VIDEO: 2012 Nissan GT-R vs 2011 Nissan GT-R Drag Race

Back in 2009, Nissan GT-R owners had to face an odd dilemma: even though the car came with a launch control system, using it meant voiding the warranty. In the ensuing controversy, the Japanese maker simply dropped it for the 2010 model year, stating that it doesn’t want to deal with the “warranty nightmare” anymore.

However, the launch control is back on the 2012 GT-R’s equipment list in a revised form that allows customers to use it four times in a row, before shutting off in order to protect the transmission. Just like the original, the new system (LC4) launches from 4,000 rpm, but it’s better at minimizing wheel spin, making the latest and more powerful (+45HP) iteration of the Japanese sports car a lot faster compared to the 2010MY GT-R in a straight line race. Hit the break to watch the videos.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automobile via Youtube & Jalopnik

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Nismo Launches Club Sport Package for new Nissan GT-R

Nissan’s official motorsports and performance division, NISMO has finally released a new range of performance accessories for the 2009 GT-R under the name ‘Club Sport Package”. Starting with the chassis enhancements, Nissan’s in-house tuner offers a set of race-spec Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers, stiffer front (18.5kg/mm) and rear springs(9.6 kg/mm) and new 20-inch Rays forged aluminum wheels wrapped around in Bridgestone RE070R run-flat tires, sized 225/40 and 285/35, front and rear. -Continued

For those wanting to shave off a few extra pounds, NISMO’s new lightweight exhaust system that comes with a carbon fiber under-tray designed to reduce drag will remove 11 pounds from the GT-R’s overall weight while the carbon fiber backed and leather trimmed bucket seats that retain the side airbags but ditch the electronic adjustments, will save you an extra 13 pounds.

If you go for the full Monty, the Club Sport will cost you ¥5,460,000 or about $50,000 / €34,000. For the time being, the NISMO’s tuning parts for the GT-R are available only in Japan.

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: NISMO

Nissan Announces Nine Models for Tokyo Auto Salon Including Juke Sporty and Leaf Aero Concept

At the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2011 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), to be held from January 14 to 16, Nissan, together with Autech Japan and its in-house NISMO performance division, will premiere a total of nine vehicles.

Highlights will include the zero-emission LEAF Aero Style Concept equipped with a futuristic looking bodykit and matching alloy wheel designs, and a special version of the Juke fitted with exterior accessories designed for the European and North American market models.

Autech Japan will showcase three vehicles, including the Elgrand Rider Premium Concept, which is the JDM version of the N.A. Quest minivan, the customized Serena Rider and the March-Based Bolero (Micra for those outside Japan).

Finally, NISMO will present its new production race car, the GT-R RC, alongside the tuned 355HP Fairlady Z (370Z) and the GT-R racecar that competed in the 2010 SUPER GT series.

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2011 Nissan GT-R EGOIST: Special Edition Caters to Luxury Seekers, Costs Twice as Much as Base Model

Together with the presentation of the standard, SpecV and Club Track variants of the once again facelifted GT-R in Japan today, Nissan also released a new bespoke edition of its supercar named "EGOIST".

Crafted to cater the needs of those seeking more exclusivity and luxury, the Egoist combines bits and pieces from the SpecV such as the carbon fiber wing, Rays alloy wheels and titanium exhaust, with premium materials and special equipment inside.

The Egoist's cabin is trimmed entirely in leather with quilted seating surfaces and customers can choose from four different colors for the upper area and 10 for the lower area. And if it makes you feel better, the leather bits are hand-made by a company in Germany.

And how much will the Egoist cost Japanese buyers, we hear you ask? The answer is 15,000,300 Yen (~ US$184,500), or close to twice the price of the base model which starts at 8,694,000 Yen (~ USD106,900) in Japan.

Scroll down for the official release and the image gallery.

Press Release:

EGOIST
EGOIST is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or "master with greatest skills." Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices. In addition, the Bose sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer's needs. This is the ultimate expression of the Nissan GT-R.

Interior
Customers can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices, four upper area interior colors and 10 lower area interior colors. Interior parts are sent to Seton Company, Inc. Muelheim an der Ruhr in Germany and leather master craftsmen sew and stick carefully selected leather by hand.

Seats
Seats are an exclusive quilted design with single and double stitching combined in a reticular pattern. Enhanced body grip performance (suitable for racing circuit driving), smoothness and fit are all provided.

Wajima Lacquer (Maki-e) Emblem
Wajima Maki-e with deep coloring and glaze created by Mr. Sakae Kubota, an accredited traditional craftsman for Japanese lacquer, is used for the GT-R emblem at the center of the steering wheel. The beautiful coloring of Maki-e changes as time goes by.

Bose Precision Sound System
Specially developed carbon composite-based woofers, which can cancel vibrations through their high rigidity and damping, are installed. In addition, sound quality is adjusted by Bose exclusively for each owner, depending on individual driving position.

Carbon Rear Spoiler
EGOIST adopts a dry carbon rear spoiler (also used in the SpecV). Providing stable aerodynamic performance, even when driving at more than 300km/h, the rear spoiler gives an intense look in the rear with its black carbon color.

RAYS Forged Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
Lightweight and highly rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels, also used in the SpecV, reduce unsprung weight and help provide a supple ride feel. Newly developed five-layer Blue Sword Chrome Color Coating is adopted.

Titanium Exhaust System
EGOIST uses a Titanium exhaust system, also used in the SpecV, providing agile accelerator

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2011 Nissan GT-R Facelift Shows Up in Japan, gets 530 Horsepower

Visitors to Japanese showrooms will be the first consumers to get a chance to sit in the firmer, faster, more luxurious 2011 Nissan GT-R when it hits the pavement on November 18 (it'll appear as a 2012 model for the US market and debut in L.A.). The exterior will get a light refresh to better improve its ability to slice through the air and competition with more efficiency, while the interior will also get some new appointments.

Other than the little tweaks everyone was expecting, the big news for the updated GT-R is the addition of a highly-modifiable "EGOIST" model that sits in the price realm of the Spec V and will offer a very Euro-lux feel, as well as a boost to 530 horsepower and 612 Nm / 451 lb ft (630 Nm / 465 lb ft for the Spec V) across the board thanks to revised engine tuning, larger piping, and a red engine cover. It now returns 20 mpg / 8.5-8.6 km/L and is considered a SU-LEV too, you hippies.

Other improvements include a SAVE mode for better normal driving efficiency, "improved starting" in the transmission's R mode, and lighter RAYS wheels veiling Nissan-developed 390-mm brake discs. The car, which gains two new exterior colors (Meteo Flake Black Pearl and Aurora Flare Blue Pearl), also receives a redesigned instrument panel and revised seats.

Japanese buyers of the latest GT-R will now be able to choose among six varieties of Godzilla: Pure, Black, Premium, Spec V, EGOIST, and a track-only "Club Track" version, all of which utilize the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 and 6-speed dual clutch transmission. .

The bad news for the States is that Nissan is merely "considering" offering the EGOIST and Club Track models in Europe, and maybe allowing the Middle East to get a taste of the custom EGOIST as well. Did you see America in the regions listed? Neither did I, but then again, the US market may not be ready for a $150,000 Nissan (while the Middle East is ready for a $150,000 anything).

By Phil Alex

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