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Nissan

Nissan GT-R – MY11 specs released

Nissan GT-R

Nissan has just confirmed details of the MY11 changes made to its all-conquering GT-R. No car can show its face these days without LED daytime running lights, you see.

Of course, Nissan’s engineers went further than that, also trimming 10kg from the GT-R’s portly weight. Fuel consumption has been improved, along with a reduction in CO2 emissions. Minor tweaks have also been made to Godzilla’s suspension and brakes. These are complemented by new forged alloys from Rays.

Inside gets a once over, as well. Usual stuff like a revised instrument panel and nav display have been thrown in. But there are big changes, too. The steering wheel emblem now has “a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture”. Amazing!

Outside has seen some cosmetic tweaks, notably the front spoiler can now feed in more air. These revisions also increase downforce by about 10%. Two new exterior paint colours—Jet Black and GTBlue—have been added to the colour palette.

However, the big news is more power. Quite a bit more actually. At its initial launch the GT-R had 353kW/588Nm. Well, now the little (big) Nissan that can boasts 390kW/600Nm. That’s quite a significant increase.

Australian deliveries for the MY11 model are expected from March next year.

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Peugeot

Peugeot 508 – due in Australia mid-2011

2011 Peugeot 508

Peugeot has just released these images of their new 508 saloon and wagon. The 508 will be launched in 2011 and Peugeot say this is the first of their models to take styling cues from the SR1 Concept (well, they both have four wheels I suppose).

A mix of petrol and diesel e-HDi engines will be offered with the 508. Also joining the range will be a HYbrid4 option. This eco-warrior model has headline specs of 200bhp, all-wheel drive and a CO2 figure of just 99g/km.

Peugeot reckon the interior of the 508 is pretty flash saying, “Every detail has been chosen to offer indisputable perceived quality, both visually and to the touch.” The interior does look quite nice at first glance, although a closer inspection shows there are a lot of buttons and it could be a bit fiddly.

Outside, we’re being told the look is “timeless” and typical “French chic”. To be honest, it’s a bit hard to tell from these pics. More than usual, the 508 is one of those cars that needs to be judged in person and not from images. In the photos supplied the 508 looks svelte and smooth, while at the same time looking bloated and not quite right.

Take a look at the pics after the break and judge for yourself.

UPDATE 14 July: Peugeot Australia has just sent out the following info, “The 508 is being developed for a local market release by mid 2011… [it] will be unveiled to the public at the 2011 Melbourne International Motor Show.” Full release below.

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BMW

BMW finally reveals official Z4 GT3 info

BMW Z4 GT3

Official looking pics of the BMW Z4 GT3 emerged earlier this month, but until now no details had been released from BMW’s PR spin doctors. However, at the time those first pics appeared it turns out BMW was delivering the Z4 GT3 to customers.

There seems to have been method to BMW’s PR approach, maybe. Now, with customer experience to report on, BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen can say stuff like, “The feedback on the BMW Z4 GT3 is extremely positive.” Not real convincing is it. But there’s no reason it shouldn’t be, the Z4 GT3 looks like a right little monster.

As expected the Z4 GT3 car is powered by a 4.0 litre V8 sourced from the M3 GT2. It’s good for more than 480bhp. Other technologies and developments from the Gt2 have been adapted, as well. Things like engine management, ABS, traction control and the sequential shift transmission have all benefitted from previous race experience.

The use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for the majority of body panels has helped keep weight down to 1200kg. For those not so quick with their sums, that gives the Z4 GT3 a power to weight ratio of around 400hp per ton. That should do.

You can have your very own Z4 GT3 for just €300K (AU$445K). Well, go on then, don’tlet me stop you.

Expect to see the latest BMW purpose-built racer in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the International GT Open. Longer one-off 24 hour races such as Nürburgring, Spa and Dubai are also likely to feature the Z4 GT3. Until you see images and action from these events you might have to make do with the images available after the jump.

UPDATE: A brief video of the Z4 GT3 in action at the Nürburgring is available at AUSringers.

UPDATE 25 April: Pics from the Z4 GT3 in practice and racing in the VLN series have been added below.

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Categories
Nissan

Nissan GT-R Spec-V details leaked

Nissan GT-R Spec-V

Another day, another leak. This time details of the Nissan GT-R Spec-V have surfaced on the net. The details are claimed to be confirmed specifications and suggest an official reveal for the Spec-V (or V-Spec, whatever tickles your Godzilla bone) will be 8 January 2009.

From what we can see on the GTRblog website there’ll be lashings of carbon fibre, lightweight 20″ forged aluminium wheels, carbon brakes and a moderate 9kW power upgrade, among other things (full list after the jump). Surely that power increase can’t be right, but that’s what the GT-R experts are saying, so we’ll run with it for now.

We probably won’t get the Spec-V in Australia at all, or for a very long time if we do. But the predicted base price in Japan is Â¥15,750,000 (approx AU$265,000). That’s over AU$100,000 more than the GT-R’s Australian list price. Ouch!

Source: GTRblog.com

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