Reworked GT-R Laps 'Ring In 7:29, V-Spec Under Development
Nissan was understandably proud of the GT-R's 7:38 lap around the famed Nrburgring Nordschleife, but the company's fanatical engineers couldn't leave well enough alone. Nissan has spent a considerable amount of time tweaking the US- and European-market GT-R to extract every last bit of performance from its everyday supercar. These revisions include stiffening spring rates and using three harder engine mounts with a more rigid transmission mount to limit the drivetrain's movement under acceleration, braking and cornering loads. That OCD-level of detail has allowed the GT-R to slice a full nine seconds off its original lap time, with a 7:29 run around the 'Ring. But Nissan's geeks aren't stopping there.
A GT-R test mule has been seen at the Nrburgring outfitted with a new front splitter, redesigned wing and upgraded wheels, confirming speculation that Nissan is developing a V-Spec version. Sources suggest that several components have been replaced by carbon fiber items to drop the car's weight by over 300 pounds. Combined with changes to the twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V6 (supposedly kicking out another 70bhp over stock), this has allowed spy photographers to clock the prototype's lap times roughly in the seven-minute, 20-second realm. Considering the Porsche Carrera GT laps the 'Ring in 7:28, these newest developments are a testament to the GT-R's inherent strengths and Nissan's dedication to making it the fastest production car in the world.
Audi A3 Tdi Clubsport Quattro ConceptAudi has been working feverishly over the last few years to change the general perception of diesel performance. With its campaign of the R10 TDI racecar in the Le Mans series and the release of the R8 TDI LeMans concept, Audi is intent that enthusiasts have a reason to sacrifice high-revving thrills for kidney-punishing torque. Its newest attempt at making diesel appeal to petrolheads is the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept, unveiled at the Wrthersee tuning show in Austria.
Based on the three-door, Euro-only A3, Audi's in-house tuners widened the track by 1.3 inches in front and 1.8 inches in the rear and fitted 20x9 wheels sporting 265/30 ZR-rated rubber. The bodywork is inspired by the German DTM race series, with a pair of massive air intakes in front, an underbody diffuser and a rear wing that wouldn't look out of place on a Cessna.
The McPherson front suspension and multi-link rear arrangement is complemented with a set of custom coilovers that lower the A3 by 36mm. Stock discs handle braking duties out back, but Audi spared no expense in the front, equipping the Clubsport Quattro with 14-inch carbon-ceramic discs gripped by six-piston calipers.
Motivating this 3,250-pound concept is a 2.0-liter TDI engine producing 224bhp and a staggering 332lb-ft of torque available at 1750rpm. Before that grunt reaches the ground through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, it's channeled through a six-speed manual 'box, allowing the car to hit 62mph in 6.6 seconds before topping out at 149mph.
Inside, Audi has blended a bit of race-car purposefulness with show-car chic in the form of molded buckets, a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim and toggle switches, plus a red starter button. More impressive is the Audi Drive Select system that can change throttle response, power steering assist, traction control settings, magnetic ride dampening and even the exhaust note on the fly.
While Audi insists the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro is strictly a design exercise to showcase the potential of diesel performance, don't be surprised if some of the kit featured here filters down to the automaker's oil-burning offerings in the future.