upgrades, SpecM confirmed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/nissan-gt-r-reported-to-receive-suspension-and-aero-upgrades-sp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/nissan-gt-r-reported-to-receive-suspension-and-aero-upgrades-sp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/nissan-gt-r-reported-to-receive-suspension-and-aero-upgrades-sp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Godzillagt-rgt-r spec mGt-rSpecMgtrgtr spec mGtrSpecMnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r spec mnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGt-rSpecMNissanGtrSkylinespec mSpecMThu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Nissan to debut exclusive luxury-oriented GT-R SpecM in Tokyo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/rumormill-nissan-to-debut-exclusive-luxury-oriented-gt-r-specm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/rumormill-nissan-to-debut-exclusive-luxury-oriented-gt-r-specm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/rumormill-nissan-to-debut-exclusive-luxury-oriented-gt-r-specm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 tokyo motor show2009TokyoMotorShowfalsegt-rgt-r spec mGt-rSpecMgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r spec mnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGt-rSpecMNissanGtrtokyotokyo motor showTokyoMotorShowTue, 29 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #146 - WSG Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/autoblog-podcast-146/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/autoblog-podcast-146/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/autoblog-podcast-146/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


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.

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

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastcorvette c6corvette c6-rcorvette c6.rcorvette c6rcorvette c6r gt2corvette c6rsCorvetteC6CorvetteC6-rCorvetteC6.rCorvetteC6rCorvetteC6rGt2CorvetteC6rsdrew barrymore ford focusDrewBarrymoreFordFocusfalsefeaturedgm advertisinggm commercialgm may the best car wingm spotsGmAdvertisingGmCommercialGmMayTheBestCarWinGmSpotsjay lenoJayLenojohnny oconnellJohnnyOconnellleno evleno ford focusLenoEvLenoFordFocusmay the best car winMayTheBestCarWinnissan class actionnissan gt-rnissan gtrnissan gtr transmissionnissan transmissionNissanClassActionNissanGt-rNissanGtrNissanGtrTransmissionNissanTransmissionpodcastpodcastsTue, 22 Sep 2009 16:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #146Autoblog01:36:20autoblog podcast;podcast146;johnny oconnell; gm ads;may the best car win; nissan gtr transmission; nissan transmission<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/report-nissan-gt-r-class-action-suit-over-transmission-failures/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/report-nissan-gt-r-class-action-suit-over-transmission-failures/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/report-nissan-gt-r-class-action-suit-over-transmission-failures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It was nearly a year ago when we reported on a NAGTROC forum user getting hit with a $20,000 bill to replace his toasted transmission after using Launch Control (LC1) on his GT-R. In time for the second model year of the car, Nissan first dropped Launch Control, then they decided to include it, but with safeguards (LC2). In the meantime, a growing number of owners of the initial batch got together and filed a class action suit against Nissan in the hopes of receiving some compensation for their transmissions.

That suit was settled last weekend in California. The verdict: any owners with LC1 will have their warranties reset for 5 years/60,000 miles once they upgrade to LC2, and the LC2 transmission and internals -- including VDC -- will be fully covered by Nissan. If you use the LC2 with VDC on and something breaks, everything's covered. If you turn the VDC off and use LC2 and something breaks, you're in the poo.

However, if you turn the VDC off and use LC2, then turn VDC back on and everything is fine, then you drive for a while and then a few weeks later something breaks, Nissan will have to prove that turning the VDC off weeks earlier is what caused the breakage. Previously the burden of proof was on the owner; now it's on Nissan. Owners of 2009 cars will also get a $75 coupon for service at a GT-R-approved dealership. Owners will receive notices in the mail with the details. Whew. Glad that's over. Now can we get back to enjoying one of the finest cars on the roads today? Hat tip to Matt

[Source: NAGTROC]

REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 gt-r2009 gtr2009 nissan2009 nissan gt-r2009Gt-r2009Gtr2009Nissan2009NissanGt-rfalsegt-rgt-r launch controlGt-rLaunchControlgtrlaunch controlLaunchControlnissannissan gt-rNissanGt-rnissangtrrecalltransmissionSun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan studying turbochargers for future vehicles?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/nissan-studying-turbochargers-for-future-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/nissan-studying-turbochargers-for-future-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/nissan-studying-turbochargers-for-future-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 Nissan 370Z - Click above for high-res gallery

As much as we've grown to love Nissan's award-winning line of VQ six-cylinder powerplants, reality dictates that time marches on and a replacement will soon be needed. According to Tetsuya Takahashi, a manager at Nissan's Powertrain Engineering Division, a switch to smaller displacements may be in the offing along with a return to forced induction - much like what Ford has done with its EcoBoost series of engines.

Nissan and Renault have well-known plans to share virtually all powerplants from this point forward, and this move would likely allow for both small and fuel efficient powerplants for passenger car duty - which is especially important in Europe - along with somewhat larger and much more powerful engines for high-performance models. Drawbacks include the additional cost of the turbocharging hardware and a more difficult path to emissions approval, so future turbo Nissans are far from a sure thing.

For those old enough to remember Nissan's pre-2002 series of Z cars, which received its first turbocharger way back in 1981 and reached its horsepower apogee in the form of the 300-horsepower 300ZX Turbo in 1990 (not to mention the incredible RB and SR powerplants), this news may be welcomed with open arms. As far as we're concerned, a slightly detuned version of the VR38DETT V6 powering fire-breathing GT-R would look mighty fine under the shapely hood of the next-gen Z.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z


[Source: Motor Trend]

Nissan studying turbochargers for future vehicles? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsenissannissan 370znissan gt-rnissan turboNissan370zNissanGt-rnissangtrNissanTurboturbocharged nissanTurbochargedNissanMon, 03 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[NISMO <i>renting</i> GT-R engine and transmission computers in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/nismo-i-renting-i-gt-r-engine-and-transmission-computers-in-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/nismo-i-renting-i-gt-r-engine-and-transmission-computers-in-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/nismo-i-renting-i-gt-r-engine-and-transmission-computers-in-j/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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]]>ecugt-rgtrnismonismo ecu tcmNismoEcuTcmnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r specvnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGt-rSpecvNissanGtrspecvtcmupgradeMon, 18 May 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/repo-gtr-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/repo-gtr-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/repo-gtr-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Reposessed GTR headed for auction today - Click above for image gallery

Here's your chance to put Godzilla in your driveway for a discount! Of course, this GT-R that's headed for the block at Matley's Richmond Auto Auction today in Virginia will likely not go for much of a discount. Barring a transmission that's been launch-controlled into oblivion, this 3,011-mile repo-special appears virtually showroom-fresh. Carfax says this car is a clean, one-owner affair, and the auction company hasn't put it in the "inoperative vehicle" group, so we're guessing it's another case of financial over-reach brought back down to reality. If it were us, we'd be hiding this thing in a garage more secret and secure than Dick Cheney's undisclosed location while we sold an organ or two on the black market to pay its bills. You've got a spare kidney, but it's not like the GTR comes along every day. If you've actually got the finances to purchase a GT-R and think this one may be a bargain, you'll have to move fast - the auction is today. As long as you can make one or two payments before you start selling off pieces of yourself, you'll be fine. This tip comes to us from our friends at Hemmings, who also hooked us up with the Carfax, posted after the jump. Thanks David!


Gallery: Repo GTR


[Source: Richmond Auto Auction]

Continue reading Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction

Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gtr auctiongtr repoGtrAuctionGtrReponissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gtrnissan gtr auctionNissanGt-rNissanGtrNissanGtrAuctionrepo gtrRepoGtrFri, 08 May 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Lap of America 2009 - The flag drops...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/one-lap-of-america-2009-the-flag-drops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/one-lap-of-america-2009-the-flag-drops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/one-lap-of-america-2009-the-flag-drops/#commentsFiled under:


2009 One Lap of America - Day 1 - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Greetings from Joliet, Illinois, home of the Autobahn Country Club. We're on board with Brock Yates' One Lap of America, one of America's toughest motorsports challenges. Over the course of eight days, 63 drivers of all talent and experience levels will take to a range of motorsports facilities across the country in a wide variety of machinery. There's something for everyone here, from mainstream American performance iron (a passel of Chevrolet Corvettes and Camaros, along with a Mustang or two) to niche exotics (Ultima, Lotus Exige) to Japanese cars (including a nifty Mitsubishi Galant VR4), a gaggle of Porsches, and more BMW M cars than you can shake a stick at. Heck, there's even a GMC Jimmy, a stunning Nissan Altima Hybrid SEMA entrant and a Fifties rat rod.

In truth, we One Lappers assembled yesterday in breezy, chilly South Bend, Indiana at Tire Rack's massive facilities. The competitors met up to receive a driver's meeting, technical inspection, and a full slate of sponsorship decals, along with the usual final tunings and bench racing sessions. The actual racing didn't start until earlier this morning, however, where the competitors made use of the retail giant's 200-foot skidpad - with the sprinklers on. You can read all about what happened over Motor Trend (they're one of the event's main sponsors), but suffice it to say that one of the two Nissan GT-R entrants (not pictured) at this year's event stunned the assembled throngs by recording 0.953G, a handsome figure considering the soaked tarmac.

This year, competitors will travel some 3,265 miles between today and next Saturday before circling back to South Bend next Saturday. Along the way, the racers will take part in an autocross event at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, then roll to Greenbrier, Tennessee to take on the Highland Rim Speedway oval. After that, it's off to Alabama's Talladega Gran Prix on Monday, with a long haul (over 600 miles) down to Florida's legendary Sebring International Raceway. After that, it's time for a bracket drag racing session at Gainesville Raceway, and then on to Daytona International Speedway. Come Thursday, there's a tidy 440 mile run to Kershaw, South Carolina, home of Carolina Motor Sports Park, and from there, the racers slip over to BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg. Doubtlessly looking a bit worse for the wear, the survivors will then motor 560+ miles to Pennsylvania's Beaverun Motorsports Complex. The bedraggled racers then make the final 240-mile transit back to South Bend for a final (hopefully) dry skidpad event and a final banquet and trophy award ceremony.

With just 60+ cars in the field this year (as opposed to the 80+ vehicles in years past), it's clearly a down year in terms of attendance - a development readily attributable to the economy (it's admittedly hard to ignore to overlook the substantial cost associated with mounting an entry). However, there are some ace new competitors here and a lot of interesting machinery. Further, with the absence of five-time reigning champion Mark Davia and his Porsche 996 twin-turbo (whose wife is expecting), there's sure to be a new winner this year.

Full Disclosure: Yours truly is part of one of the two timing and scoring crews (I have been participating as such since 1999), so while I will do my best to bring AB'ers closer to the action, as a crew member, I will only attend a bit more than half of the events as we hopscotch the country in order to get ahead of the competitors and prepare the timing equipment and post the scores ahead of their arrival. As such, it is recommended that you check out Motor Trend and the official One Lap Of America website for the rules and the latest updates on the races.

Well, the cars on the false grid are set to go green, so I'm gone... until next time, please check out the massive gallery of 70+ high-res images below featuring most of the competitors.


Gallery: 2009 One Lap of America - Tire Rack & Autobahn


One Lap of America 2009 - The flag drops... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Autobahn Country ClubAutobahnCountryClubBeaverunBMW Performance CenterBmwPerformanceCenterBrock YatesBrockYatescannonballcannonball runCannonballRunCarolina Motor Sports ParkCarolinaMotorSportsParkDaytonafeaturedfeaturedstoriesHighland Rim SpeedwayHighlandRimSpeedwayJolietMotor TrendMotorTrendNissan GT-RNissan GTRNissanGt-rNissanGtrOne LapOne Lap 2009One Lap of AmericaOneLapOneLap2009OneLapOfAmericaSebringSouth BendSouthBendTalladegaTire RackTireRackTurfway ParkTurfwayParkSat, 02 May 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Nissan GT-R spotted testing at Nürburgring?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/spy-shots-2011-nissan-gt-r-spotted-testing-at-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/spy-shots-2011-nissan-gt-r-spotted-testing-at-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/spy-shots-2011-nissan-gt-r-spotted-testing-at-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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]]>gtrgtr spyGtrSpynissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gt-r nurburgringnissan gt-r spec vnissan gt-r spec-vnissan gtrnissan gtr spec vnissan gtr specvNissanGt-rNissanGt-rNurburgringNissanGt-rSpec-vNissanGt-rSpecVNissanGtrNissanGtrSpecVnurburgringnurburgring spy shotsNurburgringSpyShotsspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsWed, 29 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Revised Nissan GT-R clocks 7:27.56 lap time at the Nürburgring ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/revised-nissan-gt-r-clocks-7-27-56-lap-time-at-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/revised-nissan-gt-r-clocks-7-27-56-lap-time-at-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/revised-nissan-gt-r-clocks-7-27-56-lap-time-at-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Nissan GT-R at the Nurburgring - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Enough is never enough. Not when you're talking supercars and Nürburgring lap times. As if enough jaws weren't dropped when Nissan posted their fantastic initial time of 7:29 around the vaunted Nordschleife (besting Porsche's best), the automaker's engineers went back to the garage looking for a little extra for 2010. They came back with a slightly updated version, with five extra horsepower and revised dual-clutch transmission with updated launch control, plus a bigger fuel tank, new tires and a retuned suspension. So what effect would these modifications have on the GT-R's 'Ring run? About a second and a half off the record, which now stands for the Japanese supercar at an awe-inspiring 7:27.56.

According to Nissan, the time was posted using a 2010 GT-R with the optional V-Spec wheels and tires, driven by former F1 tester Toshio Suzuki. Fantastic as that time is, it's still another second short of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's 7:26.4 (to say nothing of the Dodge Viper ACR's 7:22.1), so Nissan will be back at it. And without the dirt and dust which the Japanese team says was coating the track to impede its lap time, they figure they just might find enough extra speed to claim the record. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan GT-R sets 7:27.56 Ring lap time


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Revised Nissan GT-R clocks 7:27.56 lap time at the Nürburgring

Revised Nissan GT-R clocks 7:27.56 lap time at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r nurburgringnissan gt-r nurburgring lap timenissan gt-r nurburgring recordnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGt-rNurburgringNissanGt-rNurburgringLapTimeNissanGt-rNurburgringRecordNissanGtrnordschleifenurburgringnurburgring lap timenurburgring nordschleifenurburgring recordNurburgringLapTimeNurburgringNordschleifeNurburgringRecordSkylineThu, 16 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Bargain: Inside Line reports $2000 routine maintenance bill for Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/some-bargain-inside-line-reports-2000-routine-maintenance-bill/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/some-bargain-inside-line-reports-2000-routine-maintenance-bill/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/some-bargain-inside-line-reports-2000-routine-maintenance-bill/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Nissan GT-R in the Autoblog Garage - Click above to view in high resolution

Our fathers always told us there's no such thing as a free lunch, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Then along came the Nissan GT-R, billed as a "bargain supercar" for those of merely elevated means. With a list price below eighty grand and performance to embarrass exotics worth several times as much, it seemed like the shoestring exotic had finally arrived like Santa Claus on Christmas. Couple that with what you'd be forgiven for assuming would be reasonable ownership costs - it is, after all, a Nissan, not a Ferrari - and the impossible had appeared to have happened.

However, such optimistic judgments about upkeep may have been premature. That's what the boys over at Inside Line found when their GT-R was called in to have its fluids changed. With transmission fluid selling for over $100 a quart, plus labor, the costs added up rather quickly, resulting in a routine refresh of the car's fluids and filters adding up to a sign-of-the-times-if-we've-ever-seen-one total of $2009 and change. If that's a bargain, we don't want to know what expensive is. Follow the link below to see IL's full breakdown.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R


[Source: Inside Line]

Some Bargain: Inside Line reports $2000 routine maintenance bill for Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainbargain supercarBargainSupercargt rgt-rGtRnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r fluidsnissan gt-r maintenancenissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGt-rFluidsNissanGt-rMaintenanceNissanGtroil changeOilChangeskylineWed, 01 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan headed back to 'Ring in search of new GT-R and GT-R SpecV lap times]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/report-nissan-headed-to-ring-in-april-in-search-of-new-gt-r-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/report-nissan-headed-to-ring-in-april-in-search-of-new-gt-r-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/report-nissan-headed-to-ring-in-april-in-search-of-new-gt-r-an/#commentsFiled under: ,


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]]>gt-r lap timeGt-rLapTimenissannissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gt-r nurburgringnissan gt-r spec vnissan gt-r spec-vnissan gt-r specvnissan gt-r specv nurburgringNissanGt-rNissanGt-rNurburgringNissanGt-rSpec-vNissanGt-rSpecVNissanGt-rSpecvNurburgringNissanGtRTue, 10 Mar 2009 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/nissan-gt-r-wagon-spotted-in-nagoya/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/nissan-gt-r-wagon-spotted-in-nagoya/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/nissan-gt-r-wagon-spotted-in-nagoya/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Nissan GT-R "wagon"

Let's get this over with right now: This isn't really a Nissan GT-R wagon. That said, it is a decidedly artful conversion of the Japanese automaker's M35 series Stagea wagon, a JDM load-lugger it produced from 2001 to 2007. Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive with a variety of V6 powerplants, the now-dead Stagea has been called the "GT-R Wagon" by many enthusiasts.

Spotted at Nagoya Auto Trend this weekend, this particular Stagea looks to be a super-clean conversion, with a well-integrated R35 GT-R front-end that's been carried through along the bodysides, with factory-like rocker panel indents and modestly rear quarter panels to keep the theme.

While we don't have information about what lurks underneath, the folks at GTRBlog speculate that the wagon could have something interesting like a stroked VQ-series V6 with a twin-turbo kit. Given the apparent high level of finish on the outside, we would hope for nothing less. Check out the galleries below for more shots of both the GT-R and Stagea wagons... and if you find any additional information on this particular car, drop us a tip!


Gallery: Nissan R35 GT-R Wagon


Gallery: 2001-2007 Nissan M35 Stagea Wagon


[Source: n-autotrend via GTRBlog]

Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketGT-RGTRJDMNagoyaNissan GT-RNissan GTRNissan SkylineNissan StageaNissanGt-rNissanGtrNissanSkylineNissanStageaStageatunerSun, 08 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan confirms GT-R headed for FIA GT racing in 2009, 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/nissan-confirms-gt-r-headed-for-fia-gt-racing-in-2009-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/nissan-confirms-gt-r-headed-for-fia-gt-racing-in-2009-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/nissan-confirms-gt-r-headed-for-fia-gt-racing-in-2009-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the FIA-GT1-spec Nissan GT-R

Nissan has announced its Global Motorsports Activities for 2009 and it looks like we'll be seeing the GT-R campaign in the FIA-GT1 category earlier than expected.

Initial reports claimed that Nissan would begin offering LeMans-spec racers to privateer teams for the 2010 FIA-GT1 season, but in an effort to test the performance and competitiveness of the platform, a NISMO-developed GT-R will run as a non-championship entry in four races in 2009. Nissan is partnering with Gigawave MotorSport on the GT-R entry and has tapped GT500 racer Michael Krumm from NISMO and Darren Turner from Gigawave to pilot the GT-R during the season. Nissan hasn't announced exactly what events the NISMO GT-R will participate in, but there's a good chance that we'll be seeing Godzilla running at LeMans.

The specs on race-ready GT-R haven't been officially revealed, but there's a possibility that NISMO will drop the twin-turbo'd V6 in favor of the 4.5-liter VK45D8 V8. Output is estimated to be between 540-590 hp and 450-500 lb-ft of torque, with a curb weight as low as 3,000 pounds.

Nissan also took the opportunity to announce its SuperGT contenders, with four teams - NISMO, Hasemi Motor Sport, Impul and Kondo Racing - each campaigning a GT-R in the GT500 class. The new SuperGT car will sport a new air-cooling system and, in keeping with the new regulations, shortened overhangs to reduce downforce. A new paddle-shift transmission is also being developed.

All the details on the drivers, the teams and Nissan's other motorsports efforts are in the press release below the fold, along with a video of the official announcement. No word yet on a possible Grand Am GT-R, but with every automaker throttling-back their motorsports efforts, we're not surprised.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R FIA-GT1


[Source: Nissan via GTRBlog]

Continue reading Nissan confirms GT-R headed for FIA GT racing in 2009, 2010

Nissan confirms GT-R headed for FIA GT racing in 2009, 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia gt1FiaGt1gt-rgt1gtrlemansnismonissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrFri, 27 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan instructs dealers to reprogram GT-R launch control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/nissan-instructs-dealers-to-reprogram-gt-r-launch-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/nissan-instructs-dealers-to-reprogram-gt-r-launch-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/nissan-instructs-dealers-to-reprogram-gt-r-launch-control/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Few topics have set the Autoblog commenting system on fire more than the Nissan GT-R. And once stories began to surface about Godzilla's gearbox grenading when customers invoked the power of launch control, it was like a Hateraid atom bomb had gone off below the fold. Well folks, strap on your riot gear and grab a stick of C4. Nissan's in the news again, officially addressing the GT-R's gearbox failure and rolling out a new software program to mitigate the problem.

Make the jump for all the details.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R


Gallery: 2008 Nissan GT-R Details


[Source: InsideLine, StraightLine]

Continue reading Nissan instructs dealers to reprogram GT-R launch control

Nissan instructs dealers to reprogram GT-R launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgt-rlaunch controlLaunchControlnissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrtransmissionThu, 29 Jan 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sorry, No Nissan GT-R engine for your 510]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/sorry-no-nissan-gt-r-engine-for-your-510/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/sorry-no-nissan-gt-r-engine-for-your-510/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/sorry-no-nissan-gt-r-engine-for-your-510/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Even though its MSRP is well shy of $100,000, the GT-R is still Nissan's most special model, and as such, it carries an air of exclusivity. Because of what the car is, and what it can do, Nissan has been exceptionally iron-fisted on some issues, and now the grip is tightening further.

Citing the fact that the GT-R uses bits and pieces that are "highly engineered, using technologies unique to Nissan," it is now impossible to order, say, a GT-R engine unless you're a dealer doing work on an actual GT-R. All of your dreams crate motor swaps? Gone. And it's not just engines - the transmission, electrical system, fuel system, and chassis parts are also restricted to a GT-R -specific ordering process that reads like a ransom demand. It's not such a big deal for most owners, we'd guess, as they're going to to back for dealer service anyway. Tinkerers and tuners are the ones that will be mainly affected, and we're betting that ingenuity (or a few wrecked examples) will win the day with a workaround. Of course, it's easy enough to not blow up the engine, but about that tranny...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R


[Source: NAGTROC]

Sorry, No Nissan GT-R engine for your 510 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-r partsGt-rPartsgtr partsGtrPartsnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r maintenancenissan gt-r servicenissan gt-r warrantyNissanGt-rNissanGt-rMaintenanceNissanGt-rServiceNissanGt-rWarrantynissangtrWed, 21 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST