Nissan is preparing an onslaught of modified vehicles for the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, working with partners like Autech and NISMO. An included in the list of nine custom Nissan’s will be a NISMO-ized 2010 GT-R, featuring a new NISMO Data Logger Kit. This kit allows an owner to download data collected by the onboard computer so it can be analyzed and shared.

In addition, two other NISMO models will be on display a NISMO Fiarlady Z (370Z) as well as the Super GT-spec XANAVI NISMO GT-R racecar.

With these three models, Autech will show an additional three custom cars, while Nissan will display three vehicles, including a Roox, Skyline (G37) and Skyline Coupe (G37 Coupe) modified with Nissan parts and accessories.

AutoGuide will bring you more on all of these cars with live coverage of the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon starting January 15th.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan to showcase 9 exciting models at Tokyo Auto Salon

YOKOHAMA (January 6, 2010) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with AUTECH Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd. will present 9 exciting models equipped with the latest custom and after-market parts in the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), to be held from January 15-17, 2010 at Makuhari Messe.

Nissan will showcase its transporter and hospitality cars used during it’s participation in the domestic racing series, recreating the exciting atmosphere of the race circuit. Included in this display is Nissan’s range of standard road cars stylized with the latest genuine aero body-kits that compliments the vehicles pure form. Autech will show its expertise in custom cars with its fun and relaxing Rider Series while NISMO will be presenting its NISMO Club Sports Package Custom, the 2010 Nissan GT-R equipped with the newly-developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit” and the XANAVI NISMO GT-R racecar that competed in the 2008 SUPER GT series.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

<NISSAN area>
●Roox Highway Star Urban Selection
A distinctive, stylishly finished premium model based on the Roox, a light vehicle launched for sale in December, equipped with third-party custom parts such as an advanced HDD navigation system, lighting components with custom exterior, and stylized cabin interior.

●Skyline Sporty Package-equipped car
This minor modification to the Skyline Sedan announced on January 6 raises the vehicle to a whole new level as a sports car. The model’s package includes a sporty aero body-kit, a sports muffler, and high-performance suspension.

●Skyline Coupe Sporty Package-equipped car
Exhibited during the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon as a concept, this custom car has an aggressively designed aero-body kit that give out a sporty feel. It is now available to the public.

<Autech Japan area>
●Rider Series
Autech Japan takes its Rider Series of custom cars, known for its punchy aeroform coating and emblematic front grill design, to a new level and incorporates the latest HDD navigation system into it.

• ‘Serena Rider Plus Navi HDD’
• ‘Cube Rider Plus Navi HDD’
• ‘Note Rider Plus Navi HDD’

<NISMO area>
●Nissan GT-R 2010 Model: Featuring the NISMO Club Sports Package
The “NISMO Club Sports Package” is the fusion of Nissan GT-R and NISMO technologies — a package boasting a high level of sports performance. The Nissan GT-R 2010 model also includes the newly developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit”, which makes it possible for the driver to download their driving data via USB and view it on a computer. With this data logger kit, NISMO provides a new driving pleasure in which the driver has a full complement of options to analyze driving data acquired at the driving circuit.

●XANAVI NISMO GT-R (2008 SUPER GT GT500 class: Drivers’ Championship winning car)
Presenting the car that Satoshi Motoyama / Benoît Treluyer used to win three races (including two victories in a row) in the 2008 SUPER GT. This racing car took home the series’ championship in its debut year.

●FAIRLADY Z Version NISMO
Continuing in the spirit of the previous Z33 model Fairlady Z, this model builds onto the Fairlady Z’s high level of driving performance with added fun and sporty functionality.

NISMO will also have the “Kids & Ladies Ride Event”, where participants can experience what it’s like to be inside a racing car, and the “Pitwork Simulation”, where NISMO mechanics will be performing real tyre changes and other techniques.

<NISSAN/NISMO collection booth>
Nissan official merchandise, under the Fairlady Z, Nissan GT-R and NISMO motorsport range are available. Limited editions (996 pcs.) of the 1/64 scale model of the “XANAVI NISMO GT-R (#23, the 2008 SUPER GT Championship-winning machine) will also be on sale at this year’s event.

After releasing the limited edition Nissan GT-R SpecV (pictured above) last year, rumors of a more comfort-oriented SpecM model have surfaced. Those rumors have now reportedly been confirmed by GT-R project chief Kazutoshi Mizuno, when he ran into the folks from PistonHeads at Nissan’s Nürburgring test facility.

The SpecM edition is geared slightly more towards luxury but is supposed to offer a very close level of performance to the standard GT-R. The philosophy behind this model is to create another limited edition version with more of a bespoke feel, using higher end materials and a premium audio system.

Contrary to previous reports, Mizuno said that the SpecM will not debut at the Tokyo Auto Show later this month, but will be unveiled some time mid way through 2010.

In addition to this info, Mizuno also mentioned a few details about the 2010 GT-R, stating that it would come with an upgraded suspension, the SpecV’s rear diffuser and NACA ducts will be fitted at the rear of the car for better airflow and improve brake cooling.

Possibly the coolest addition, however, is the optional NISMO data-logging setup that will allow owners to download the data from the GT-R’s ECU on a USB stick so they can study it on their home computer or share it with friends.

Be sure to check out our review of the GT-R SpecV here:

2009 Nissan GT-R SpecV First Drive

[Source: Piston Heads]

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Back in April, Nissan set a new personal-best lap time at the Nürburgring and now video of that run has made its way onto the web. The car is Nissan’s revised 2010 GT-R and at the wheel is Nissan’s top test driver Toshio Suzuki.

The 2010 GT-R boasts 5 more horsepower than the previous model, as well as a revised transmission, new tires and a retuned suspension. Those tweaks allowed the new model to hit a 7:26.7 lap time, down from the 7:28 recorded a year earlier.

The time puts the GT-R just behind the Corvette ZR1, which ran a 7:26.4. The Dodge Viper ACR still dominates the two, however, with a 7:22.1 second lap.

We wonder if this video evidence will be enough to silence the disbelievers at Porsche

[Source: Carscoop]

The Nissan GT-R has once again bested it’s own lap time at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, posting a new personal best of 7:26.70.

Unfortunately for Nissan, the new time doesn’t move them up any in the fastest lap rankings, as the Corvette ZR1 still holds a lap time that is three tenth’s of a second faster.

Both the 7:26.7 of the GT-R and 7:26.4 of the ZR1 are distant finishes compared too the Dodge Viper ACR record holder with a 7:22.1.

The 2010 GT-R boasts 5 more horsepower than the previous model, as well as a revised transmission, new tires and a retuned suspension. Apparently those small modifications made a difference. The GT-R first recorded a 7:38 run back in September of 2007, and then shaved nine seconds off that run with a 7:29 in April of ’08. In April of this year Nissan posted a time of 7:27.56, and declared they were looking for an even better time. Now they have it.

Nissan has yet to post any official numbers for the GT-R SpecV, but with the new GT-R’s lap time it is most likely the even more hard-core version of the GT-R can best the Corvette.

The ACR, however, continues to be unchallenged, due not so much for its incredible 600hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque, but because of it’s race car-like aerodynamics.

Official release after the jump:

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.

NISSAN GT-R

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.

Nissan bested its own Nürburgring record today with a 7:27.56 lap in the updated 2010 GT-R. The new time trumps the previous GT-R “personal best” of 7:29. It is, however, still short of the ZR1′s best time of 7:26.4 and the Dodge Viper ACR’s record of 7:22.1.

The new GT-R features 5 more horsepower than the previous model, as well as a revised transmission, new tires and a retuned suspension. Apparently those small modifications made a difference.

Nissan’s top test driver Toshio Suzuki piloted the new GT-R around the Ring and while the company is pleased with the result they aren’t finished yet. Citing less than ideal track conditions (including dust and sand on the track) the Nissan team will attempt a faster time tomorrow and search (somewhat fruitlessly we might add) to set a new overall Nürburgring record.

We’ll be sure to bring you an update tomorrow if there’s a better time.

It’s barely just 2009 and already Nissan is announcing some minor tweaks to the GT-R as a 2010 model. Most notably the twin-turbo V6 gets a slight bump from 480hp to 485hp. Most importantly, however, is that the dual-clutch transmission (the fragility of which has become a running joke in many online communities) will get new program for the Transmission Control Module to increase acceleration times while improving every day drivability when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is switched on.

Other highlights include upgraded brake lines and brake calipers that now feature the Brembo and Nissan logos. The suspension also gets some adjustments thanks new spring and shock rates as well as a completely redesigned Bilstein shock setup.

Outside, the standard vehicle gets a slightly darker set of 20-inch RAYS forged wheels while a new “near-black” finish comes standard on the Premium model. One new color, Pearl White, will also be offered.

Safety has also been improved for 2010 with standard front seat, side impact and curtain airbags.

As we already mentioned, the 2010 GT-R will also get a slight price hike, with the standard model coming in at just over $80,000 ($80,790 to be exact) and the Premium model priced at $83,040.

It seems every time the Nissan GT-R is in the news it’s getting more expensive, however, it’s hard to complain considering it’s still a bargain.

More on the 2010 GT-R after the jump:

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 GT-R
2010 GT-R RECEIVES HP BOOST TO 485HP
Franklin, TN -
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (March 16, 2009) – March may be the month known for madness, lions and lambs, but at Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), the biggest roar is coming from the early introduction of the new 2010 Nissan GT-R supercar, including a number of important enhancements. Specifically, five additional horsepower, a revised suspension, updated wheel finishes and standard front seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

First introduced in the United States in July 2008, the Nissan GT-R earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend “2009 Car of the Year,” Automobile magazine’s 2009 “Automobile of the Year”, and winning Kelly Blue Book’s “2009 Best Resale Value Award.”

For 2010, the horsepower rating of the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine has increased to 485 hp (from 480 hp) and the car’s high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission receives new Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming designed to optimize clutch engagement for improved drivability, and improve vehicle acceleration with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on (activated). In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R’s state-of-the-art suspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilsteinâ shocks with a new valve body design and revised spring and damper rates.

The base GT-R model is now equipped with slightly darker, high-luster, smoke finish for the 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while a new “near-black” metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model. For 2010, one new color – Pearl White – is offered, while the Super Silver exterior color has been enhanced to include a polished front bumper.

For 2010, the Nissan GT-R will again be offered in two models – GT-R and GT-R Premium. All 2010 Nissan GT-Rs are equipped with a standard 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 backed by an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* is $80,790 for the GT-R, and $83,040 for the GT-R Premium model. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000.

Two options and two accessories are available for the 2010 GT-R: The Cold Weather Package (no charge); Special Super Silver Paint ($3,000); iPod Converter ($400); and carpeted GT-R floor mats ($280). Complete pricing information is available on the attached sheet.

The 2010 GT-R will be available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, on March 21, 2009.  A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.