Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Archive for the ‘Nissan GTR R35’ Category
Concept Cars Belong to the Future
Saturday, December 19th, 2009Automakers are developing awesome concept cars to wow more shoppers and to win back customers. Aficionados find them excellent unfortunately, they cannot have them yet. They belong to the future. And the future is not today.
Ford Motor Co. introduced its fuel-sipping subcompact - the Verve - at the North American International Auto Show with the hope of putting a halt to the ongoing sales doldrums. But it would not go on sale in America for at least a couple of years.
Chrysler LLC will also introduce unveil three electric-car concepts that are years away from reality. General Motors Corp. will again tout the electric Volt it hopes to build - by 2010, the auto maker promises, reported the Wall Street Journal. Honda Motor Co. has a hydrogen fuel-cell car and Toyota Motor Corp. plans to present a small, aerodynamic truck prototype, the release divulged.
“While the future of these companies will be greatly dependent on new technology development, today’s reality is that they must sell as many of these big trucks as possible to fill their plants and drive cash flow,” said John Casesa, a former Wall Street analyst who now heads his own advisory firm. “They have no choice.”
With gas prices rising, automakers are forced to develop fuel efficient vehicles. But reality dictates that auto shoppers cannot have them for now. They will actually hit American roads in the coming years.
Like Ford, Chrysler’s main new model is a huge pickup truck, the redesigned Dodge Ram. General Motors will showcase an ultra-powerful Corvette and a 550-hp Cadillac CTS. The Nissan Motor Co. will set free the 480-hp Skyline GTR, and Toyota will sell its new Highlander SUV.
For Ford CEO Alan Mulally, the NAIAS gives him an opportunity to drive home the themes he has sounded as he tries to return Ford to profitability by 2009. The Verve represents what Mulally wants Ford to become: a company that builds world-class, fuel-efficient cars the same way from the same parts all around the globe, realizing huge economies of scale, a release said.
Toyota and Honda already have hot-selling small cars in America. This raises the query of whether the Dearborn automaker’s subcompact will be very late. “In North America, we’ve given short shrift to this end of the market,” said George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst. “It’s a valid concern.”
Ford, meanwhile, has a number of upcoming vehicles this year. Besides the new F-150 truck, Ford will launch a new small sport-utility called Flex and a new Lincoln sedan this year.
“We’re not going to say that we don’t mind not having more small cars,” Mulally said. Of the Verve, he noted: “Would we like to have it sooner? You bet. Do we care more about getting it right? You bet.”
Aside from the goal of wowing shoppers, automakers should also focus on the quality of their products. To stress, Bilstein will never ink a good reputation if quality is sacrificed.
The Ultimate Nissan Skyline GTR: - NISMO Z-TUNE
Monday, December 14th, 2009With the GTR 34 is no longer in production Nismo groped decided to build what he believed for the last Nissan Skyline GTR. With many years experience in the scenes from different races, one could argue that Nismo should have the ability to do just that. This vehicle has many successful years were at an advantage Nismo race. Auto racing success are the Gr. -A, N1, GT500, and its specification “Nürburgring” The car was comfortable on the road and the current edition of the new laws and strict, and perhaps respect Nismo biggest challenge to date. The basic concept of the car was completed in 2000, as a Nismo competition in the so-called “fight-tuner” the power was limited to 600PS and Nismo in the first place. This concept was then taken to the next level of luxury had to be added in order to use the car for easy street. Making a street car racing has many challengers should feel friendly brake and clutch as easy and simple, you must have the suspension softer packaging and luxuries such as leather seats and air are added. All this luxury add weight so Nismo had to find a way to make carbon fiber and has been the answer. These two birds with one stone by using carbon fiber frame rigidity has been improved. To improve the rigidity of the chassis also helps l ‘, window frames, front-respected tunnels upper arm area of improvement in the mid cap and all pre-welded and CRP. Aerodynamic parts of the vehicle including the front bumper, front fenders and hood blisters were all moved from strong carbon fiber. Aero parts are designed with cooling and power-down. The front bumper has large air ducts to the cold air is supplied to the engine, brakes and oil cooler. Fenders were widened 15mm in full of the tread and has performed in the engine compartment, hot air to exhaust from the engine compartment. The hood also includes the exhaust pipe of the hot air and uses a pipe ram cool air into the outlet at high speed. Front and rear spoilers are used to enhance the downward force. Beat in the heart of the Nissan Skyline RB26DETT is a problem, the race lemans 24-hour race and the name of the Z2 had been proved. This engine produces 368kW and 540nm. NISMO used many parts that it has been demonstrated in racing engines and each engine has been carefully constructed by hand by Nismo mechanics and engineers to ensure the best quality. Many agree that the Nismo Nissan Skyline GTR, the car’s last show of the road. These are luxury goods, tame enough to ride comfortably on the road and the bread tender means that its assets will still shining on the track. The Beast is driving the # 15 Nismo Z-tune the previous lap record beaten by tram instead F360R Ferrari. Pictures, video cards and an attack by the time between the Z-tune and Ferrari can be seen in this nissan skyline side. 6th. net.
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Nissan Skyline GT-R: The Prince, Part 2
Sunday, December 13th, 2009The GTR, like many cars, has a different look and feel after year the most. For 1995, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is a sportier look to the outside. The suspension has also been improved to the car more ground clearance. The special edition was released in 1997 with an improved engine, suspension, and exhaust. This car handled unbelievably well at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour! For 2000, the car has a face-lift with the interior is gray to black. The console has been enlarged area. The car has remained the same, unless it has been reduced slightly to 2002. Part of the reason why he was arrested for the production of that vehicle, because he never met the requirements of the United States until now. Motorex has announced a street legal Nissan Skyline GT-R is ready for release. It plans to build internationally in 2007 with a 2008-model. This car comes with some changes in the body, but is still easy to maneuver and very fast. Looking for a car that is incredibly fast and has a fantastic design? The Nissan Skyline GT-R in the past has been seen only in the world of racing, races especially the underground street circuit. E ‘was famous for its speed and be easy, because the drive handle with rear-wheel drive variants. The Model 2008 will hold a twin-turbo V-6 engine function, low on the total weight of the vehicle. This will help to keep the speed. Will have 450 horses and still meet all emissions regulations. The pistons and connecting rods are made of forged steel. You also see an improved layout and turbocharger output. The models of the 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R is in several car shows available throughout the year 2007. You can also start ordering them through dealers in August 2007. It is a great competitor for the Ford Mustang and the new Chevy Camaro because of in 2009.
Talking about the Nissan Skyline GT-R at http://www. skyline forums. com
Nissan Skyline GT-R: The Prince!
Saturday, December 12th, 2009The Nissan Skyline GT-R was originally called the Prince. GT-R stands for Grand Turismo Racer. The decision was made to separate the R to make public is a car race. Another version of the GT-B was also introduced to the position B for Berlinetta. Nissan Skyline GTR was originally released in 1970, but not well made. In 1973, production was discontinued until 1989. It turned out in full force, with a reputation as a strong race car, reckoned with. This car has an advantage in the racing industry because it provides on demand hydraulic four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. The Nissan Skyline GT-R has undergone several design changes in 1989 as a top contender in the field of speed and control. The production of this vehicle was arrested again in 2002. The owners of the Nissan Skyline GT-R proud to own a vehicle. There are many clubs for owners of these vehicles. They also have changes to the cars to make them more quickly. Have web sites, advertising and race cars for sale, repair information and general discussions. Most of these vehicles have a high resale value due to the limited number of them produced in one year. This Nissan Skyline GTR fans proud of their car changes from year to year because the production kept changing the rules. An evolution of the engine was made in 1990 and produced only 550 cars. The engine was manufactured Vamped again in 1991 with only 228 cars. A V-Spec has been added to the braking system for the year 1993. 1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R has a change in the width of the tire. For 1995, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is a sportier look to the outside. The suspension has also been improved to the car more ground clearance. The special edition was released in 1997 with an improved engine, suspension, and exhaust. This car handled unbelievably well at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour! For 2000, the car has a face-lift with the interior is gray to black. The console has been enlarged area. The car has remained the same, unless it has been reduced slightly to 2002. Part of the reason why he was arrested for the production of that vehicle, because he never met the requirements of the United States until now. Motorex has announced a street legal Nissan Skyline GT-R is ready for release. It plans to build internationally in 2007 with a 2008-model. This car comes with some changes in the body, but is still easy to maneuver and very fast. Looking for a car that is incredibly fast and has a fantastic design? The Nissan Skyline GT-R in the past has been seen only in the world of racing, races especially the underground street circuit. E ‘was famous for its speed and be easy, because the drive handle with rear-wheel drive variants. The Model 2008 will hold a twin-turbo V-6 engine function, low on the total weight of the vehicle. This will help to keep the speed. Will have 450 horses and still meet all emissions regulations. The pistons and connecting rods are made of forged steel. You also see an improved layout and turbocharger output. The models of the 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R is in several car shows available throughout the year 2007. You can also start ordering them through dealers in August 2007. It is a great competitor for the Ford Mustang and the new Chevy Camaro because of in 2009.
Talking about the Nissan Skyline GT-R at http://www. skyline forums. com
Nissan 2009 Gt-R Review
Saturday, December 12th, 2009Many of us feel like a prestige car that is comfortable and can be used daily. Nissan has understood this problem with the production of the 2009 GT-R. Nissan preferred to the specific design that distinguishes it from other super sports cars left on the street - but it has a motor that would have made it famous. The price for the entire package is about $ 80,000. The 2009 Nissan GT-R does not have a competitive advantage to make it through the bars of dark and different headlights and fenders, which strengthened. Very few cosmetic changes have been made to this model. The whole body was a self-supporting monocoque steel. The front is built of carbon fiber to make it easier than the other versions. Nissan also has a transmission shaft made of carbon, which is carried by the back of the engine to transaxle. This is a six-speed transaxle dual-clutch gearbox. The computer is embedded adapt it be possible to the front to rear torque split. Then the power between the front wheels are found in a small wave of carbon above before moving to the right, the primary wave. The car manufacturer has to operate the transmission in fully automatic mode. However, most people feel it works better when using the commands of the changes, which are mounted on the wheel. When plans leaked out, the GT-R has been thinking for many of us that it would typical of twin-turbo version of the VQ-series V6 that Nissan is known for using powered. But this time they chose a new VR38 engine - similar to using the VQ. Each of the twin-turbo, intercooled V6 VR38 are assembled by hand before installation. The level of performance of this engine is displaced min 473 HP and 6400 rpm. This allows you to rev 0-62 km / h in 3rd 5 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph, it was a surprise to us that the 2009 Nissan GT-R has become the operating quarter mile in only 11 known. 7 seconds. This was his power and his neck in neck with the speed of the Porsche 911 Turbo. Porsche was able to feel the heat and the rivalry and felt that Nissan was true with the lap times. So against them and told them to run again. But that did not change their number is not in the least. The Nissan GT-R is a supercar really great!
Many consumers are working to get their hands on all new 2009 Nissan GT-R. Cool Supercars has more information on other Nissan models and reviews.
Nissan Ultimate Sports Car – the New Gtr
Saturday, December 12th, 2009Nissan GTR 2008 Introduction â? ????, And REAL legend says OFFICIAL NISSAN WEBSITE ABOUT NEW GTR-2008 The new Nissan GTR for 2008 was recently launched into life and took the streets in Japan. You can also these thunderous giant in local used car auctions this summer. This development is a multi-performance super car. The Nissan GTR model 2008 is a stylish looking vehicle, which is a twin-turbo V6 engine, four-wheel drive. This animal has compensated for a Premium package filled with mid-engine with the gravitational force. Performance New GTR is equipped with a turbo-3 loaded by hand. 8Ltr V6 24Valve. It generates a thundering power 480PS@6.400 rpm, with a maximum speed of 193 mph It has dual overhead camshafts in the head with variable inlet valve timing. With a unique Nissan Direct Ignition system and fully symmetrical dual intake a low-pressure exhaust system has an advantage in earlier models. Other special features include aluminum pistons, electronically controlled gas-by-wire, super low-friction cylinder block and iridium spark plugs. Luxurious interior The interior of the Nissan GTR 2008 is a luxury indeed. With seats that are covered in velvet cloth, and power or manually adjustable, you can easily drive or ride around at the convenience of this machine. The facility also has a sliding front armrest and rear center armrest for long voyages of the cruise. Other features that the Nissan GTR 2008 has power door locks, power windows, counters the view, order, and cruise control. Also all modern HDD Navigation and AM / FM / CD audio with 6 speakers. Nissan safety includes Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and additional on the roof and additional side airbags. Buy Japanese versions used Few people know, many in fact, that buying Japanese used cars of latest models is one of the best bargain you ever got. Imports of Japanese cars are of the highest quality thanks to the constant changes Japanese consumers go through the vehicle. This continuous change of cars in Japan due to the high cost of re-entry and the assessment that their vehicles have to go through what the purchase of new vehicles easier for them than maintaining an old one. Used car dealers in Japan will sell quite a large number of quality Japanese used cars, which at very competitive prices. Some of these vehicles are also sold online Japanese auctions and used car auctions by lot to the continuous updating of vehicles in the country. Buying a used Japanese car is a very good business, because they are almost brand new due to the low mileage on them. The Japanese automaker imports will certainly at some of the newest models that bring exchanged for other vehicles in Japan, which have the possibility of a relatively new car for a fraction of that was what they have tasted it. Used vehicles The cost for a used car is on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity is based. Of course you want a car that is reliable and works well. But you do not want everyone else wants to use the same car? If so, you get to pay a premium for it. In some cases, the only difference is the nameplate. How much difference in price separates good, but even people party well, but missed? There is a noticeable difference in prices in a family sedan? Corollae? and its sister version in Japan sold under the name â? Sprinter? less popular, but with identical properties. Saving money is about USD $ 800 on the nameplate Corolla. If you are adventurous and want to be a deal killer for, back to the beginning of the online retailer for a bargain-shop. It is never a bad idea to have a free consultation with top dealers of used cars, Nexuss International Inquiry.
Lila Ivanova is a freelance writer and has been writing for the last 3 years.
Nexuss International is a Japan-based new and used car dealer for import used cars from Japan and also export online Japanese auction cars.
09 Skyline Gtr - be Amazed
Saturday, December 12th, 2009Waiting car enthusiasts around the world have for the next Nissan Skyline for some time, especially for the American fans who have already received their first factory-sanctioned taste of the legend of the performance when you make it to showrooms in the United States the first time. The GTR Proto concept shown in 2005, well at the Tokyo Motor Show. Today, the skyline seems to 2008, several days of testing at the Nurburgring, as the world famous race. First to get a taste of the new Nissan GTR is always his native Japan. The development of this car is a structured multi-performance automobile theme, super. The Nissan GTR model 2008 is a stylish looking vehicle, which is a twin-turbo V6 engine, four-wheel drive. This animal has compensated for a Premium package filled with mid-engine with the gravitational force with a multi-function power monitor that offers 11 different make-up displays of information. His style body offers smooth body parts taken from his younger brother, who does not have to repair dents without painting too. The 2009 Nissan GT-R is equipped with a 3rd 6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, 473 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque generated. With a unique Nissan Direct Ignition system and fully symmetrical dual intake a low-pressure exhaust system has an advantage in earlier models. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission routes for this amazing power to the ground by an advanced all-wheel-drive system. It has overhead camshafts in the head with variable intake valve timing, dual. Other special features include aluminum pistons, electronically controlled gas-by-wire, super low-friction cylinder block and iridium spark plugs. Rear-wheel drive has become viable with recent advances in traction and stability control systems and is inherently easier. The Lexus LF-A and the other two Acura NSX is expected to employ rear-wheel drive. On the other hand, the GT-R has established heckbetonte four-wheel drive since 1989 and is an integral part of the GT-R mysticism. GT-R interior balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted speedometer sculptures and multi-function display - which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as a guide on-board recorders. If you have 70,000 left over, this is the last Japanese sports and the best for your money. Sideways with confidence and take the long straights and the slopes in any weather.
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Nissan Skyline GTR R35
Saturday, July 11th, 2009The Nissan GT-R is a sports car created by Nissan, released in Japan on 6 December 2007, United States July 7, 2008, and in the rest of the world in March 2009.
History of the Nissan Skyline
Between 1969 and 1974, and again between 1989 and 2002, Nissan produced a high performance version of its Skyline range called the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car proved to be iconic for Nissan and achieved much fame and success on road and track. The Nissan GT-R, although no longer carrying the “Skyline” badge, has heritage in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Like the Skyline GT-Rs R32 through R34, the Nissan GT-R is all-wheel drive with a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine; however, the evolutionary, incremental changes between Skyline models R32 through R34 have been done away with. The four-wheel-steering HICAS system has been removed, and the former straight-6 RB26DETT engine has been replaced with a new V6 VR38DETT. Because of the GT-R’s heritage, the chassis code for the all-new version has been called CBA-R35, or ‘R35′ for short, carrying on the naming trend from previous Skyline GT-R generations. The GT-R has also retained its Skyline predecessor’s nickname Godzilla.
Nissan GT-R Concepts
GT-R Proto at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show
Two concept vehicles were displayed at motor shows prior to the unveiling of the production model. The first concept was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 to preview what a 21st century GT-R would look like.[12] At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a redesigned concept, the GT-R Proto, stating that the production GT-R would be 80-90% based on this concept.
Nissan GT-R Production model
The production version of the GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, launching in the Japanese market on December 6, 2007. The U.S. official launch was 7 months later on July 07, 2008. Universal Nissan in Los Angeles provided a customer with the delivery of a new GT-R, fresh from the production line at 12:01 a.m., on July 7, 2008. The Canadian launch was also in July 2008. Europe became the third consumer market, where it launched late in the year. The large disparity in initial marketing between these regional releases is due to Nissan having to build GT-R performance centers where the car is serviced. Also the engine and rear-mounted dual-clutch gearbox are built by hand, thus limiting production to around 1000 cars a month.
Nissan GT-R Specifications
The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) DOHC V6. Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction. Production vehicles produce a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 480 bhp (360 kW) at 6400 rpm and 434 lb·ft (588 N·m) at 3200-5200 rpm. According to independent dynamometer tests, the GT-R produces 416 hp (310 kW) to 475 hp (354 kW) and 414 lb·ft (561 N·m) to 457 lb·ft (620 N·m) at the wheels. The engine also meets California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. A curb weight of 1,730 kg (3,800 lb) or 1,736 kg (3,830 lb) with side curtain airbags is achieved using a jig welded steel chassis with aluminum used for the hood, trunk, and doors. A rear mounted 6 speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission is used in conjunction with the ATTESA E-TS system to provide power to all four wheels and along with Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) aids in stability. Three shift modes can also be selected for various conditions. The drag coefficient is 0.27.
Displacement: V6 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in)
Horsepower: 480 bhp (360 kW) at 6400 rpm*
Torque: 430 lb·ft (580 N·m)*
Twin Turbo maximum boost: 17.8 psi (123 kPa)*
Redline: 7000 rpm
Drivetrain: Premium Midship AWD
Curb weight: estimated 3,800 lb (1,700 kg)*
Production: 2500 units per year (US)
Price: US$76,840 to US$79,090[22]
Top Speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)*
manufacturer claimed
Nissan GT-R Performance
Nissan claims the GT-R can reach a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h), Motor Trend recorded a top speed of 195.0 mph (313.8 km/h). It has been tested to achieve 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times as low as 3.2 seconds with “launch control” and 3.9 seconds without (improved to 3.5 seconds in models produced since March 2009). Nissan’s chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno has indicated that he has never used the term “launch control”, which refers to the act of turning off vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and launch the car at around 4500 rpm. The GT-R user’s manual states that turning off the VDC is only meant for escaping low-traction situations such as mud or snow, and that damage to the transmission is not covered under warranty if the VDC is used in other ways. It reportedly costs $20,000 USD to replace a damaged transmission outside of warranty. Nissan has re-programmed the 2010 model year GT-R to reduce the engine speed at launch to around 3,000 to 3,500 rpm with VDC enabled, which is meant to improve acceleration times. The new programming was also installed on old 2009 vehicles still in Nissan’s inventory, and is available for existing 2009 vehicles.
Car and Driver achieved a standing quarter-mile time of 11.5 s at 200 km/h (120 mph). Evo magazine achieved a 0-100-0 mph time of 13.9 seconds. Autocar achieved a 0-100 mph (160 km/h) time of 8.5 seconds.
With a manufacturer claimed lap time of 7:26.7 on the base model’s Dunlop tires and previously 7:29 min on standard Japanese market tires, the GT-R is currently one of the fastest production cars to lap the Nürburgring circuit, although Porsche accused Nissan of falsifying those claims in September 2008.[38][39] Porsche claims to have conducted their own test of the GT-R using no modifications and stock tires and achieved a best time of 7:54. Nissan officially disputed Porsche’s claim in October 2008. The German magazine sport auto achieved a time of 7:50 on the Nürburgring- with a car supplied to them by Nissan, while independent testing by Drivers Republic of a GT-R and GT2 in stock form resulted in times of 7:55 for the GT-R and 7:49 for the GT2 respectively. Both tests were conducted in partially damp conditions and by automotive journalists rather than professional track drivers.
Autocar released a video comparison of the GT-R with the Porsche 911 GT3 and BMW M3. Driven by test driver Chris Harris the GT-R was the fastest of the three. Evo tested the GT-R alongside the 911 GT3 at the Bedford Autodrome circuit, the GT-R ran a 1:21.7 lap time compared to GT3’s 1:22.6 time. Car and Driver compared the GT-R on Reno-Fernley Raceway with the Porsche 911 Turbo and BMW M3, the GT-R’s lap time of 1:26.7 made it the fastest on the track. Road & Track was able to achieve quick lap times with the car on Buttonwillow Raceway, clocking in at 1:56.9 just over 5 seconds faster than the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo. On Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, Edmunds was able to achieve lap times of 1:25.09 compared to the Corvette ZR1’s time of 1:23.87. In an earlier Edmunds 6-way test which included the Audi R8 on both the Streets of Willow and an improvised mountain road, the GT-R was quickest. On the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield road course, Motor Trend were able to achieve lap times with the GT-R that were almost as fast as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Porsche 911 GT2 and 3 seconds slower than a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The GT-R currently holds a lap time of 1:19.7 around the Top Gear Test Track, equaling that of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. On Top Gear Australia’s test track the GT-R posted a lap time of 1:07.06, putting it in second place 0.14 seconds behind the Porsche 997 GT2. Top Gear laps are conducted from a standing start.
Nissan GT-R Design
Nissan chief creative officer, Shir? Nakamura, has likened the new GT-R to the eponymous giant robots of the Gundam series. Nakamura states: “The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed supercar, it had to really reflect Japanese culture.”
Nakamura noted that the GT-R’s square lines and vents were influenced by Gundam robots. Nissan’s American designers sculpted the rear three quarters of the vehicle, while their European designers sculpted the roofline.
Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series of racing video games, were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R’s multifunction display.
Nissan GT-R SpecV
Nissan introduced the GT-R SpecV on January 7, 2009 at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. Exterior changes from the base GT-R consist of a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille, and brake ducts, along with an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal paint job. Interior changes include a set of carbon fiber Recaro front seats with the rear seats being completely removed. Carbon fiber covers the center storage box, instrument panel, and replaces the majority of the interior trim.
The GT-R SpecV is powered by the standard twin-turbo 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6 with no increase in (peak) horsepower, but a new high gear boost controller that temporarily increases boost pressure should deliver more torque in mid to high-range revs. Other mechanical changes include a titanium exhaust, reworked suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and 20-inch (510 mm) NISMO wheels. Overall weight is decreased by 132 lb (60 kg) over the standard GT-R.
Japan sales begin on February 2, 2009 at seven pre-selected dealers who are staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving. Pricing is set at ¥15,750,000 (over US$160,000). Nissan has not announced any plans to sell the SpecV outside of Japan.
Motorsport
Super GT
Nismo, the motorsport arm of Nissan will be entering the Nissan GT-R in the Super GT race series in the GT500 class for the 2008 season, replacing the Nissan 350Z.
Unlike the production car, the GT500 version has a completely different drivetrain. The race car has a 4.5 litre naturally-aspirated V8 with 6 speed sequential manual gearbox and a RWD layout from its predecessor, the 350Z race car.
A prototype was spotted testing around the Suzuka Circuit as well as Fuji Speedway in Japan. The car itself went on to win the opening race of the 2008 Super GT season at Suzuka scoring a one-two finish for Nissan. The dominant performances in the opening race has led to all GT-Rs being applied a 50 kg weight penalty in addition to the race weight penalty under the Special Adjustment of Performance under the Super GT regulations. In race two, the GT-R repeated their 1-2 result in Suzuka despite the race winning car of team Nismo carrying a 100 kg weight penalty making it only the 3rd team in JGTC/Super GT history to do so. The last time this feat was achieved was 10 years ago by Nismo Skyline GT-R racing under the same number 23. Despite the weight handicap, it did in fact become the champion in this 2008 season through the Xanavi Nismo GT-R driven by Satoshi Motoyama and Benoit Treluyer, as well as winning 7 out of 9 races driven by 4 different teams using GT-Rs.
FIA GT
On 27 February 2009, Nismo announced a partnership with British racing team Gigawave Motorsports to enter a GT-R in four races in the 2009 FIA GT Championship season. The entry will not be competing for championship points, but will be used by Nismo to refine the performance of the GT-R for future customer teams in the GT1 category. Nismo driver Michael Krumm and Gigawave driver Darren Turner will co-drive the GT1 GT-R.
Other categories
A production-based GT-R made its world motorsport debut in Australia’s Targa Tasmania tarmac rally in April 2008, however it sustained damage early in the event and did not complete the rally.[68] Later in 2008 a GT-R won the Competition Modern class in the Targa West before returning to Targa Tasmania in 2009 to take the outright win in the Modern class. In 2009 Nissan’s GTR won the One Lap of America competion.
Non-competitive appearances
The GT-R was used as the official safety car for the 2008 Japanese Super GT series, and as the official safety car of the 2009 Australian V8 Supercars series before a dispute over alcohol advertising led to the arrangement being discontinued after four rounds.
Nissan GT-R Aftermarket tuning
Despite early concerns about the difficulty of modification of the Nissan GT-R, a number of modifications have been released. The previously reported “untuneable” ECU has since been hacked by several tuning houses.
MINE’S has decoded its ECU, and others (MCR, HKS, and Top Secret) have bypassed the unit. They have been seen testing modified GT-Rs with the former two having conducted tests at the Tsukuba Circuit.
In a review by Motor Trend editor Scott Kanemura, it was revealed that the GPS system fitted to the GT-R would remove the 180-kilometer per hour (112 mph) speed limiter when the car arrives at a race track, but only on tracks approved by Nissan. Aftermarket ECUs have been developed to bypass the speed limiter, in addition to stand-alone speed-limiter defeaters. The GPS check will not be implemented in American models.
In August 2008, Nissan’s official motorsport and tuning arm Nismo announced the “Club Sport” tuning package for the GT-R . The package, which will also be fitted to the upcoming Spec V GT-R, includes Bilstein Damptronic compatible dampers, 20″ forged aluminum wheels from Rays Engineering, Bridgestone run-flat tires, Recaro carbon fiber-shelled bucket seats, a titanium exhaust, and a revised rear diffuser with an added cooling duct. The package is supported by a warranty and saves over 20 kg.
Hennessy Performance known for its custom Dodge Vipers has produced a GT-R that achieved 700 bhp using high octane race fuel and 21 psi of boost pressure. Road & Track Magazine recorded a 0-60 sprint in a 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.5 seconds. The GT600 claims a top speed of around 217 mph. The GT600 is priced close to $118,090.
Nissan GT-R Awards
Top Gear Awards 2007 - Supercar of the Year 2007
Automobile Magazine - 2009 Automobile of the Year
Evo Magazine Car of the Year 2008
Edmunds - 2009 Edmunds’ Inside Line Editors’ Most Wanted Awards: Instant Classic
Motor Trend - 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year
2008 Japan’s Most Advanced Technology Award
Popular Mechanics - Automotive Excellence Awards 2008 (Design)
2009 International Car of the Year
World Performance Car 2009