Inside Line Full Test with Video 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

Some guys have all the luck. Or maybe its not really luck, its their job to drive and evaluate cars. Inside Line recently spent some time with the 2012 Nissan GT-R - Black Edition and has posted a video and results.

I like this section from the start of the review.  A lot of journalists claim the GT-R is not involving. Its deadly fast, but not involving according to some of the guys that drive and write about cars. I think its a bit of a cop out answer. If the car is easy to drive fast, then you can drive it fast easily. If its scary to drive, you might be marginally quick, but you will be involved as you need to constantly correct the car to make it go fast. Watch this video of Leh Keen in an R35 at VIR, and tell me a fast driver, in a fast car, in the drizzle isn't involving.

Maybe you even read enough Internet forums to convince yourself that it was an appliance — warmed over electro-mechanics turned into speed. Technology, you probably concluded, can be so dull. Yawn. 

So the big question always is: How fast is it?

It hit 60 in 3.1 seconds (2.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and stomped through the quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds at 124.1 mph.

When Inside Line tested the 2010 Porsche turbo they got 3.2 seconds to 60 mph and 11.1@125.4 in the quarter, the Corvette ZR1 did 60mph in 3.9 seconds and 11.7@126.7 mph.

Head over to Inside Line for the full story and pictures of the 2012 Nissan GT-R - Black Edition.



Source: Inside Line

2012 Nissan GT-R Official Pictures Including Egoist

Nissan has released some offical pictures of the 2012 US(2011 world) Nissan GT-R also known as DBA-R35.
Stay tuned for the full specifications.Here is the full color lineup including the new Aurora Flare Blue Pearl

Aurora Flare Blue Pearl

Meteo Flake Black Pearl

Brilliant white pearl


Dark metal gray

Vibrant Red

Ultimate metal silver

The new Save mode for the transmission.

New interior carbon finisher

Carbon strut tower brace

390 mm brake rotor

Japan only Egoist model

Egoist wheel

Egoist interior

Egoist interior

Engine and Transmission Enhancements
By modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio, reducing intake air resistance by enlarging the inlet pipe diameter, and reducing exhaust air resistance through use of an enlarged section of exhaust pipe, fuel economy is improved to 8.5km/L (10-15 mode) or 8.6km/L (JC08 mode).
At the same time, the engine output is significantly improved to 390kW(530ps)/6,400rpm with maximum torque of 612N·m(62.5kgf·m) from 3,200 to 6,000 rpm. A new red color engine cover is used to demonstrate its greater performance.

Cleaner emissions are realized through adopting an ultra-low precious metal catalyst and ECM with high-capacity microprocessor - achieving SU-LEV certification levels (emitting 75% fewer emissions than Japan's 2005 exhaust emission standards).

A new SAVE mode is adopted, which optimizes driving torque and modifies the shift schedule to improve actual fuel economy when driving highways or open roads. This mode also helps reduce ankle fatigue.
Starting performance while selecting "R mode" for the transmission and VDC-R is improved.
To control tight corner braking phenomenon, which can occur when starting the vehicle while turning the steering wheel, 2WD mode is added to temporarily shift to 2WD driving.

* When the vehicle speed is below 10km/h and the steering wheel is turned more than halfway.

Body Strengthening
A highly rigid, lightweight strut supporting bar, made of carbon composite with aluminum honeycomb material, is installed in the partition wall of the engine compartment. By linking the right and left struts to quickly receive suspension input, the vehicle body's responsiveness to driving operation is enhanced.
An additional support member is installed in the passenger side of the instrument panel. Responsiveness of the vehicle body is further improved by enhanced rigidity for connection with the engine compartment.
For further production accuracy, the fitting precision of the body panels is enhanced and a higher-precision G sensor is utilized in checking the instrument panel during the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

Suspension and Braking Modifications
For the front suspension, the lever ratio of the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is modified to improve the vertical load response of the tires. Front caster angle is increased from 5°35 to 6°00 to improve tire road holding ability when turning and stability while driving straight.
For the rear suspension, toe performance is modified by changing the roll center height to a lower position in order to improve tire grip while making turns and to better communicate driving feel.
An aluminum free-piston shock absorber design is newly developed which generates more precise damping force to constantly provide stable road holding and a load shift that quickly responds to driver's intention. Reduced friction in the shock absorbers provides high quality, smooth ride comfort.
A thin, large-diameter rotor (F390) developed uniquely by Nissan is adopted to improve braking force, fade resistance, pedal control ability and extend brake rotor life for sporty driving.

Wheels and Tires
The 11MY GT-R also features newly designed, lighter weight and more rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Made by Rays, the wheels help improve tire responsiveness to vertical load. Knurling inside the wheel is modified to avoid deviation of tire rotation direction caused by the higher engine output. On the wheel surface, a new Hyper Blue Black Chrome color is adopted, which expresses high quality and high-performance feel. The wheels' deep gloss is created by utilization of a five-layer coating process.
The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tires have a new compound to improve tire grip. With renewed structure and improved tread and sidewall rigidity, straight-line stability in rutted roads is enhanced.

Exterior and aerodynamics
Even with GT-R's already intense and stable form, its world-leading aerodynamics performance is further improved through a number of significant enhancements. Downforce is increased by about 10%, while the coefficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.

Stability is improved by enlarged bumper and grille openings
The front bumper is newly designed with double rectifier fins and Hyper Daylight with a large-diameter reflecting surface and high intensity white-color LED lights. The design increases front downforce by about 10%, while also reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment. The volume of air that passes through the radiator and cools down the front brakes is also increased.

Additional plated parts are used for headlight inner panels, enhancing the car's strong presence.
The redesigned rear bumper features a lower center of gravity than the previous design, created by a sculptured lower portion and extended length. Underfloor cooling performance is enhanced with air resistance reduced by extending a rear diffuser.

Cooling performance for the muffler is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% through use of a new rear bumper air outlet, which helps remove air in the rear wheelhouses.
A newly designed tailpipe finisher with enlarged diameter is adopted. Rear high-intensity LED fog lamps are provided as standard equipment to help improve visibility from vehicles behind in rainy or snowy conditions.
Six exterior colors are available, including two new colors: Meteo Flake Black Pearl (2P) and Aurora Flare Blue Pearl (2P). (Both are special colors.)

Interior
A newly shaped instrument panel pad and navigation system display finisher are adopted, with stitch lines changed to express an enhanced quality feel.

Real carbon center cluster finisher is used, along with matte black finished switches.
The GT-R emblem at the center of the steering wheel has a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture. For the paddle shift, a coating exposing the magnesium base material is applied.
Chrome-plated rings in the console and air-conditioner outlets are finished with a new black smoky coating, expressing greater sportiness.

Seat
Seats for Pure edition and Premium edition provide an improved level of comfort and safety while cornering. In addition, fatigue levels are reduced for the thighs and lower back by changing the shape, extending the length of seating surface and refurbishing the cushion stroke. A new seatback design seatback is adopted to improve fit.

The Black edition has leather-appointed bucket seats using a Recaro design based on the structure of Pure edition and Premium edition seats.

SpecV
Modifications applicable only to the SpecV are as follows:
Engine modifications are the same as the base model with improved maximum power output and torque, as well as enhanced fuel economy, except maximum torque is improved to 612N·m(62.5kgf·m)/ 3,200~6,000rpm (632N·m(64.5kgf·m)/ 3,600~5,600rpm). (Figures in parenthesis are when high geared boost is used.)
To improve abrasion resistance and stability in racing circuit driving, rear brake pad material is changed and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) balance under braking is modified.
Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tire is adopted as a standard feature.
Special Rays lightweight aluminum forging wheels for the SpecV are adopted from the previous model with the color changed to Metallic Black.

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 response and a clear, exhilarating exhaust sound.

 
Source : Nissan and NAGTROC

2012 Nissan GT-R Unmasked at Nurburgring

NAGTROC posted a few pictures of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, unmasked at the Nurburgring.   Check out the post for all the pictures.

Source: NAGTROC

2012 Nissan GT-R

GT-R Blog is reporting on some leaked information about the 2012 US Nissan GT-R.

The rumors and speculation have been floating around the internet on some of the changes for the 2012 MY GT-R. There are a few noticeable differences, and some that we are going to have to point out.  First off the front bumper has been altered to open it up for increased airflow. The upper grill opening now follows the bumper design, and the intercooler inlet has been opened up. In addition, LED lights, and a 3rd mini canard have been added. The rear difuser has been altered to give a 10% improvement in downforce, and the overall coefficient of drag has been lowered to 0.268(more faster).

There are two new colors for 2012, neither of which have been confirmed for the US market.  Aurora Flare Blue Pearl – RAY , and a new black called Nebula Opal Black – GAG (choke?).  Part of that GAG may be the Premium price increase of 210,000 yen to 9,450,000 yen in Japan ($110,811 USD).  Will the US market Premium car be able to be under $100,000?

New Rays wheels are 6.6 lbs lighter , and stronger than the 2009-2011 GT-R wheels, taking a total of 26.4 lbs of unsprung, rotating weight off the 2012 GT-R.

Head over to GT-R Blog for some more detailed pictures, and some more upcoming information on the engine changes.

Source: GT-R Blog

2012 Nissan GT-R Revealed at Nurburgring

Motortrend has posted pictures of the face lifted 2012 Nissan GT-R at Nurburgring. A few days ago, pictures of camouflaged examples started showing up on the internet, and now we see some of the minor changes for the 2012 year in the US.  The car shown here is a SpecV, however rumors have been that the SpecV has seen its last years.  Perhaps the Mspec ?

At the front we can see the dual front canards, and the reshaped upper front grill opening.

Ian over at NAGTROC posted up a great comparison shot of the 2009-2011 R35 GT-R front  bumper vs the 2012 front bumper. If you have seen a few of the Nissan GT-R race cars, even the STILLEN Nissan GT-R, you will see additional vents in the area blocked by the standard bumper/grill.  For 2012 this area is opened up. In addition, the airflow to the intercoolers has been expanded with a larger opening.

Photo courtesy Warwick Patterson / Formulaphoto.com

Behind the rear tires are some small openings, and the rear diffuser has been revised. This car, being a SpecV or some equivalent has the lightweight titanium exhaust that was first seen on the Nismo Sports Club Package.

Source : Motortrend and NAGTROC