GT-R - GT-R LIFE

MotorTrend 2017 GTR Vs NSX Results

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 14:57:24 +0000

Motortrend's Head to Head series now has tested the 2017 GTR vs the New NSX. The full episode is available now on MotorTrend On Demand (You can watch it as a free trial) and will air on their Youtube channel for everyone next month. This is appears to be the first real world test for both cars. For those who are anxious to know how the new(ish) GTR fared in its first big test against its Japanese ( by way of Ohio) Rival here are some of the numbers from the test to crunch. In Acceleration testing the $112,585 2017 GTR test car ran the usual par for the course 2.9 0-60 but then only 11.2@123.4 in the 1/4 mile. This is comparable to their testing of the original 2012 DBA model 5 years ago and a few tenths off some of the more recent model tests. It was still enough to edge the $197,400 price as tested NSX that saw a 0-60 of 3.1 secs and a 1/4 mile of 11.3@123.6 even though it had a slight weight advantage of 3,876 lbs to the GTRs 3,936lbs. Both cars were then tested at Leguna Seca which has become one of the top american benchmarks for performance the last few years. The 2017 GTR completed the lap in 1:37.08. This was again slower than any GTR tested since 2011 with Most DBA models coming in at around the 1:36.3 mark. Speaking of 1:36.3 that happened to be the time of the NSX which sported the optional Corsa tire. Below are reference times at Laguna Seca posted in the GTR by Motortrend.

2012 GTR 1:36.4
2013 GTR 1:36.3
2014 GTR Track Ed 1:36.6
2015 NISMO 1:35.5
2017 GTR 1:37.08

We will let you watch the full review and decide for yourselves what to make of it as some of the hosts many "colorful" opinions on the 2017 GTR you may or may not agree with. For the most part both reviewers felt the GTR now has gone too soft and lost passion even noticing on back road driving the GTR now has a tendency to oversteer easily which they found troubling. Lets us know your feelings below

Nissan GTR Breaks GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for Fastest Drift

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 17:10:44 +0000

Dubai, UAE - Nissan has set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the fastest ever drift. The record was broken with a speed of 304.96 km/hr and 30 degrees angle using a specially-tuned MY16 Nissan GT-R. Masato Kawabata, the Japanese drift champion and title holder for the Japanese drifting series, clinched the top spot from former record holder Jakub Przygoński of Poland. The record was set during a special event that took place at Fujairah International Airport, UAE. The record-breaking Nissan GT-R was developed with the support and coordination of Nismo specialists. It was tuned to 1380 HP in order to set the record, and adapted so all the power went to the rear wheels. The GT-R was prepared by GReddy Trust and tested extensively at Japan’s Fuji Speedway facility with Kawabata at the wheel. The car was set up for agility while maintaining stability and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics - essential when performing such challenging feats. "Once again, Nissan has broken a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title and has made international history for the fifth time in the Middle East," said Samir Cherfan, Managing Director of Nissan Middle East. "The Nissan GT-R is one of the world’s most iconic supercars, proving time and again the incredible breadth of its capabilities, and has clearly demonstrated its performance leadership by beating the best drift cars out there. The fact that this achievement was set here in the UAE makes it even more special for our region. Setting this incredibly difficult world record was a clear demonstration of the excitement we are bringing to the Middle East with the Nismo brand."

No R36 GTR until 2020 & 6 Month Delay for 2017 R35?

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 18:05:50 +0000

It seems the GTR community might be experiencing delays on two different fronts when it comes to something new in the GTR pipeline. Reports are coming from Australia's Motoring that the next generation R36 might not become a reality until at least 2020. The site spoke to a Nissan official in product planning who stated "To be honest the company is not even talking about it," "We are close to the life cycle in terms of cars now and in the future. In terms of direct conversation around GT-R, it's not on the horizon. "It's certainly not 2018, and I can't see it even in 2019. It's not on the product plan list for that period."

There are also reports the 2017 ( 2016 Global) R35 GTR has been delayed until mid next year in order to comply with new crash test rules in the United States. Usually production for the next model year GTR routinely starts in the month of November. Motoring is also reporting that this was halted and might not resume for 6 months pushing everything back. Over a year ago a test mule was spotted featuring a new front fascia but since then there has been no spy shots or any substantial info about this refreshed GTR.

With the news that an all new car isnt in the immediate future expectations were high regarding possible changes to the current platform to extend its life cycle and keep its footing within the competitive market. Usually we see the new model arriving in late winter but the rumored delay is sure to push this back. when it does arrive, structural improvements to the roof for rigidity and crash requirements, new body panels and tweaks to the interior trim are said to be part of the updated car. News like this can be very fluid so stay tuned to GTRLIFE for all the latest. To follow both of these stories as they develop check out our GTRLIFE discussion threads R36 Speculation thread & 2017 GTR Delayed

Nissan GT-R Nismo vs Nissan Juke-R 2.0 - Drag race

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 23:22:57 +0000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlHhFIuXKMU

From Autocar

A couple of weeks ago we thought the 542bhp Jaguar F-Type AWD might just have enough power to de-throne the internet's darling Nissan GT-R. It didn't.

We've gone away scratched our heads and decided this time to play a wildcard, with the Juke-R 2.0.

Disatisfied with the 485bhp V6 in the original Juke-R, Nissan has this time used a Nismo engine from the GT-R production line and bolted it in to this 2.0, meaning it now produces the same 591bhp and 485lb ft of torque as the GT-R Nismo. This is your pound for pound fight of the year.

In the right corner, at the helm of the Juke-R 2.0 we have Matt Prior, and in the left corner, none other than Jann Mardenborough, Nissans GT Academy winner.

Autocar, the world's leading motoring magazine and website, delivers industry-leading news, the most in-depth car reviews and opinion from our team of experts. Our presenters include some of the world's top motoring journalists who have unrivalled access to the world's fastest, rarest, most exotic and most exciting cars on some of the world's best roads and race tracks.

Nine GT-Rs That Define Japanese Performance

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 02:15:57 +0000

Not only is the GT-R known for its performance and history, but also for the many versions that Nissan has built. Evo Magazine has put together a collection of nine GT-Rs that identify the icon, touching on some of the histories of each. While this is too short of a list to capture all of the many greats that Nissan's built, Evo's included some gems- check them out at the link below.

[Evo Magazine - Nine Nissan GT-Rs That Define Japan's Ultimate PerformanceCoupe]

Hooniverse Drives the GT-R NISMO

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 02:14:10 +0000

Hooniverse has gotten their hands on the GT-R NISMO and put together a video review. The review sees the GT-R NISMO driven on the street with the reviewer giving his impressions on the NISMO experience. While not the most analytical review, it’s an entertaining watch nonetheless. Check it out below.

2016 GT-R Reviews Trickle In

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 05:32:40 +0000

Media reviews of the 2016 GT-R are starting to surface, with the first two coming from CNet and Auto Evolution. The CNet review is mixed, with the author enjoying the performance of the GT-R but expressing the desire for an updated interior and newer driver-facing technologies. The Auto Evolution review makes similar observations but at the same time underlining the GT-Rs abilities. While those unfamiliar to the GT-R may find the layman-approach contained in both to be useful, more reviews are on the way. Autoblog has reportedly driven the 2016, as has MotorTrend and others. Owner impressions are starting to come in as well, and initial reports from prior GT-R drivers have been very positive.

[AutoEvolution - 2016 Nissan GT-R Review]

[CNet - 2016 Nissan GT-R review: A supercar icon that's showing its age]

A Modern Take on Victory Spec

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 05:32:00 +0000

Over sixteen years have passed since the R34 GT-R's production first began, but modern builds continue. SpeedHunters has shared one such build of a V-spec II Nür, completed by Top Secret. A BorgWarner EFR powered RB26 setup highlights an extensive build under its sparkling blue paint. GT-R guru Dino Dalle Carbonare has all the details along with wallpaper images over at SpeedHunters. Check it out at the link below.

[SpeedHunters - A Skyline GT-R Tuning Revolution]

Nissan Exec: GT-R Update Coming "Very Soon"

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 04:04:02 +0000

A senior executive at Nissan has shared news that the R36 is more than a couple years away and has also confirmed that the R35 will be getting another update "very soon".

The story comes from Car Advice Australia, who interviewed the designer of the GT-R, Nissan's Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura, at Le Mans last weekend. Nakamura was quoted saying:

"[Before a new GT-R arrives] we still want to improve [the] current GT-R because it has more potential to be better"

"I think it's an improvement. You will see. Even the design wise, we have some minor change coming very soon. You will see very shortly."

"Performance is already very good 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds - it's fastest. So it might be impossible to get higher speed wise but maybe more better handling and that kind of thing."

The comments re affirm previous comments that Nakamura made where he said that the GT-R had a facelift ahead of it.

Nakamura's reference to the update coming "very soon" and that we'll see it "very shortly" more than likely refers to Tokyo Motor Show this fall. Nissan typically introduces new model year improvements every year in the October-November timeframe in Japan.

In terms of the expected improvements, it is probable that we'll see the facelift that did not make the US 2016 model year, in addition to the aforementioned enhancements in handling and more than likely, refinement.

As for the R36, Nakamura's comment that Nissan's still examining the powertrain lines up with his comment that the car is more than two years out. It also lines up with comments Nakamura previously made where he said that the R36 would come to market in "2018 at the earlist". This effectively rules out a Tokyo Motor Show 2017 introduction for the R36. It also brings us back to looking at the R35 for at least the next two years and probably longer.

[Car Advice Australia]

Hot Version GT-R NISMO Review

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:56:10 +0000

Japanese video publication Hot Version International conducted a test of the GT-R NISMO last year but until now, we haven’t had a translated version of the video. GTChannel who owns online licensing rights to Hot Version has made available the Hot Version Vol 127 which features the GT-R NISMO test by a group of professional race drivers. The same video also features tests of the Mine's R35 GT-R as well as an HKS GT1000 GT-R. The full video is available to download for $4 as a rental or $20 as a purchase and a sample clip from the GT-R NISMO test has been shared. Check out the clip below and hit the link at the bottom for access to the full video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W1Pd896EGI

[Hot Version]

2016 GT-R Improvements Purportedly Detailed in Document

Thu, 14 May 2015 05:30:54 +0000

A document has surfaced that apparently details the improvements of the 2016 GT-R. While the source of the document is unknown, it's specific nature and imagery suggests it comes from Nissan. The document follows a simple three point format that outlines the enhanced refinement of the Japanese 2015 (US 2016) GT-R. Changes fall into three categories: ride, noise, and braking. While a number of details and charts are presented, the overarching message is that the 2016 is another significant step forward in overall refinement. While this is something we already knew based on Nissan Japan's announcement, the details presented in the document tell a bigger and clearer story.

Handling & Ride

The document outlines improvements in the 2016's ride quality due to new dampers, suspension computer tuning, bushings, and tires. Results of the changes include a reduction in uncommanded yaw as well as a reduction in required steering angle corrections at speed. These are ways that Nissan seems to define high speed stability.

What’s interesting is how these measures have evolved over time as the document shows these improvements for the Japanese MY13, MY14, and MY15 GT-Rs at 240 km/h and 300 km/h. That works out to 150mph and 186mph for the North American 2014, 2015, and 2016 GT-Rs respectively.

Subsequent charts are also interesting, showing the improvement in ride comfort through vertical acceleration and bump impacts.

What’s notable here are the changes from MY13 (US 2014) up to MY15 (US 2016). The chart shows that the US 2014 sees higher average vertical accelerations in comfort mode than the US 2015 in normal mode. It then shows that the same is true comparing the US 2015 to the US 2016.

Noise

Reductions in noise are attributed to changes in tires and trunk carpeting. As before, these improvements are charted with a significant step up visible from the Japanese MY13 (US 2014) as expected.

Worth noting, Nissan is claiming improvements across the board for the Japanese MY15 (US 2016).

Nissan has also changed bearings in the flywheel housing, a change that is said to improve drivetrain quietness.

Braking

Finally Nissan has made improvements to the Japanese 2015 (US 2016) braking system.

The changes were implemented to improve linearity and noise, and once again the results are illustrated.

Nissan originally said that the Japanese 2015 GT-R, our North American 2016 GT-R, represented an increase in refinement. The data and charts presented supports this and it will be interesting to see how the new GT-R will be received in driving impressions and reviews throughout the year. For the full original document in PDF form, check out the link below.

[2015 GT-R Imrpovements (PDF)]

2016 GT-R 45th Anniversary Wallpapers

Wed, 06 May 2015 04:23:25 +0000

Future GT-Rs to Get LM NISMO Engine Technology

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:08:57 +0000

The fundamental design behind the twin turbocharged V6 engine that Nissan built for its Le Mans racer will ultimately make its way to future GT-Rs according to Top Gear. In an interview with Nissan’s Ben Bowlby, creator of the GT-R LM NISMO, Bowlby is quoted saying “The 3.0-liter V6 is sort of a god child of the true, road going GT-R” and elaborated that the engine’s design specification and layout are highly applicable to the road. “It is truly an early ancestor of what will be a future Nissan GT-R engine” he said, giving examples of improvements such as the engine’s ability to output similar horsepower as the VR38 while consuming much less fuel. While such a move by Nissan is already expected, Bowlby's commentary adds more on Nissan’s perspective and offers more to look forward to.

[Source: Top Gear]

1,000 Horsepower R34 Reviewed in New Zealand

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 18:11:05 +0000

The Smoking Tire’s shared a GT-R review video, recorded overseas: “I wanted to see, hear, touch, and drive the holy grail of tuner cars… I told them to go out and find me a thousand horsepower R34 Skyline GT-R”. Thus began nine minutes of 1,000 horsepower R34 action on New Zealand back roads. It’s a great watch for fans of the R34 and tuning life. Check it out below.

GT-R NISMO Reviewed at the Drag Strip & Autocross

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 06:31:42 +0000

A new review of the GT-R NISMO has been shared, this one courtesy of MotoManTV. The review comes in the form of a 15 minute video that starts out at the drag strip before moving to a walk through of the car mixed with some autocross style driving. It features good driving footage, commentary, and video details of the NISMO, making it worth a watch. Check it out below.

R34 GT-R Z-Tune #001 Up For Sale

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:58:35 +0000

The first production R34 GT-R Z-Tune is being put up for sale in Australia. What is the R34 Z-Tune? If you think of it like an R34 version of today's N Attack GT-R, you wouldn't be too far off.

The Z-Tune took the R34's level of performance to a significantly higher level in a very exclusive trim. It featured bespoke parts everywhere from the powertrain to body and aerodynamics to the chassis. The Z-Tune's engine took the already legendary RB26DETT from "280 horsepower" to 500+ horsepower with the race-modified RB26DETT Z2 motor. It came complete with a GT500 spec engine block, modified internals, and of course, plenty of cooling modifications. The Z-Tune's braking and suspension system consisted of an upgraded Brembo developed setup with a special SACHs adjustable suspension, complete with new bushings. The body featured extensive use of CFRP in new body panels (bumpers, hood, undercovers, and the now well recognized fenders). And on the inside, alcantara dressed the seats along with a new steering wheel, side trim, and more.

All of this goodness came after the end of R34 production, so to build the car, pre-owned R34s that met NISMO's requirements had to be used. For the cars built, all of the work from engine to body met the same standards and specifications as that of NISMO's race cars, and the resulting Z-Tunes carried NISMO chassis plates. In the end, only about a dozen were built.

The listing of the first Z-Tune can be found at the link below but if you're interested in more on the Z-Tune, checkout the video at the bottom.

[THE-LOWDOWN.COM]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv17vUgM0EM

2016 GT-R Hits Nissan USA Website

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:24:15 +0000

Nissan’s officially added the 2016 GT-R to its USA website, complete with an updated GT-R configurator. As previously announced, the 2016 GT-R continues to improve on the GT-R’s refinement and grand touring abilities. Updates include revisions to the GT-Rs suspension, which are said to further refine ride quality and improve stability. The GT-Rs drivetrain has also been revised for smoother and quieter operation. Aesthetic changes include new wheels for GT-R Premium models and on the inside, a new transmission drive selector and a new engine builder plaque. A new 45th Anniversary model has been added to the lineup and the performance oriented limited edition GT-R NISMO remains in the offering. Base pricing is unchanged across the line. For links to the updated GT-R website or to checkout more on the 2016 GT-R, see below.

[Nissan USA - 2016 GT-R]

[GT-R Life - 2016 GT-R Stateside Pricing Released]

[GT-R Life - New Images of the 45th Anniversary GT-R]

[GT-R Life - 2016 Nissan GTR Official: Press Release & Discussion]

GT-R Club Track Edition Up for Auction in Japan

Sat, 21 Mar 2015 07:54:37 +0000

One of the rarer special edition GT-Rs has surfaced on a Japanese auction site. The GT-R is a Japanese 2011 (US 2012 equivalent) GT-R Club Track Edition. This GT-R is not the same as the Track Edition that made its way to North America. Instead it’s a GT-R that was built to full track specification including a roll cage, racing seat with harness, slick tires, etc. In terms of features, the Club Track Edition received a revised suspension (2 way adjustable Bilstein), changes in ECM/TCM logic (including revised VDC and ABS), additional cooling, fire suppression, and more. This GT-R was not designed for street use and was instead designed solely for the circuit. It even has its own organized events and racing sessions. To see this unique GT-R and its auction listing, check out the link below.

[GT-R Club Track Edition (Yahoo/Japanese)]

New Images of the 45th Anniversary GT-R

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 08:07:06 +0000

Images continue to surface showing the new 45th Anniversary GT-R. This latest addition to the GT-R family is a special trim of the Premium Edition and is confirmed for a stateside release this year. Unique features include a new gold paint as well as a gold toned interior VIN plate and center console commemorative plaque. Being an MY16 specification GT-R, the 45th Anniversary trim benefits from all of the latest updates including further refinements in ride quality, reductions in drivetrain noise and braking noise, and more. Allocations are expected to be fewer than 30 and the trim will carry an MSRP of $102,770 or $1,000 above the standard GT-R Premium Edition. Images of 45th Anniversary models already on the ground in Japan are slowly making their way online, and some have been included below. For the full sets, hit the source links that follow.

[Minkara (Japanese)]

[Kakaku (Japanese)]

[GTROtaku (Japanese/Facebook)]

2016 GT-R Stateside Pricing Released

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 05:17:28 +0000

Nissan North America has released details on the upcoming 2016 GT-R including lineup specifics and, for the first time, pricing.

The biggest news is that there will be no change in the GT-R's base price. The GT-R Premium continues to start at $101,770. This is a first in the GT-R’s history as new GT-Rs previously brought with them price increases. There are however adjustments in option prices with pearl white joining regal red and super silver as an extra cost option ($1,000 in this case).

The lineup is what we expected following the leaked 2016 GT-R ordering guides. The GT-R Premium and Black Edition are returning with the GT-R NISMO in tow as well. Additionally, a 45th anniversary gold GT-R is making its way over from Japan as expected. Premium interior options on Premium model GT-Rs continue with Amber and Ivory available as extra cost items as well.

Notable in the 2016 lineup is a 5 horsepower increase for the GT-R Premium and Black Edition, bringing total power outputs to 550 horsepower. Also and as previously expected, the new Premium GT-Rs will feature 20 spoke wheels, replacing the previous Premium Edition multispoke wheels that were fitted on model year 2012-2015 GT-Rs.

The 2016 GT-R is expected to feature a number of enhancements ranging from updated suspension components to new drivetrain components, aimed at improving the GT-Rs grand touring attributes. For more on the 2016 GT-R release, hit the link below.

[GT-R Life - 2016 GTR US Pricing Released]