New Nissan GT-R unveiled in Japan
Just three weeks into the new year, Nissan unveiled the new Japan-market GT-R, including two special editions- the Nissan GT-R Premium edition T-spec, and Nissan GT-R NISMO Special edition. The 2024 models are expected to be on sale in spring and will be joined by the NISMO versions in summer. (The drivetrain specs and dimensions are the end of this Newsbit)
With “evolving toward ultimate driving pleasure” as its product concept, the new models represent the next level of balance between speed and ride quality. The models feature a new grille design and improved aerodynamics. While maintaining horsepower, noise and vibration have been reduced and the sound carefully tuned to enhance onboard comfort.
The new GT-R is 4710 mm long, 1895 mm wide and 1370 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2780 mm. The Nismo version is shorter in length by 10 mm.
The premium edition T-spec represents the GT-R philosophy of leading and shaping the times and is inspired by the words trend and traction, and comes with specially set suspension and carbon disc brakes. The Nissan GT-R NISMO maximizes the use of racing technologies. By refining aerodynamic performance, suspension tuning, and adding a mechanical limited-slip differential to the front final drive, this is the highest-performance GT-R ever. The exclusive Recaro carbon back bucket seats have been refreshed for enhanced drive quality, make the driver feel one with the car more than ever, along with increased comfort. The Nissan GT-R NISMO Special edition uses high-precision weight-balanced engine parts, such as piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, and a clear-coated NISMO- exclusive carbon engine hood (with NACA ducts).
Specifications (before homologation: Nissan figures)
Drivetrain: All editions get the VR38DETT V6 twin-turbocharged DOHC engine while the NISMO editions get it with NISMO special tuning. The power is delivered to all four (4WD) through a GR6 dual clutch transmission. The maximum power of 570 PS (419 W) and 600 PS (441 kW) from the NISMO tuning are delivered at an engine speed of 6,800 revolutions. The respective torque figures are 637 Nm (at 3300 – 5800) and 652 Nm (at 3600 – 5600) in a high-mid rpm range.
0 – 100 in 3.4 sec: Enter the new BMW M3 CS
The all-new BMW M3 CS brings even greater intensity to its racing allure. The powertrain concept for the new BMW M3 CS (Competition Sport) mates a 550 hp in-line six engine to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The result: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds en route to a limited speed of 302 kmph. The M Driver’s Package is standard. Built in limited numbers at BMW Group Plant Munich from March 2023, the phased launch will start the same month.
Less weight, More power
A specially upgraded version of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the BMW M3 and BMW M4 models with traits directly derived from the race-car unit. The engine unit’s considerable upgrade potential paved the way for a 40 hp hike in peak output compared with the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive, resulting in 550 hp. Besides, a specially designed engine mounting with increased spring rates creates an extremely rigid connection between the power unit and the vehicle’s structure.
When the accelerator is pressed, the engine responds even sharper and transfers power directly to the drivetrain. The peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) is on tap from just 2,750 rpm until all the way up to 5,950 rpm. This is accompanied by the emotionally stirring soundtrack produced by the dual-branch exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a lighter titanium rear silencer and two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt Black. Selecting the SPORT or SPORT+ modes produce notes with certain racing car undertones.
Lightweight construction with extensive use of carbon fibre; improved body rigidity.
Carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a lightweight, high-tech material that the model uses inside and out. Besides its carbon fibre roof, the special-edition uses this for its bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Its centre console, the shift paddles on the steering wheel and its interior trim strips are likewise all manufactured from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats also help to keep weight down in the cabin. The titanium rear silencer scoops out more than 4 kilograms off the weight of the exhaust system. Net result: BMW M3 CS saves 20 kilograms compared with the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive.
Audi Activesphere: A luxury coupe that turns into a pickup
Kilowatts and km/h, or lateral acceleration, are no longer at the top of the design specifications for this new generation of cars. Instead, the starting point is the interior, the occupants’ living and experience sphere on the move, where their needs and desires shape the space, the architecture, and the functions.
Audi has created its own sphere of futuristic concepts in the past couple of years. Audi skysphere roadster in 2021, Audi grandsphere sedan and Audi urbansphere concept in April 2022 and a four-door crossover coupe with a versatile body design is now here and it is called Audi activesphere concept.
Just two centimeters short of 5 metres, it is more than a luxury-class sports car. Impressive ground clearance and large 22-inch wheels proclaim its off-road capabilities. The Sportback rear of the activesphere can turn into an open cargo bed (“active back”) at the touch of a button – perfect for carrying recreational equipment. The Audi activesphere has a drive system and suspension that make it equally adept both on and off the road. It is also capable of providing a care-free drive with autonomous driving. As a coupé that is as elegant as it is dynamic, the car features classic proportions and lines, but in just a few seconds, the car transforms into a pickup, with enough space for two e-bikes in the cargo bed.
The concept car was conceived and designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, where studio manager, Gael Buzyn, and his team, are the creative minds behind the project. “The activesphere is unique. It is a new type of crossover that cleverly combines the elegance of an Audi Sportback, the practicality of a SUV and true offroad capabilities,” says Gael.
600 km range
Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) modular system offers the Audi activesphere a range of over 600 km, and extremely fast charging times thanks to 800-volt technology. Just 10 minutes is sufficient time to take enough energy on board to power the car for more than 300 kilometres. In less than 25 minutes, the 100 kWh battery charges from 5 to 80 percent. The car combines the sustainability, dynamics and long-distance capability of a state-of-the-art electric vehicle with no local emissions.
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, says of the concept series: “The sphere concept vehicles show our vision for the premium mobility of the future. We are experiencing a paradigm shift, especially in the interior of our future Audi models. The interior becomes a place where the passengers feel at home and can connect to the world outside at the same time. But the most important technical innovation in the Audi activesphere is our adaptation of augmented reality for mobility. Audi dimensions creates the perfect synthesis between actual surroundings and digital reality.”
Audi dimensions: Merging worlds
The innovative operating concept, Audi dimensions, combines the physical and virtual worlds (i.e., mixed reality) by displaying digital content in the occupants’ fields of vision in real time. High-tech headsets provide a view of the real environment and the route, while simultaneously displaying 3D content and interactive elements – individually configurable for drivers and passengers. This means all driver-relevant information, such as driving status and navigation, can be displayed. And in the interior, headset users can see control panels and other virtual displays in a tidy, minimalist design that remains hidden to the unaided eye. Mixed reality optics gives users the ability to interact precisely with these real, yet invisible, touch-sensitive zones, as the headsets display and carry out functions by reacting in real time when users touch them.
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