Nissan

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2019

Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition Unveiled in NYC

A new Japanese Sports Car landed in New York half a century ago. The Datsun 240Z arrived in 1970. Muscle Cars dominated the market, and they were perfect for drag racing. However, I wouldn't want to attempt any corner in a big block behemoth. As the parent company of Nissan, they saw the American market needed a balanced & stylish coupe. Now it is time to reflect on that car's success, as the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition was unveiled in NYC. The exterior pays homage to Brock Racing Enterprises #46. It was a 240Z that won several SCCA championships, placing the brand at the top of the sports car world. For 2020, you have your choice of white with red accents, or silver with black accents. All Anniversary Editions are based on the Sport Touring 370Z. It is one step below the NISMO to keep the price in-check. Alcantara lines most of the interior, except for the embroidered leather seats. Special badges can be found on the dash and sill plates, and even on the face of the tachometer. A Bose audio system has 8 speakers with dual subwoofers and it has active noise cancellation as standard equipment. Their rugged six-speed manual is standard, and the 7-speed automatic will be offered on a limited basis. You will have 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque at your disposal. Unique Rays wheels show off the 14" brakes, and grip is provided by Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. Many famous drivers found their start behind the wheel of a Z-car, so click the link below to find our dealer near you. Browse Nissan For Sale Related: Nissan GT-R Price, Specs, Photos & Review Turbine Flies Out of 3000 HP Nissan GT-R

Nissan to make special GT-R celebrating partnership with Naomi O

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2018

Special Nissan GT-R Created to Celebrate Naomi Osaka Part...

Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese tennis player to win a women's singles Grand Slam championship back in September 2018. Shortly thereafter, she joined Nissan as a brand ambassador. Now, Nissan has gone ahead and created a special edition Nissan GT-R based on the Premium Edition model to celebrate the partnership between the automotive maker and Osaka. This new special edition GT-R will be available in three different body colors: Midnight Opal, Brilliant White Pearl and Meteor Flake Black Pearl. Osaka actually helped pick out the overall color schemes for that match the three body colors. The model also comes with high-mount LED stop lights on the carbon spoiler and a golden plate signifying the car's model number. Nissan is currently planning on building just 50 examples of this special edition GT-R and they will be sold only in Japan. Pricing has not been announced yet. Related: Nissan Unveils Production Version of Italdesign GT-R50 2019 Nissan GT-R Pricing & Updates 3500 Horsepower Nissan GT-R: World’s Most Powerful

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2018

Nissan Unveils Production Version of Italdesign GT-R50

We were surprised when Nissan announced pricing for the 2019 GT-R would not increase. And now we know why. What was first seen at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate example of Nissan's supercar. Working with the skilled coachbuilders at Italdesign, they have transfromed Godzilla into a work of art. It represents the 50th anniversary of the GT-R for model year 2019, and a half-century of styling success by Italdesign. As such, only 50 examples will be produced. The Nissan press release this morning mentions a starting price of 990,000 Euros, or only $1,126,478. For that amount, you will receive a 720 horsepower 2-seater built to your specifications. Kudos to Nissan for keeping the GT-R on the cutting edge, so click the link below for great offers from our dealers. Nissan GT-R For Sale " width="680"> Related: Nissan 50th Anniversary GT-R50 by Italdesign 2019 Nissan GT-R Prices

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2018

2019 Nissan GT-R Pricing & Updates

If you are looking for a twin turbo Japanese supercar, Nissan is celebrating 11 years of the GT-R. Minor updates to styling and options have happened along the way, but Nissan hasn't done anything drastic because sales show no signs of decline. Another automotive blog criticized the brand for gradual price increases over the years. It is true that the 2008 base model had a sticker price of 69,850. You need to consider the Dollar is much stronger than the Yen, and a decade of inflation has not been kind to us. Nevertheless, Nissan chose not to change the base price for the 2018 model year. The GT-R Pure is their entry level, and it remains at $99,950. That includes all-LED lighting, leather, Apple Carplay, 565 horsepower, and 467 lb-ft of torque. If you need Bose Audio and Titanium exhaust, the Premium model is $110,540. If you need more grip, the Track Edition is $128,540. The ultimate monster is the GT-R Nismo. It arrives with 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque for a cool $175,540. Click the link below to find your new Nissan and stay with us for all your GT-R updates. View All Nissan GT-R For Sale Related: 3500 Horsepower Nissan GT-R Loud Nissan GT-R Banned from Nurburgring

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2018

Racers Beware: Japan Just Got a Nissan GT-R Police Car

A wise man once said: "Police cars are only factory tuned. Can do better than 180k, they can't catch you...So they don't even try." That man was Han Seoul-Oh from the legendary film "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." However, it seems he spoke too soon because a Nissan R35 GT-R police car has been delivered to the Tochigi prefectural police in north Tokyo.The car was unveiled during a ceremony in front of media, Nissan officials and prefectural police. It comes with the sirens and lights that you'd expect on any police car and that's because it's actually going to in future enforcement of traffic safety. When you consider the car has a powerful twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine (565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque) and quick transmission, it's a perfect fit for a fast police car.Nissan also created a GT-R police car last year, but it wasn't planned on being used in active patrol.

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2018

You Can Now Buy the '18 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

The R35 Nissan GT-R has been out for longer than expected for some, but it still stands out from the crowd thanks to its heritage, design and power. For some, the GT-R is a perfect starting point when it comes to creating the ultimate dragstrip monster. For others, it's also a great track car and for these people, I have some great news. Nissan has announced today that the 2018 GT-R Nismo GT3 is available for sale. Alpha Logic Nissan GT-R Sets New World Record The 2018 MY GT-R Nismo GT3 is said to have significant advancements that have been made thanks to "lessons learned from accumulated actual race data since the 2015 model was released." Nissan has optimized the car's weight distribution by mounting the engine six inches further back when compared to the 2015 model. With a newfound center of gravity, the newly designed suspension and torsional improvements make this a better-handling car all around. Here is the total breakdown of the improvements made to this new model: Lowered center of gravity and optimized weight distribution New suspension Better balance between downforce and drag Front and rear rigidity improvements Dry sump implementation Newly designed transmission Strengthened brakes Exclusively design A/C system Nissan is currently offering the car for ¥60,000,000 (approx. $547,000 USD). Deliveries will behind around January 2019.

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2017

Six Stunning "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Nissans Unveiled

Are you excited about "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" releasing in theaters on December 15? Why do I even ask. Of course you are! And, apparently, so is Nissan. In a new release from Nissan, the automaker shows off six special vehicles that were inspired by the upcoming Star Wars film.2018 Nissan GT-R Pricing Announced"We're back this year collaborating with Lucasfilm and the artists at Industrial Light & Magic to create these amazing concept vehicles across some of our best-selling models," said Jeremy Tucker, vice president, Marketing Communications & Media, Nissan North America, Inc. "These show vehicles were created for our fans, and will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and shared across the country in regional auto shows over the next several months."Check them all out below. 2018 Nissan Rogue – Poe Dameron's X-wing with BB-8 2018 Nissan Maxima – Kylo Ren's TIE Silencer 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport – A-wing 2018 Nissan Maxima – Kylo Ren's TIE Silencer 2018 Nissan Maxima – Captain Phasma 2018 Nissan Altima – Special Forces TIE Fighter

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2017

2018 Nissan GT-R Pricing Announced

The pricing for the 2018 Nissan GT-R has been announced for the Pure, Premium, Track Edition and NISMO variants. Along with the pricing, the refreshed look for the 2018 model year GT-R was unveiled, as was the announcement of the new Pure model and black "Kuro Night" color for the Premium Interior Package. What's missing from the Pure model, when compared to the Premium, is the 11-speaker Bose® audio system, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement systems, and Titanium exhaust system. Also, the top-of-the-range NISMO trumps the 565 horsepower rating of the Premium with its 600 horsepower output.Remote-Controlled Nissan GT-R Hits 130 MPHBelow is the pricing for each different GT-R variant. GT-R Pure $99,990 USD GT-R Premium $110,490 USD GT-R Track Edition $128,490 USD GT-R NISMO $175,490 USD

By Edward Jones – June 06, 2017

Nashville Predators Themed Nissan GT-R "Predzilla" Donate...

While the Nashville Predators are locked in a fierce Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nissan has gone and done something very special with one of the competing teams.With Nashville being home to Nissan North America headquarters, it's only fitting that the automaker teamed up with the Predators by donating a very special GT-R to the Nashville Predators Foundation. The Japanese supercar that was donated was dubbed "Predzilla" and features a fitting livery."Nissan is proud to call the great city of Nashville home for our North American headquarters – and we are thrilled that our hometown Predators have come so far this season," said José Muñoz, Chief Performance Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.; Chairman, Nissan North America, Inc. "This supercar is dedicated to Nashville and Predators fans all over the world. We hope it raises a lot of awareness and funds for the work of the Predators Foundation."Also Check Out - Porsche 993 Carrera & Cabriolet- An Introduction The Predators Foundation aims to better the city's community through resources and financial support that is donated to local youth-oriented organizations. Since its inception in September 1998, they have awarded almost $5 million to the community and $1 million of that was donated during the 2016-17 season.So, what's going to happen to the Predzilla? It's currently being auctioned. If you're interested in placing a bid, you can text "Nissan" to 52182 or visit www.Nissan.gesture.com. Coming along with the car are two 2017-18 season tickets and a parking pass for your new GT-R.

By Edward Jones – May 11, 2017

Paralyzed Drifter Tapes Foot to Pedal and Shocks the Crowd

Those who love cars and love driving them will do anything they can to get themselves the wheel of exciting cars. For Rob, a.k.a. Chairslayer, of Hoonigans, it was a 500 horsepower R32 Skyline that he just had to drive. The only issue is that he's paralyzed, hence the name. However, even that didn't stop him. With some duct tape and epic drifting skills, he made it happen.In the Unprofessionals' latest video, they show just what it took to give Rob the ability to get sideways in this monster Skyline. The taping starts at 11:00 into the video below, while the drifting starts at around 15:30. Needless to say, Rob absolutely killed it on the track, even if he couldn't use the clutch. Kudos to him for making it happen!

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