Nissan GT-R

SUPER CARs BASIC SPECS
Base Price	$96,820
Drivetrain	All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)	3829
City (MPG)	16
Hwy (MPG)	23
Horsepower	545@6400
Torque (lb-ft)	463@3200-5800
Wheelbase	109.4
Length (in.)	183.8
Width (in.)	74.6
Height (in.)	53.9

Nissan also worked on the GT-R's six-speed dual-clutch transmission, improving both shift feel and quietness. The automaker attributes those improvements to a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing.

The GT-R is already widely considered as one of the best handling vehicles on the market, and the latest version only promises to build on that reputation. Engineers managed to further reinforce the GT-R's body structure for the latest model year, which Nissan says delivers more responsive handling. The revisions come on top of a host of recent changes including an entirely reworked suspension complete with new spring rates and dampers, revised geometry and a new leverage ratio. These changes helped to improve the efficiency of both the shock absorbers and the stabilizer, giving the GT-R an overall more confident driving feel.

Japanese-spec models are unique in cardom in that they get an asymmetrical suspension set-up. To offset the added weight of the driver and the transfer case along with its driveshaft mounted on the right side of the car, the setup has a front left spring rate that is higher than the right one. At the same time, the diagonally-opposite right rear is reduced for a more balanced ride.

Other recent handling improvements include strengthened strut towers with carbon and aluminum materials for improved joint stiffness and a reinforced dashboard.

Aesthetic Changes
The front and rear exterior fascias were restyled for the previous model year to give the GT-R a fresh look. The front fascia now includes integrated LEDs in the bumper, and design changes added 10 percent additional downforce from the front of the car.

The other notable recent change to the exterior of the vehicle comes in the form of 10-spoke Rays forged aluminum wheels - as captured in our spy photos. The wheels not only offer a new look, but they also drop 28.6lbs which results in a welcomed 6.6lb drop in unsprung weight at each corner.

Interestingly, Nissan even went back and modified the paint across the board - claiming higher quality. In particular, the white colors are said to be a much better match now when comparing the plastic and metal panels which had unacceptable levels of variation before. Six exterior colors are on offer: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a four-stage metallic Super Silver.

Interior Upgrades
Recent interior changes are minimal, with the most significant items being a tachometer that now glows blue and a rearview camera as standard equipment. Nissan has also made the switch from Bose's standard woofers to the company's latest Precision Sound System woofers, which should help overall sound quality.

Other changes include real carbon fiber for center stack along with HVAC controls that receive a new style of knobs.

There are several other very subtle changes, including the use of a softer material for the seat belts, variations to the tensioner, a modified steering wheel logo and new metal trim texture for the A/C vents and paddle shifters.

Showing just how dedicated Nissan is to the GT-R, they even went as far as to work on the doors - claiming even further reduced NVH as well as improved fit and finish.

A change that will likely be much appreciated by all, every GT-R model enjoys upgraded seating options. The Premium Edition receives a total redesign aimed at bolstering comfortable and stability while reducing incoming vibration during extreme driving or while traversing rough roads. All variants now get Nissan's RearView Monitor as standard fare for making parking the supercar much easier thanks to a video camera as well as backing out of parking spots easier.

Trim Level Breakdown
The Nissan GT-R is available in Premium or Black Edition trim.

The Premium model comes packed with standard features including leather seating with synthetic suede inserts, an 11-speaker Bose Audio system, a navigation system with XM NavTraffic, NavWeather and Zagat survey functionality, an iPod input jack, a multi-function display and Bluetooth phone connectivity that supports audio streaming.

The GT-R Black Edition features a number of aesthetic upgrades, including custom red and black Recaro heated and leather-appointed seats, red and black interior trim and a dark headliner. There is a handmade, dry-carbon fiber rear wing on this model as well, which is sure to please JDM and tuner car fans. Special metallic black six-spoke RAYS lightweight wheels round out the upgrades.

Key Competitors
In terms of price, form and function, the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe in one form or another, along with the Audi R8 are probably the most similar competitors to the GT-R, but in terms of all-out performance or image, the list of competitors becomes all kinds of crazy and ranges in price to several times that of the GT-R - somewhat of a value in the supercar world.

Lamborghini Aventador Roadsters in Miami

Lamborghini had an exciting day in Miami, Florida, on January 28th, 2013, with an Aventador Roadster parade and a high-speed demonstration on the runway of Miami International Airport. 

LAMBORGHINI ANNOUNCES NEW FACTORY-BACKED GT3 RACING PROGRAM

Lamborghini has announced a new factory-backed GT3 racing program with Germany's Reiter Engineering. The partnership will last for five-years an include a new Gallardo-based race car for the 2013 and 2014 racing seasons.

Lamborghini's latest racer, called the Gallardo GT3 FL2, was developed by Reiter and the Italian automaker's new in-house R&D motorsport department. Based on the 2013 model year Gallardo, the GT3 FL2 features a number of key improvements, including ‘24-hour’ brakes, improved engine cooling and a new aero kit. The car is also GT3 FL2 is also 25 pounds lighter than the outgoing Gallardo GT3, which improves the car's overall efficiency.

“We are delighted to announce a minimum five-year agreement with Reiter Engineering as our exclusive development and supply partner for Lamborghini GT3 cars, based on Reiter’s strong engineering skills, passion for and understanding of the Lamborghini brand and, of course, obvious racing success,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “We are committed to supporting racing in Europe and Asia in 2013 with expansion into the USA in 2014: GT3 racing, together with our highly successful mono marque Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series in Europe, Asia and this year the USA, are a clear fit with the Lamborghini brand, where we take the prowess of our super sports cars from the road to the track.”

Lamborghini expects to deliver the first examples of the new Gallardo GT3 FL2, which carries a price tag of 320,000 euros ($430,500), to customers in Europe and Asia in March.

SUBARU UNVEILS TRACK-READY BRZ RA RACING

Subaru's Japanese division has lifted the veil off of the 2013 BRZ RA Racing, a track-ready variant of the boxer-engined sports car.

Visually, the RA Racing model looks essentially the same as a regular BRZ but it comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels and black door handles.  A look under the front bumper reveals that the car is fitted with two air ducts that cool the front brakes, a feature that is not offered on regular BRZ coupes. 

The last race-specific exterior add-on is a set of removable tow hooks which make loading and unloading the car onto a trailer a breeze.

Inside, the RA Racing gains a six-point roll cage with door guards, new floor mats and a FIA-approved four-point harness.  It loses the passenger sun visor.

Subaru has not increased the engine's power output but it has fitted it with an oil cooler that is mounted behind the front air dam.   Likewise, the suspension setup remains untouched.

The RA package adds 31,500 yen to the BRZ's price, a sum that converts to about $350.  At the time of writing Subaru does not plan on offering the BRZ RA in the United States or in Europe.

LEXUS LF-LC

SUPER CARs

LEXUS LF_CC