Nissan GTR

Nissan GTR

By: Martin Lotsberg

I have begun to wonder if the Nissan GT-R may attempt to be the first car to lap the Ring in Nurburg in under 7 minutes, becoming the first legitimate production car to do so.

It seems the race hasn't stopped yet since Nissan's epic debut at the Tokyo Auto show with the 7:29 video as the prelude to the unveiling of the 2009 Nissan GT-R . In my opinion, it was modestly tuned, and there wasn't a serious emphasis on weight reduction, as Kazutoshi Mizuno added in response to the weight reduction inquiries, "Nissan GT-R  is a multi-performance supercar" and that the 'Nissan GT-R is a super car for anyone, anytime, anywhere', with even snow in mind, which even influenced their decision in the tires.

Nissan GTR

I was quite impressed with the initial 7:19 time around Nurburgring of the Dodge ACR, followed by the 7:19 by the Nurburgring edition ZR1, followed shortly after with the 7:14 of the Nurburgring Edition LFA, and now the 7:12 from the ACR.

Nissan GTR

I was thinking about this, and how it would be interesting to see how a modified Nissan GT-R  fares, similarly to how the ACR is a modified track prepped Dodge Viper with full weight reduction. Chevrolet produced the Carbon Edition C6 Z06, and then in turn the Nurburgring ZR1. Lexus then followed suit with the Nurburgring edition LFA. I am curious, were Nissan GT-R  to go balls out on a Spec V version.

Nissan GTR

Then I thought about how the R33 Nissan GT-R was the first production car to lap the ring in under 8 minutes.

Nissan GT-R could have easily gone balls to the wall, but rather they are incrementally increasing the Nissan GT-R's performance, starting with model years 2012, then potentially 2013, in incremental amounts of added horsepower, weight reduction, suspension tweaks and other performance additions. This in itself almost seems a brilliant marketing ploy to the likes of Apple with the iPhone.

It almost seems they are waiting for everyone give it their best shot, and then perhaps come back out and try for another good time.

With cars now dipping into the low 7 minute mark, it would be exciting to see Nissan GT-R once again break the next minute barrier.

Considering how the R32 GTR was soon given the nickname Godzilla after obliterating everyone in Japan after it's release for 29 races straight of domination. Then onto Australia for more domination, until they eventually banned it from racing. Then when it was actually allowed to race, the rules gave it a huge handicap of added weight until the competitors could catch up.

Then the mark left by the R33 GTR in Nurburg.

I don't know of a huge mark left by the R34 GTR aside being a beautiful car that I wish I owned, and Mine's R34 speaks for itself.

I would love to see Nissan GT-R leave a mark of this proportion with the R35 GT-R, it would be historical.

It is already breaking the laws of physics when taking the power versus weight ratio into consideration, and Nissan GT-R seems to be a tad modest, as they even produced the GT-R with driving in the snow in mind.

http://gtrgodzilla.com/

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Koenigsegg CCX

Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is a supercar which features a breath taking CC shape and it is priced at $545,568
The word “CCX” means “Competition Coupe X” and the CCX was launched marking the 10th anniversary of Koenigsegg. The body of the  Koenigsegg CCX is made of aluminum and it features the fog lamps, front lamps, brake cooling system, optimal headlights, ICEM Surf CAD software and it has 50 mm space at the headroom, which makes it as the most spacious car.

Koenigsegg CCX

Koenigsegg CCX

 Koenigsegg CCX has a Supercharged V8 engine with a capacity of 4700 cc. The engine delivers an output power of 806 bhp at 6900 rpm and 678 lb-ft torque at 5700 rpm. It can reach from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and the top speed is about 245 mph. The  Koenigsegg CCX features 6-speed Manual transmission and the gear shifts can be performed easily and smoothly even at higher loads.

The CCX features the carbon fiber wheels with ceramic discs which consist of eight piston calipers in the front and six piston calipers in the rear.

Koenigsegg CCX

The exteriors feature the fog lamps, front lamps and optimal headlights. The interiors of  Koenigsegg CCX are mainly designed of carbon fiber and it features the leather seats, air conditioning system and the stylish dash board.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: - production car, two-door Coupe
Configuration: - Mid Engine
Engine: - Supercharged V8
Capacity: - 4700 cc
Torque: - 678 lb-ft at 5700 rpm
Horsepower: - 806 bhp at 6900 rpm
Transmission: - 6-Speed Manual
Length: - 169.0 inches
Width: - 78.6 inches
Height: - 44.1 inches
Weight: - 2601lbs
0-60 mph: - 3.2 sec
Top speed: - 245 mph
Price: - $545,568

courtesy by: http://www.thesupercars.org/koenigsegg/koenigsegg-ccx/

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Fisker Karma

Fisker Karma

A new breed of hybrids has arrived, led by the Fisker Karma. This luxurious four-door sports car is an Aston Martin Rapide for those with an eco-conscience. Produced by the start-up Californian company, it claims to offer all the environmental benefits of an electric model with none of the limited-range anxiety.

Fisker Karma

Fisker Karma

Under the dramatically low and wide bodywork, styled by CEO Henrik Fisker (a former Aston Martin designer), sits a pair of electric motors. These drive the rear axle with a combined power output of 402bhp.

Charging up the lithium-ion battery pack – which runs along the central spine of the car – takes five-and-a-half hours from a standard mains socket, and allows the Fisker Karma to travel 50 miles in Stealth mode on electric power alone. Switch to Sport mode via a paddle behind the wheel, and the 2.0-litre turbo fires up, charging the batteries through a DC generator and giving an additional 250 miles of range.

Fisker Karma

On paper, the performance figures are extraordinary. The sprint from 0-62mph takes only 5.9 seconds in Sport mode, or 7.9 seconds in Stealth. Top speed is electronically capped at 125mph. Combined economy is calculated at 118mpg, while CO2 emissions are 83g/km. But what compromises does the Fisker Karma demand on the road?

The cabin is as sumptuous as you’d expect of a car that costs nearly £90,000. Leather, wood or suede covers every surface, while most functions – including the sat-nav, air-con and audio systems – are controlled through the huge central touchscreen that vibrates and clicks when your finger makes contact. There’s more space in the back than in the Aston Martin Rapide, but the boot is big enough only for a set of golf clubs.

In Stealth mode, the power delivery is silky-smooth and whisper-quiet, creating a calm and luxurious atmosphere – the only noise is the ‘Tron’-style sound effect fed through speakers mounted in the rear bumper. Acceleration is brisk, too, and as there are no gearchanges, the car couldn’t be easier to drive in town or on fast roads.

Switch to Sport mode, and the engine cuts in seamlessly. It idles quietly in the background and provides enough charge to the batteries for fast driving, plus tops them up to at least 50 per cent. The problem comes when the engine needs to work harder and rev higher, as the harsh noise entering the cabin detracts from the premium feel. To avoid this, you need to adapt your driving style – for bursts of acceleration use the electric-only Stealth mode, but for constant cruising on the motorway you can engage the engine and let it silently charge the batteries in the background.

Considering the huge 22-inch wheels, ride comfort impresses, although potholes do send jolts through the interior. Goodyear developed the rubber specifically to wrap around such large alloys, but still maintain a substantial sidewall. For a vehicle weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, the Fisker Karma handles well, too. The steering is light and accurate, and the sheer breadth (it’s 53mm wider than a Porsche Panamera) helps the car stay flat and grippy in bends. That said, it’s no track-day special.

For the majority of buyers who are interested in plug-in hybrids, the Vauxhall Ampera – on sale next year – represents a more affordable entry point to the technology. But if your garage aleady contains a Panamera or Rapide, the Fisker Karma is an attractive way to cut your carbon footprint with very little compromise.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/271048/fisker_karma.html#ixzz1ZJNfd6P4

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Saleen S7

Saleen S7

The Saleen S7 is a limited-production, hand-built, high-performance American supercar developed jointly by Steve Saleen for the initial concept and direction, Hidden Creek Industries for resources and initial funding, Phil Frank for the body and interior CAD design and development, and Ray Mallock Ltd. for the chassis engineering. It was the only car produced by Saleen not based on an existing chassis.

Saleen S7

 The S7 debuted on August 19, 2000 at the Monterey Historic Races. From 2000 until 2004, the S7 featured a Ford 427 big block, naturally aspirated V8 engine with 550 horsepower (410 kW). In 2005, the S7 was replaced by the S7 Twin Turbo, which featured a more powerful twin-turbo system that boosted engine power to 750 horsepower (760 ps/559 kw) and the top speed 248 mph (399 km/h).

Saleen S7

Exterior


The body of the car, made entirely from carbon fiber, incorporates the use of scoops, spoilers, and otheraerodynamic features to create split-channel airflow throughout the car, and at 160 miles per hour (257 km/h), the car creates its own weight in down force.

Interior

The interior of the Saleen S7 was designed to be both luxurious and functional. Leather appears throughout the cabin, with aluminum accents, and the S7 comes with a set of custom-fit luggage. Because of the car's mid-engine layout, it has two trunks, front and rear. Other features include an LCD monitor, rear-view camera, quick-release steering-wheel and a 240 mile per hour (386 km/h) speedometer. The cabin is of an asymmetrical layout, with the custom-fitted driver's seat positioned toward the center both to improve the driver's visibility and center their weight in the vehicle.

Chassis

The chassis comprises a space frame-derived design consisting 4130 lightweight steel and aluminum honeycomb composite reinforcing panels. It is divided into bolt-fastened sub-assemblies to allow for rapid access to critical subsystems. The light weight of the chassis allows for the car to weigh a mere 2750 pounds (1247 kg).

Performance

The original naturally aspirated version of the S7 can accelerate from 0–60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in an estimated 3.8 seconds, and to 100 miles per hour in an estimated 8.1 seconds. It can complete a standing quarter mile in an estimated 11.75 seconds, reaching 126 miles per hour (203 km/h). The maximum top speed of the car is 200.1 mph (322.0 km/h).

courtesy by:    

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleen_S7

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Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is a sports car/grand tourer that was produced by Toyota Motor Company from 1979 to 2002. The styling of the Toyota Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was both longer and wider. Starting in mid-1986, the Supra (in its third generation, Mark III) became its own model and was no longer based on the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and began just calling the car Supra. Due to the similarity and past of the Celica's name, it is frequently mistaken for the Toyota Supra, and vice versa.

Toyota Supra

The Supra also traces much of its roots back to the Toyota 2000GT with the main instance being its engine. The first three generations were offered with a direct descendant to the Toyota Crown's and 2000GT's M engine. All four generations of Supra produced have an inline 6-cylinder engine. Interior aspects were also similar, as was the chassis code "A".

Toyota Supra

Along with this name and car Toyota also included its own logo for the Supra. It is derived from the original Celica logo, being blue instead of orange. This logo was used until January 1986, when the Mark III Supra was introduced. The new logo was similar in size, with orange writing on a red background, but without the dragon design. That logo, in turn, was on Supras until 1991 when Toyota switched to its current oval company logo. (the dragon logo was a Celica logo regardless of what color it was. It appeared on the first two generations of the Supra because they were officially Toyota Celicas. The dragon logo was used for the Celica line until it too was discontinued.)

In 1998, Toyota ceased sales of the Supra in the United States and in 2002 Toyota officially stopped production of the Supra in Japan.

As an iconic sports car, the Supra has appeared in numerous video games, movies, music videos and TV shows. Some of the most notable appearances include the Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, Need for Speed, and Midnight Club series of video games and the 2001 film, The Fast and the Furious.

courtesy by:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Supra

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