Based out of Japan, Axell Auto looks to work on a variety of complete car tuning kits with a strong focus on Toyota-branded SUVs and vans. In fact, the Nissan GT-R is the only sports car that they even dabble in, and that’s probably because they know just how important the R35 GT-R is to Japanese enthusiasts. One thing is for sure though, every one of their aero kit offerings are as aggressive as can be, and their widebody GT-R is no different.

It may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but this GT-R sporting a matte black outside and a completely red interior is pretty menacing to look at. We actually dig the widebody and think it was constructed well, flowing with the natural body lines of the car without looking too extreme. The rear bumper offers a ton of contrast to the relatively tame front bumper. There’s vents and slits galore throughout the fenders, side skirts and bumpers, making the kit a little too busy overall. But much like the rear spoiler, a lot of this could have gone worse.

We’d like to have seen Axell Auto outfit their demo car with a much larger and more aggressive set of wheels though.

GALLERY: Axell Auto Widebody Nissan GT-R

[Source: GTR Blog]

The famed creator of Gran Turismo, Kazunori Yamauchi, has returned to racing on the track with a Nissan GT-R that has clearly been inspired by the GT500 “Stealth” GT from Gran Turismo 5. His team recently participated in the four-hour Nurburgring VLN race and looks poised to compete in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

Yamauchi competed in several VLN races last year in a Lexus IS-F and even took a class victory in the four-hour event. His team also took 4th place in their respective class at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

This year Yamauchi will be with teammates Tobias, Michael Shulze and Yasuyoshi Yamamoto in the #71 GT-R. Hopefully Yamauchi will draw some inspiration for a much better Gran Turismo 6.

[Source: GTPlanet via Autoblog]

2004 Indy Racing League champion Tony Kanaan apparently can be seen cruising the streets of Miami in this wickedly clean, full Mine’s Nissan GT-R built by the team at CEC East. CEC took one of Japan’s best automobiles and outfitted it with one of Japan’s best aftermarket parts manufacturers. From bumper to bumper, this GT-R is completely decked out with goods from Mines.

On the outside, the GT-R is transformed with a whole collection of carbon fiber goodies including their Type 2 carbon front spoiler, carbon grill, hood scoops, mirror covers, side skirts, trunk, rear wing, rear diffuser, and diffuser tunnels. In the engine bay, performance has been enhanced thanks to Mine’s air filter and titanium intercooler piping. Their carbon fiber engine cover also upgrades the aesthetics in the engine bay. The exhaust has been completely revamped with a cat-delete and mid pipe from Mine’s that leads out to a Mine’s titanium exhaust system. All of it is nicely tuned thanks to a Mine’s ECU.

Handling is further enhanced thanks to a set of Esta II coilovers, which are backed up with a set of lightweight Yokohama AVS M7 wheels painted gloss black. Behind each wheel peeks Mine’s big rotor upgrade backed with their racing pads and stainless brake lines.

The interior is pretty trick too, with CEC East swapping the majority of it out for carbon fiber counterparts. CEC Edition carbon fiber interior trim is accented by Recaro’s CS seats in black leather. The rear however has a Password JDM carbon seat delete along with its carbon rear speaker shelf.

All in, it’s a pretty slick setup for someone that clearly knows what he wants in an automobile.

GALLERY: CEC East / Tony Kanaan’s Mine’s Nissan GT-R

[Source: Teamspeed]

Yep, clearly money just can’t buy taste. Apparently if you have $220,000 lying around and always wanted a Nissan GT-R that most everyone will point and laugh at, then we have the right one for you. Dubbed the Nissan GT-R VVIP, this obscenely expensive GT-R is your run-of-the-mill 2012 model featuring 24K gold-plated accessories and other modifications that are hardly worth the inflated price tag on the car.

The intake grille and side emblems are plated in 24K gold while the interior receives a full Seton leather treatment. The audio system is upgraded with custom Bose speakers while the outside also receives a new diffuser and carbon fiber rear wing from the Spec V model. And for those that think that doesn’t get you a $220,000 value, the GT-R also receives some sort of suspension modifications and it has a slightly higher top speed. How slightly? We’re guessing not the same slightly higher price tag the VVIP carries with it.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Given the recent events in Japan, it may not be entirely surprising that there are greater priorities than building fast supercars. As such, shipments of the 2012 Nissan GT-R to America have been delayed as the country struggles to rebuild after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Nissan North America reports that there is a “sufficient supply” of 2012 GT-Rs that have already been shipped to the US, but would not reveal precisely how many. The 2012 GT-R officially went on sale a few weeks ago.  The Tochigi Plant, where the GT-R is built, has reported some damage to the building and equipment, and has suspended operations until Friday.

Nissan issued a statement on Monday declaring that “some Infiniti models and Nissan GT-R and 370Z may experience delays in shipment to the U.S. and Canada, with full impact still being assessed,” but their plans for the New York Auto Show are still on schedule.

A shipment of 600 Nissan Leafs left Japan just before the earthquake, and are on their way to the US safely, just in time to help fulfill its massive demand.

[Source: Inside Line]

Among the list of cool things Nissan’s R35 GT-R has to offer, its in-depth monitoring computer is near the top. Spitting out all sorts of data, it was inevitable that eventually someone would mimic the GT-R’s readouts. Enter Zilla, an app with a name that clearly pays homage to the GT-R’s ‘Godzilla’ nickname.

Developed by BonoboLabs, the iPhone app replicates all the readouts the GT-R has for the low price of $2.99. From g-forces to speed to weight transfer and air temperature, the app clearly uses the iPhone’s gyrometer in order to compute data. We’re curious to just how accurate it is, but not a bad way to have a portable way to get some data out of your car’s performance while on the track!

Check out the video of the app after the break.

[Source: DUB Daily]

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With the Tokyo Auto Salon around the corner, Japanese tuners are working and wrenching around the clock for their 2011 debuts. One of these tuners is Axell Auto, which is currently working on a widebody conversion kit for the infamous Nissan R35 GT-R. And it looks like Axell Auto is looking to claim the title of most radical GT-R in the world with the debut of the finished product.

The crazy widebody reminds us of days long gone, almost a creation that would come from Veilside’s factory. The front end of the GT-R isn’t bad, but the excess use of vents throughout the rest of the kit – especially the rear – is far too aggressive for our tastes.

From the Lamborghini side skirts to the cheesy 1995 Honda Civic hood venting to the obligatory LED running lights, every aspect of this kit is a thing of beauty when compared to the rear end.

We’ll be sure to snap some pics of the car in person from the Tokyo Auto Salon next month.

GALLERY: Axell Auto Widebody Nissan GT-R

[Source: Jon Sibal]

While most of the aftermarket likes to overwhelm consumers with excessive amounts of horsepower, some companies like to refine the finer details, making the driving experience a more fulfilling one. Take Umbrella Auto Design for example; they began their business by focusing on Acura’s flagship supercar, the NSX. They built a wickedly clean demo car, refining it from bumper to bumper on the outside while starting their F1 line o interior series. Now they’ve taken the same magic to the Nissan GT-R.

Their focus with the GT-R, so far, is just the interior. We already know how potent the GT-R is, and we all know there’s more than enough companies out there trying to push 1,000′s of horsepower out of its powerplant. So it’s really refreshing to see Umbrella Auto Design releasing an interior package for the GT-R that brings its cockpit in line with its performance.

The majority of the interior is redone in black ultrasuede with silver stitching: front seats, steering wheel, e-brake, boot, shift knob, dashboard, door panels, center console, rear lower side panels, rear upper side panels, rear seats, headliner, visors, rear package tray, subwoofer cover and rear armrest. Several interior pieces are also repainted satin black instead of the factory light gray.

Umbrella Auto Design’s interior really gives the GT-R the sense of luxury it needs to back up the performance and driving experience the vehicle already offered. No pricing is announced unfortunately.

[Source: GTR Blog]

GALLERY: Umbrella Auto Design Nissan GT-R F1 Interior

The reality of a fully streetable 8-second Nissan GT-R just got a whole lot closer. AMS took their Alpha 10 GT-R demo car back to the quarter mile after their 9.33 pass to lay down an amazing 9.192 @ 163.12 mph track time. Now obviously going from 9.33 to 9.192 is easier than going from 9.192 to 8.99, but the fact that they are gaining that much more top-end speed in between weeks of testing is impressive.

And wanting to just show off to the rest of the world what their Alpha 9 package can do to a GT-R on pump gas, AMG was able to pilot the Alpha 9 GT-R to its first 9 second pass at 9.95 @ 141.01 mph. And yes, on pump gas. To show off just how dependable and reliable the Alpha 9 GT-R is, AMS embarked on a road trip going from Chicago to Colorado and Nevada and ending in Southern California; 2,000 or so miles and not a single issue on the car.

They even released a video – unfortunately it’s not of the drag racing:

[Source: GTR Blog]

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Is a new paint color for a car really newsworthy? Well, when it’s the Nissan GT-R and the new paint job looks this good; then yes.

This dark, rich blue, dubbed Aurora Flare Blue Pearl, will be offered as a factory option in the 2012 GT-R, which sports some more aggressive bodywork and is rumored to get a boost in power to as much as 530-hp.

[Source: NAGTROC]

GALLERY: Aurora Flare Blue Pearl 2012 Nissan GT-R

What form of motorsport has the Nissan GT-R not claimed a victory in? It looks like Nissan doesn’t seem to be surrendering the title out in Western Australia anytime soon. For the third straight year, the R35 GT-R has taken the top spot on the podium at the QUIT Targa West Tarmac rally.

This year it was Peter Major behind the wheel (with Kim Screaigh as co-driver), beating out Jim Richards and his Porsche GT2 by 51 seconds. And just to make the statement even bolder for Nissan and their GT-R, third place went to Peter Rullo and Simon Iseppi in another Nissan GT-R.

The win took place in the Competition Modern class and is Major’s first victory for 2010. In his previous three outings at QUIT Targa West, his best finish was seventh. And to make everything even sweeter, Mark and Andrew Conacher piloted their R35 GT-R to a win in the Modern Challenge class with Robert Darrington and David Abetz’s GT-R taking second place. Those two GT-Rs dominated their respective class by being a good 8.5 minutes ahead of the third place finisher.

And to think that Nissan is only working hard to make the GT-R a more powerful and better handling machine.

GALLERY: Peter Major’s Nissan GT-R

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Looking to own a true, one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang collectible? Well, this one is gonna cost ya. RM Auctions is offering the 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept, originally introduced at the 2004 New York International Auto Show as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance. A custom built Mustang with performance and race-inspiration in mind, RM Auctions is estimating that the GT-R concept will sell for $250,000 to $350,000.

For a vehicle that’s neither DOT nor EPA certified, that’s a pretty penny to pay for a track-only car, or something to sit in your show garage. But what the lucky owner will get is a Valencia Orange painted 2004 Mustang sporting a high compression, fully built 440-hp powerplant. Mated to a TTC T-56 six-speed transmission.

Inside the entire chassis has been overhauled with a full roll cage, Sparco racing seats and stripped to its bare necessities. Suspension upgrades include coilovers with remote reservoirs, ready to hit the track. 20-inch wheels are found on each corner, wrapped with Pirelli slicks with Brembo brakes peeking behind the classic five-spoke design.

Lastly on the outside is an abundance of carbon fiber components giving the car a more aggressive look while improving aerodynamics.

So you have a hole burning in your pocket?

GALLERY: 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

[Source: MustangsDaily]

Ugh. We guess it was only a matter of time before it happened, and as much as we wanted to avoid the inevitable, well here it is. Over in Japan some crafty tuner has outfitted the Nissan R35 GT-R front end onto their Skyline R34 Coupe. And while it seems like the overall body flows – with the wider front fenders matching the rear – we’re not a huge fan of the conversion.

The Skyline R34 design is one with sharp edges and carries more of a rectangular style than the curvaceous and bubbly R35 GT-R. The incorporation of the rounded and soft-edged R35 front end just looks out of the place on the sharper edged rear end of the R34. At first glance it’s not a bad product overall, but we’re just finding it sacrilegious to be blending the two generations into one. But hey, the conversion obviously took a lot of work, incorporating the fenders, hood, headlights and front bumper in a way that blended in with the side skirts and the rest of the body. The craftsmanship is there, so we give it an A for execution, but an F for concept.

Let’s hope the days of front end conversions, or headlight conversions or even taillight conversions are behind us. Just too many nightmares of Civic hatchbacks sporting Supra taillights and Integra front ends haunt us. We just know there’s no way we’ll avoid seeing a similar conversion on our soil some time soon. Ugh.

GALLERY: Nissan Skyline R34 with R35 GT-R Front End

[Source: Farm of Minds]

There’s a sort of an irony in the Top Secret brand name; they’re not one bit a secret in the tuner world at all. There are few companies that have stood the test of time like Top Secret has, always being on the forefront of parts research, design and manufacturing. They are also one of the few Japanese tuning companies that focus on all facets of motorsports from street driving to drifting, circuit racing and even drag racing.

Mostly known for their infamous gold paint schemes on their demo cars, Top Secret’s products are available for a multitude of makes and models. But it’s hard to argue their passion for Nissan tuning, exemplified with their 350Z and previous Skyline projects.

Now attention has turned to the new Godzilla GT-R on the streets, the R35. Top Secret has recently announced the release of a few new parts, some of which could be great interest to any GT-R owner. The most important of the releases is a twin turbo upgrade that surprisingly uses the stock housings but honed out to fit the larger internals. Top Secret claims that they’re good for around 600-hp without sacrificing drive-ability. Ball-bearing maintains the quick spool the GT-R is known for.

The Top Secret Super Suction Kit is a 56mm stainless steel intake that replaces the factory compressor-side cast offerings. It can be used with the stock intake kit. Accessories from Top Secret this time around include an oil catch can with a 2.0-liter capacity and a hood dampening kit. Nissan made an odd decision to not include gas struts for hood support on their premier street car, but hey at least Top Secret has us covered now – and in style.

[Source: GTR Blog]

GALLERY: Top Secret Nissan GT-R R35 Parts

After reporting yesterday on the possible boycott of Round 2 of the FIA GT1 World Championship by both Nissan GT-R teams due to a controversial weight penalty assessed to them prior to the season opener in Abu Dhabi, we have since learned that the Swiss Racing Team and Sumo Power GT have confirmed their attendance at Silverstone this weekend (Apr. 30th to May 2nd).

This is good news for GT-R and GT1 fans alike, since earlier reports of a possible boycott along with the travel difficulties caused by the volcano eruption in Iceland were both sources of concern. Swiss Racing Team principals had to call in a favor from long-standing friendly motorsports relations with Jetalliance in order to get their crew back to Europe in time to prepare for Silverstone. “Many thanks to the AUA, to Jetalliance CEO Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer and Werner Langer. They supported us enormously. It was an organisational masterpiece,” said SRT managing director Othmar Welti. “We are working at the limit and on Wednesday morning we will travel to Silverstone. The team is still busy assembling the cars and is doing a great job,” team manager Erich Kolb said praisingly.

UK-based Sumo Power GT also faced travel difficulties and they too had to get creative to find their way home prior to Silverstone. According to team manager Allen Orchard, “It’s been a race in itself to get the cars, kit and all the team back from Abu Dhabi in time for this next race. With a few days still to go there’s still a lot to be done and we, like all teams, will be working flat out to ensure we make it to the grid. After all we’ve been through over the past few days, I sincerely hope that the Balance of Performance will be corrected so we can compete on an equal basis and the Championship can put on a great show for the spectators.”

It’s still unclear what, if any, action the FIA will take regarding the penalty weight assessed to the GT-Rs, but at least we now know that both Nissan teams will be in attendance and fighting as best they can for the race win at Silverstone.

For more information on the FIA GT1 World Championship, go to GT1 World.  For a video recap of Round 1 at Abu Dhabi, watch the video after the jump.

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As reported in Autosport Magazine, the two Nissan teams competing in the new FIA GT1 World Championship have threatened to boycott the next round and to launch a protest unless the weight penalty heaped on the GT-R ahead of the Abu Dhabi series opener is removed.

The first race of the season took place last weekend (April 17th/18th) at Abu Dhabi’s F1 masterpiece Yas Marina Circuit, where the FIA held a controversial test session prior to the race in an effort to equalize performance between the varied machinery being campaigned. Former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen took each of the six types of cars in the series for a few hot laps, but rather than taking the planned 10 to 15 laps in each car it has been reported that he took fewer and that those were unevenly distributed amongst the six types of cars that compete in the series (Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ford GT, Aston Martin DB9, Maserati MC12, and Lamborghini Murcielago R-SV).

The result of Frenzen’s testing was 66 lbs of penalty weight being added to the Nissan GT-Rs (the stiffest penalty of the bunch, with the Maserati receiving a 55 lb penalty and the Corvette and Lamborghini taking on 22 lb each), which turned out to render them uncompetitive during the season opening race.

Both teams campaigning Nissan GT-Rs argued that the test done by the FIA was unfair, citing the limited time Frentzen spent in each car and the varying track conditions during the tests. There were also allegations of gamesmanship leveled at the Ford, Chevrolet and Aston Martin teams. The Ford GT, which went on to win the main race, apparently did not break the 2-minute 10-second mark during the FIA test and yet lapped in the 2-minute 7- to 8-second range during the race.

GT-R runners The Swiss Racing team stated “We will not go to Silverstone under these conditions. We cannot be a grid filler.” The other GT-R squad, British-based Sumo Power, stated “We have to go to Silverstone because it is our home event. We have tried to argue our car with facts and figures, but we are prepared to put our money down and protest.”

For highlights of the Yas Marina 2010 FIA GT1 Championship opener, watch the video after the jump.

[Source: Autosport]

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The Nissan R35 GT-R is making a whole lot of news these days with aftermarket tuners really starting to make Porsche’s Nürburgring nemesis into something even more amazing. After conquering every twisted-track in the world, in true American fashion, different U.S.-tuners are turning the Japanese sports car into a straight line bullet. Late in March, AMS shattered the 9-second barrier with their GT-R, and much like everything else in drag racing, the record continues to fall as other tuners and builders come out of the woodwork with their projects.

Ever since GReddy/TRUST of Japan gave the world a scare by filing bankruptcy in late 2008, GReddy USA has been working diligently in ensuring the aftermarket that they’re here to stay and will be better than ever. They’ve stepped up all their research, design and development, ushering new parts to the market that prove to be better than the competition. Their latest result is a collaboration project with SP Engineering, one of many famed Southern California tuners. For close to 15 years, SP Engineering has been producing and building some of the world’s fastest and nicest cars from tuned Supras to Lamborghinis. Now they’re settling out for yet another record.

On April 13th, 2010, a pair of Nissan GT-Rs built and tuned by SP Engineering headed out to Arizona’s Speedworld Drag Strip. Battling blistering track temperatures of 120-degrees Fahrenheit, the pair of GT-Rs not only mustered 9-second passes, but set records. SP Engineering’s own GT-R stopped the clock at 9.62 @ 149.80 mph while one of their customer’s, Hing, wasn’t far behind with a 9.84 @ 148.40 mph. Both vehicles sport GReddy’s TD06SH 20G turbo kit upgrade that comes complete with a Type-2 intercooler kit and blow-off valve kit. The black GT-R setting the new quarter mile record has a built motor with CP Pistons and Carillo Rods and a collection of TiTek exhaust parts. Hing’s GT-R, in a contrasting white, sports GReddy’s new exhaust parts that are titanium and coming soon to the market. Both vehicles set their personal bests on C16 fuel.

Eugene over at SP Engineering has informed us that they plan on upgrading the GT-R monster motors with GReddy’s upcoming 4.0L “STROKE HER” kit along with some headwork. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on these two GT-Rs along with the others that are certainly going to be stepping up to the plate. We might not be too far off from an 8-second pass from a completely streetable Nissan GT-R! Check out the video after the break.

[Source: NAGTROC]

GALLERY: SP Engineering Record Setting Nissan GT-Rs

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While AMS set the standing mile record for four-cylinders with its Evolution VIII at the Texas Mile, as well as a drag racing record earlier this year, the team at Boost Logic has been busy at work preparing their Nissan GT-R to set a standing mile record. Recently the team brought out its tuned GT-R to the twice-annual Texas Mile event to see just how fast it would go.

The Boost Logic GT-R entry tops the dyno at 823-whp @ 25 psi with Boost Logic’s twin turbo kit, intercooler with 3-inch piping upgrade, 4-inch midpipe and exhaust system, Jet Fighter exhaust tips and stage 1 fuel system. Safely relieving all the excess pressure are TiAL blow off valves. Tuning is taken care of courtesy Haltech’s engine management system while a Cobb Tune does the most important function – relieving the GT-R of its speed and rev limiters.

This combination was good enough to set the standing mile record for a GT-R at the Texas Mile held at the end of last month. Boost Logic’s GT-R was nailed going 203.6-mph at the mile marker and they feel that it’s just the starting point. Will we expect a little rivalry brewing with AMS and Boost Logic? We wouldn’t be surprised if AMS rolls out their GT-R for the next event to battle it out with Boost Logic. Should make things interesting!

The next dates for the Texas Mile are set for October 22-24.

See the video of Boost Logic’s wicked-fast GT-R after the jump:

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AMS Performance, based out of West Chicago, IL are no strangers to the track. They have dominated all facets of motorsports from road racing to drag racing. They’re known for building some of the strongest engines known to mankind, perfecting their techniques across several makes and models. While the Nissan GT-R, much like many Porsche bodies, weren’t made for drag racing, some owners take the opportunity to shoot down the quarter mile at blistering speeds. Yes, the GT-R was made to carry itself through the winding twists of any road course, and at ridiculous times, but why can’t the GT-R be built for straight line drag racing?

The team at AMS thought the same and brought their brilliant minds together to set a landmark – build the first 9-second Nissan GT-R in the world. There have been several GT-R’s trying to this task with some getting in the mid to low 10-second range, but AMS has finally entered the 9-second range at the recent TX2K10 event. Their best ET of the day was a 9.89 @ 145-mph, though they did achieve a higher-mph pass with 146.96. Just by looking at the time slip there’s clearly more to the car given its less than perfect 0-60 foot time.

This 9-second GT-R is equipped with AMS’ SR850 upgrade package which will be available to the general public shortly. The tuning package includes upgraded bolt-on turbos, upgraded actuators, HKS blow-off valves, Cobb AccessPORT for tuning (with a custom AMS race map) and a collection of AMS goods: 90mm downpipes, resonated midpipe, exhaust, front mount intercooler with 3-inch intercooler piping; large MAF intake pipes and fuel system upgrade.

We’ll be keeping our eyes out for the video of this record setting pass and will be sure to update this post as soon as it hits the Web.

[Source: GTRblog.com]

GALLERY: AMG GT-R

When the Nissan GT-R finally made its way over to the Stateside, people rejoiced that we’d finally be able to get our hands on one of Japan’s finest creations. Over the past couple of decades, the Nissan Skyline GT-R moniker has become infamous and synonymous with performance and excellence. The initial exclusivity and price tag of the GT-R has still made it a rarity to see on the streets. That price has just gone up a little for 2011, with the GT-R now set at $85,060.

Only available in Premium trim, the 2011 GT-R now offers more standard features in the tech department: Bluetooth, USB iPod interface, XM NavWeather and NavTraffic, auto on/off headlamps and speed-sensitive windshield wipers. Changes from 2010 are minimal, with slight tweaks to the suspension, additional clear coat on the front and rear bumpers, new rear cooling ducts and slightly darker wheel center caps.

As we always love saying, why mess with a good thing? And the Nissan GT-R is more than just a good thing. And even at the increased cost, it’s still a bargain.

The official Nissan press release available after the jump.

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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]

Nissan displayed the Stillen GT-R at its exhibit at the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show.

Built in 2009 by Steve Millen and the rest of the Stillen team, the one-off GT-R competed at the Targa Newfoundland race.

The Stillen GT-R was clocked a 0-60 run in 2.9 seconds, quicker than the stock version’s 3.5 seconds. The Stillen GT-R ran an 11.0 second quarter mile, registering a speed of 127.9 mph, (compared to the stock version’s 11.7 seconds and 120.4 mph) and reached a speed of 130 mph in 11.4 seconds (compared to the stock version’s 14.0 seconds.

Millen and his crew will next enter the GT-R at Targa Canada West, May 24 in British Columbia.

Gallery: Stillen GT-R

Nissan Canada announced it will present the Stillen GT-R at the 2010 Toronto Auto Show.

Race car driver Steve Millen and the Stillen team built their version of the GT-R “Godzilla” in 2009 for the Targa Newfoundland race. The Stillen crew lightened the GT-R by 172 lbs. and tweaked throttle response and suspension.

The result: a 0-60 run of 2.9 seconds and an 11.0-second quarter-mile run at 127.9 mph. Living up to the name “Godzilla”, the Stillen GT-R’s roar registered 101 dBA, compared to the stock GT-R’s 891 dBA.

Nissan and Infiniti will also display their latest models including the new 2011 Infiniti M, the Infiniti Essence Concept and the “Krom” edition Nissan Cube at the 2010 Toronto Auto Show. Check back for AutoGuide.com’s coverage of the Canadian International Auto Show on Feb. 11.

Gallery: Stillen GT-R

Official release after the jump:

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Not many aftermarket parts manufacturers have been in existence as long as Blitz. Continuing to uphold their reputation of high quality and groundbreaking performance products, Blitz kept things rolling as usual at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon. Much like many body kit manufacturers, Blitz has also expanded its line to include some European tuning, with a brand-new Volkswagen GTI on display.

In addition, the Blitz booth also features the prerequisite Mitsubishi EVO X and Skyline R35 GT-R, while notorious drifter Nomuken’s R34 Skyline marking the first time we’ve ever seen an anti-virus software company sponsor a race car.

GALLERY: Blitz Display at 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon