We’ve seen BMW police cars, Lamborghini police cars and Ferrari police cars, but nothing had us prepared for a Nissan GT-R police car.

Abu Dhabi police has just unveiled their new 485-hp Nissan GT-R police car that will patrol the streets.

There are not many details available about the Nissan GT-R police car but we thought the clever graphic on the side reading “We ensure you safety… in the fastest way,” was a nice touch.

Nissan GT-R Police Car – Abu Dhabi:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoGuide

We’ve been hearing about the Nissan GT-R SpecM for some time now. The car was rumored to debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show last month but instead we saw an upgraded 2011 Nissan GT-R with some minor enhancements. Nonetheless, Nissan says that the SpecM is still in the works.

The man behind the R34 M-Spec, Kazutoshi Mizuno, told Inside Line that Nissan always planned on doing a GT-R SpecM after it released the SpecV. Like the first SpecM, the new one will also have a smoother ride, which will make the supercar more comfortable on everyday roads. Basically, it will focus on being a road car first and a track car second.

Prices of the Nissan GT-R SpecM are expected to be more than the hardcore GT-R SpecV. The release is reported to be scheduled for early next year.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

In an effort to keep its Nissan GT-R one of the most competitive supercars in Europe, Nissan introduced a number of key upgrades to Godzilla, the most significant of which include suspension upgrades to enhance ride comfort and handling. The upgrades include enhancements to the front spring and damper rates along with an update to the front transmission mount.

Nissan also managed to improve cooling by adding a pair of NACA ducts to the carbon fiber under-floor diffuser.

It is also offering an upgraded audio and navigation system with a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system with 40GB of memory space.

Click here for more news on the Nissan GT-R.

Make the jump for the press release.

2011 Nissan GT-R (Europe):

Press Release:

UPDATED GT-R FOR EUROPE

In line with its philosophy of constant improvement to its high performance icon, Nissan has introduced a series of minor but key updates to the GT-R to maintain its position as the definitive accessible supercar.

Under the skin, by changing the front spring and damper rates, the ride comfort is improved, while handling becomes even more dynamic thanks to improved responsiveness and more accurate control of suspension movements.

At the rear, the stiffness of the suspension radius rod bushings has been increased, giving improved feel and responsiveness during cornering.

The logic controlling torque distribution between the front and rear axles when the GT-R is manoeuvring at low speeds just after start-up, when fluids are cold, has been altered to reduce rear-axle ‘binding’. Furthermore, the logic in the gearbox has been changed to give a later downshift from 6th to 5th when being driven in automatic mode, but a more aggressive downshift pattern is adopted when changing down from 4th to 3rd, and from 3rd to 2nd gear.

To improve cooling around the rear of the car, two additional NACA cooling ducts have been added to the carbon fibre underfloor diffuser which will provide additional cooling to the exhaust and gearbox. Furthermore, a new, larger diameter pipe connecting the oil cooler will reduce gearbox temperatures.

Another small, but significant update has been to the front transmission mount, which has been stiffened, reducing vibration through the driveline under high-load conditions.

The balance of the electonic brakeforce distribution bias has been moved slightly rearwards, giving greater braking stability in dry conditions, while a change in design of the rear brake cross spring has reduced noise and a modified air deflector increases rear brake cooling.

Changes to the emissions system now ensure GT-R is Euro 5 compliant, without loss of output or performance, with CO2 emissions having dropped by 3g to 295g/km.

Visually, front and rear bumpers now benefit from a double coat of clear paint, giving a deeper colour finish, while inside the speedometer and rev counter now sport gun metallic finish surrounds.

Finally, uprated insulation has been fitted to the rear seats, further improving cabin refinement.

Upgraded Navigation & Audio

Since September deliveries, the GT-R has been equipped with Nissan’s next generation combined audio and navigation system, offering improved ease-of-operation, new and updated features. Indeed, the GT-R is the first Nissan model to be equipped with the new system.

At its heart is a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system with 40GB of memory space. This makes for faster operation and greater data storage capacity.

Among the many benefits are vastly extended mapping which now includes Turkey, Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as a new easy to follow 3D navigation guidance with improved graphics and a more realistic depiction of the road and landmarks ahead.

The resolution of the new 7 inch screen is up to four times better than the previous generation system.

Real time traffic information is supplied via RDS-TMC, but quicker operation allows the system to offer re-routing in a fraction of the time.

Users have access to Point Of Interest (POI) information supplied by Michelin, with comprehensive information on restaurants, services, museums and other tourist attractions in 20 major European cities.

And, like the GT-R’s existing display, the new generation system continues to use a touch-screen interface, maximising both ease of use and safety not only for the navigation, but also for other functions such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and entertainment. It is also possible to operate the system using voice recognition.

On-screen instructions can be displayed in eight different languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch and Russian – while voice recognition is supported in seven – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

Another benefit of the HDD information and entertainment system is the incorporation of a 9.3GB Music Box library which can store music from up to 300 CDs. The download takes place automatically when a CD is inserted into the CD player, if selected.

But for those who want a wider music selection at their fingertips, the system also allows iPod/USB connection with full control via the screen and/or steering wheel switches. In addition, song, artist and album information is displayed on the screen.

Other audio devices can be played via the unit’s Bluetooth Audio Streaming function.

- By: Omar Rana

We were told for a while that at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan will show something called a Nissan GT-R SpecM, a more refined and toned down GT-R with more luxury equipment and interior trims. Well here it is, the Nissan GT-R… and that’s it – no SpecM badging.

Known as the New-Spec Nissan GT-R, Godzilla undergoes a few enhancements including a revised navigation system with iPod connectivity, recalibrated suspension settings that improve ride quality and an improved-flow catalyst system.

The models will go on sale next spring in the United States and will still carry the same 3.8L twin turbo V6 engine making 480-hp.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Nissan GT-R:

Press Release:

Nissan Releases New-Spec Nissan GT-R

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 21, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the latest version of the Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan. The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system. It is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring.

Since its introduction in the Japanese market in December 2007, the Nissan GT-R has gone through continuous evolution, remaining on the cutting-edge of multi-dimensional performance. The GT-R has also been acclaimed globally, winning more than 50 top awards in various categories since launch. Nissan also supports GT-R owners with exceptional after-sales service.

The latest revisions to GT-R include a new HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions. A USB port with iPod®*1 connectivity allows the driver and passengers to enjoy their favorite music in the car, creating an even more pleasant interior environment. *2

In addition, the GT-R’s suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface. The accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the GT-R SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area.

The exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV models receive revised rear shock absorber settings, enhancing the characteristic combination of supple ride comfort and flat, predictable handling. In conjunction with this change, SpecV now comes standard with Dunlop tires. The previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option.

Finally, both the Nissan GT-R and GT-R SpecV achieve improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce ventilation/airflow resistance.

- By: Kap Shah

Honestly, we’ve lost count of how many Nissan GT-R accidents we’ve posted about but another one is joining our collection today.

Details are sketchy, but an owner of a silver Nissan GT-R crashed into an ATM after climbing four steps. The accident happened in Vancouver, Canada. If you have any details – share them with us in the comments section below.

Nissan GT-R crashes into ATM:

Source: NAGTROC

- By: Kap Shah

According to a report by PistonHeads, Nissan is planning a model replacement cycle for the Nissan GT-R to hit streets by 2013.

Speaking with PistonHeads, Nissan’s VP of global product planning, Andy Palmer, said that Nissan is very committed to the GT-R program despite the global economic down turn and as consumers shift to more affordable vehicles.

“These are very hard times and, as you know, we have had to make cuts to many programmes,” Palmer told the GT-R team at the the Nissan Nurburgring Technical Center. “However, it is very important to Nissan that we remain able to offer a diverse range of vehicles from electric cars, to LCVs and the GT-R and we continue to fully support the work you are doing here.”

Palmer told PistonHeads that the next-generation GT-R will be more of an evolution of the current model and will retain its twin-turbocharged V6 an rear transaxle configuration.

“In that respect, it’s not going to be a massive one-off investment,” Palmer told the publictation. “It’s more a case of putting a bit of money into the programme every year, to make sure we keep the GT-R where it needs to be.”

Click here to read more Nissan GT-R news.

2009 Nissan GT-R:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: PistonHeads

Following the more aggressive GT-R SpecV, Nissan is planning another limited edition of Godzilla known as the GT-R SpecM. We first heard about the Nissan GT-R SpecM earlier this year as a GT-R with a “softer, more refined setup” and  one that will include “ripple control shock to absorb the bumps.”

The Nissan GT-R SpecM will also offer buyers a wider, more luxurious choice of interior trims.

According to a report by Japan’s Carmode, the GT-R SpecM will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show next month.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CarScoop

Avus Performance has unveiled their take on the Batmobile – the new matte-black Nissan GT-R. There is just something about matte-black that makes every car look better than it does in metallic paint (some of you may not agree).

Avus said that a new modified ECU and a special exhaust pipe (2 cats and the middle silencer have been removed) take the stock 485-hp to an outstanding 580-hp with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft.

Unfortunately, Avus will only make 480 examples of their special-edition GT-R, all of which will be sold exclusively in Europe.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Avus Performance Matte-Black Nissan GT-R:

- By: Kap Shah

Nissan obsessed tuner Stillen has finally completed their six month GT-R Targa Race Car project. Steve Millen, the company founder, will now drive the car at Targa Newfoundland in a couple of weeks.

Final performance figures for the 620-hp Stillen GT-R Targa Race Car come in at: 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds; 1/4 mile in 11 seconds at 127.9 mph; 0 to 130 mph in 11.4 seconds and a lateral grip of 1.1G+.

You can check out a video of the car in action after the jump along with the high-res image gallery.

Stillen GT-R Targa Race Car:

Press Release:

STILLEN GT-R Targa Race Car

Performance Numbers (As Set Up For 2009 Targa Rally)

* Horsepower: ~620 @ 15psi (91 Octane Pump Gas)
* 0-60mph: 2.9 seconds **
* 1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 127.9mph **
* 0-130mph: 11.4 seconds **
* Lateral Grip: 1.1G+ **

** (as tested by Road & Track)

Performance

* STILLEN Downpipes
* STILLEN Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipe
* STILLEN Race Exhaust w/Center Rear Exit
* STILLEN Intake System w/K&N Filters
* Turbosmart e-Boost Street 2-Stage Electronic Boost Controller
* Turbosmart Dual Port Blow Off Valves
* COBB Tuning AccessPORT
* Dodson Motorsports Transmission Cooler
* Red Line High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W40
* Red Line High Performance Synthetic Gear Oil – 75W140
* Red Line WaterWetter

Suspension

* High Performance Coil-Overs – Adjustable Bump & Rebound, Ride Height – Eibach Race Springs
* STILLEN Adjustable Sway Bars
* STILLEN Adjustable Endlinks

Brakes / Tires

* STILLEN / AP Racing Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor Upgrade
* STILLEN / AP Racing Brake Pads
* STILLEN Brake Cooling Package
* STILLEN Stainless Steel Brake Lines
* AP Racing PRF High Performance Brake Fluid
* Bridgestone RE070R 255/40ZRF20 Front Tires
* Bridgestone RE070R 285/35ZRF20 Rear Tires

Interior

* STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Chromoly Roll Cage
* STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Seat Frames
* Status Racing Seats
* Status Racing Harnesses
* Monit Rally Computers
* ChaseCam On-Board Video Camera System
* Nordskog GPS Speedometer (KPH)

Exterior

* STILLEN Urethane Front Lip Spoiler
* STILLEN Urethane Side Skirts
* STILLEN Urethane Front Canards
* Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Custom Race Hood
* Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid
* Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Wing
* Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
* Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Radiator Shroud
* Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber NACA Ducts
* Password:JDM AeroCatch Flush Mounting Plates
* APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors
* BASF Carizzma Orange Sherbet Pearl Paint

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Stillen

Thousands of enthusiasts head over to the Nurburgring Nordschliefe track each year to push their skills to the limit. Some are expert drivers while other are just beginners; however, the folks at Nurburgring can never really judge a driver until they actually hit the famous 20 km (12 mile) track. Therefore, there are bound to be errors and severe accidents here and there.

In order to get to the seen as quickly as possible, the Nordschliefe track has a new rapid response vehicle based on the Nissan GT-R. The Nissan GT-R Rapid Response Vehicle is fitted with a fire retardant tank that takes up all of the rear passenger area and a functional hose reel and equipment bay in the trunk.

If you know a quicker way to get to an injured driver than in a 485-hp Nissan GT-R – let us know.

Nissan GT-R Rapid Response Vehicle:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Nissan Sportz (via GT-R Blog)

When your company owns a legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time, it’s only right that you own a shop at “Green Hell.” Nissan announced today that it is opening a new 500 square meter facility at the Nurburgring where fans can experience the company’s history of fascinating sports car.

Fans can visit the facility from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. and browse Nissan’s sports cars and lifestyle products or relax in the Nissan lounge. Nissan also has its GT-R, 370Z Nurburgring Edition (limited to 80 units) and the GT-R SpecV on hand.

Visitors can visit the Sportscar Shop to purchase Nissan and NISMO merchandise.

Sales of the Nissan GT-R SpecV will start later this year with pricing and availability details to be announced at a later date.

2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow Edition (Nurburgring Edition):

Press Release:

THE WORLD OF NISSAN AT THE NEW NÜRBURGRING PROMENADE
DOORS OPEN AT THE NISSAN SPORTSCARS SHOP

- Opened on 09 July 2009, during the celebrations for the dedication of the new Nürburgring
- 500 square metres of exhibition space
- Unique merchandise from Nissan and NISMO

When you go looking for mystical motor sports sites, you are sure to wind up in the volcanic landscape of the Eifel mountain range sooner or later. This is where you find the Nürburgring Nordschleife, still the ultimate when it comes to putting those who participate in the different races held here as well as the materials they use to the test. It is also where the design of many new cars undergoes the ultimate test of strength and endurance, in the “Green Hell”.

Nissan has been among those fascinated with the Nürburgring for some time now. And so, the Japanese company has become involved in more than just the legendary 24-hour race. Nissan has also tried to create a permanent place for itself at the Eifel track and, in March 2007, the company opened its test centre in Troisdorf, a city near Bonn, where it can test out its new models on the Nordschleife. Last April, during its tuning runs with its new sports car, the GT-R, Nissan was able to attain a legendary time on the 20.8-kilometre stretch. The latest version of the mega sports car with 356 kW/486 HP clocked in at a new record time of 7:26.7 minutes.

The Japanese car manufacturer is now getting ready to present a thrilling look into its world: the Nissan Sportscars Shop, on the Nürburgring’s new ring°boulevard, where visitors can experience Nissan. The company hopes to share its own love of racing with fans from all over the world and to let visitors experience its expertise as a longstanding manufacturer of fascinating sports cars. The Nissan Sportscars Shop, which occupies about 500 square metres of space, opened as part of the celebrations surrounding the dedication of the new Nürburgring on 09 July.

Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nissan shop, visitors can browse among fascinating sports cars and lifestyle products or relax in the Nissan lounge. In addition to the GT-R and the 370Z NÜRBURGRING EDITION, which is limited to 80 cars, highlights include the GT-R SpecV version, the only place in Europe where customers and enthusiasts will be able to see this hyper-exclusive model.

This high-performance version of Nissan’s supercar offers numerous modifications compared to the production model, such as additional carbon fibre parts, carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust system and a button-operated, short-time torque booster. Trained personnel are available to answer all your questions about the cars and can get you in touch with a Nissan sales representative at the dealership upon request. Sales of GT-R SpecV will begin later this year, with prices to be confirmed in the coming months.

Visitors to the Sportscar Shop can also purchase high-quality Nissan merchandise and its motor sports department NISMO, including rare items imported from Japan as well as scale models of cars.

The Nissan Sportscars Shop is also slated to take on a more central role in many of the company’s marketing and sales activities. At the end of October 2009, for example, the company has planned an entire week full of action. The schedule includes a drift event at the Nürburgring, track days with the Nissan GT-R on the Nordschleife and a “tour of the senses”, a journey through the picturesque Eifel countryside surrounding the racetrack.

The Nürburgring’s expansion into a year-round recreation and business centre is an important milestone in the history of the Nordschleife, which was first built in 1927. In addition to a new main stand with 5,000 covered seats, the new grounds feature presentation and event areas as well as additional accommodations in the track’s immediate vicinity, an expanded range of services for corporate customers, and indoor attractions. The ring°boulevard forms the central axis of the Nürburgring. On it, leading car manufacturers and accessory experts have set up themed stores and exhibition spaces along the Grand Prix track’s start and finish straightaways. The covered promenade is directly connected to other new attractions such as the ring°arena for public events and the ring°werk (motor sports museum).

- By: Kap Shah

Insure.com has just announced the Top 20 Least Expensive Vehicles to Insure; however, the enthusiast in us is focused on the most expensive vehicle to insure. The most expensive vehicle to insure, which comes as no surprise to us, is the Nissan GT-R.

Nissans “multi-performance supercar” comes in at an average annual premium of $2,533. 

“Owners of the GT-R buy it for power and speed, and their driving habits are often reflected in frequent and expensive insurance claims,” says Insure.com. “GT-R owners who are young with less-than-spotless driving records could easily see their annual car insurance premiums zoom to several thousand dollars.”

The least expensive vehicle to insure is the Hyundai Santa Fe coming in at $832.

Click through for both lists.

Top 20 Most Expensive 2009 Vehicles to Insure:

1.  $2,533 Nissan GT-R Sports car

2.  $2,446 Dodge Viper Sports car

3.  $2,236 BMW M6 Sports car

4.  $2,186 Ford Shelby GT500 Sports car

5.  $2,088 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Large SUV

6.  $2,071 Audi S8 Large passenger car

7.  $2,020 BMW M5 Sports car

8.  $1,912 Hummer H2 Large SUV

9.  $1,881 Lexus IS F Sports car

10.  $1,819 Porsche 911 Sports car

11.  $1,762 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Sports car

12.  $1,717 Jaguar XK Series Sports car

13.  $1,714 BMW M3 Sports car

14.  $1,694 Cadillac XLR Sports car

15.  $1,637 Audi R8 Sports car

16.  $1,603 Land Rover Range Rover Large SUV

17.  $1,592 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

18.  $1,587 Honda S2000 Sports car

19.  $1,584 BMW X6 Large SUV

20.  $1,577 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Large passenger car

Top 20 Least Expensive 2009 Vehicles to Insure:

1.  $832 Hyundai Santa Fe Midsize SUV

2.  $840 Kia Sportage Small SUV

3.  $848 Hyundai Entourage Minivan

4.  $857 Kia Sedona Minivan

5.  $870 Kia Rio5 Small wagon

6.  $871 Honda Odyssey Minivan

7.  $881 Smart Fortwo Small passenger car

8.  $911 Saturn VUE SUV

9.  $913 Mazda Tribute SUV

10.  $915 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan

11.  $921 Scion xB Small wagon

12.  $929 Mazda Mazda5 Minivan

13.  $936 Volkswagen Passat Passenger car

14.  $939 Jeep Wrangler SUV

15.  $951 Honda Accord Passenger car

16.  $954 Suzuki Forenza Passenger car

17.  $955 Lincoln Town Car Passenger car

18.  $957 Mazda Truck Pickup

19.  $959 Chevrolet Impala Passenger car

20. $960 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Insure.com

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 folks over at AutoCar decided to put the new 2009 Ford Focus RS against the Nissan GT-R. Now while we really love the 2009 Focus RS, we really don’t think it deserves to be in the same video as Godzilla. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting approach.

Refresher:

2009 Ford Focus RS: Power comes from a 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine with a large Borg Warner K16 turbocharger. That makes a total of 300-hp and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft allowing for a 0 to 62 mph run in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 163 mph.

Nissan GT-R: Powered by a 3.8 L twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine that produces 473 horsepower with a peak torque of 430 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in at 3.5 seconds with a top speed is limited at 193mph

Click through for the video.

- By: Kap Shah

Update: Thanks to Damien for pointing out that we missed the 70 at the end of the 7:26. Corvette ZR1 is still ahead of the GT-R.

While Porsche is claiming that the Nissan GT-R still can’t mange to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in a time better than 7 minutes and 54 seconds, Nissan announced today that Godzilla has improved its lap-time to 7:26.

“This record demonstrates our commitment to the continuous evolution of the Nissan GT-R,” says Kazutoshi Mizuno, Chief Vehicle Engineer and Chief Vehicle Specialist. “We would like to continue delivering the passion and pride of ownership to our customers by improving its performance every year.”

Yes, that time is officially better than the 7:26.4 seconds for the 2009 Chevrolet ZR1 piloted by GM development engineer Jim Mero. We have no word whether Chevy and Mero will be headed back to the Nurburgring to top the new GT-R time.

On a side note: In October 2008, it was reported that Jan Magnussen, a race car driver from Denmark and a General Motors factory driver, took the Corvette ZR1 around the Nordschleife in 7:22.4. However, GM nor Chevrolet ever confirmed that time so we have to count it as unofficial.

Make the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

AWARD-WINNING NISSAN GT-R ACHIEVES NEW RECORD LAP TIME AT NURBURGRING CIRCUIT

TOKYO (May 14, 2009) – The NISSAN GT-R, winner of the 2009 World Performance Car of the Year, has improved its lap time at the renowned Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany to 7min 26 seconds 70 on April 23.

This new time underlines Nissan engineering team’s commitment to constantly challenge the GT-R’s performance. Previous recorded lap times at the ‘Ring’ were:

- 7 minutes 27 seconds 56 on April 15, 2009
- 7 minutes 29 in April 2008
- 7 minutes 38 in September 2007

“This record demonstrates our commitment to the continuous evolution of the Nissan GT-R,” says Kazutoshi Mizuno, Chief Vehicle Engineer and Chief Vehicle Specialist. “We would like to continue delivering the passion and pride of ownership to our customers by improving its performance every year.”

The Nissan GT-R has won more than a dozen awards globally including Car of the Year from CAR Magazine in the UK, and Car of the Year by both Motor Trend and Autombile Magazine in the US.

While the Nissan GT-R benefits from a strong image and heritage amongst performance car aficionados, its updated 2010 version will be the first to be sold globally. It was launched:

- in Japan in December 2008,
- in the US in March 2009
- in Europe, GCC, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan in April 2009

Europe is currently in the process of delivering the first GT-Rs to more than 2,200 pre-order customers.

The model R35 GT-R was first launched in Japan in December 2007, selling 5,900 units until March 2009. It went on sale in the US in July 2008, where 2,100 have been sold so far.

- By: Omar Rana

We’re pretty sure you remember Porsche and Nissan going back and forth last year on their Nurburgring lap times with the 911 GT2 and the GT-R. Well, they’re both back in the ‘Ring this year and Porsche has just thrown thrown the first punch.

According to Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Project Manager High Performance Cars, test driver Walter Rohrl managed to take the 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 around the famous Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 40 seconds. 

Preuninger said that if Rohrl had been in a more competitive mood that day, he would’ve managed to knock two seconds off the unofficially clocked lap time. He said that the Nissan GT-R still does no better than 7 minutes and 54 seconds that Porsche achieved last year at the Nurburgring. 

Nissan recently hit up the Nurburgring with a mildly-updated 2010 GT-R and reported a lap time of 7:27.56. It claimed to achieve a time of 7:29.03 last year.

Can we just get the Corvette ZR1 in the ring and call it a day?

2009 Porsche 911 GT3:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WOT

LSD Design (which stands for Lamborghini Style Doors) has just unveiled their new Lambo doors for the new Nissan GT-R. Known as the LSD Flügeltürbeschläge (which apparently is another way of saying “fitted wing door), the Nissan GT-R wing doors will run you €1,949 ($2,554 USD).

LSD says that the doors can be installed easily “without welding and paint work.”

What isn’t easy, is saying Flügeltürbeschläge.

LSD Doors for the Nissan GT-R:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: WorldCarFans