Nissan

Nissan GT-R

That word ‘entertaining’ is what makes the GT-R such a Marmite machine. Many people see it has a super-sophisticated four-wheel drive system, a minimum-input/maximum efficiency gearbox and they read the improbable acceleration numbers and lap times and assume this GT-R is all speed and no involvement; a car that demands no skill and offers no reward other than pub bragging rights. More power will never convince that vocal group that the GT-R is a genuine hero car and a scintillating experience. The cold hard facts are that this 2012 GT-R has been honed in every area: for the first time since its launch the GT-R’s 3.8-litre V6 twin turbo engine has been uprated mechanically rather than just through a reconfigured ECU and exhaust package. It has revised heads, new sodium-filled valves, a revised intake system – all in the name of more throttle response and greater energy higher up the rev range. The dampers have new programming, the springs are revised, the gearbox shifts even more cleanly and quickly, the front bulkhead is structurally stiffer... The GT-R even has different spring rates and rear suspension geometry from one side to the other to account for the weight of the driver. It’s a typically meticulous job by the GT-R’s chief engineer Mizuno-san and his team of GT-R obsessives. 

Statistics

How much?	£75,000
On sale in the UK:	Now
Engine:	3799cc V6 turbo, 542bhp @ 6400rpm, 466lb ft @ 3200-5800rpm
Transmission:	6-speed dual clutch, transaxle four-wheel drive
Performance:	2.8sec 0-60mph, 199mph, mpg and CO2 TBC
How heavy / made of?	1740kg/steel/aluminium
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	4670/1895/1370

Nissan Juke

Now the team has a new bragging right, with the Juke-R being confirmed as the world’s fastest crossover. That’s probably not a huge surprise considering they shoehorned the GT-R’s 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant into the body, packing 480-hp. In addition, the Juke-R has the GT-R’s all-wheel-drive system, gearbox and suspension.

The numbers posted say that the Juke-R does a 0-62 mph sprint in just 3.7-seconds with a top speed of 160-mph. Compare that to the standard Juke that does 0-62 mph in 8.6-seconds and has a top speed of 124-mph.

Currently only two Juke-Rs exist in this world, one left-hand-drive and one right-hand-drive. Too bad there’s probably little to no chance it will ever make it to production – especially considering the costs, but it should inspire Nissan to pump just a tad bit more performance into the Juke. You know, to go along with those good looks.

Nissan 370Z

 Three versions of the 370Z are built, including the coupe, the roadster, and the NISMO. Both the coupe and the roadster share similar styling elements with the exception of the convertible's soft top. Muscular curves, modern edges, and arrow-shaped headlights are the core design elements. The NISMO model adds more aggressive aerodynamics, with fangy bumpers and a rear diffuser, plus NISMO badging. Inside, the 370Z is more refined, and quieter, than previous models, with better materials (though there's still a lot of exposed hard plastic) and comfortable, well-bolstered seats. Powering the coupe and roadster is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine rated at 332 horsepower running up to a 7,500-rpm redline. Though not as torquey as the 350Z's engine, there's still plenty of oomph from low in the rev range. The NISMO gets a peakier version of the same engine, rated for 350 horsepower. Two transmissions are available: a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and a six-speed manual with a unique Synchro-Rev match feature that automatically blips the throttle for perfectly synchronized downshifts. With its relatively aggressive stock suspension tune, short wheelbase, and wide track, the 370Z is a potent performer, capable of neck-stretching grip and confident cornering. Steering is accurate, if not laden with feedback, and at high speeds, the 370Z does exhibit some tramlining. Nevertheless, it's a capable and exhilarating sports car, made all the more so in the more hardcore NISMO trim. All of that sports car competence can translate into a ride that's too harsh for some, however, particularly when pressed into daily driver service over less-than-ideal roads. The cabin does its best to mitigate the discomfort, however, with comfortable adjustable seats, including available leather upholstery. Standard equipment includes power accessories, keyless entry/start, and cruise control. Optional upgrade packages bring navigation, Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic, and HID headlights among other improvements. The 2012 370Z packs the usual array of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. Front and side airbags are standard, with roof-mounted side curtain airbags on coupe models. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash tested the 2012 370Z.

Nissan 350Z

TheCarConnection.com's sportscar editors drove the new 350Z in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's enthusiasts researched available road tests on the new 350Z to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ. The Nissan 350Z returns for 2009 largely unchanged from its 2008 form, though now only offered as a convertible. The coupe has been redesigned for '09 as the 370Z, which will spur a redesigned convertible for next year. The sporty roadster is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque.

Nissan has drawn sharp lines and smoothly rounded curves that echo older Z-cars only a little. Where the Audi TT and Ford Mustang steer toward retro themes, the style of the Nissan 350Z is totally modern.

The interior of the 350Z has been upgraded since its introduction in 2003; the plastics are more lavish, but all the basics remain. Inside the 350Z, Nissan lets the controls do the talking.

The 2009 Nissan 350Z puts power to the ground through a 3.5-liter V-6 and a choice of either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is a respectable 18/25 mpg with the manual gearbox and 17/23 mpg with the automatic. The 350Z's 0-60 time is about 5.6 seconds for the manual (6.0 seconds for the automatic) and a top speed hovering around the 150-mph mark for both models. Top-class dynamics, blistering speed, and undiluted driving pleasure are standard equipment; the Nissan 350Z has scalpel-sharp steering, a meaty gear change, an amazing exhaust rasp, and big brakes.

These attributes are especially enjoyable with the top down. The 350Z employs a power-operated soft top, and wind buffeting is quite good, but with the top up, the experience is more claustrophobic and visibility is hampered.Crash ratings from the NHTSA are mostly four stars, save for five stars for passenger side impact. Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line, with front-side and side-curtain airbags.

A navigation system, a choice of satellite radio systems, and an Aerodynamics Package are optional, while 18-inch wheels and tires are standard, as is a speed-sensitive power steering system.