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  • 2011 Nissan GT-R Preview

    2011 Nissan GT-R Preview October 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    2011 Nissan GT-R Preview

    Since Nissan launched the original R35 GT-R supercar back in late 2007, the car has been subjected to a program of continuous improvement that culminated with the launch of the ‘Series II’ model earlier this year.

    Nissan shows no sign of slowing down, however, with the company announcing today the release of the latest version of its GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7 in Japan and is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring.

    The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow exhaust system. The latest...

    Since Nissan launched the original R35 GT-R supercar back in late 2007, the car has been subjected to a program of continuous improvement that culminated with the launch of the ‘Series II’ model earlier this year. Nissan shows no sign of slowing down, however, with the company announcing today the release of the latest version of its GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7 in Japan and is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring. The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow exhaust system. The latest revisions also include a new HDD-based navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions, plus a USB port with iPod connectivity. In addition, the GT-R’s suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface. The accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area. The exclusive SpecV model, meanwhile, receives revised rear shock absorber settings, as well as Dunlop tires. The previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option. Finally, both the standard GT-R and SpecV achieve improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce airflow resistance in the exhaust system. Read More

  • Report: Nissan Exec Confirms R36 Replacement For GT-R

    Report: Nissan Exec Confirms R36 Replacement For GT-R October 5th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 5th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    Report: Nissan Exec Confirms R36 Replacement For GT-R

    The development and launch of the current R35 Nissan GT-R was an epic achievement for the Japanese automaker. After all, Nissan was able design and engineer a sports car capable of outperforming exotic supercars with pricetags twice as high, as well as make it seat four adults in relative comfort and be easy to drive everyday.

    A series of planned updates of the car should allow the GT-R to remain supreme for some time to come, and this will reportedly include the introduction of a brand new model around 2013.

    At a special event at Nissan’s Nurburgring Technical Centre last week, Nissan’s vice president of global product...

    The development and launch of the current R35 Nissan GT-R was an epic achievement for the Japanese automaker. After all, Nissan was able design and engineer a sports car capable of outperforming exotic supercars with pricetags twice as high, as well as make it seat four adults in relative comfort and be easy to drive everyday. A series of planned updates of the car should allow the GT-R to remain supreme for some time to come, and this will reportedly include the introduction of a brand new model around 2013. At a special event at Nissan’s Nurburgring Technical Centre last week, Nissan’s vice president of global product planning, Andy Palmer, reaffirmed Nissan’s commitment to the GT-R project. Palmer also confirmed that a model replacement program for the GT-R was still in place despite the economic downturn. He explained that Nissan is planning to mimic the timescale used by Porsche for its 911 GT-2, which means a model life cycle of around five to six years. Palmer said the R36 GT-R would be more of an evolution of the current model’s platform rather than a completely new car like the R35. This means that a twin-turbocharged V-6 powertrain will remain, as will the current rear transaxle configuration. This fits with Nissan’s plan to continuously improve on the GT-R to ensure the car remains competitive. [PistonHeads] Read More

  • More Updates Coming For 2011 Nissan GT-R

    More Updates Coming For 2011 Nissan GT-R October 1st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 1st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    More Updates Coming For 2011 Nissan GT-R

    Since Nissan launched the original 2009 R35 GT-R back in late 2007, the car has been subjected to a program of continuous improvement that culminated with the launch of the ‘Series II’ model earlier this year. Nissan shows no sign of slowing down, however, as latest comments from the car’s project chief, Kazutoshi Mizuno, reveal even more modifications for the 2011 model year.

    For 2010 we saw Nissan launch the hardcore SpecV model (in Japan only), as well as a small bump in power, new suspension, revised wheel finishes and a new Transmission Control Module (TCM) program for the car’s six-speed dual-clutch...

    Since Nissan launched the original 2009 R35 GT-R back in late 2007, the car has been subjected to a program of continuous improvement that culminated with the launch of the ‘Series II’ model earlier this year. Nissan shows no sign of slowing down, however, as latest comments from the car’s project chief, Kazutoshi Mizuno, reveal even more modifications for the 2011 model year. For 2010 we saw Nissan launch the hardcore SpecV model (in Japan only), as well as a small bump in power, new suspension, revised wheel finishes and a new Transmission Control Module (TCM) program for the car’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the 2011 model year, Nissan will reportedly add a brand new SpecM model to the GT-R family, as well as stiffer suspension, new side intakes for the rear wheels, and a Nismo data-logging system. The data-logger will come with the satnav system and will allow drivers to share and compare data via their PCs. The suspension tweaks will include slightly stiffer front spring and damper rates, as well as stiffer bushings for the rear torsion control arms. The 2011 model will also adopt the SpecV’s rear diffuser to further enhance high-speed driving performance. The new 2011 Nissan GT-R should first go on sale in the first half of next year. For more details on the SpecM model, check out our spy shot story by clicking here. [PistonHeads] Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecM

    Spy Shots: 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecM October 1st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 1st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecM

    Earlier this year we saw the introduction of the limited-production GT-R SpecV model, a stripped down version of the already extreme Japanese supercar designed for hardcore club racers and performance nuts. As previous GT-R generations have shown, however, Nissan was never going to rest with just one special edition of its halo model. New info revealed today gives us even more info on the luxury-oriented SpecM.

    Spied recently testing at the Nurburgring, the SpecM will retain the same core performance package of the GT-R, but with a host of upgraded features--high-end audio, upgraded interior materials and a generally 'bespoke' feel. The...

    Earlier this year we saw the introduction of the limited-production GT-R SpecV model, a stripped down version of the already extreme Japanese supercar designed for hardcore club racers and performance nuts. As previous GT-R generations have shown, however, Nissan was never going to rest with just one special edition of its halo model. New info revealed today gives us even more info on the luxury-oriented SpecM. Spied recently testing at the Nurburgring, the SpecM will retain the same core performance package of the GT-R, but with a host of upgraded features--high-end audio, upgraded interior materials and a generally 'bespoke' feel. The only visible changes are a set of new bumpers, both front and rear. If you look closely, you will notice small vents positioned in the rear bumper near the exhaust tips. While the SpecV is focused on reducing weight, the SpecM will be focused on increasing comfort. Expect to see a revised suspension package, slightly more biased to a civil city ride, in addition to the upgraded interior with new trim options and colors, as well as unique seats and special items. The SpecM will be all about customization and as such almost every car will be different. The car’s mechanical package should remain unchanged, which means we can expect an output of 485 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Look for a reveal of the 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecM sometime next year--the latest report says it won't be at this month's Tokyo Motor Show. [PistonHeads] Read More

  • Stillen Rolls Out 620 HP Nissan GT-R Targa Race Car

    Stillen Rolls Out 620 HP Nissan GT-R Targa Race Car August 30th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 30th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Stillen Rolls Out 620 HP Nissan GT-R Targa Race Car

    Automotive performance and motorsports company Stillen has revealed final details for its new Nissan GT-R race car, which is set to compete in the upcoming Newfoundland Targa Rally in Canada. The car has made it across the country--via a FedEx Transporter--and is currently settled in Maine, awaiting Steve Millen’s arrival to drive it the rest of the way into Newfoundland.

    The car has been in the works for the past six months and recently conducted a few shakedown runs to gather some performance numbers. First and foremost is the car’s 620 horsepower rating, which was achieved using regular 91 octane gasoline but with boost from the...

    Automotive performance and motorsports company Stillen has revealed final details for its new Nissan GT-R race car, which is set to compete in the upcoming Newfoundland Targa Rally in Canada. The car has made it across the country--via a FedEx Transporter--and is currently settled in Maine, awaiting Steve Millen’s arrival to drive it the rest of the way into Newfoundland. The car has been in the works for the past six months and recently conducted a few shakedown runs to gather some performance numbers. First and foremost is the car’s 620 horsepower rating, which was achieved using regular 91 octane gasoline but with boost from the turbochargers dialled up to 15 psi. This was enough to see the car sprint from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and pass the quarter mile in 11 seconds flat with a 127.9 mph trap speed. Some of the modifications to the powertrain include a new set of downpipes, removal of the catalytic converter, a new intake system with K&N filters, an electronic boost controller and a pair of blow-off-valves. To ensure all that power safely reaches the ground, Stillen also adds new coil-overs with Eibach Race Springs, adjustable sway bars and endlinks, AP Racing carbon-ceramic brakes, and Bridgestone tires measuring up to 285 mm in the rear. Inside, there’s a full roll-cage and a pair of racing bucket seats. External mods include a new front lip spoiler, side skirts, canards, and carbon-fiber replacements for the bonnet, trunk lid, rear wing, air ducts and side mirrors. Read More

  • Video: Switzer R850 Nissan GT-R Tuned For Race Fuel

    Video: Switzer R850 Nissan GT-R Tuned For Race Fuel August 21st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, August 21st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    Video: Switzer R850 Nissan GT-R Tuned For Race Fuel

    Tuning a twin-turbo, 480-horsepower V-6-powered AWD sports car might seem like an exercise in futility - after all, where are you going to open it up - but when you look beyond the street and to the race track, it becomes a bit more reasonable. And for those that like to spend their weekends pushing their skill and equipment to the limits, Switzer Performance's latest Nissan GT-R is an intriguing toy. Today's update brings confirmation of the 850 horsepower crank rating and more details on the car, including a dyno plot.

    The standard P800 Nissan GT-R manages its name-giving 800 horsepower at the crank on standard 93-octane pump gas, but...

    Tuning a twin-turbo, 480-horsepower V-6-powered AWD sports car might seem like an exercise in futility - after all, where are you going to open it up - but when you look beyond the street and to the race track, it becomes a bit more reasonable. And for those that like to spend their weekends pushing their skill and equipment to the limits, Switzer Performance's latest Nissan GT-R is an intriguing toy. Today's update brings confirmation of the 850 horsepower crank rating and more details on the car, including a dyno plot. The standard P800 Nissan GT-R manages its name-giving 800 horsepower at the crank on standard 93-octane pump gas, but some owners and enthusiasts wanted to see what Switzer could do when higher octane race gas was used. Switzer was happy to oblige, as the video below demonstrates. "We've bent a bit to the demands of those customers that are using their GTRs primarily as trackday cars, and developed a new 'R' package specifically for them," said Tym Switzer. Hitting a delivered 740 horespower and 715 pound-feet of torque at the wheels, the car earns its R850 name, with an estimated 850 horsepower at the crank based on a pretty standard assumption of 15% drivetrain loss. Switzer explained: "We're seeing consistent dyno results in excess of 740 all-wheel-horsepower and 715 pound-feet, pull after pull. Most everyone seems to agree that the GTR has about a 15% driveline loss. Based on that, this kit is making well over 850 horsepower and 820 pound-feet at the crank." But enough talk - check out the video to see for yourself what it sounds like when 850hp is uncorked in an enclosed space. Hint: it's loud.   Switzer's R850 Nissan GT-R hits the dyno Read More

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