Gumpert Apollo takes on America, foiled by speed bump

The first Gumpert Apollo on American soil was brought out for its big debut Saturday, only to make more of an impression than intended. That impression was not only left on showgoers, but also on the speed bump leading into the parking lot. With roughly 4 millimeters of ground clearance it was easy to see this coming. The driver had brought the car from the sole U.S. distributor to show it off at a weekend cruise. He somehow failed to recognize that the speed bump was in fact approximately half the height of the low-slung supercar and after inexplicably getting the front air dam over the hump, found himself stuck.

The car came down and gently ground to a halt. It teetered a bit as it crept along the driveway, producing a grinding noise that had all of the witnesses cringing. As the carbon undertray was polished along its midsection, it became apparent that the rear tires might not make it over too. The driver stopped as the rears lifted just enough to take away traction. After a few moments of contemplation, he had the passenger get out and the lower payload gave the suspension just the right amount of lift to get the job done. Afterwards, there was much rejoicing in supercarland. A follow-up note from the dealer told us that there was thankfully no damage to the car from this incident. We recommend that anyone considering buying one of these 2400 lb, 750 hp monsters consider waiting for the "softer" model the company has pitched. Hopefully it will have an adjustable suspension.

Renault Alpine could be based off Nissan 370Z

We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that Nissan might be tapped to provide a platform and drivetrain.

The director of Renaultsport supposedly sat down with CarTribe to discuss the future of the automaker's high-performance offerings and when asked if a new Alpine model could be based off the Nissan GT-R, he denied it, instead hinting at the use of Nissan's FM platform that underpins the G37 coupe, G35 sedan and upcoming Nissan 370Z. The new model could be more geared towards track duty, with a serious diet and some tweaks to the drivetrain.

While the revival of Alpine is primarily a way for Renault to capitalize on its participation in F1, a Nissan-based model would all but negate such an effort. Then again, with 60 new models expected to come from Renault and Nissan in the next four years, the automaker will use any platform it can get its hands on to expand its lineup

Surprise! Millionaires can still afford Lambos, profits rise

It seems that well-to-do individuals who grew up staring at Countach posters on their bedroom walls are still finding a way to fulfill their childhood fantasies. Both sales and profits are up at Lamborghini, with most of the increases coming from emerging markets, including the Middle East, China and Hong Kong. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann believes that the key to its recent sales successes is its policy of producing fewer vehicles than it believes it can sell, thereby keeping demand high. Winkelmann also noted that costs go down as production goes up, a further boon to increased profitability.

With Lambo's latest Gallardo LP560-4 about to hit its 114 dealerships, the second half of the year is already shaping up quite nicely. Ridiculously expensive options with high profit margins like $19,000 carbon-ceramic brakes are sure to help the bottom line too.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

Speed is great, but a true hypercar can dance with the best of them. Elegant and muscular the Pagani Huayra merges the past, present and future in a timeless interpretation of automotive art. Pagani have officially unveiled their 2012 Huayra. The hypercar is named after Aymara god Huayra Tata, god of wind. Aerodynamics are a big part of the new car which will be displayed publically for the first time at the Geneva Auto Salon 2011. The styling of the car was perfected over the course of 5 years to find each line's beginning and end. During this study, eight scale models were created, as well as two 1:1 models, each an evolution of the previous in a never ending quest to perfect the form and refining the substance.

The new central monocoque on the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class is an entirely new design made from carbontitanium. However, with the gull wing doors cutting deep into the roof, much research was focused on achieving the highest levels of rigidity through the application of new advanced composite materials and technologies first tested on the Zonda R.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

The never ending quest for weight reduction resulted also into the combination of structural and non-structural or aesthetical elements. An example is the integration of all ventilation air ducts into the monocoque's structure, making the use of additional parts and ducts unnecessary. The result of this attention to detail is a vehicle weighing 1.350 kg making the Pagani Huayra the lightest sportscar in its class.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

Mercedes-AMG provides the heart for the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class. The 60 degree 12 cylinder turbocharged engine with a displacement of 5980 cm3 has been developed not just to meet the strictest technical and quality requirements, but also to give the car its many faces. The calm and harmony of driving one of the world's most refined GT car is interrupted when the driver calls upon the Pagani Huayra to unleash its 700 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque. The turbos have been studied to offer immediate response to the slightest throttle input, giving the driver full control over the engine at any rpm and preventing unwanted delays in the delivery of power.

The engine's systems have been designed and tested to stand up to the most adverse conditions of temperature and performance. The 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class has been subjected to the highs of Death Valley and the lows of the Arctic Circle. The two lateral radiators are positioned in the front to guarantee the best cooling efficiency of the intercoolers placed over the cylinder heads. Dry sump lubrication ensures an optimal oil feed to the engine even when the car is subjected to the most extreme lateral accelerations. It also regulates the oil flow so that only the necessary amount of lubricant is actually pumped into the engine from the external oil tank, reducing the friction caused by an excessive volume of lubricant inside the engine sump. An oil/water heat exchanger reduces warm-up times by heating the engine lubricant during cold start and keeps engine coolant and lubricant levels at steady operational temperatures. Extensive weight saving programs led to ingenious yet simple solutions.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

The M158 engine is homologated to meet the strictest environmental regulations, EU5 and LEV2. Despite the increase of power compared to the other Mercedes-AMG V12 engines developed for Pagani, CO2 emissions as well as the fuel consumption have been reduced, to make the Pagani Huayra class leading amongst 12 cylinder sports cars with values that are respective of much smaller vehicles in the market. The two stage fuel supply system features two microprocessor controlled pumps feeding fuel to the engine with the second pump only activated when necessary, thus reducing the energy required to run the fuel pumps and eliminates the waste of excessive fuel being transported and heated in the fuel lines. This efficiency combined with a large 85 liter fuel tank ensure Pagani Huayra's grand touring ability.

The power and prodigious torque generated by Pagani Huayra's V12 are transferred to the wheels through a transverse sequential seven speed gearbox and a dual plate clutch and the complete gearbox weighs only 96 kg. Keeping the weight of the rear overhang as low as possible has been a priority as we aim for a neutral behavior at the limit. A further benefit of this layout is a better behavior of the car during a rear impact. A dual clutch system was evaluated but ultimately not selected as it would have increased the weight by approximately 70kg, thus negating any minor improvement in shift-time. Xtrac already supplied the gearbox for the Zonda R and so it was the natural choice for the development of a new high performance gearbox.

Pirelli say "Power is nothing without control" and to assure complete control for the driver Pirelli has developed the bespoke P Zero tires, specifically for the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class. The Pirelli engineers were faced with a demanding task, combining road holding for excitement behind the steering wheel and lower rolling resistance to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. These P Zero tires are built in a dedicated MIRS™ (Modular Integrated Robotized System) facility, dedicated to the production of ultrahigh performance tires and are at the forefront of what is technically possible, suited to top speeds above 370 kph as well as to lateral forces exceeding 1,5 G.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

The aerodynamic concept of the Pagani Huayra is that of a wing. The vehicle can modify the properties of this wing by varying the front ride height, which can be adjusted dynamically, and by adjusting the 4 control flaps on each of the four corners of the car. The goal is to have a neutral vehicle behavior under all conditions and control body roll via aerodynamic means. The behavior of the flaps is managed by a dedicated control unit that is fed information from the ABS and ECU, which pass information about the car's speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position.

The system improves aerodynamic efficiency in a variety of driving conditions, where a low drag coefficient is not the determining factor. During braking, for example, the rear flaps and the front suspension are raised to counteract the weight transfer and balance the weight distribution between front and rear axles, allowing a better use of the rear brake force.

Another vital design tenant for the Huayra project was to ensure clean airflow over the body of the car. In addition to the downforce generated by the flaps and body, two high negative pressure areas were designed into the shape of the underbody and the diffuser at the rear, thus enhancing the aerodynamic stability and guaranteeing the 2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class downforce under all circumstances. As soon as the doors are closed the Pagani Huayra transports the occupants to a new dimension; a world that pleases and surprises the senses. Having everything at arm's length is not close enough for a vehicle with the capabilities of the Pagani Huayra.

2012 Pagani Supercars Huayra The Lightest Sports Cars In Its Class

A Pagani is able to present drivers with state of the art solutions while still drawing on the rich history that precedes it. The ever present emphasis is on a living breathing being rather than a digital one. The high definition central touchscreen is the heart of the vehicle infotainment system, controlling audio functions, satellite navigation, secondary vehicle functions and Bluetooth phone. To this date five prototypes have been built which have been conducting road tests for the past 4 years. Currently, over half a million kilometers have been covered by our prototypes and before entering the US market we will have reached one million test kilometers.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

FF’s nickname means “Ferrari Four”  - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car, in reference to the fact that the four wheel drive and four seats. Ferrari says its all wheel drive, which he refers to as 4WD, is 50 percent lighter than comparable systems, but no details on how this was achieved. (RM ruote motor skills while 4WD means not only mean “four wheel drive” in Italian.) A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the Ferrari FF's harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability. The 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF features the company's first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari's exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model's class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF's prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello's latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather. The Ferrari FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

    * Engine

          o Type: 65-degree V12

          o Overall displacement: 6,262 cc

          o Maximum power: 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm

          o Maximum torque: 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

    * Dimensions and weight

          o Length: 4907 mm

          o Width: 1953 mm

          o Height: 1379 mm

          o Dry weight: 1790 kg

          o Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear

          o Weight/power ratio: 2.7 kg/CV

    * Performance

          o Maximum speed: 335 km/h

          o 0-100 km/h: 3.7 sec

    * Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)

          o Fuel consumption: 15,4 l/100 km

          o Emissions: 360 g/km

2012 Ferrari Sports Cars FF

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe revs its beating heart

BMW's latest introduction to the U.S. market bowed today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and it's a machine that's meant to light the true enthusiast's heart aflutter: the 2012 1 Series M Coupe. We must say, it looks rather striking in the metallic orange hue you see in our live photo gallery below.

Even more importantly, the 340 horsepower put out by its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine is said to "capture the soul of the original M3." Or so they say... BMW claims this new sportster was inspired by the 1988 M3, and the German automaker's intention is reportedly to "illustrate its ability to build race car performance into a small car, capable of everyday use."

Expect to see the new 1 Series M Coupe hit dealership lots in the spring of 2011 for $47,010, in limited quantities according to BMW.

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible goes topless in the Motor City

In addition to the scorched orange 1 Series M Coupe at the BMW booth in Detroit was the new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible. Under the sharply creased (and rather long) hood lies a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, direct injected V8 that manages to shove out 450 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. All that grunt will be sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW claims the new 6 Series Convertible can drop its flying-buttress-equipped fabric top in exactly 19 seconds an there's also a 10.2-inch screen to control the standard iDrive technology package. Not bad, but such niceties are to be expected when you are asked to pay a wallet-busting $91,375 for the privilege of owning one, which you'll be able to do sometime in the spring of 2011.

Detroit 2011: 2012 Buick Verano is quietly powerful

If you were wondering how General Motors was planning to differentiate the 2012 Buick Verano from its Chevy Cruze counterpart, wonder no more. According to Buick, its newest addition will offer the quietest ride in its segment thanks to heaps of laminated glass, triple door seals and a host of other muting technologies. Buick calls the cabin "library quiet," though there's no word as to whether the interior smells of old books. They've also made sure to throw in the same levels of refinement as found in the likes of the Lacrosse, and drivers can expect to find the same high-quality leather and a host of tech goodies as the bigger four-door.

That's all fine and good, but we're more excited about what Buick has thrown under the hood of the 2012 Verano. Buyers who opt for the base car will be met with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, Buick is shooting for around 31 mpg highway. The really juicy news is that the Verano will also be available with the same turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder found in the Regal Turbo, and again with your choice of six-speed manual or automatic! That means this significantly smaller, lighter four-door will be available with a full 220 horsepower.

Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that's not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW's old "One sausage, three sizes" design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

Nico Rosberg shows off 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

The benefits of having an F1 team is that, in the off season at least, you've got some of the world's best professional drivers on call for test driving duties. And promotional detail, too.
Specifically, In this case, we're talking about star driver Nico Rosberg and upcoming Mercedes-Benz 2012 SLK. Michael Scheer-Vehicle engineer riding in the new roadster around Monte Carlo shot some footage as Rosberg brief us of what to expect from the new SLK. Check it out in the video

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

The boss is back – and it’s back with a vengeance. Meet the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – said to be the quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford, based on the strong foundation provided by the 2011 Mustang GT. The model has been upgraded in nearly every aspect including engine output, brakes, suspension, interior and exterior all examined to optimize weight, aerodynamics and track performance.

The decision to build a modern Boss was not entered into lightly,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The entire team at Ford felt the time was right and with the right ingredients, the world-class 2011 Mustang could support a successful, race-bred, worthy successor to the original Boss 302. For us that meant a production Mustang that could top one of the world”s best ““ the 2010 BMW M3 ““ in lap times at Laguna Seca. We met our expectations.”


To celebrate the victory and the racing heritage, Ford will offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models for those interested in more on-track driving. The 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

So what’s under the hood? The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 uses the same 5.0L V8 from the 2011 GT but to achieve the high-rpm horsepower to make it competitive on the track, Ford added a new intake, revised camshafts and a more aggressive control calibration. All that results in 440-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a race inspired short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission handles gear change duties.

2012 Buick Verano details and pricing leaked in dealer letter?

Following the launch of the Regal, Buick will be introducing its next all-new model sometime in 2011. Set to launch as a 2012 model, the Verano compact will slot in beneath the Regal sedan, though we've been told on several occasions that it will not share a platform with General Motors' other new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze.

According to the infomongers at GM Inside News, the automaker recent sent a letter to its Buick dealers inviting them to participate in an order study in an attempt to gain knowledge about what pricing and trim levels would be most attractive to potential buyers. The details, available after the jump, reveal that the Verano will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four (same as the Regal) that produces 180 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be initially offered in four trim levels.

If the letter is to be believed, the base Verano 1SB (the alphanumeric likely being an internal designation) is estimated to start at $20,900. From there, the 1SD model adds Bluetooth, automatic climate control and remote start, and will be priced from around $22,100. 1SG models add a power driver's seat, heated mirrors and rear park assist and should command roughly $23,300. Top-trim 1SL Veranos will have heated leather seats, premium audio, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. Expect the top-rung 1SL to retail for around $25,600, with pricing reaching as high as $26,200.

We don't expect GM to reveal official Verano specifications and pricing until closer to its launch date, with the car being officially debuting sometime in the early 2011 auto show season. Top tip, Ed!

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The first ever Brazilian sports cars was recently unveiled at the 2010 Sao Paulo auto show in Brazil and its name – Rossin-Bertin Vorax. Manufacturers of Rossiné Bertin Vorax went for a healthy diet for a motor that must ensure their supercars just – the V10 engine of the BMW M5.

The car itself is a dramatic and menacing looking coupe (a convertible is to follow later). The lines are fairly unique, and Rossin has done a good job of making the car look different from most other generic supercar prototypes. It features a carbon fiber body over an aluminum chassis, cradling the Bavarian ten-pot in two states of trim: naturally aspirated with 570 horsepower, or supercharged with 750.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

The standard V10 version accelerates up to 62mph in 3.8-second and has a top speed of 205mph (329km/h). The supercharged motor has a better acceleration time of 3.6 and its 180 extra horsepower pushes the car up to a much higher top speed of 231mph (371km/h).

The two men behind the Vorax are CEO and designer Fharys Rossin and (presumably lead investor) Natalino Bertin Jr. The former is a 37-year-old ex-GM designer and the latter is the 29-year-old, car-mad heir to the Bertin Group of slaughterhouses. Mr. Rossin wanted to build a supercar that could compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche; a heady goal.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

Bankrolled by meat industry scion Natolino Bertin, Jr. and realized by former General Motors designer Fharys Rossin, the Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept coupe is targeted to hit the market late 2011 or early 2012.

Production of the Vorax coupe will begin at a proposed plant in Blumenau, Brazil in late 2011 or early 2012. A convertible is set to follow twelve months later. Rossin-Bertin expect to sell between 500 and 1,000 Voraxes for around R$700,000 (US$409,836) each. In addition, in 2013, Rossin-Bertin plans to launch a series of open-source version Vorax.

Rossin Bertin Vorax Sports Cars Concept

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American

The 2012 Nissan GT-R version of its flagship GT-R sports cars. This is designed to be one of the best models in automobile industry. Accordingly, the manufacturer has modified the front end along with strengthening the dashboard support area and the forward suspension. The GTR is said to be 3% more efficient than the earlier models. Yesterday, Nissan Motors offered up the full information on the Japanese version of the 2011 Nissan GT-R. Already one of the fastest cars in the world, the Nissan sports cars coupe receives a variety of improvements for 2011 (at least in the Japanese market) to help distance itself from the competition.

There are only subtle refinements made to the exterior of the latest Nissan GT-R supercar and while these changes might be hard to notice in traffic, the physical upgrades to the 2011 model year GT-R offer a 10% improvement in downforce and a decrease in drag. There is also a slightly refined interior with a new instrument panel and carbon fiber trim here and there but the big news is what is under the hood.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American

For 2012, Nissan GT-R features improved engine output and torque, greater fuel efficiency, revised handling, a refreshed exterior with improved aerodynamics, revised interior treatment and new wheels and tires. The large number of enhancements for the new model year is part of the continuous advancement of the GT-R design, technology and performance since its debut.

Developed under the theme of offering the "world's best multi-performance and responsive driving pleasure," every area of the Nissan GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for 2012. The changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance.

The latest version of the potent Nissan GT-R goes on sale at select Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada early in the 2011 calendar year. Full details on the North American version of the Nissan GT-R will be available at the Los Angeles show in November.

Though exact specifications have yet to be released for the U.S. cars, horsepower and torque figures have been revealed for Japan market cars.  The updated 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 offered in the current GT-R. However, the turbo's boost pressure has been increased, the intake and exhaust systems have been opened up to permit freer breathing, and the ECU has been tweaked to take advantage of these changes.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American

The 2012 in the US market Nissan GT-R is powered by the same twin turbocharged 3.8L V6 that was offered in the current GT-R, an enlarged charge air intake pipe and an enlarged exhaust system combined with a recalibration of the car’s ECU, the 2011 GT-R will offer 523 horsepower and 451lb-ft of torque. This is a fair improvement over the output of the current models 485hp/434tq and this extra power could help the mighty GT-R move up the list of the fastest cars in the world (based on testing done at the famed Nürburgring in Germany). The 2011 Nissan GT-R will be the 2012 Nissan GT-R when it hits US shores next year.