Nissan is going full-on to get to the top with the
Nissan GT-R,
the replacement for the Skyline GT-R. Powered by a new 3.8 liter V-6 developing
- wait for it - 460 bhp at 6,400 rpm and 433 lb ft torque at 3,200-5,200 rpm,
the GT-R is going to be a real powerhouse. Needless to say, the engine has twin
turbos to get this amount of power.
Nissan calls the GT-R an everyday supercar, and they could be right. Nor is it
mechanically boring, with a dual-clutch sequential gearbox controlled by paddles,
and four-wheel drive. The interesting bit is that the transaxle is mounted at the
rear, with the transfer box, giving the car 50:50 weight distribution instead of
being a bit nose heavy like the 350Z. The GT-R looks more purposeful than elegant
with an exaggerated wedge line. Still, should be quite a car!
Lotus goes supercharging!
Lotus continues to expand its basic range while feverishly developing a
new two-plus-two and larger supercar. To start with there is the new
Lotus Elise SC, with a supercharged version of the 1.8 liter
engine installed. Power is up to 220 bhp, and the weight has been kept down
to 1,987 lb (903 kg), so the power-to-weight ratio is up to 226 bhp per tonne
with the driver aboard. This translates into a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds,
and 0-100 mph in 10.7 seconds - well into supercar territory.
To keep engine height down and therefore maintain good rear visibility,
there is no intercooler, which also save weight. The Magnuson supercharger is
built into an integrated housing/intake manifold to save space and weight.
The Exige S also gets an upgrade in the form of an optional Power Pack,
the improved supercharger increasing power to 240 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The result
is a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds -very quick - and the 0-100 dash in under
10 seconds at 9.7 seconds. This is fast enough to leave a lot of supercars
behind.
The Exige S also gets a launch control so you can set the take-off rpm
for a racing start. Brakes are cross-drilled 12-inch (308 mm) diameter with
AP four-pot calipers.
Lotus has also streamlined its options packs to give better value and
simplify manufacture, although various other options are available as
accessories. Also, both Elise and Exige get airbags as standard and a new
key and instrumentation - not before time.
Best Wishes
John Hartley, Editor, Fast-Autos
