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GT-R SpecV, originally uploaded by EbisuHapa

Those who know performance, and especially those who know Japanese elite performance know the Nissan GT-R by name. Recently Nissan unleashed the goods on their new GT-R Spec-V and while it is still just as cool as always, it was missing a few anticipated features, such as the 550-some horsepower we thought we were going to get.

Oh well, we’ll settle for the 478 horsepower twin-turbo, 3.8 liter V-6 for another year. This years goal if anything, is bringing this race-level vehicle to as few enthusiasts as possible. They are accomplishing this by bringing out an ultimate low production number of just 10 vehicles per month. So if you snooze on this one you will definitely lose. Even if you blink you will probably never see the likes of one of these in your garage anytime soon.

But with such low numbers, comes even higher numbers elsewhere, such as the reported six figure price tag we expected. So what do you get for all these hard earned dollars besides the same engine as the regular GT-R. Well you get an overboost button, which is claimed to allow for more mid-range turbo boost, which translates to more torque throughout the mid and upper rpm ranges. This should give the Spec-V a bit of an edge over the regular GT-R guys. The Spec-V also comes with a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes, for even more longevity and impressive stopping power.

But probably the most noteworthy difference is the weight saving carbon fiber parts and upgraded suspension which have been swapped out for the stock GT-R parts. Carbon fiber-wise you will get a rear wing, front grill, brake ducts, and various other interior trim. Suspension-wise, the slightly upgraded springs and various other parts will bring the Spec-V up by two seconds over the typical lap around the Sendai Highland Raceway.

Hardly worth noting, as anyone interested in a Nissan GT-R Spec-V is in it for the muscle and performance and not its fuel economy, but Nissan claims that its new overboost will also allows the engine to operate more efficiently at much lower speeds, which translates to better fuel control. Some of these goodies can be purchased separately to make your current GT-R a more formidable opponent, such as its popular lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels developed specifically for the Spec-V and sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO).

Remember grasshoppers, there is only one substitute for cubic inches… dual turbo (supercharger isn’t a bad way to go either) and lots of boost!

Audi TT RS , originally uploaded by oneighturbo

We love it when pertinent information leaks out from the manufacturers along with a teaser shot or two. The 2010 Audi TT-RS is set to take center stage just a year after the Audi TT-S impressed us with a much improved chassis and engine than any previous TT had even come close. Even with significant aftermarket modification. The new TT-RS is said to be capable of going head to head with the Porsche Cayman. How is it going to accomplish such a feat? With turbo chargers… two sequential ones to be exact.

The twin turbo units will be just enough to get the horsepower of the TT on up to about 340 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque according to most sources. This is just enough to give a whole new respect to the TT-RS, without stepping on the Audi R8’s toes. As expected, the new Audi should have the permanent 4-wheel-drive Quattro, re-tuned suspension, bigger wheels (18 inch), bigger brakes, fixed wing, rear diffuser, and a 6-speed manual transmission. It is not clear as of yet, whether or not the S-tronic double clutch will be an option, but there is a pretty good chance it will.

The engine used in the new Audi TT-RS has definitely been a source of the most rumors, with everything from a turbocharged 5-cylinder to the new 3.0 liter TFSI V6. What it looks like they have settled on is a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder worth a 0 to 60 run in hopefully not much more than 4.5 seconds, although some sources say it won’t be much under 5-seconds. It will most likely have the same 155 governed top speed as the current Audi TT-S.

The Audi TT-RS will be released in markets throughout Europe in the weeks following its Geneva Auto Show premier. If, when, and where it will be sold in North America remains somewhat of a mystery. We do know it will be somewhere upwards of $70,000 if they do decide to bring it over. If you want to get your hands on one really bad, now may be the time to begin plotting a move over into European territory!

Source- Jallopnik: Audi TT RS: 340 HP, First Unofficial Official Photos!

2009 Audi TTS, originally uploaded by tommy.chang

As the Big Three whittle down to becoming smaller and smaller forces in the performance car market, we step back to take a look at a rather unsung hero. The 2009 Audi TT-S, released only a year ago. The TT-S is without a doubt one of the highlights from the Audi line-up last year. While the previous models have predictably been under attack for not having enough gusto under the hood to make the TT a worthy enthusiast vehicle, the TT-S took care of that with an all new 2.0 liter, TFSI engine. The new engine was capable of 0 to 60 in just 5.2 seconds using its relatively light frame (3,000 lbs) and impressive 272 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Performance and Efficiency
What is even more impressive beyond its quick numbers and off the line performance, is the fact that such a potent performance tuned engine could offer up such a noteworthy miles per gallon rating of nearly 30. All this is possible due to the newly designed 2.0 turbo engine and optional S-tronic transmission. The new direct injection engine was incorporated and balanced with the turbo so well, that Audi has created an efficiency level which would rival many economy-based vehicles, while also rivaling the Mustang GT and Nissan 350Z in raw sports car appeal.

The Audi  TT-S is as comfortable on the track as on the German Autobahn, thanks to a governed top speed of 155 miles per hour, which is more than enough to keep you in the fast lane during most cruising speeds. The sweet spot of the new Audi resides between 2,500 and 5,000 rpms, which is where the entire 250 lb-ft of torque will be at your beck and call. With this kind of low end grunt availability, we can confidently say that turbo lag is not much of an issue for the TT-S.

Transmission and Ride-Adaptability
While the engine is an obvious improvement over the old Audi TT (which has been around about 10 years, we’d like to add), the S-tronic transmission coupled with full-time all-wheel -drive is the glue which holds each of those new found ponies to the pavement. Power loss is almost non-existent with the new system. The multi-plate clutch on the S-tronic offers shifting capabilities which would be impossible to achieve by an automatic transmission  only a few years ago. The shift is controlled via paddles placed on the steering wheel, Formula One style, however for the drivers who had their hearts set on a “stick”, the TT-S also offered a 6-speed manual (with only a slight decrease in 0-60 performance).

With so much engineering having gone into the motor and drivetrain, Audi couldn’t leave well enough alone in the suspension department. The Audi TT-S revealed a ride adaptable damping systems which gave the driver the choice between “Normal” and “Sport” handling. It used a special fluid within the system magnetized by particles, which were then transferred where they are needed to dampen the ride best. Besides the driver control over the Audi’s performance characteristics, the TT-S also had the capability to monitor its own driving experience and make slight adaptive changes to suit the needs of the road better.

The Price for Admission
But all this technology comes at a high price for admission. If you want an inexpensive track warrior, go with a Mazda MX-5, if you want German engineering, then prepare to spend upwards of $60,000 U.S. dollars for the hardtop and closer to $70,000 for the convertible.

Now, there is a very good reason that we have dug up the TT-S for a second glance. The Audi TT-RS has just began to release information to drooling fans who thought the TT-S was something special. Well, yeah it was… but nothing compared for what is in store for the TT-RS.

(To be Continued…)