The scrappage program introduced in the UK was intended to boost new car sales while encouraging owners of 10-year old vehicles to buy more fuel-efficient cars.

According to AutoTrader.uk, two Nissan GT-R supercars have been purchased under the new scrappage program. The two buyers rushed into showrooms within five hours of the programs launch time.

Nothing says fuel-efficiency like a 480-hp supercar that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and returns an estimated fuel-economy of 18 mpg.

2009 Nissan GT-R:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoTrader.uk

Vorsteiner announced today that sales of its Ventross Nissan GT-R will begin from June 1. Instead of mass-producing the package, Vorsteiner will produce its Ventross Nissan GT-R on a built-to-order basis making sure that each unit is of the highest-quality.

Click through for complete details on the package and the high-res image gallery.

Vorsteiner Ventross Nissan GT-R:

The GTR exterior aerodynamic package consists of two components:

Front Fascia

Ventross has created a new replacement front fascia that incorporates enlarged carbon fiber air intakes for the radiators and includes additional side louver openings that feed air to the brakes through the front fender lining slats. The fascia is completed with an aggressive front spoiler that attaches to the factory under tray optimal fitment strength. The entire front fascia is constructed from dry carbon fiber using Vorsteiner’s proprietary dry carbon fiber vacuum technology which maximizes strength while significantly reducing overall weight.

Rear Diffuser

The GT-R rear diffuser has been redesigned to replace the factory plastic version with a more aggressive dry carbon fiber piece that houses 3 integrated diffuser fins with central heat extraction vents to aid in cooling the exhaust system. Like the Ventross GT-R front fascia, the rear diffuser is constructed using Vorsteiner’s proprietary dry carbon fiber vacuum technology.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The 2008 Nissan GT-R reported a Nurburgring time of 7:29. The 2009 model is now here and “it”s definitely faster” says Toshio Suzuki, Nissan Chief Test Driver. Recently it was reported that Nissan has officially confirmed a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds with the 2009 GT-R – the 2008 model was clocked in at 3.5 seconds.

What’s better and faster is the Nissan GT-R SpecV. While there is no power upgrades the SpecV uses a lot of weight saving methods including carbon fiber body parts, Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats. The GT-R SpecV also has a new high-gear boost control device which increases the boost of the engine”s twin turbochargers for increased torque and a more powerful acceleration.

Nissan is now ready to head back to Nurburgring to break its own and other records at Green Hell. Toshio Suzuki confirmed with GTRBlog that he and his team will be heading back to Germany in April with both – the 2009 GT-R and the GT-R SpecV.

When asked which of the two GT-Rs he thinks will post a better time, Suzuki said: “Well the SpecV is lighter, has more power, better braking. It will set a faster time”¦”

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

Source: GTR-Blog

The 2009 New York Auto Show is just around the corner and the 2009 World Car of the Year finalists have been announced. Picked from an initial list of 51 new vehicles from all over the world, the top three contenders for the 2009 World Car title include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota iQ and the new Volkswagen Golf VI.

Finalists for the 2009 World Performance Car include the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and the new Porsche 911 Carrera. The 2009 World Green Car finalists include the Honda FCX Clarity, Mitsubishi i MiEV and the Toyota iQ. Contenders for the 2009 World Car Design of the Year include the Citroen C5, Fiat 500 and the Jaguar XF.

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, a vehicle must be in production and sold in at least two continents during 2008.

Winners will be announced at the 2009 New York International Auto Show on April 9, 2009.

For those of you angered by Nissan’s move to limit the GT-R’s rpm when VDC is turned off (otherwise known as ”launch-control”) this might cheer you up just a little – well maybe a lot. We know that the 2009 Nissan GT-R and the 2010 Nissan GT-R will have the new modification built in.

Nonetheless, other modifications like increased horsepower, upgraded handling and a revised software in the transmission control unit (TCM) were also made. With VDC mode on (and rpms limited), Nissan test drivers managed to best the 2008 Nissan GT-R 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.

Reports say that on Feb. 15th at the Nissan Tochigi plant test track, Nissan test drivers and engineers clocked the 2009 GT-R at 3.3 seconds. That time was reported using the new limited launch control method. The 2009 Nissan GT-R was setup in R transmission, R suspension and R VDC modes.

The upgraded 2009 Nissan GT-R is on sale now in Japan with U.S. other markets to take delivery shortly.

2009 Nissan GT-R:

Source: GT-R Blog

According to Inside Line, Nissan has informed its dealers about changes to the 2009 Nissan GT-R which limits the car’s rpms when the VDC system is turned off – otherwise known as turning on “launch-control.” The modification will be already built into the 2010 Nissan GT-R.

Nissan GT-R’s model-line manager for Nissan North America, Marty Hussey, says that the update adds changes to the “software which alters shift points to improve acceleration by reducing transaxle stress.” He said that the move is a change to “improve the car and improve customer satisfaction.”

Nissan said that less than 1 percent of the GT-R models sold in the U.S. have reported damage to the transaxle when using launch-control. The change will come immediately to all 2009 and 2010 models. 50 units of the 2009 GT-R are sitting at the Port of Long Beach California waiting for the program change before being sent to dealers.

The upgrade will come at no additional cost to 2009 GT-R owners. Those who have already taken delivery of their GT-R will be asked to voluntarily update their cars.

Inside Line says that the new software affects the GT-R by increasing the “maximum rpm the vehicle will allow at launch with the VDC on from the present 2,000 rpm.” It will also decrease the maximum rpm the vehicle will allow when using launch-control with VDC off.

2009 Nissan GT-R:

Source: Inside Line