Automobiles Review – Page 636 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2015 Honda Vezel Hybrid And S660 Concept Unveiled In Tokyo

On the first day of the Tokyo Motor Show one of the most emblematic brands Honda has introduced the new Urban SUV production model. The vehicle will proudly carry the name Vezel and it is specifically intended for the Japanese market. The SUV will be also launched in Europe in 2015, however it will carry a different name.

The exterior of the Vezel brings together the SUV spaciousness and the coupe-like styling, while the sharp character lines make an impression of an emotional exterior design. The interior makes full use of the space and brings about high-quality experience for both driver and passengers.

In Japan the model will be launched in petrol and hybrid version. The latter will be equipped with Sport Hybrid i-DCD that combines a 1.5 litre direct injection engine with a high-output motor. On the other hand, the petrol model will be equipped with a 1.5 litre direct injection engine.

Honda Vezel Hybrid will be launched in Japan on 20th of December this year.

The mid-engined sports model Honda S660 Concept which was revealed a month ago over the media, made its debut as well at the event. The car strengthens the sports car credentials of the brand and aims to deliver brisk and dynamic driving, great stability and a versatile design.

S660 Concept is am open-top mini-sportscar and is powered by a small 0.66 litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol that generates 64 hp (48 kW) and is connected to a 7-speed CVT. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 900kg (1,984 lbs). The model has been again designed specifically for the Japanese market and is being developed towards mass production in 2015.

Source: Honda

November 21, 2013

B&B Boosts Audi R8 V10 Plus

The tuning experts of B&B Automobiltechnik have lately devoted their selves to the development of an upgrade for the top model of the current R8 series. This Audi model was introduced to the market in the past year and features a powerful V10 engine.

Speaking about the unit, it can produce the exhilarating 550 horsepower (405 kW) and 540 Nm (399 lb-ft) of torque. Nonetheless, this wasn’t enough for the tunes and they have raised the standards via a three-stage performance boost.

First, the performance and torque was boosted to 595 hp (438 kW) and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) in the “small” Stage One. The Second Stage gives the R8 610 hp (449 kW) 570 Nm (421 lb-ft). At last, the final upgrade Stage Three is called “BB R8 M20/3” and boosts the V8 up to 628 hp (462 kW) and 585 Nm (432 lb-ft). All this power is transferred onto the road via the 7-gear S-tronic double clutch transmission.

Other modifications that unfold this power were also done, for instance on the ignition and injection system as well as the intake channels and air ducts. In addition, also installed were the B&B’s racing exhaust system made of stainless steel and B&B carbon special air filters.

Of course, these upgrades can only lead to better on-road performance. The four-wheel racer accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and beats the magical 10-seconds sonic barrier in 9.6 seconds in the 0-200 km/h sprint. The top speed is 328 km/h.

B&B racing chassis that is adjustable from 20 to 40 millimeter was combined with light alloy wheel rims of size 9×20 on the front axis and 11×20 inches on the rear. The latter were matched with rubber rollers of the dimension 235/30R20 and 305/25R20 in front and rear, respectively.

Source: B&B Automobiltechnik

November 21, 2013

Most Powerful 4-Cylinder Engine with Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept

Mercedes-Benz-GLA-45-AMG-shadow Mercedes-Benz-GLA-45-AMG-medium

Compact SUV – an oxymoron by itself, yet hugely popular among car manufacturers and, by extension, people. Mercedes-Benz are now aiming at young people “who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence”. I guess that explains the thing we have here – the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept.

We are talking small, at least by AMG standards. The “high-performance SUV” brandishes a straight four, 2.0-liter gasoline engine. But because it’s turbocharged and cleverly managed, it has a total output of 360 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. So the “most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world” will be channelling its force through AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission and Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Quotated acceleration from 0 to 62 mph stands at just under five seconds. For stopping power, refer to the AMG’s performance braking system which, most importantly, brandishes red calipers.

More exterior flare involves the GLA’s AMG cross-spoked forged wheels painted in matt black with a red flange. One size fits all: 255/35 R21 tires. The splitter at the lower front end sticks out from the apron with its high-gloss black finish. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s also a giant number “45” on each side and a “distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome, the side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, the “TURBO AMG” lettering on the front wings, the high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear aerofoil. Then there are sporty silver lines running through the whole body complemented by red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear aerofoil. At the back, a big diffuser dominates the view alongside a twin-tailpipe in high-gloss black – part of AMG’s sports exhaust system.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 21, 2013

Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe Revealed

Jaguar-F-TYPE-R-shadow Jaguar-F-TYPE-R-medium

The Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé is officially here. Styled after the magnificent C-X16 concept, this Porsche destroyer comes in three forms – the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE R. It is supposedly now Jaguar’s “most dynamically capable, performance focus production car ever”. So it should be good, right?

Let’s gloss over the two that will be using the company’s 3.0-liter ssupercharged V6 engine – the F-TYPE Coupé and the F-TYPE S Coupé. The former sports 335 hp while the latter enjoys 40 hp more. Both have pretty decent 0 to 60 mph times with 5.1 and 4.8 seconds respectively. Top speeds: 161 and 171 mph. While the Basic F-TYPE does get the Dynamic Mode feature, sports exhaust, sports suspension and Jaguar’s Performance Braking system (354/325mm discs front/rear); the S Coupé adds to that a Dynamic Launch feature, an Adaptive Dynamics system and even bigger braaks with red calipers so that you know they are bigger just in case you didn’t bring a tape measure. The S Coupé is also available with the optional Super Performance pack and CCM braking system but about that later.

Right!. The Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé then. It has the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 as its soft-top brother, but this one shows to the party with 542 hp – that’s 54 hp more in comparison. As a result the F-TYPE R is able to dart from 0 to 60 in just 4.0 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph.

Just like in the S Coupé, the Adaptive Dynamics system actively controls the body’s vertical movement roll and pitch rates. Should it need to, this software can make up to 500 adjustments per second all in the name of keeping you firmly planted on the road. The spring rate values for the R Coupé have also been increased by 4.3% at the front and 3.7% at the rear as compared to F-TYPE V8 S Convertible. The Dynamic mode (present in all three models) firms up the suspension, hardens the steering wheel for better feedback, increases the throttle response, and sharpens the gear changes.

The rear wheels are governed by Jaguar’s Electronic Active Differential (EAD) which carefully distributes variable amounts of torque to each of the two wheels. Main point being – more traction even in the most dangerous of stunts one can pull off. Then there’s the Torque Vectoring by braking system. Imagine a tank blocking one of its treads and thus performing a turn. Well, the Jaguar does exactly that with its Torque Vectoring by breaking but much, much more subtly. There is a multitude of sensors all-around the chassis which detect where and how much braking force you need in order to prevent understeering and from then on it’s the ABS’s job to execute the procedure without you even noticing it. Clever stuff! Oh, on the less delicate side, the F-TYPE R gets the biggest brakes of all – 380mm front and 376mm rear discs with either red or black calipers. Over them you can relish at the sight of the 20-inch “Gyrodyne” wheels in silver finish as standard.

Inside, The F-TYPE R is mostly driver-oriented. The seats have inflatable side-bolstering and prominent wings for support during high-speed cornering. But don’t worry as they also add a touch of chic with a leathery surface. A new, full leather and Suedecloth Jet interior (with Cirrus contrast stitch) is also optional on all derivatives. Suedecloth is used on the seat facings, door casings, instrument binnacle pods and headlining – and can also be combined with a Suedecloth steering wheel.

The CCM (Carbon Ceramic Matrix) Brakes.

For a little something extra, one can mount a special braking package on the Jaguar F-TYPE S and F-TYPE R. Those come in yellow monoblock callipers so there’s no mistaking them – 398mm in diameter at the front and 380mm at the back. The key thing here, however, is the blend of carbon fiber and ceramic from which the disks are made – almost no fading, very low wear-and-tear and reduced overall weigh (21 kilograms less in fact). It is essentially a package for the track. If you plan on burning some rubber (which, with a car like the F-TYPE, is almost a certainty), this makes for a sensible option.

Source: Jaguar

November 20, 2013

12 Months to Toyota FCV Production

Toyota-FCV-concept-medium

News from the future. The Toyota FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) is almost ready. The production model reveal is only 12 months away. Is this the beginning of the end of the hybrid car? Fingers crossed.

What’s wrong with hybrids you ask? Well, they are slow, unimaginative, their range never meets the expectations, their batteries are dependent on the weather, they take days to recharge, and, believe it or not, they are still sort of bad for the environment.

Hydrogen, on the other hand, is the most abundant chemical element in the universe and using it as fuel produces zero emissions. In order to make electricity, fuel-cells acquire oxygen from the environment and add hydrogen to make a chemical reaction which releases energy and a waste product known as water. Toyota engineers are adamant that you could go for about 500 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. Technically, on two tanks – the Toyota FCV actually has two 70 MegaPascal each. We don’t know why that’s relevant. There are no other certain figures, however, except an estimated system output of at least 100kW. Oh, and there’s the price – $108,00. Too much for a Camry you think? Would you consider plugging it in your electrical grid at home then? Because you can and a single charge can satisfy your needs for about a week. Also, it looks pretty amazing. We are especially fond of these LED indicators hidden within the fenders. It’s supposed to gave a “flowing liquid” door profile and a wave-motif fuel cap while the back end draws inspiration from the stem of a catamaran. Right.

Toyota are anticipating the widespread use of hydrogen fuels for cars to be common sometime in the 2020s. Because of the FCV, Toyota see themselves as pioneers, and while no one can take that away from them, we can’t neglect Honda’s audacious attempts to mull in the Honda Clarity. In any case, Toyota seems to be pretty serious about the technology. They are already developing fuel-cell buses, forklifts and other industrial vehicles. Greener days are to come if this trend keeps up.

Source: Toyota

November 20, 2013

Ford Edge Concept Prepared For European Market

Ford has exclusively unveiled the brand new Ford Edge Concept, giving hints to the technologies included, the design and craftsmanship of the future SUV. Edge Concept also includes some of the most innovative technology features such as push-button and remote-operated parking.

In fact, the Edge will be Ford’s first large SUV developed for Europe and will go on sale by 2017. Some of the key attributes of this SUV include sleek and sporty appearance, capability, fuel efficiency and advanced technology.

To be more precise, the advanced features that will be added in the future vehicle comprise of driver-assist technologies and semi-automated ones, which will offer more intelligent and capable driving experience.

For instance, here debuts the Fully Assisted Parking Aid which is still in prototype form. It builds on Ford’s Active Park Assist feature and lets the driver park their vehicles at the touch of a button or a remote control. Via ultrasonic sensors, this system finds a perpendicular parking space.

Ford also works on refining its Obstacle Avoidance systems, which can detect slow-moving objects or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead. In the cases when the driver fails to steer or brake after the warnings, the system automatically steers and brakes to avoid a collision.

As one can see from the pictures below, Ford Edge Concept sports sculpted, fluid and athletic lines. However, it also adds a sense of aggressiveness via its strong shoulders and the rearward slope of the grille.

Furthermore, Edge Concept also includes high-tech application of Active Grille Shutters which contributes towards ideal engine operating temperature and maximization of aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, there are also featured air curtains on the lower part of the front fascia that guide air from the front of the vehicle through the front wheel wells and down the side of the vehicle.

The interior of the car looks as premium as the exterior. Some of the exclusive features here include a leather-wrapped and hand-stitched instrument panel, 10in centre display featuring Ford SYNC with Voice Control and Touchscreen, and a dynamic centre stack with mechanical switchgear. Black Nubuck leather wraps the upper instrument panel, centre console and door elements.

Source: Ford

November 20, 2013

Dodge Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Two Limited Edition Models

To celebrate 100 years of Dodge performance and heritage, the brand is releasing two new special editions: 2014 Dodge Charger and Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions. The cars will be available at dealerships in the first quarter of 2014 and their will offer their customers exhilarating power and performance, innovative technology features and bold muscle-car styling.

2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition expresses the ultimate muscle car. The model will be offered in a choice of several exterior colors including Pitch Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Ivory Tri-Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat, Header Orange and the new High Octane Red Pearl Coat paint.

The car runs on 20 x 8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets and a matching Granite Crystal Dodge split-crosshair grille, which further contributes for the striking look of the car. Other stylistic appointments that make the car even more unique and also commemorate the brand’s century include “Dodge Est. 1914” bar-style front-fender badges and special Dodge “100” logo on the center caps.

Other exterior features include a body-color rear spoiler and on models with the legendary HEMI and a red “R/T” heritage grille badge. The interior on the other hand is dominated by Molten Red or Foundry Black Nappa leather with a custom cloud overprint. These materials wrap the sport seats, center console armrest and door armrests and are sewed together with brass-colored accent stitching.

The three-spoke flat-bottom performance steering wheel includes die-cast paddle shifters. In addition, the Dark Brushed Graphite center console bezels and Liquid Graphite steering-wheel accents also add to the premium look.

The die-cast “Dodge Est. 1914” circular badges can be seen on the front seatbacks, while the embroidered anniversary logo – on floor mats. The instrument panel cluster graphics include black-face gauges with white indication and stand-out red “100” mph indication. This Charger is fitted with Electronic Vehicle Information Center and Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen.

As a matter of fact, the 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition is based on the 2014 Charger SXT Plus. This means that it includes the award-winning 300 horsepower (220 kW) 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine matched to an eight-speed transmission. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

This Charger can be also based on the 2014 Dodge Charger R/T Plus. This will add more to the driving experience, because of the 370 horsepower (272 kW) and 535 Nm (395 lb.-ft.) of torque 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.

The word that describes the Challenger is iconic. And the 2014 Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition proves this. It is based on the 2014 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus and R/T Plus models and runs on 20 x 8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets and matching Granite Crystal grille surround with script “Challenger” badge.

The same exterior colors offered in the Charger are also available here as well as the commemorative bar style “Dodge Est. 1914” front-fender badges and Dodge ‘100’ wheel center caps.

The interior is wrapped all around with Molten Red or Foundry Black heated Nappa leather and features custom ‘cloud overprint’. Brass colored accent stitching and die-cast “Dodge Est. 1914” circular badges can also be found here.

Interior appointments that commemorate the brand’s centenary include die-cast “Dodge Est. 1914” circular badges on front seatbacks and an embroidered anniversary logo on premium floor mats. The Challenger is equipped with Uconnect system, seven speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with 368-watt amplifier, along with Mopar “Challenger” sill plates and bright pedals.

In terms of performance, this Challenger based on the SXT Plus model produces 305 horsepower (225 kW) from its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The unit can be matched to an available six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. When the model is based on the 2014 Challenger R/T Plus it generates up to 375 horsepower (275 kW), and 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 6 seconds. Both models will be offered only in limited quantities.

Source: Dodge

November 20, 2013

2014 Lexus RC Coupe Unveiled

Tokyo Motor Show marks the debut of 2014 Lexus RC Coupe which will be launched next year. The car is based on the GS platform, however it differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS Lines.

The aggressive appearance of the RC has achieved via its deeply contoured lines and the integration of the widest and lowest application of the brand’s spindle grille. It is 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in wheelbase than the IS Line.

Furthermore, the unique headlamps have L-shaped design at both the front and rear. The car runs on aluminium wheels offered in two choices – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch. To make the exterior even more expressive, the designers at Lexus have of course decided to paint it in red.

The same exclusivity of the exterior design is continued in the interior, where one can see an extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting. For example, the Lexus-first lighting package delivers a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards.

Other highlights here include accents in genuine shimamoku wood, which surround the trim.

The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. To be more precise, the upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen, while the centre console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.

The driving dynamics deliver their best thanks to the purpose-built chassis which is a result of the latest goal of the brand to achieve a world-class driving experience. Thicker underbody rocker panels enhance the two-door’s rigidity and support driving performance.

The handling package on the other hand includes aerodynamic aids to underbody. RC sports double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.

Next, the aggressively styled coupe will be offered with a choice of two powertrains – 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine coupled with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission, and 2.5-litre hybrid system. The dual injection petrol unit generates 318 hp (234 kW) at 6,400rpm, and a peak torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) at 4800rpm.

The hybrid system utilizes dual injected 2.5-litre four cylinder engine with a 143 hp (105 kW) electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature. 2014 Lexus RC Coupe will drive either through its rear wheels or be available in all-wheel drive (AWD).

Advanced technology is also included here. For instance the upgraded Blind Spot Monitor detects vehicles that are near the back of the car and are driven in higher speeds. In addition, the innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface is there to aid the audio and navigation systems.

2014 Lexus RC Coupe Specifications:

	RC 350	RC 300h
Length (mm)	4,695	4,695
Height (mm)	1,395	1,395
Width (mm)	1,840	1,840
Wheelbase (mm)	2,730	2,730
Seating	4	4
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine type	2GR-FSE	2AR-FSE
Cylinders	V6	L4
Power (kW/rpm)	234/6,400	131/6,000
Torque (Nm/rpm)	380/4800	221/4200-/4800
Total Output kW	–	162
Transmission	8AT	E-CVT
Suspension	Front: Double wishbone Rear: Multilink	Front: Double wishbone Rear: Multilink
Tyres	255/35R19 + 275/35R19	255/35R19 + 275/35R19

Source: Lexus

November 20, 2013

xXx-Performance Updates Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo is one of the most famous sportscars which almost everybody has dreamt driving due to its speed, looks and aggressive road-stance. Surprisingly, the Lamborghini is powered by V10 engine and not by a V12 one and has no gull-wing doors.

The tuning specialists at xXx-Performance took a 2005 Gallardo and reconstructed it in a complex manner. They have added traditional LSD gull-wing doors and done some optical tuning. The latter extends the width of the body.

Also new is the front apron in LP560 design as well as the rear apron and the massive side enlargements. In fact, xXx-Performance endowed the rear with original parts made of real carbon from. We are speaking here about the rear flap, rear wing or also the side view mirror.

The exterior of the beast now sports a more glaring color. Thanks to versatile foil wrapping, the external shell is now in black chrome with the shafts of the side skirt, the interior edges of the front air ducts and the roof edge gleaming in neon orange.

And if one thinks that to give a Gallardo air suspension is impossible, then they surely should be disappointed. For this purpose, the tuners have used G-ride air suspension in combination with the specially adapted and two-fold hardness adjustable KW damping. The system has an electronic level regulation with integrated self-regenerating air-drying.

To round-out the exterior credentials of this tuned sportscar, the xXx-Performance modifiers has given it new set of shoes: exclusive mbDesign KV1 Deep Concave rims in the wheel houses in the dimension 9×20 inches with 235/30R20 tires in front and 12×20 inches with 305/25R20 Hankook S1 Evo tires in the rear. The rims were endowed with black chrome finish.

But this is not all that has been done here. The V10 here has been slightly reworked and the unit now generates over 560 horsepower (442 kW). This was achieved via special carbon air-boxes of BMC and the optimization of the engine software.

Next to the engine upgrade the tuning company added sports exhaust system that is capable of being controlled through Bluetooth. Optionally xXx Performance offers menacing biturbo conversions for the Lamborghini V10 in three power stages from 850 to 1.200 hp.

At last, the interior of the Gallardo was also improved. It now includes exclusive leather fitting with white decorative stitching. There can be seen also top-stitched diamonds and embroidered xXx-logos.

Source: xXx-Performance

November 20, 2013

2015 Nissan GT-R Recieves Minor Updates

We are having a Nissan GT-R hat trick today (1 and 2) with this latest release from the Japanese company: the MY 2015 Nissan GT-R – now with an updated “ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish.”

The suspension has been fine-tuned to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels, thus increasing grip and stability. The electronic control of the shock-absorber valves has also been optimized to keep the wheels more consistently on the ground. The front stabilizer spring rates and bush links have also been modified. It’s not all in the name of performance though – the ride, Nissan say, is also relaxing and comfortable. The standard tires that will go along with the model are now Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT, measuring at 255/40ZRF20 at the front and 285/35ZRF20 at the back.

Visual touches on the outside are also present. Take the color for example. This is called Gold Flake Red Pearl and it has tiny specks of gold…tinted glass inside it. Much light has been shed on, well, the lights – efficient, high-intensity, multi-LED headlights. The clever bit about them is that they incorporate Nissan’s AFS (Adaptive Front lightning System) – the angle of the light beam automatically adjusts in accordance to the speed of the vehicle. The rear lights also, erm, form coherent circles of illumination. What was the illumination beforehand?

Inside, one has the option to go with three color schemes which include a completely new one with pale ivory shades. The steering wheel sports some leather, while the seats are part-aniline leather and are embellished with stitched accents in tradition with the whole of the GT family.

Here’s a tasteful clip of the GT history so far:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBH7zeUwQw

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2013

2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 Series for Sale

Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-GT3-shadow Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-GT3-medium

If you saw today’s news about the Nissan Nismo GT-R and thought: “Yes, but does it conform to FIA GT3 regulations?” Well, sorry but it doesn’t. Funny you should ask, however, because here’s one that does exactly that. It’s the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3. The best thing is, you can now own it. That is if you have $397,204 laying around. And that’s without tax.

Relying on data gathered from the 2012 model, Nissan’s engineers have managed to squeeze every drop of performance from this GT-R without really breaking any rules. The timing of the camshaft has been improved, the moving components of the engine have been made even more durable and the aerodynamics have been tweaked: canards were added to the front and the front fender louvers were enlarged. The positioning of the rear wing was optimized. The bottom line is – 3.8 V6 engine with over 543 hp and 637 Nm of torque. Yes, it’s not as much as the road going Nismo GT-R, but this one weights just 1,300 kilograms (despite having a metal, 5,5-inch 4-plate clutch disk). And the tyres? 330/710-18 on all four wheels.

Nissan will only make you one once you’ve ordered it. If the orders exceed their capacity you might end up empty-handed. Time to check your bank account?

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2013

Nissan Nismo GT-R Revealed

2014-Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-shadow 2014-Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-medium

Hot news from Nismo, Nissan’s in-house performance division. Tingle with excitement as today was the official reveal of the latest Nissan GT-R Nismo – the fastest one to date:

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo* holds the volume production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.” – says Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 VR38DETT engine has been buffed to 600 hp thanks to GT3-grade, large diameter turbochargers, a new fuel pump, and some optimization of the ignition timing in each cylinder. The suspension also finds its roots in Nismo’s GT3 racing series. Think custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers with three settings of stiffness – Comfort, Normal and R. Surely, that lap time would not have been possible without some clever tinkering with the aerodynamics. That’s why we have a front bumper, engine undercover, and a carbon rear spoiler that add 100 kg more downforce (at 300 km/h) when compared to the stock 2014 Nissan GT-R. At the same time, the drag coefficient has remained low at Cd 0.26.

The suspension also finds its roots in Nismo’s GT3 racing series. Think custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers with three settings of stiffness – Comfort, Normal and R. At the back, a hollow anti-roll bar with a radius of 17.3 mm ensures rigidity at all times. In fact, the whole bodyshell has been stiffened up through adhesive bonding and spot welding. To round off the outside, the Nismo people have fitted four sticky Dunlop tires (front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20) on GT500-inspired, 6-spoked wheels. Available colors will include: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver, Vibrant Red, and an exclusive for this model Dark Matte Grey. 2014-Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-medium-2

Yes, inside you find a sense of luxury thanks to the Alcantra-dressed wheel and red stitches here and there, but the carbon-fiber-backed RECARO front seats suggest that the Nismo GT-R is no joy ride. No, this car was made to beat down stopwatches to a pulp and then leave the track unapologetically on its own.

*set with track settings

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2013

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