Autoblog

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition loses rear seats, gains performance

Zach Bowman — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Nissan is adding yet another tier to the GT-R hierarchy for 2014 with the GT-R Track Edition. Debuting at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, the bruiser ditches its back seat in the quest for a lower curb weight, and a set of more seriously bolstered front buckets keep occupants planted once the going gets twisty. The Nürburgring-developed Track Edition offers an integrated carbon fiber front splitter with brake cooling ducts as well as an even harder-core suspension. Engineers swapped the stock bits for special Bilstein DampTronic shocks and paired them with more aggressive springs.

The engine still delivers 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque and still relies on the split-second quickness of the standard GT-R's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Expect to see just 150 examples of the 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition land on American shores starting this May. In the interim, check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition loses rear seats, gains performance

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition loses rear seats, gains performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan gives history lesson on how the Skyline legend was born

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Japan, Videos, Nissan, Racing

The only reason we have the Nissan GT-R is because of the exploits of all those GT-Rs we didn't get, and it started with the first one, a model at the time called the Skyline GT, at the 1964 Grand Prix at Suzuka. It was there that modified Prince Motor Company Skyline sedans, only just homologated and never raced, took the green flag and drifted their way to second through sixth places.

The video also explains how the rivalry between the GT-R and Porsche didn't just begin with competing lap times at the Nürburgring a few years ago. The car that came in first was a Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, and when one of the Skyline GT drivers got in front of it to lead the race, the men in charge decided to keep tinkering with the vehicle that would become the second Godzilla. Scroll down to enjoy the rest of the story in video and a press release from Nissan.

Continue reading Nissan gives history lesson on how the Skyline legend was born

Nissan gives history lesson on how the Skyline legend was born originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What it's like to own two historic Nissan Skylines

Zach Bowman — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos, Nissan

We have no qualms admitting our love for vintage Japanese tin. There's just something about the country's hardware from the 1960s and '70s that flips all the right switches for us, and the lovely Skyline sits at the top of that heap. Our friends at Petrolicious seem to share that infatuation. The film crew recently sat down with Ivan Jaramillo outside of San Francisco to take a look at two very special members of his collection. You see, Jaramillo doesn't just own one Skyline. He owns a pair of them, and, unlike some collectors, he uses the cars as they were intended to be enjoyed.

Petrolicious spent some time filming Jaramillo's Hakosuka and Kenmeri tearing through redwood forests with their triple Mikuni carbs barking at the treetops. If you weren't a fan of the ancestors to the modern Nissan GT-R before taking a look at the latest effort from Petrolicious, you will be by the time the clip comes to a close. Check it out below.

Continue reading What it's like to own two historic Nissan Skylines

What it's like to own two historic Nissan Skylines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wisconsin man avoids jail by agreeing to have his Nissan Skylines crushed

Zach Bowman — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Japan, Nissan, Luxury

Authorities in Wisconsin are bound and determined to crack down on gray market vehicles. According to Stevens Point Journal, In 2010, the state government orchestrated a sting to catch Justin Beno selling two Nissan Skyline models, one of which played a role in the Fast and Furious franchise. A Wisconsin Department of Transportation investigator spotted both a 1995 and a 1996 Skyline up for sale and pretended to be a buyer. The investigator asked if it were possible to get the cars titled, and Beno said he believed the vehicles could be titled in Florida, then retitled in Wisconsin.

This was not the correct answer. The government seized both cars and charged Beno with a spate of offenses, including two felony counts of conspiracy to commit fraud, one felony count of owning a vehicle without a vehicle identification number tag and two misdemeanors tied to those missing VIN tags. Beno said he had originally purchased the cars as bare shells without the tags and that the seller later mailed them along. He also says he didn't know it was a crime to simply own a car without its VIN tag attached.

Brown County Deputy District Attorney Dana Johnson offered Beno a plea deal wherein he would accept the misdemeanor charges and give up both fully restored Skylines. After offering to pay the fines and help the authorities find buyers for both machines overseas, the prosecutor declined. Instead, both cars will be crushed and sold for scrap. That's particularly heartbreaking after Beno spent years assembling both from parts bought from all over the world. It's made worse by the fact that in just a few short years, both cars will be exempt from federal safety and emissions standards for vehicles over 25 years old. Head over to Beno's site to see the Big Bird Skyline that's headed for the reaper.

Wisconsin man avoids jail by agreeing to have his Nissan Skylines crushed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trio of Nissan GT-Rs get ready to drag

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Australia, Specialty, Racing

In largely stock form, the Nissan GT-R has taken to various forms of motorsports like only a technology-laden Japanese supercar can. But for some people, its impressive performance isn't enough. Word on the web is that ITP Racecars in Perth, Australia has been hard at work on a trio of tube-chassis, carbon-fiber bodied Nissan GT-R drag racers good for shooting down the quarter-mile at blistering speed. So far, the ITP crew have kept the details of the racecar's drivetrain a closely guarded secret, though if you take a keen look at the photos that the shop has released, it's easy to see an inline six-pot lurking between the rails.

According to 2009GTR.com, that means that these beasts will likely come packing a high-strung version of either the RB26 or RB30 powerplant, which could mean that the cars will be capable of clicking off six-second passes. The plan is to campaign the racers in the Pro Turbo and AA/SC classes. Wicked.

Trio of Nissan GT-Rs get ready to drag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brits and Australians make world-record donut flash mobs

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos

Guinness Book of World Records donuts attempt - Click above to view video after the jump

It's not clear from these videos who owns the world record for most simultaneous donuts, but it doesn't much matter. Both attempts were good for some sweet video of cruelty to tires. The first video shows a 2009 attempt in England, which set the record with a collection of 29 Skylines, Evos and a Caterham doing donuts simultaneously.

The second video chronicles an Australian attempt that appears to have shattered that record at 57. While the description for the Guinness Book of World Records video cites the Australian attempt as the new record, we can't find any other documentation to confirm it. Either way, the footage in both instances is incredible. Click past the jump to check out both videos.

Continue reading Brits and Australians make world-record donut flash mobs

Brits and Australians make world-record donut flash mobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: JDM Legends gives vintage Japanese iron new life in U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Japan, Videos

JDM Legends brings vintage Japan to the U.S. - Click above to watch video after the jump

Trey Cobb, the founder of Cobb Tuning, has a love for vintage Japanese automobiles. In 2009, Cobb and fellow Japanese car junkie Eric Bizek decided to build a company around that love affair and JDM Legends was born. Based in Utah, JDM Legends imports, restores, services and sells classic Japanese cars.

The team has already brought a 1973 Toyota Celica, 1970 Datsun 510 and a handful of early Nissan Skyline models back to life. More cars are planned for the future and two of the Skylines are currently being offered for sale.

JDM Legends had someone stop by with a video camera and capture the cars currently in the garage. Though the film is a bit slow, the cars look particularly stunning in high-definition. Hop the jump to watch the clip.

[Source: JDM Legends via Vimeo]

Continue reading Video: JDM Legends gives vintage Japanese iron new life in U.S.

Video: JDM Legends gives vintage Japanese iron new life in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:01:00 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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Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing...

Michael Harley — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury

2010 Infiniti G - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the team over at Inside Line reported on Tuesday that the 2011 Infiniti G Series sedan will be offered with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 borrowed from the JDM Skyline 250GT (sold as the Infiniti G on our shores), we were left scratching our heads. Understanding that the car was intended to be an entry-level (and fuel-efficient) competitor to the BMW 328i and Lexus IS250, arming it with a 280-horsepower turbocharged powerplant simply didn't make sense.

With a genuine apology for an erroneous report, IL is now reporting that the turbocharger will be left back in Japan. Sans turbo, the Infiniti G25 will arrive with a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 rated at 210 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That's more like it... maybe. According to our tipster, the engine will be rated at 235 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Don't memorize those numbers either, because our sources say it's 222 hp and 194 lb-ft of torque. Bottom line: There will be no turbocharged engine under the hood of the upcoming Infiniti G25. Thanks for the tip Dr. J!

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 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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Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Diesel

Mazda Sky D and Sky G engines -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky D engine

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky G engine

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping

Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R

Chris Paukert — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 EST

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

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

Without much fanfare (okay - zero fanfare), Nissan has rolled a tweaked version of its home-market GT-R onto the show floor here at the Tokyo Motor Show.

While you're not likely to notice any exterior differences, JDM buyers should appreciate that Nissan has fettled the suspension, fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response (as if this were a problem before), and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navi system that includes iPod connectivity.

On the suspension end of things, the rear suspension radius rod bushings have come in for a stiffening, and the front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy" (no, we're not entirely sure what that means either).

Perhaps the only modification that will be visible to passers-by is the inclusion of rear diffuser cooling ducts across the range - previously these were only fitted to the SpecV model.

Speaking of SpecV, the higher-performance model also gets new rear shock settings and standard Dunlop tires - Bridgestone loyalists, fear not - those shoes are also still available by request.

The updated GT-R hits JDM dealers on December 7, but Godzilla-crazed performance fans in the rest of the world will have to wait until spring to get one of their very own. Check out our galleries below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: Nissan GT-R "New Spec"

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R

Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 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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Texas tuner developing turbocharged V6 Camaro to take on GT-R's 'Ring record

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS -- click above image for high-res gallery

Must. Beat. Godzilla. For some reason. Here's the skinny. A tuner company called East Texas Muscle Cars is fitting a couple of turbos to a 2010 V6 Camaro in order to "beat" the 'Ring time laid down by none other than the Nissan GT-R. That leaves us with two questions then: how and why?

Lots of folks are going to buy V6 Camaros, grok the 304 hp V6, scratch their heads and say, "More power." In other words, there's a market. ETMC will rip the guts come out of the 3.6-liter LLT and throw in forged rods, crank and pistons. And then, of course, you get the two Squires Turbo Systems turbos. These are remote-mounted turbos that bolt up under the car near the exhaust. With such a system, you're basically trading a bit of lag for increased cooling and no need to mess around with new headers. East Texas thinks they can wring 500 horses out of the system no problem.

Then there's the matter of dealing with the stock Camaro's "tremendous understeer and cradle walk." That's pretty necessary if you want to do battle with a R35, which neither understeers nor cradle walks nor really does anything bad or sloppy. East Texas Muscle Cars will be addressing those issues via harder bushings and Pedders coil-overs, along with a Baer big brake kit and lightweight forged 20-inch wheels.

Then there's the question: Why? Why go after Godzilla, such a high profile target? Unless you're building Clubber Lang, why call out Rocky? Publicity, obviously. Would we even be writing about a bolt-on turbo kit for a V6 Camaro unless they publicly challenged one of the production car 'Ring masters? Probably not. But there is one part of their scheme that we do like. Once the Camaro is finished, ETMC will be flying it and a friend's stock GT-R out to Germany to run 'em both simultaneously. Since that's the case, no need to even mention the inherent fallacy of Nurburgring lap records. Good luck boys.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Inside Line]

Texas tuner developing turbocharged V6 Camaro to take on GT-R's 'Ring record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nürburgring Rapid Response Nissan GT-R: World's fastest fire engine

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Japan, Nissan, Police/Emergency

Nürburgring Rapid Response Nissan GT-R - click above for high-res gallery

If there's one performance metric that's pure marketing hype, it has to be a vehicle's Nürburgring time. Our good pal Jack Baruth brilliantly debunked this ever-growing myth. In case you missed Jack's article, here's the gist:

"Sorry. There's no "Nürburgring lap time record" for a simple reason: Real lap time records are set by real race cars, using real timing and scoring equipment, during actual competition or sanctioned practice sessions. They aren't "self-reported" for the same reason the World's Strongest Man Contest isn't held by having everyone mail in their "results" because people can, and do, lie and cheat."

All that truth spoken to power, it's still accurate to say that certain cars generally tend to get around Green Hell faster than others. The big players lately have been the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Dodge Viper ACR, Porsche GT2 and Godzilla, better known as the Nissan GT-R. All four of these cars can scoot around the Nürburgring in 7:30, maybe a squidge faster. Again - it really doesn't matter. But one of the reasons why automakers play up these 'Ring times so much is that the Nürburgring is regarded as one of the most difficult and challenging strips of macadam anywhere - for both car and driver. To rephrase that, there are lots of accidents.

Meet the Nürburgring Rapid Response GT-R. The back seat has been removed to make way for a tank full of fire-retarding foam. The firehose itself is in the trunk, along with other flame-fightin' gear. And because the Rapid Response GT-R will be hustling round the 'Ring nearly as fast as Toshio Suzuki would flog it, there's a roll cage and carbon fiber Recaro race seats. Almost makes us wish we were German firemen. Almost.

Gallery: Nurburgring Rapid Response GT-R

[Source: Nissan Sportz via GT-R Blog]

Nürburgring Rapid Response Nissan GT-R: World's fastest fire engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1967 Nissan Prince Skyline 2000GT

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Japan, Nissan, Australia

1967 Nissan Prince Skyline 2000GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Long before Michael Jackson named two of his sons Prince, there was a Japanese manufacturer that went by that name. Actually, they were initially called Tachikawa Aircraft Company (builder of the Pearl Harbor-attacking Zeros) but then changed their name to Prince before changing it again to Fuji Precision Industries before finally switching it back to Prince in 1961, just in time to merge with Nissan in 1966. Stick with us, we're getting somewhere with all of this.

None of that would be important to non-WW2 buffs except for one Prince car - the Skyline. We were lucky enough to drive the latest and greatest Skyline (now known as the Nissan GT-R) the other day and noted how it reminded us of a Porsche 959. At that time, we were talking about the two cars' ground breaking technology and performance - but there's another similarity. Both supercars come from humble bloodlines. After all, the Porsche descended from a Volkswagen Beetle. Godzilla's ancestor is the Prince Skyline.

The second-generation S54 Nissan Prince Skyline is a particularly historic car, as it is the first time an inline-6 wound up under the hood. In fact, Nissan had to graft eight inches onto the front of the Skyline (all in front of the firewall) just to shoehorn in the 2.0-liter inline-six from the larger Gloria S40. The 1.5-liter inline-fours went into stumpier cars.

The car above is the S57 Skyline, slightly tweaked for 1967. Called the GT A200 in New Zealand - where this car hails from - the S57 is usually known as the 2000GT and came with three Weber carbs, a limited-slip diff and a five-speed manual transmission. Pretty sweet stuff for 1967... now you see where Godzilla gets it. The only drawback we can see is the 17-hour flight to Aukland.

Gallery: Nissan Prince Skyline 2000GT

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1967 Nissan Prince Skyline 2000GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

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

Supercar parade - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

It's Godzillapalooza time boys and girls! More precisely, the day before the 2010 Nissan GT-R had to go back, my buddy Steve asked if I could give him a ride in the Skyline. Well, he'd actually been calling since two weeks before the car showed up, but anyhow, Steve is a filmmaker and he showed up camera in hand. Our plan, quite honestly, was just a quick blast across some empty freeways and nothing more. But then we saw the exit for Angeles Crest Highway and even though it was amateur day (Sundays = dozens of motorcycles riding off sheer cliffs in front of cops) we figured Steve should see Godzilla eat a canyon. Plus, after you get a few miles up you can turn left off Angeles Crest onto Angeles Highway, a much less congested (and some would argue better) road.

What happened next is one of the many reasons I'm never leaving Southern California. Stuck behind a pickup truck is a veritable supercar parade. From front to back: Ferrari F355 Spyder, Ferrari F430 Spyder, ~~Mothra~~ BMW M6, Dodge Viper SRT10, Ferrari F430 Spyder. I can't say for certain, but I think Godzilla was smiling. Eventually the truck pulled over and it was on. Well, OK, we got stuck behind the slow Ferrari, but it was still quite fun.

We all stopped for lunch where we asked the drivers if the matching Ferrari shirts add 5 horsepower. Then we hopped back in the cars, but not before I announced that the Nissan would be running mid-pack. The Viper driver yelled, "Try to keep up!" Little did he know I was wearing my high performance flip-flops. Thanks to Steve for filming and cutting the video: follow the jump to watch it.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R - Does Godzilla Have A Soul?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, New Car Reviews

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

Being an automotive journalist is like being a male porn star. We're little more than Piloti-shoed buffers between the reader and the objects of their lust, and really, no one cares about us. Still, you only get one chance to make an initial impression, so my first review here on Autoblog had to be big. As luck/fate would have it, I got a phone call a few weeks back that went a little something like this: "How'd you like to drive the first 2010 Nissan GT-R on the West Coast, before the buff books get it?" Needless to say, the answer was obvious. But what to do with the brand-new R35, one of the most heavily and relentlessly covered car-stories of the past year? This takes us right back to that porno metaphor: How do I give the people what they want?

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Continue reading Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R - Does Godzilla Have A Soul?

Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R - Does Godzilla Have A Soul? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloc Rockin' Beater: Twin-turbo Skyline-powered 2105 shows off a Lada intercooler

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Etc., Nissan

Take a close look at the car in these photos. What at first glance appears to be a '70s race car done up for SEMA is actually S. Kartuzoff's Lada 2105 Gladkov Edition. The car has been dubbed "Adrenalin," and as the description says, "It is the Russian car!" with motive power coming from a Nissan Skyline engine that has been boosted by a pair of Garrett turbos. The before-and-after pics show how much work went into creating this oddly classic and simultaneously modern vehicle.

Most of our crew aren't digging the scissor doors, but the intercooler-as-grille idea, well, that's just inspired. And the twin-turbo powertrain? Boffo. Makes us think of all of those glorious IMSA TU cars from the '70s. Cars like the Alfa GTV, Fiat 124, BMW 2002, Datsun 510, and Mazda RX-2 and -3. Check out the small gallery of pics grabbed from the source below, but we urge you to click through for more images of the incredible and unique build. Hat tip to TheFireball.

Gallery: Custom Lada Samara

[Source: CarDomain]

Bloc Rockin' Beater: Twin-turbo Skyline-powered 2105 shows off a Lada intercooler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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