Automotive News, Media & Press - Clearest Look Yet as the Nissan GTR sets it's sights on the Porsche Carrera GT

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"The Nissan GT-R development team has made another run at the Nürburgring record books this morning--and the Porsche 911 Turbo is no longer its target. Sources intimately familiar with Nissan's latest test sessions inform us that the group is now gunning to beat the Porsche Carrera GT--a remarkably lofty goal considering that that Walter Röhrl reportedly piloted a Carrera GT around the 'Ring in 7 minutes 28 seconds. Another Carrera GT, driven by Horst von Saurma, managed a lap time of 7:32.

Our sources tell us that, thus far, the Nissan has fallen short of the Carrera GT's record-time, but not by much. Our mole tells us that some wet sections of the track slowed them down, and that with optimum track conditions, some heroic driving could still reel in the Porsche Supercar. Nissan reps would not divulge any specific lap times, but they hinted that something under 7:35 may have been achieved. Regardless, it's clear that Nissan's goal of overtaking the 911 Turbo has been achieved in a big way.

Stopwatch drama aside, Nissan also gave us some new eye-candy by removing most of the camouflage that has been a staple of GT-R sightings for more than a year now. Although not in showroom shape, the latest GT-R test cars give us our clearest look yet at the prototype's front bumper and headlights, and the GT-R badge is now prominently displayed in the grille-opening, and on the trunk lid. We also managed a pretty revealing interior shot as one GT-R prepared to launch. The rear vinyl camouflage has also been removed, and now only flat-black paint remains to obscure the GT-R's true styling. This is as close as we're likely to get to an undisguised car until the car's Tokyo Show debut.

In their most recent 'Ring runs, Nissan rented the track early Monday morning, and had three GT-R prototypes--spaced one-minute apart--all taking their best shots. One of the GT-Rs was reportedly driven by Horst von Saurma--the same 'Ring specialist that drove the Carrera GT to a 7:32 lap time. Another driver was said to be a Japanese driver named Shimizu--possibly well-known racer Kazuo Shimizu. The third GT-R pilot went un-named.

Nissan will likely continue their assault on the Nürburgring--and on the Porsche legacy--for the rest of this week. If the GT-R manages to do the seemingly impossible and unseat the Carrera GT, we'll let you know."


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Looks better than it did in the early pictures.

If they do unseat the Porsche, it would be great for Nissan. But they better enjoy it, because the ZR1 is going to come and rip it from their fingers.
-Joel

Leaked brochure pictures....full brochure remoured to be released Sept. 26.

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If the ZR1 has a SC motor...it is not really in the same league.

W

If the ZR1 has a SC motor...it is not really in the same league.

W
And this is turbo.

I do agree it is not in the same league, but if the top of the line GT-R ends up being pricey they might be in the same range.

Anyway, Im sure there are at least a few magazine comparisons to come. :engarde:

Wow, that looks a LOT better than what I had previously seen.

Needs less fastback and more coupe', like every skyline before it dammit!

"Tokyo, Japan, (September 26, 2007) – Nissan today started the pre-launch activities in support of the all-new GT-R, the high performance sports car to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 24th. Central to the launch of GT-R, which will ultimately go on sale around the world, is a dedicated website that will provide all information on the car, including latest news, specifications and where to buy. The address for the website is www.gtrnissan.com and will available in six languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.

With sales due to start in Japan in December, Nissan is today also confirming the final name of the car. Previous generations of this car were known as the Skyline GT-R; the new name for this car is simply “Nissan GT-R” in all global market. Supporting substantial early customer interest in the Nissan GT-R, the company is today making available for customers in Japan some initial details including basic specifications, colors and practical information on placing pre-orders. Prices in Japan for the Nissan GT-R will start from around 7.8 million yen.

In support of the sale of the Nissan GT-R, the company also announced today the establishment of 160 Nissan High Performance Centers in Japan. These centers have been established to provide specialist sales and servicing support for customers of the Nissan GT-R. "


So it looks like in Japan and likely most of the rest of the world the GTR consumer will get a different treatment then your average Nissan buyer. Unlike the Corvette...

Nissan GT-R Pamplet:
Translated:
"On October 24, 2007… the New GT-R legend begins.

Over the last 5 years, how has the new GT-R developed?

In May of 1964 at the hairpin at Suzuka Circuit, the ‘Hakosuka’ Skyline GT-R famously passed a Porsche 904 and from then on the GT-R legend was born.

In August 1989, another GT-R was born with a brand new 4WD system and a powerful new engine that brought the world of Japanese motor sports and the GT-R together again.

On October 24, 2007 Nissan will reveal a new legend to the world, a legend for the 21st Century. This legend will create a whole new genre for performance vehicles called ‘Multi Performance Supercar’. The GT-R has passed many tests to set a new benchmark for all others after it, such as enduring 5, 000km around the Nurburgring Nordschleife setting lap times on par with the top class of sports cars. Whether on the Autobahn or Freeway, in hot climates or on snowy country roads, Nissan’s ‘Multi Performance Supercar’ - the GT-R - will set a new worldwide standard.

So you’ll always be satisfied with this new dimension of performance, Nissan will introduce 160 new ‘Nissan High Performance Centers’ throughout Japan to offer thorough support for your new GT-R.

Those who grip the steering wheel will witness a new legend on that day."

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Estimated retail posted yet? Or what was the last models retail?

Cool car, now the ricers will be swinging off this cars nuts instead of the skylines lol.

Estimated retail posted yet? Or what was the last models retail?

The GTR is expected to retail for around $67,000-$71,000 depending on options. So a little less then the Z06. I believe the previous R34 GTRs were in the $55,000-$60,000 range. Expect performance very similar to the Porsche 997 Turbo, if anything better.

OMFG... you've got to be kidding me. The Jap fanboys are still spewing bullshit over this car? I'm going to call it a ringer right off the bat if they are sub 40's.

Ok, time to break it on down for ya.
The carrera GT is on street r compound tires, still not anything I'd run for setting times.
The nissan fagboi's have a history of fudging the facts in order to boost their "times"
They did it with the supposed "sub 8 minute gtr" which in fact, WAS FAR from stock. Professional drivers were in the 8:30 range on a stock one, so la di fucking da. That's a very large disparity that they've never fulled explained.

The "EVO" model "may" rival the Z06. But Carrera GT? GT2? GT3? F430S? F430? Gallardo Superleggara? HELL NO. You cant beat more horsepower, a FAR better chassis, world class engineering, weight, setup. It'll beat a damn regular 911 Turbo, ohhhh ahhhh! yay! whatever.

Holy crap! My lowly Z06 has beaten an Enzo before too! Doesn't matter that he wasn't trying, but I beat him so ferrari guys can suck my nuts!!!! hahaha.

The EVO model "starts" at ~94K. That price and all the overestimation sets it into the top dog territory. ZR1, Enzo, 430S, GT3/RS, GT2, Gallardo superleggara, Ruf CTR3, RT12. If they want to hype and make claims that it can do xyz, then by God, it damn well better step up to the plate and play.

The previous gen gtr's are the equivalent of the mustang cobra, regular corvette c5 prices, just vastly inflated here stateside.


Damn I need some horsepower for my Z and the ZR1 to be in the garage already...

Yup. RB84 will most certainly NOT let us forget about "Japan's superiority". :eyes: :jest:

Looks like the import fanboyzz have found their next Poopra (never mind that <1% of them will ever be able to afford it!). :lol: Good for them.

lol, first they claim a 7:15 lap time, now its a supposed 7:35. "ZOMG ACCORDING TO MYZ STOPSWATCHZ DA GTR DID 7:35 NO WAI!!!!"
Id believe a 7:40 for the stripped GTR EVO model on r-compound tires, and maybe a 7:50 for the GTR on street tires.

Heh, I bet they stopped the clock earily like Honda did with the NSX-R, making a stock C5 Z06 like time...:eyes:

Nissan has never claimed any thing....so don't get that impression. Nissans only public claim is that the benchmark is the Porsche 997 Turbo, which runs a 7:40. Its the spectators at the Nurburgring that are announcing the 3rd party times.

"TOKYO — Nissan started the drumbeat on Wednesday for the launch of its highly anticipated 2009 GT-R supercar, rolling out a global Web site and announcing pricing for the Japanese market.

The GT-R will start at 7.77 million yen or $67,165, ranging up to 8.35 million yen or $72,150. The first deliveries to Japanese customers will begin in December, with U.S.-bound cars due to arrive at dealers next spring as early-2009 models.

Nissan also confirmed the final name of the car. "Previous generations of this car were known as the Skyline GT-R; the new name for this car is simply 'Nissan GT-R' in all global markets," it said. Nissan said it has established 160 high-performance centers in Japan to provide sales and service for the GT-R.

Japanese buyers were permitted to begin placing orders this week, and images from sales brochures quickly leaked onto the Web, about a month ahead of the car's official October 24 unveiling at the Tokyo show.

Widespread reports in the Japanese media, quoting the official sales brochure, said the GT-R initially will be sold in Japan in three trim levels — Base, Black and Platinum. Orders for only 1,000 cars will be taken in the initial wave, according to local press reports.

In the home market, there are six exterior colors: Super Black, Vibrant Red, Titanium Grey, Dark Metal Grey, Pearl White and Ultimate Metal Silver (a $2,600 option). Interior color choices are black and gray (black leather only the Black edition).

The base GT-R rides on Dunlop Sport tires, while the Black and Platinum editions will feature Bridgestone Potenza RE070 run-flats. All models come with alloy wheels.

The Japanese press is reporting that the GT-R's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine (designated VR38) will produce up to 550 horsepower. Initially, it will be mated only to a sequential automatic gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Eventually, Nissan also plans to offer a manual transmission and already is developing uplevel V-spec and Evo variants, according to the local media.

What this means to you: The GT-R is possibly the most eagerly awaited performance car since the previous-generation Corvette."

I am not digging the styling at all. It looks like an Infiniti G35(headlights, roofline, and the whole back of it)

Wish they would've gone with something more boxy and upright with a larger trunk.

Considering that SC is going to create heat out the wazoo...the ZR1 will not be in the same league...to compete in these leagues the ZR1 has to be able to race for a goodly distance without heat being a factor. NA or TC or fine for that whereas SC is not.

W

Considering that SC is going to create heat out the wazoo...the ZR1 will not be in the same league...to compete in these leagues the ZR1 has to be able to race for a goodly distance without heat being a factor. NA or TC or fine for that whereas SC is not.

W

Ever hear of a little thing called inter/aftercooling? It does wonders!

Considering that SC is going to create heat out the wazoo...the ZR1 will not be in the same league...to compete in these leagues the ZR1 has to be able to race for a goodly distance without heat being a factor. NA or TC or fine for that whereas SC is not.

W
Compression creates heat, so a turbo will also create heat. Except that the turbo is also using hot exhaust gas to compress air. Any form of FI will create heat, and they can all be intercooled.

Well...if the intercooler is that much of a wonder weapon name for me the last SC professional road racer? Heat loss is enormous with such a setup.

W

Ford GT.
Or are you going to say nobody professionally races them?

Not for endurance they do not...you may run a few laps around somewhere...but not for lap after lap like a C6Z6 can.

W

Who said it has to be competitive in endurance racing to compete on the showroom floor or road courses? How many will compete in 24 endurance races? It doesnt have to compete in a specific arena of motorsports to be in "the same league". The vast majority of any of these cars never see a race track and even fewer a driven by a professional driver. Your original statement that it is not in the same league because of a supercharger is way off base. Just because you say it cant compete in endurance racing doesnt mean it wont spank it in many other forms of competition. The Ford GT has wont GT-3 races I believe, so the supercharger must not hurt it too much.

The way I understand it the Matech Ford GT3 is not running a supercharged engine. If I am wrong I would be happy to become smarter on the subject. The Super GT Ford GT's are using 3.5 litre Formula 1 Ford Cosworth engines. If you watch the Ford GT3 vids online it does not sounds like a supercharged engine in any manner. Again if I am wrong inform of it.

W

Anywho I figure it is the same 5.0 cammer engine used in all of Matech's Mustang GT3 and GT4 cars.

W

The way I understand it the Matech Ford GT3 is not running a supercharged engine. If I am wrong I would be happy to become smarter on the subject. The Super GT Ford GT's are using 3.5 litre Formula 1 Ford Cosworth engines. If you watch the Ford GT3 vids online it does not sounds like a supercharged engine in any manner. Again if I am wrong inform of it.

W

We are going :offtopic: now, but there IS someone in England running a mostly stock drivetrain GT in road racing. Now, the article in "Racecar Engineering" (the same one that covered the F1 Cossie engined, Japanese campaigned car you're talking about) did not give a clue as to just how long these races were, but, the point is that someone IS road racing a blown car.

Can you give me an article that shows said car and engine? GRACIAS!!! I think we are on topic...we are a GM site and the Corvette and its blown drivetrain is of big interest. Being a student of strategy...other ppl's experience are the best means of learning.

W

http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Matech_Racing/2007/Ford_GT/

It has actually won at least one race also. From what I can tell it still has the FI 5.4. Plus, none of this really matters anyway. Your original statement that these two vehicles are not in the same league was completely off base. Even if it were true that they would not race together in ONE type of racing doesnt mean they are not competition. Plus, the C6R will probably still run a N/A engine, so it doesnt really matter for 24 hr racing. Not only is it competition, but it is welcome competition.

Still not competitive in same sense. A Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Zonda, Bughatti, and cars of like ilk would never use a blower and that is what GM is attempting to compete with. I saw the same link you posted, but there are a few errors on it. I could not find a single site other than the one you posted that stated the engine was blown. The Matech site has a bit about cammer engines in GT3 and GT4 Stangs and if you listen to the videos it is not a blown engine.

W

Still not competitive in same sense. A Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Zonda, Bughatti, and cars of like ilk would never use a blower and that is what GM is attempting to compete with.

W
So because they wouldnt do it neither should GM?
So they should be multi valve, OHC? Or Flat 6? Or quad turbo? You do not have to do the same thing just to compete. Also, they may be trying to compete with the lower end Ferraris, Porsche's, etc, but not Enzos or Veyrons. It is not a several hundred thousand dollar car, or million dollar car.

Pescarolo uses superchargers on their fairly successful endurance cars....

Performance wise they are dealing with rather big stuff. I think OHV is the way to go...I am not saying do what they do. I am saying do what works for actual racing...not just cruising.

I did not know about Pescarolo...will look into that!!! Thanks.

W

What type of car is Pescarolo using...had trouble finding which one you were talking of...thanks again!!!

W

Can you give me an article that shows said car and engine? GRACIAS!!! I think we are on topic...we are a GM site and the Corvette and its blown drivetrain is of big interest. Being a student of strategy...other ppl's experience are the best means of learning.

W

The standard drivetrain racing GT is in the current issue of "Racecar Engineering" (available at Barnes & Noble). It is being campaigned by Brits in a British series.

Cool, will have a looksee at that this week. Do not make it to BNM everyday. Thanks, Man!!!

W

What type of car is Pescarolo using...had trouble finding which one you were talking of...thanks again!!!

W

Pescarolo uses a twin-turbo, supercharged LM car. It's crazy as hell.

WWII aircraft used superchargers. I think they had to have a little endurance hun?

WWII aircraft also had airflow through the wazoo and colder temperatures due to altitude. I figured someone would bring this up. I do love studying my Merlin Powered Stangs!!!

W

So it looks like in Japan and likely most of the rest of the world the GTR consumer will get a different treatment then your average Nissan buyer. Unlike the Corvette...

That's nice. Wanna put bets on which is faster?

edit: And cause I keep hearing about the ZR1 having heatsoak issues with the Supercharger... C'mon people, GM's engineers can do better than that... Please.

That's nice. Wanna put bets on which is faster?

edit: And cause I keep hearing about the ZR1 having heatsoak issues with the Supercharger... C'mon people, GM's engineers can do better than that... Please.

I think he's referring to the "white glove, uppity, snooty, 'Lexus style'<--:eyes: Starbucks and croissants treatment" at the dealership.

But you know what, they can keep their shitty coffee and french pastries. Just give me an AMERICAN car that can outrun EVERYTHING (even if I must take delivery at a "lowly":eyes: Chevy dealer) and I will be quite happy! :usa:

WWII aircraft also had airflow through the wazoo and colder temperatures due to altitude. I figured someone would bring this up. I do love studying my Merlin Powered Stangs!!!

Too cool of an image....Mustangs taking on Zeros:bigun2:! Except today we have the Corvettes taking on the GTR's.

Too cool of an image....Mustangs taking on Zeros:bigun2:! Except today we have the Corvettes taking on the GTR's.

YES!! :D :thumb: :cool:

I go into every hobby/model shop that I can looking for the "rising sun flag" 'kill' decals like the ones that graced the fuselages of OUR WW2 flyers. :usa:

Just think of how much those things would PISS OFF all of the Nippon loyalist/worshipping riceboyzz out there!! :rotflmao:

Hmm... I like that dailydriver.

!!!!! Bitchin' kill markers for damn sure!!
I think I'll get to work on making some this week and going to a sticker shop.

Hmm... I like that dailydriver.

!!!!! Bitchin' kill markers for damn sure!!
I think I'll get to work on making some this week and going to a sticker shop.

Also interested...I smell a group buy!