2010 Nissan GT-R

Supercars have always existed to keep our passion for automobiles on constant boil. The best part about the Nissan GT-R is not that it can beat the Porsche 911 Turbo around the ‘Ring, it’s that it’s almost affordable. The good news is that the GT-R remains that way for 2010 with only a minimal price bump to help pay for a few upgrades from the factory. The base model will begin at $80,790 and the Premium model at $83,040. According to Edmunds, the new MSRPs are both $3,950 more than what you would pay for a 2009 model.

So what does that extra 4 grand get you? A good amount actually, starting with a 5-horsepower bump for the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6, which nets a new grand total of 485 hp. Other additions include a retuned suspension with redesigned Bilstein shocks, an upgraded braking system with more rigid brake lines, standard front seat- and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for the base GT-R model, standard wheels for the GT-R with a darker finish and “near-black” metallic wheels for the Premium model. A new color is also available, Pearl White, and you get a polished front bumper now when ordering your car in Super Silver.

Oh, and one more thing: Nissan has given the GT-R new Transmission Control Module programming. The new code is said to increase durability and drop acceleration times with the Vehicle Dynamic Control activated. It should also put an end to concerns about damaging the transmission by using the vehicle’s Launch Control with VDC turned off. Preliminary reports indicate that the 2010 GT-R is still faster than all get out with the new programming.

PRESS RELEASE

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 GT-R

2010 GT-R RECEIVES HP BOOST TO 485HP

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (March 16, 2009) – March may be the month known for madness, lions and lambs, but at Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), the biggest roar is coming from the early introduction of the new 2010 Nissan GT-R supercar, including a number of important enhancements. Specifically, five additional horsepower, a revised suspension, updated wheel finishes and standard front seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

First introduced in the United States in July 2008, the Nissan GT-R earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend “2009 Car of the Year,” Automobile magazine’s 2009 “Automobile of the Year”, and winning Kelly Blue Book’s “2009 Best Resale Value Award.”

For 2010, the horsepower rating of the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine has increased to 485 hp (from 480 hp) and the car’s high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission receives new Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming designed to optimize clutch engagement for improved drivability, and improve vehicle acceleration with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on (activated). In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R’s state-of-the-art suspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilsteinâ shocks with a new valve body design and revised spring and damper rates.

The base GT-R model is now equipped with slightly darker, high-luster, smoke finish for the 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while a new “near-black” metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model. For 2010, one new color – Pearl White – is offered, while the Super Silver exterior color has been enhanced to include a polished front bumper.

For 2010, the Nissan GT-R will again be offered in two models – GT-R and GT-R Premium. All 2010 Nissan GT-Rs are equipped with a standard 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 backed by an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* is $80,790 for the GT-R, and $83,040 for the GT-R Premium model. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000.

Two options and two accessories are available for the 2010 GT-R: The Cold Weather Package (no charge); Special Super Silver Paint ($3,000); iPodâ Converter ($400); and carpeted GT-R floor mats ($280). Complete pricing information is available on the attached sheet.

The 2010 GT-R will be available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, on March 21, 2009. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.

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* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Owners of Nissan GT-Rs with the new, updated launch control are starting to give their first impressions. So far, they’re almost all positive.

After the whole warranty-voiding Nissan GT-R launch control scandal, Nissan issued a software update purported to correct the problem. It affects Nissan’s launch control in 2 ways: by increasing the maximum RPM at launch with VDC on from 2,000 to 3,000 RPM and by decreasing the RPM at launch with VDC off from 4,500 to between 3,000 and 3,500 RPM.

The owner of this red Nissan GT-R, who is most likely not the hot chick, but the hot chick’s less hot boyfriend, is reporting a 1/4 mile time of 11.347 at 120.85 MPH. That’s on stock Dunlops, a stock car, stock fuel and the ECU update. He also reported that the conditions were extremely cold, which is good for power, but bad for traction.

That’s a little faster than the professionals over at Edmunds managed in a non-updated stock GT-R during their official road test. Their Time: 11.6 seconds.

Apparently, the update, instead of slowing the vehicle down, simply leads to less wheel spin and wheel hop off the line, leading not only to smoother launches and less strain on the drivetrain, but also competitive acceleration figures. Sounds good to us, but we’ll stick doing it ourselves without computer aid.

Wrecked Exotic Nissan GT-R

This is a 2009 Nissan GT-R with 500 miles on the odometer. Well, at least this WAS a 2009 Nissan GT-R until it hit something very hard and fast in the great state of Georgia.

From the other angle, it looks just as bad.

At least we can be reasonably sure that the driver went out with a smile. It probably happend too fast for him to get out the compulsory “Oh, Sh!7!!”

Wrecked Exotic Nissan GT-R

Pictures might be enough for some, but we wanted to show the Nissan GT-R Spec V in action. Then this little video clip landed in our lap along with some juicy details of the new Super-Godzilla.

While we actually don’t have a clue what is being said in this video (Anyone understand japanese?), we can assume Nissan is throwing down the gauntlet and challenging Porsche, Lamborghini, Chrysler, Chevrolet, and anyone else who wants to step up and play with the new GT-R. Sounds like a perfect time for another ‘Ring showdown.

And not being content with just a video, we also wanted more details of the Nissan GT-R, and a couple of quick phone calls over to Nissan of North America got us the following:

- The SpecV’s will maintain the same 478 horses as the stock GT-R, but you’ll be able to boost mid-range torque up to a whopping 449 lb-ft via an electronic overboost control switch on the steering wheel.
- The SpecV’s “overboost” will enable up to 1 minute, 20 seconds of additional torque before shutting off.
- Weight savings of 44 lbs. from new ceramic Brembo brakes added to other weight savings like carbon fiber everything, giving the new super-Godzilla a weight savings of 132 lb than the base GT-R.
- New carbon fiber rear wing to up the car’s downforce.

So while some good improvements have been made for sure, without some serious hardening to the engine/transmission combination plaguing current GT-R owners, is it worth it?

Ever since the bargain supercar Nissan GT-R had its ass handed to it on the Nurburgring by the Corvette ZR1 and again by the even better Dodge Viper ACR, anticipation for a lighter, faster Spec V version has been rampant. Now, it appears that official specifications have been leaked for the world to enjoy. How much faster is it? Not much unfortunately. Hit the jump for full details.The least changed part, which is causing the most controversy, appears to be the heart of the GT-R: it’s engine. According to the leaked info, The GT-R Spec V retains the 2009 GT-R’s 478 HP power output. It had been rumored that the Spec V would make somewhere in the region of 520 HP. Our consolation prize is that the engine will receive an overboost function capable of temporarily boosting mid-range power for those trickier overtakes (like the Porsche 911 Turbo).

The biggest improvement made to the Spec V appears to be revolving around the GT-R’s immense 3,814 Lb curb weight. While a new figure wasn’t included in the leaked specs, the Spec V ditches the rear seats in favor of a carbon fiber shelf, also employing some carbon for the front seats, interior accents and aerodynamic aids. None of that sounds far-reaching enough to make a hugely meaningful reduction in mass however.

The other problem seems to come in with trying to justify the massive increase in price. The leaked info indicates that the Spec V will retail in Japan for a massive $165,000 before tax, or nearly $95,000 more than the standard $69,850 GT-R.

Partially justifying that price is the addition of Bilstein Damptronic suspension (allegedly capable of outperforming the GT-R’s option Nismo ClubSport setup), 20” forged aluminum wheels and super high-performance Dunlop tires however.

Other changes include the elimination of the multiple transmission modes (presumably the Race setting will be chosen as the only one), carbon ceramic brakes, an exposed carbon grille, exposed carbon rear wing and exposed carbon ducts in the front splitter. A new paint color, Ultimate Black Pearl (dark purple), will be available for about $6,000.

According to the information, the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V is scheduled for official release on January 8, 2009. Hopefully it’ll bring with it some as-yet-unseen performance enhancement, or at least a slightly saner price tag.  Head on over to GT-R World for their continued coverage on the leaked info.

Those wacky guys at MotorTrend get all the fun. When they were given the keys of the new awe-inspiring Corvette ZR1, they decided to pit it against the mighty Ferrari 599 GTB, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 GT2. Luckily for us, they threw us a bone by recording the supercar showdown for the world to see. Hit the jump to see the 638-hp Corvette ZR1 take on some of the best and brightest from Italy, Germany, and Japan. We watched the video 4 different times, just to see the differences in the starts and finishes of 4 very different supercars.
For fun, BEFORE you watch the video, guess what will be the result and let us know if you were right or wrong. The results shouldn’t surprise you, but the start might. This Drag race of the Chevy Corvette ZR1 vs Ferrari 599 vs Porsche 911 GT2 Vs Nissan GT-R is a good one!

Nissan Motor Co. is recalling 200,000 2007-2008 cars and SUVs to address an electrical issue that may cause the passenger side airbag to not operate in an accident. The problem appears to mainly affect the Nissan Altima, but owners of the Infiniti EX35, G35 Sedan and G37, along with Nissan 350Z, Murano and Rogue may also receive notification of the problem.

Nissan’s explanation is a bit vague: Simply that an “electrical component” could cause an interruption in the airbag sensor signal, preventing the ‘bag from deploying.

Of the 200,000 cars and SUV’s, 140,000 are Nissan Altima cars from the 2007-08 model years. A Nissan spokesman says there have been no injuries or crashes. Most of the recalled vehicles are in the United States; others are in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Persian Gulf.

Who’s gonna win the non-so-lucky-lotto?

A forum member over on VWVortex caught a mildly disguised Nissan 370Z on the freeway, and the two shots shown here give us better glimpse of what to expect when the new Nissan Z debuts in Los Angeles this November.

It’s been widely reported that the upcoming 2010 Nissan 370Z will be shortened by 4 inches and will ride on a slightly widened track, but without a profile shot, it’s hard to tell. The rear three-quarter view shows redesigned rear windows that are slightly smaller, with the bottom edge angling steeply towards the roofline. The rear glass of the hatch is sunken in, and incorporates a small spoiler into the trunk lid, while the fenders appear wider than the outgoing model and the tail lamps are equipped with LEDs.

Up front, the re-styled headlights are obscured by the camouflage, but the redesigned front fascia is easily identifiable, as is the tweaked hood, which features a slight power bulge flanked by two accent lines stretching from the windshield to the bumper.

This is definitely more of an evolution instead of revolution, but it should be interesting to see how Nissan implements some of its new styling cues from the Maxima and GT-R into new Z.

There’s no denying that BBC’s Top Gear has had its fair share of problems. There was that issue when the Stig took the Koenigsegg CCX on an off-track excursion. Then Richard Hammond’s horrible crash in the jet dragster. Well, their latest incident involves the only official Nissan GT-R in Great Britain.

Apparently it was involved in a somewhat noticeable fender bender in the Isle of Man after a photoshoot for the Top Gear magazine. It seems that the GT-R wasn’t damaged too badly, despite the pic of its naked arse above, this same exact car ran up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed only a couple days later.

What we’re getting told is that one of those “senior” members over at Top Gear decided to reverse the car at speed. Unfortunately they didn’t bother to look in their rear view mirrors as they backed right into an Audi R8. Such a shame…

Official Photo Credit will go to….This guy.

After only being able to adore the turbocharged Skyline GT-R from afar for about 2 decades, Nissan is officially selling its industry changing super coupe on U.S. shores for the first time. In a huge late night ceremony at a Universal City, California dealership, Daryl Alison took delivery of the very 1st Nissan GT-R sold Stateside – by the automaker itself. The event included all the pizzaz and ceremony you’d expect, including an appearance by notorious hot-shoe, Steve Millen.

Alison, quite the a long-time Nissan fan whose garage has housed a number of their sports cars, including several 350Zs, was grinning from ear-to-ear while he got a rundown on this black GT-R in Premium trim. What might be surprising, and definitely unique, Alison only had to pay sticker price ($72,900) for his GT-R. Likely to be the first and last to do so as owners begin taking delivery of their own GT-Rs in the following weeks.

Hit the jump for the full press release from Nissan.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES (July 7, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. saved a few fireworks for the morning after the Independence Day holiday, delivering the first Nissan GT-R supercar in the United States at 12:01 a.m. PDT today to a Southern California customer.

The exotic, all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R, long coveted by American buyers who previously could experience the legendary GT-R only through video games, officially goes on sale today at a select number of GT-R Certified Nissan dealers across the country. Daryl Alison of Costa Mesa, Calif., one of the first customers to order a new GT-R through a pre-sale program launched last January, couldn’t wait for normal business hours to take possession of his new Black Obsidian GT-R Premium model. Through special arrangement with Universal City Nissan, Los Angeles, Alison was handed the keys by dealer representative Mike Sage moments after midnight.

“I’ve followed the history of the GT-R since inception and, after years of anticipation, it’s great to see the ‘Godzilla of supercars’ finally coming to the U.S.,” said Alison. “I’ve owned a number of Nissan 350Z sports cars and other exotics and muscle cars, but more than any other vehicle I can’t wait to get this new GT-R out on the road. Now it’s America’s time to get in and play.”

More than 1,700 of the exotic 480-horsepower Nissan GT-R supercars, or approximately 70 percent of the first year allocation for the United States market, have already been spoken for, with deliveries of those initial orders expected to continue throughout the coming months.

Joining the midnight delivery ceremony was Steve Millen, long-time Nissan race driver and the winningest driver in IMSA GT race series history. Millen recently participated in high-performance racetrack test sessions in the Nissan GT-R for a leading automotive enthusiast magazine and has assisted with GT-R dealer orientation and training programs.

The GT-R is available only through officially certified Nissan dealers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service. A searchable listing of the GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on nissanusa.com. The 2009 Nissan GT-R has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $69,850 for the GT-R and $71,900 for the GT-R Premium model.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R features a 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, backed by an all-new, paddle-shifted, dual clutch sequential 6-speed rear transaxle. It features the use of a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing handling capability.

The Nissan GT-R’s hybrid body construction combines steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum and has a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, while achieving high front and rear downforce. GT-R’s four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” as well as GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights, functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips. Inside, GT-R’s interior includes sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and a multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder.