Targa New Zealand 2011: Day 5: Final Results

The final day of Targa New Zealand saw Tony Quinn in his R35 capture his third victory in a row, followed closely by Glenn Inkster in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6. In third spot, another Glenn in another Mitsubishi Lancer, but this one is an X, or ten if you don't know roman numerals.  In fourth spot, Steve Millen in his R35 GT-R, with Harry Dodson in his Nissan GT-R in fifth spot.

Targa 2011 End of Event Report from Targa NZ on Vimeo

Nissan Juke-R Unveiling Video

 Nissan Juke R Unveiling Video

Its a reality, its together. They say it runs. One of two, one off, wait, thats a two off Juke-R concepts. A full Nissan GT-R drivetrain under a Nissan Juke body. Remove 1.6 DIG turbo engine, and put in a 3.8 twin turbo engine, and a GR6 transmission from a Nissan GT-R.

It should be a fun little car. I still wonder what it weighs? When will we see it in action?


Source: Motorward






JUKE-R Reveal from Circuit Pro Ltd on Vimeo.

Targa New Zealand 2011: Day 4

Steve Millen hanging the GT-R out on a stage

Clark Proctor's GT-R

The fourth day of the five days of Targa New Zealand is complete, and Tony Quinn still sits on top of the leader board in his very fast Nissan GT-R. Glenn Inkster in his Evo took a 1 minute penalty, probably for tires, but I will find out later today.  In 3rd spot 2 minutes back from Glenn is another Glenn in an Evo, Glenn Smith. Also taking a one minute penalty was Clark Proctor in his Nissan GT-R, about two minutes back from the Evo X.  Just forty seconds back from Clark is Steve Millen in his Nissan GT-R.   Today is the final day of the event.



Targa NZ 2011 Day Four Report from Targa NZ on Vimeo.

Source: STILLEN Blog

2013 Nissan GT-R 7:16 at Nurburgring : Latest and Greatest

Looks like the flood of 2013 Nissan GT-R information is coming early. 2013 in the US, 2012 everywhere else in the world. The US always has to be one year ahead of everyone else. Or behind, but ahead. Or the same as everyone else, but we think we are ahead.

Steve Sutcliffe from Autocar posted a short article detailing some of the changes for the 2013 US car. 

And the scary thing is, it’s about to get even better still. On 7 November Nissan will officially introduce a new 2012 model year version that boasts more power, more performance, even tastier handling and, as is de rigeur nowadays, better economy and cleaner emissions, too.

•  560-565 hp
• 6kg - 13 lbs ligther
• Asymmetric spring rates

Pistonheads had an opportunity to interview Katsutoshi Mizuno, the "father of the GT-R", and got some more information on the lifespan of the car, the changes, and what we might expect to see in the next few years.

First off is a power hike, the exact scale of which will be confirmed next week, but which we're expecting to lift output to the 550hp-ish mark. Second, and for right hand drive markets only, there's an asymmetric suspension set-up (which Mizuno reckons may be a world first for a production car) designed to counterbalance the extra 50kgs weight of the steering assemblies etc. So everything's just a little stiffer on the right, and even the geometry has been adjusted.

530hp to 550 horsepower sounds realistic.  560-570 sounds a little optimistic, especially after a 485 to 530 hp bump for 2012.  Maybe the rumors of some hard part changes are true?

However, Mizuno told me that a review of the data collected from extensive Nurburgring testing reveals the 2012 car is on average 5-8kmh faster through every corner there, and 5kmh faster on the final straight where the car now reaches 296kmh.

A couple mph in every corner and a top speed of 183 mph at Nurburgring means the car is probably cooking with fire.  They estimate the 2013 US car to be capable of a 7:16 time.

The firm is also considering making the Club Track Edition available in the UK - this will get you a car with a roll-cage, Bilstein racing shocks and slick tyres, plus five full track days including Nissan on-circuit maintenance, driver training with Toshio Suzuki (he who holds the GT-R 'Ring lap record) and the chance to rub shoulders with Mizuno san himself. A similar deal is already available in Japan, where it looks pretty good value at around £25k.

Just considering it.  We would never see this car in the US.  They never think the US market is ready for anything sporty.  No SpecV, but we might get an Egoist.  All show, none of the hardcore go. 

Mizuno san also talked about the platform extension possibilities of the GT-R, which in this current generation has at least five years of life in it. I pressed Mizuno san for more info, but drew a bit of a blank - although he did tell me this: "The GT-R is a two door coupe with a very big boot. Use your journalistic skill to imagine what might be next."

Five more years, five more years.  I thought it was four more years, maybe I have the wrong chant going on.  Five more years is quiet the extension, when people have been rumoring an R36 for 2013 since about 2008.

As far as what might be next?  A GT-R Wagon?   SUV?  Infiniti - Sebastian Vettel model with a bit more go?   Infiniti has extended its relationship with Red Bull racing, and the two time F1 champion.

Targa New Zealand 2011: Day 3

Nissan GT-R vs Helicopter

Day 3 results from Targa New Zealand. Lots of new videos to post. Tony Quinn is still at the top of the pack.  Glenn Inkster in his Evo is just 14 seconds behind, check below for a in car from Glenn. Saying he is hustling that car would be an understatement.

 More stage results and videos on NAGTROC.

Check out below for the videos.

2013 Nissan GT-R Upgrade Rumors

2013 GTR Track Pack

Embargo be dammed. 2013 Nissan GT-R rumors posted to Twitter from Evo Magazine. A NAGTROC member posted a tweet from Jethro.  The official information should be released around November 7th. Until then add this to the rumor pile.

Jethro from Evo on Twitter - 2013 GTR Info

New valves, heads, induction and cats. Revised springs/dampers and - get this - geo/spring/damper different right to left for driver weight.

More power/torque especially at high rpm. Felt a shade more agile but on very wet track hard to feel nuances. Still utterly compelling.

His dedication to the car is extraordinary. And to those who asked, 1720-1740kg is THE optimum weight for a road supercar. Fact. He says.

Other GT-R stuff. New Track Pack in Jpn: SpecV wheels, carbon frt splitter with brake ducts, stiffer (!) suspension - should come to UK

GT-R price update: 2 - 5k increase. 

New heads and cams?  VVEL like the 370Z/G37 would be cool, expensive, and it would put a lot of heat into the oil, but it would make for a nice flat torque curve- now closer to a line. Variable valve event and lift.  Its great tech, but probably not in the cards for now.  The same with direct injection. They could pick up some power and fuel economy with direct injection, like the 911, but it doesn't seem to be a change for a 2013 car.

1720-1740 kg.  I really can't agree with this. Lighter is always going to accelerate faster, corner faster, and stop faster than a heavy car.  It will also do it over and over with lighter components.  I understand that a big twin turbo charged road car, luxury road car, with leather and bluetooth, is going to have some heft. Stop trying to make excuses for it.

2k-5k increase, is probably English pounds. So maybe a $4,000-$10,000 increase in the US.  If I were to guess I would say $92,500 on the Premium, just under $100k on the Black Edition GT-R for 2013. .

Targa New Zealand 2011: Day 2

Day 2 Results are in.  14 stages are down, 23 stages left.  There looks like the possibility of light rain on Friday and Saturday, which could throw a big wrench in some peoples game plans.

Overall Results after Day 2.

During an interlude in the Targa NZ 2011 event, the Stillen Nissan GRT R35 as driven by NZ legend Steve Millen took on a helicopter in a friendly up and back race on the landing strip. The GTR won race 1, but the chopper stepped it up big time in race 2- and this was the result...

Nissan Juke R : Ultimate Compact Crossover

 Nissan Juke-R revealed at a press conference in Spain.  From a concept drawing to reality, this Nissan Juke-R has taken a fairly short amount of time.  It seems like it should have been a long project, but the boys at RML, with input from Nissan Technical Europe managed to pull it off in record time.  A full Nissan GT-R drivetrain under a Nissan Juke, now called the Juke-R.  Only two cars were planned, a left and right hand drive.  I am looking forward to some video of the Jukes in action.

NISSAN JUKE-R UNVEILED: FIRST IMAGE OF THE ULTIMATE COMPACT CROSSOVER
NISSAN MAKES SHOCK JUKE-R UNVEIL DURING QASHQAI PRESS EVENT IN MALAGA

The world has been given its first glimpse of Nissan's ultimate compact crossover: Juke-R.

Unveiled at a Nissan Crossover media launch in Malaga, Spain, Juke-R shocked an unsuspecting audience when it was revealed as a 'surprise guest' at the end of the press conference. Shown for the first time in the metal, Juke-R continues to create a huge reaction, harnessing the bold design of Nissan's provocative Juke with the speed and power of the company's flagship GT-R...... creating the world's fastest, most innovative, crossover.

Just two versions of the Nissan Juke-R are being created, one in each of left-hand and right-hand drive. The cars have been developed by Nissan and are being built by leading motorsports outfit RML with input from Nissan Technology Centre for Europe (NTC-E). Testing of the car will begin in November.

Source: NAGTROC

Targa New Zealand 2011 : Day 1

The STILLEN Nissan GT-R is once again back in action for the 2011 Targa New Zealand.  In case you missed it, the New Zealand All Blacks defeated France to win the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 24 years, so New Zealand is celebrating the win.  All of New Zealand might be a bit slow to start off this morning.

For 2011, the STILLEN car has a few upgrades to help it better compete against the other cars. Last year, STILLEN finished 3rd with a conservative strategy, but this year, they may hang it out a little more.

We spent Saturday and Sunday wrapping up the final adjustments to the car, ride height, tuning (special thanks to Jack at Horsepower Logic) etc.  Overall preparation has been relatively easy.  We added some adjustable rear toe arms as well as changed springs, injectors, and a few other little tweaks.

Wishing Steve, and the rest of the team good luck for the event. I will try and keep a running update of the stages. The rally is just getting ready to start now, Tuesday in New Zealand.

 Stage Results at NAGTROC

UGR Lamborghini Gallardo Nera vs Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12

Once again, its the Russians, and Nissan GT-R's vs Lamborghini Gallardos. UGR built Lambo vs AMS turbo kitted Nissan GT-R. This GT-R sports a Alpha 12 turbo kit, but its not a full Alpha 12 build. This R35 is limited by the head, and in this video, boost, and fuel. At 900 whp, it has its work cut out for it against a 1050 whp Lamborghini Gallardo.

Lambo vs GTR. In magic moving pictures.

So who wins?  What happens when they crank them up?  Whens the blue car back?  In the thread on NAGTROC, and over on the Lambo Forums, it looks like UGR wants to challenge any GT-R to a race.  A few of these videos of GT-R's beating all comers must be getting to them. Sounds like someones feelings might be hurt.  I mean, on paper a ~1900 whp Lamborghini should be able to beat a ~1300 whp Nissan. Its math, physics, that kind of thing, but maybe I need it explained, because I am not that smart.  In this video below, we have two cars on pump gas, both still making insane power. Check it out, watch this space for more info.

9.37@158 MPH Ebrahim Kanoo Nissan GT-R

The orange R35 Nissan GT-R from Bahrain just ran a personal best pass of 9.37@158 mph. Pushing the car to the 158 mph traps are a built engine from SP Engineering, Greddy TD06 turbos, Dodson built transmission, and a normal host of mods to support an R35 GT-R.

215 MPH in the Wet : Moscow Mile 2011

347 km/hr in the wet.  Here is the video of the Dragtimes.info 2012 Nissan GT-R running in the Moscow Mile.  You can plan for everything, but if the weather doesn't cooperate, it doesn't cooperate.  This car had the highest top speed of the event with its 347 km/hr or 215.9 mph pass.

Tires: Toyo R888 285/35, 315/30 R20 Fuel: VP-C16 (117 octane) Outside temperature: +12C 1 RUN: without launch control, throttle 85-90%, just to try the wet track. 2 RUN: without launch control, throttle 95-100%, the engine shut-off 400 m. before the finish line (The reason - manufactore defect).

Source: NAGTROC

Nissan Juke-R : The Build Begins

Stiffening the chassis to handle the Nissan GT-R drivetrain

 In this third installment of the Nissan Juke-R build, we see some of the support structure, and roll cage to handle the Nissan GT-R drivetrain.  They have proved the concept that the Nissan GT-R driveline will work in a shorted wheelbase chassis.   Still no word on weight, but it looks like they are adding a lot of roll cage tubing.  All the tube adds weight, but the stripping of interior parts removes it.   I wonder if they are going to keep it pretty stock, or if they are going to throw a bit of a Cobb tune on it.  Maybe some LC4?

"VIDEO 3 - THE BUILD BEGINS - Having tested that the Nissan GT-R systems work perfectly in a shortened wheelbase, the team starts to build the Juke-R. Work begins on constructing a complex roll cage inside the Juke's body shell, as well as the structure that will house the GT-R's engine, drivetrain and other vital systems."

2013 Nissan GT-R Nurburgring Run Video

2013 mystery Nissan GT-R carbon fiber trunk and wing

Nissan ran a test day with the 2012 World - 2013 US model Nissan GT-R at the Nurburgring in September. This test day was delayed/cancelled due to the cars not having the correct tires for the test. Supposedly the ring run was rescheduled for mid-October, so it might have already happend. What times will Nissan and Mizuno reveal? Looks like we will have to wait until November 30th to find out.

9 Second California GT-R and Black Edition at IDRC

Updated
Greg runs 9.94@143mph.  Greg's R35 is more of a road race/street car than a drag car. R888 20 inch tires, Swift Springs, STILLEN Sway bars.  The engine sports a pair of Greddy TD06 turbos.  At 770 whp the car is no slouch, one of the fastest on the west coast. One of the fastest in California.  In the morning he tried a set of 18" drag radials, but he didn't like the wheel hop, so he swapped over to the R888.  On the 9.94 pass, he got just the right amount of wheelspin with LC1, no bog, and the car just took off with a 1.68 60 foot. Its all about the 60 foot, and just that improvement dropped him from low 10's into the 9's.  Videos coming soon.

Rif brought out his 2012 Black Edition GT-R that also spends a lot more time on the street and road course than the drag strip.  His goal was to get into the 10's, but it just wasn't going to happen today. His best passes were in the 11.2 @ 124 mph range.  He has the SpecV exhaust tips, but otherwise the exhaust is all stock.  Next he is eyeing an exhaust for some more power.

Check out the videos of both GT-R's after the break.

IDRC Auto Club Dragway

Last IDRC event of the year, at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana. Two 2012 GTRs and a modified 2009 are taking some passes down the dragstrip.

Moscow Unlimited 500 Results October 2011

The results of the delayed, rescheduled, rained on, and what seemed like a lot of broken cars, latest Moscow 500 are in. At the top of the heap is a 2012 Nissan GT-R, Alpha 12 tuned by AMS.  The Alpha 12 hit a top speed of 347.49 km/hr or  215.9 mph, this is the new record for a Nissan GT-R in a standing mile. Out of the top 10 fastest cars/, 6 of them are Nissan GT-R's.  On paper, it looked like the 1500 hp/1550hp Underground Racing Lamborghini's should have taken it, but the Nissan GT-R once again puts a confused look on the competitions face.

Videos and pictures are sure to follow soon.   Look for some updates here.

1) 347,49 км/ч — Юрий М. (77) — Nissan GT-R Mk.2 AMS Alpha 12 (1200 л.с.) — Super Sport
2) 339,64 км/ч — Владимир У. (56) — Lamborghini Gallardo SE UGR TT (1500 л.с.) — Super Sport
3) 334,26 км/ч — Николай Г. (16) — Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera UGR TT (1550 л.с.) — Super Sport
4) 333,85 км/ч — Александр П. (33) — Nissan GT-R Mk.1 Boostlogic Godzilla (1000 л.с.) — Super Sport
5) 333,16 км/ч — Олег К. (88) — Nissan GT-R Mk.1 AMS Alpha 12 (1000 л.с.) — Super Sport
6) 331,18 км/ч — Андрей Н. (21) — Porsche 911 Turbo (997) Mk.1 Switzer/Protomotive (900 л.с.) — Super Sport
7) 320,00 км/ч — Руслан А. (12) — BMW S1000RR (193 л.с.) — Moto
8) 319,43 км/ч — Сергей С. (47) — Nissan GT-R Switzer R850 (850 л.с.) — Super Sport
9) 318,30 км/ч — Павел Х. (7) — Nissan GT-R Mk.1 Altechno R850 (850 л.с.) — Super Sport
10) 318,19 км/ч — Андрей Х. (63) — Nissan GT-R Mk.1 Greddy/EcuTek (900 л.с.) — Super Sport
 Coming up October 21st in the US is the Texas Mile. There should be a few more GT-Rs out at that event.  Will one be able to top 215.9 mph? 

 Source: NAGTROC

2013 Nissan GT-R on the Autobahn Video

2013 Nissan GT-R VR38 improvements

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is still about 6 months away from release in the US, but it has been undergoing testing in Germany both at Nurburgring and on the Autobahn.  From the video, the picture above shows three improvements to the VR38DETT engine.  Nissan is increasing intake efficiency, improving the exhaust efficiency, and a changing the engine control system.  For 2012, Nissan changed the inlet pipes to the turbos, and gained about 17 hp in independent testing.. They also changed a tube in the exhaust system, along with the ECU tuning to bring the 2011 485 hp car to 530 hp for 2012.  For 2013 the rumors say anything from 550 hp to 580 hp is expected. We have to wait a few months to get the real numbers on the horsepower increases.

In the video below, watch the 2013 Nissan GT-R on the Autobahn at 300 km/hr.

IDRC Auto Club Dragway October 16

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

 

OCTOBER 16th, 2011, AUTO CLUB DRAGWAY

9300 Cherry Ave, Fontana CA 92335

The Premiere Drag Racing Event of the Year Is Coming Soon!

 

Nissan GT-R's at the Mojave Mile October 2011

A couple of Nissan GT-R's made it out to the Mojave Mile this last weekend. The Mojave Mile lets enthusiasts take their car to a deserted runway and have a go at a standing mile.  Two GT-R's made the last event. A "stock" 2010, and a stock 2012.  The 2010 did 180 mph, and the stock 2012 did 173 mph.

 GTR ran AWESOME.. with my best run being 180.5 on Saturday (a bit cooler) and 180.0 on Sunday.

2012 Nissan GT-R at the Mojave Mile


175.3 mph


Source: NAGTROC  and NAGTROC

Nissan Juke-R Build Video #2

It sounded like a crazy idea when we first saw the first renderings, it still sounds like a crazy idea. The full Nissan GT-R driveline, engine, transmission, MFD, all in a Nissan Juke. In this second video, they go over some of the challenges associated with making it all work.

Check out the new video after the break.

No Drill License Plate Bracket Install Video

No one likes drilling holes into the front bumper of their brand new Nissan GT-R, but if your state requires a front plate, that was your only option. However now STILLEN has a tow hook license plate bracket that requires no drilling. Just remove the tow hook cover, and screw in the STILLEN license plate bracket.

Source: STILLEN Website

Nissan Juke-R: GT-R Drivetrain

I stand corrected. It looks like the VR38DETT powered Nissan Juke is a real Nissan Europe project. They are building two cars one left hand drive, and one right hand drive.  The Juke-R's are being developed for Nissan by RML with input from Nissan Technical Centre for Europe (NTC-E). VR38DETT Powered, with the GR6 transaxle. The questions would be how much the car will end up weighing.  Will it be more or less than a GT-R?

• Juke and GT-R brought together to create the ultimate compact crossover
• One-off concept to test the public’s reaction to a seriously sporty Juke
• Underlines the compact crossover’s fun factor
• Fully road legal with GT-R drive train
• Developed for Nissan by RML with input from Nissan Technical Centre for Europe (NTC-E)
• Car currently in development; expected to complete first tests in November

September 2011 Nissan GT-R Sales : Up 69.8%

Sales reports for Nissan came out today, and its all pretty positive on the company front. Overall sales are up 25.3%.  92,964 units total .

Now for the important part related to the blog.  Nissan GT-R sales were up 69.8%. Amazing, wow. 107 units.  Maybe its not so wow or amazing.  Still better than the 63 sold in September 2010.  Year to date 1,102 Nissan GT-R's sold versus 743 sold in 2010.

 A total of 469 Nissan 370z's were sold a 40.1% decrease from September 2010, bringing the total year to date to 6,081 cars a decrease of 25.1% vs 2010.

 Infiniti G37 coupe sales are down 20.3% with 1089 units sold in September 2011. Year to date sales are 11,632 down 7.8%.

And in more depressing news to the automotive enthusiasts in the world, LEAF sales are strong. Good for Nissan with the first mass sold all electric car.  Horrible news for all of us that love burning old dinosaurs.

Sales of the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF totaled 1,031 units in September, with total sales of 7,217 units of the innovative, zero-emissions vehicle since its December 2010 U.S. debut.

Source: Nissan News

Nissan GT-R Black Edition : Undercover

Someone gets to have a really cool undercover/pursuit car. Nothing stated about how this Nissan GT-R Black Edition is going to be used, but its equipped with LED lights, a siren, and Whelen grill lights.

Video after the break.