2010 will mark the beginning of a new era of racing. GT racing goes global with 20 races spanning nine countries across four continents on ten of the world’s leading circuits. Only six manufacturers will compete in the inaugural season of the FIA GT1 World Championship with Nissan being the sole representative from the Land of the Rising Sun. They will be campaigning a quartet of similarly-built GT-Rs, a pair from Sumo Power GT (#22, #23) and the other two from Swiss Racing Team (#3, #4). Drivers Peter Dumbreck and Michael Krumm, for the Sumo Power GT GT-R, and Karl Wendlinger, multiple FIA GT race-winner and driver for Swiss Racing Team were present at the press conference held at the Automobile Club de France in Paris. “I have been racing in the FIA GT Championship for many years, but now I’m very excited about the new world championship – and very happy to be driving the Nissan GT-R,” said Wendlinger.

We’re not surprised that Nissan would be the only bold manufacturer from Japan to campaign in the FIA GT1 World Championship. With all the accolades and accomplishments the GT-R has already received worldwide, a FIA GT1 World Championship would immortalize the GT-R moniker and cement it as one of the world’s finest piece of machinery. Stiff competition will be coming with entries from Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini and Maserati.

Specs for the vehicles according to the FIA GT1 World Championship website declares a minimum weight of 1250kg and a maximum horsepower of 600. With a maximum horsepower imposed as FIA GT1 regulations, Nissan opted for a 5.6L V8 engine that hits the mark of 600 hp with 480 ft-lbs of torque. The GT-Rs will be equipped with extra wide 18×13-inch wheels all around with 6-piston calipers and carbon ceramic brakes peeking behind each one. Stay glued to Autoguide.com as we’ll be keeping a close eye on these GT-Rs on April 16-17th, 2010 where they will debut at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for the season-opener.

GALLERY: FIA GT1 Nissan GT-R Race Cars

[Source: Nissan News]

After Japanese Mitsubishi-tuner Ralliart announced early this morning that it would shut its doors for good, Mitsubishi wants to clarify that the closure will not affect Ralliart branded Mitsubishi models sold in the United States. According to PR boss Maurice Durand, Ralliart vehicles will continue to be produced and, “this doesn’t mean there won’t be any future Ralliart vehicles either.”

The reason that the closure won’t have much of an affect, is that the closure only relates to the Ralliart subsidiary in Japan, which produces high-performance parts for street and race cars. In other markets where Mitsubishi licenses the Ralliart name to different companies, only those companies that import official Ralliart Japan products will be affected. According to Durand, in most markets the Ralliart parts are actually re-branded parts from another tuner (like HKS).

The parts used on official Ralliart models sold in the U.S. are developed seperately and so will not be affected.

“While the demise is sad,” says Durand, “this is a part of the economic reality. There just isn’t much of a market for elite high-performance products, especially in Japan right now.”

When Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder concept at the Geneva Auto Show last week, the automaker no doubt had hopes of a positive reception, leading to a potential production car. And that’s exactly what seems to have happened.

According to a report by AutoCar, Porsche boss Michael Macht says the company is committed to building the hybrid sports car. “There is no one inside Porsche who doesn’t want to build the 918,” he said. “The response has been marvellous.” He even went so far as to say that Porsche will look for letters of intent from prospective buyers.

Macht was enthusiastic about the car, commenting that this model proves high-performance cars like the Carrera GT are still possible in a world where fuel economy is a big concern. He did, however, say that such a vehicle would have to be profitable.

In concept form, the 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid that uses two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack and one of Porsche’s RS Spyder 3.4-liter V8 ALMS race car engines to produce a total of 718-hp. Porsche claims a 0-62 mph time of 3.2 seconds, a top speed of 198-mph and that the car can even lap Germany’s famous Nürburgring race track in under 7:30 – quicker than the Carrera GT. And at the same time, the Spyder can get as much as 78 mpg.

Porsche has equipped the car with four driving modes, ranging from the most efficient at saving fuel, to the most efficient at saving gas. A pure electric E-Drive mode delivers 16 miles of emissions free driving, while a Hybrid model operates like a traditional Prius-type two-mode hybrid. Next up is a Sport Hybrid setting, where the electric power is used more as a boost to assist the gasoline engine. Finally, a Race Hybrid mode delivers maximum gasoline and electric power, along with an added boost of electric power after hard braking (much like a Formula One KERS-equipped car).

If a production model is built, don’t expect it to arrive for at least five years.

GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

[Source: AutoCar]

[*UPDATE*] Since the announcement below, we have talked with Mitsubishi USA PR boss Maurice Durand, who assured us that none of the changes will affect Ralliart products in the United States, or likely elsewhere in the world. Durand explained that the Ralliart subsidiary in Japan that makes high-performance and racing products will close its doors, but that that part of the company is separate from the rest. Mitsubishi licenses the Ralliart name to different companies in different markets and while those markets that rely on the Japanese Ralliart products will now need to find a new supplier, in many markets the Ralliart products were already supplied by other outside tuning companies.

In addition, Durand commented that Ralliart vehicles will continue to be produced and that, “this doesn’t mean there won’t be any future Ralliart vehicles either.”

While the news certainly is sad for hard-core JDM tuners, the decision was an economic one as Durand admits, “There just isn’t much of a market for elite high-performance products, especially in Japan right now.” [*UPDATE*]

Mitsubishi-tuner Ralliart has announced that as of April 1st it will close its doors, effectively ceasing operations. In a statement released on the Ralliart website, company President Masao Taguchi blamed the recent economic downturn.

“Because of the sudden change of economy situation since the year before last, the business circumstance surrounding our company radically became worse and so, this time we have reached the conclusion that we Ralliart Inc., would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010. Along with the scale down of our business activities this time, we would cease the following business and operation which we have done so far. We would like to express our sincere apology to all of customers though we would make you much inconveniences.”

Ralliart’s shut down will mean that the tuner, so closely associated with Mitsubishi, and which currently works with Mitsubishi to produce several Ralliart models, will cases supporting its motorsports customers, stop development of new products and terminate communications of new products and news via its website. It is not clear if Mitsubishi will no longer offer Ralliart models or if the Japanese automaker intends to continue Ralliart products as part of a new internal part of the company.

Say it ain’t so.

Official release after the jump:

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With a new V10 Spyder having just joined the Audi R8 lineup and a V8-powered drop-top reportedly in the works, Audi isn’t done expanding the R8 lineup just yet. According to a report by Car & Driver, Audi aims to follow after Lamborghini by introducing a “Superleggera” version of the R8.

Not only will the light-weight R8 take inspiration from the R8 LMS cars with carbon fiber components, but it is also likely to use a more powerful version of the 5.2-liter V10. Currently that motor produced 535-hp in the R8, however, Lamborghini recently unveiled a 570-hp version in the new Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera at the Geneva Auto Show. Better yet, C&D says we should expect that Audi will finally replace the 6-speed R-tronic auto-box with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A six-speed manual is likely to continue as a standard item.

[Source: Car & Driver]

To celebrate 20 years since it first began selling cars, Nissan’s Infiniti luxury division has announced 20th Anniversary Editions of the brand’s most popular model, the G. These special editions models get an ultra-premium Graphite Shadow paint with Monaco Red leather interior. The Coupe and Convertible come with Red-toned Maple accenting and the two Sedan models have the new Shodo-finish aluminum trim. All models come equipped with the Premium and Navigation packages, which include such items as heated and cooled seats, summer high performance tires, a blacked-out front grille, new side skirts, mode aggressive front and rear fascias and a standard rear spoiler on both the coupe and sedan.

Just 350 20th Anniversary Edition models will be made for the Sedan, while 200 each will be offered for both the Coupe and Convertible trim. Pricing is set at $43,350 for the Sedan and $43,550 for the AWD Sedan, while the Coupe is priced at $50,550 and the Convertible at $54,900. All models will be available at dealerships in mid-April.

GALLERY: Infiniti G37 20th Anniversary Edition

Official release after the jump:

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To celebrate 50 years since a Corvette first competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Chevy has just announce the new 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition with brake and suspension upgrades, as well as a lighter overall weight thanks to plenty of carbon fiber. The changes, says Chief Corvette Engineer Tadge Juechter, are enough to shave up to 3.0 seconds per lap off a standard Z06 on a track like Laguna Seca.

“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” he comments.

Upgrades include Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, straight from the ZR1, as well as 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, coated in Michelin PS2 tires. Upgraded engine and transmissions coolers are part of the package, as is a Magnetic Selective Ride Control system. And let’s not forget a special carbon fiber hood (lighter than the one used on the ZR1), as well as a carbon fiber engine cover, carbon fiber rocker panels and front splitter. There’s even a ZR1-inspired rear spoiler, plus black headlights and mirrors.

The body of the Carbon Edition Vette will be offered in two colors (either, Inferno Orange or the all-new Supersonic Blue, pictured above), while the interior gets ebony leather and suede with blue or orange stitching. Suede is used for the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors.

Just 500 Carbon Edition models will be made, although Chevy will make some of the items available in packages for Z06 models. A Z07 Performance Package includes the performance upgrades, while a CFZ Z06 Carbon Fiber package includes many of the carbon fiber components (but not the hood) as well as a rear spoiler.

Oh, and did we mention it looks amazing!

The Z06 Carbon Edition will be available this summer.

GALLERY: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition

Official release after the jump:

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A month after the debut of the all-new 2011 Chevy Silverado HD, GMC has now announced its version of the work truck, the Sierra Denali HD. Powered by the same 6.6-liter Duamax engine and 6-speed Allison transmission, the truck gets best-in-class power of 397-hp at 3000 rpm and best-in-class torque of 765 ft-lbs at 1600 rpm. This tops the new Ford F-Series, but only slightly, while coming slightly under the new Ford truck in both payload and tow ratings, with a 6,335 lb. and 20,000 lb rating, respectively. The trucks conventional (non-fifth-wheel) towing cappability is up significantly, to the tune of 23 percent, and is now rated at 16,000 lbs.

The engine block itself is a carry-over from the past model but the majority of moving engine parts are new, as is the entire fuel system. NOx emissions are also down 63 percent thanks in part to an exhaust after treatment system that is used because it won’t interfere with the engine’s ability to create power. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in the process does require refilling every 5,000 miles. In addition, the new engine is B20 biodiesel capable.

As for the new Allison transmission it has been strengthened to work with the added torque of the new engine and features an optional exhaust brake, Power Take Off and a Driver Shift Control (DSC). It’s also designed to work with the new Duramax engine to give improved fuel economy by 11 percent and GMC says to expect a fuel range of 680 miles on the new 36 gallon tank.

In addition to the fuel economy improvements, GMC claims improved acceleration with Duramax/Allison combo, resulting in a 0.3-second improvement to 60 mph and a 0.5-second improvement in the quarter-mile for a rating of less than 9 and less than 16 seconds respectively.

Like it’s Chevy counterpart, the Sierra gets a new front suspension with forged steel upper control arms and cast iron lower control arms with the new front independent suspension now delivering a 25 percent improved front axle weight rating. The new 6,000 lb rating now means a snow plow can be used on all 4WD cab models equipped with the snow plow prep package. In addition, rather than a single torsion bar like on the previous model, the 2011 gets five different torsion bar rates for five different gross axle weight ratings, allowing height adjustability in accordance with the weight of a snow plow or other accessory.

As for the rear suspension, the leaf springs are now 20 percent wider, helping to improve the truck’s rear gross axle weight rating. Now 2500 models are rated to 6,200 lbs, while 3500 models get a 7,050 rating for single wheel or 9,375 of dualies. The new rear suspension is also designed to reduce wheel hop.

We could probably go on forever discussing the upgrades to the new 2011 Sierra HD, so we’ll try and wrap this up with a few more important things you should know. For 2011 the brakes are larger, measuring 14-inches at all four corners while the swept area of the brake pads has been increased with 13 percent more area covered on the front rotors and 17 percent more covered on the rear. Gone are 16-inch wheel fitments, with 17s now the new base wheel, while 20s can be had on the 2500HD.  Safety equipment includes StabiliTrak and Trailer Sway Control on all single-rear-wheel models as well as a new Hill Start Assist feature, that holds the truck for 1.5 seconds when leaving a stop on a hill. GMC also says that under heavy load it has reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH) by as much as 30 percent.

Finally, let’s not forget the standard engine, a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 and six-speed 6L90 automatic transmission., It gets 360-hp at 5400 rpm and 380 ft-lbs of torque at 4200 rpm. A total of 90 percent of the engines torque is available from 2000 rpm allowing for a 13 percent increase in fifth-wheel towing for a total tow rating of 14,700 lbs.

GALLERY: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

Get all the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD details and model info after the jump:

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With Ford announcing its F-Series Super Duty power, payload and towing capabilities just a few weeks ago, Chevrolet has responded with some big numbers for the all-new 2011 Chevy Silverado HD. The new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 is rated at 397-hp at 3000 rpm  and 765 ft-lbs of torque at 1600 rpm. This tops the F-Series Super Duty that’s rated at 390-hp at 2800 rpm and 735 ft-lbs of torque at 1600 rpm. The increase for Chevy is a total of 32-h and 105 ft-lbs over the previous Duramax.

Those numbers don’t tell the whole story, however, as the new truck still follows behind the Ford in payload and towing capability. The new Duramax Silverado HD can tow up to 20,000 lbs and has a payload rating of 6,335 lbs. The F-Series Super Duty is rated at 21,600 lbs and a payload rating of 6,520 lbs.

GM is proud to boast that fuel economy with the new engine has been increased by 11 percent (although not mpg numbers are available), with a total driving distance of 680 miles on a tank.

As for the new base Vortec 6.0L V8, it gets 360-hp at 5400 rpm and 380 ft-lbs of torque at 4200 rpm. A total of 90 percent of the engines torque is available from 2000 rpm allowing for a 13 percent increase in fifth-wheel towing for a total tow rating of 14,700 lbs.

GALLERY: 2011 Chevy Silverado HD

See the official release after the jump, plus full info on the all new GMC Sierra Denali HD:

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While most of the popular aftermarket manufacturers in Japan are welcoming the hybrid craze with open arms, Spoon Sports has been quiet as of late. This can mostly be attributed to the fact that Spoon focuses and specializes with the Honda platform, and quite honestly, Honda hasn’t had an attractive enough hybrid platform in the recent years.  But this is all about to change, with the CR-Z gaining a lot of momentum as the new “hot-hatch” appealing to passionate Honda aficionados worldwide.  Needless to say it’s a perfect fit for Spoon Sports and their tuning prowess.

We’ve seen the entry from Mugen and in typical Spoon Sports fashion, they’ve thrown down the gauntlet as well. Going back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mugen and Spoon Sports were the most respective pair of brands for JDM Honda fanatics stateside. In fact it’s easy to argue that Mugen and Spoon Sports delivered a rivalry on its own with their prestigious and rare parts, many of them carrying a hefty price tag once they were on American soil. There’s no mistaken that this CR-Z has been Spoon-inspired.

There’s none of the traditional yellow and pastel blue to be seen, yet, but the CR93 wheels have been refinished in a stylish dark blue in true Spoon fashion.  As with almost all of Spoon Sports’ projects, the focus is on excellent tuning and track-ability.  They paid close attention with suspension and brake upgrades lowering the vehicle with coilovers in the front and a traditional shock/spring combination in the rear.  15-inch slotted rotors along with upgraded calipers are probably overkill for the hatch, but we believe Spoon has much more in terms of performance up their sleeve.

Specializing in naturally aspirated performance over the years, Spoon is currently tuning their staple N1 exhaust system along with ECU upgrades for the CR-Z. No concrete numbers have been released yet, which is understandable given how new the technology is. We have faith though and it will be an exciting time to see two of Honda’s most notorious brands battling it out on the track again, this time with CR-Z hatchbacks hopefully flying the colors we’ve grown and love over the past decade.

GALLERY: Spoon Sports CR-Z

[Source: Spoon Sports]