Nissan GT-R Debuts

The long-awaited Nissan GT-R has finally made it to U.S. soil, and based on the crowd's response, it is already a big hit. Whistles, applause and cheers welcomed the Nissan supercar as it made its North American debut in Los Angeles.

Decked out in silver, the GT-R's aggressive styling and smooth looks in the front and circle taillights in the rear put together an aerodynamic package that screams high performance. In Nissan's words, it "evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete."

Built on an exclusive all-new Premium Midship platform, the GT-R has the world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. In simpler terms, it will handle all the power the twin-turbochargers will put out.

With a lap time of 7:38 on the world famous Nürburgring track in Germany, the GT-R logged in one of the fastest times by a production-spec vehicle to date. The supercar is powered by an all-new, hand-built, VR series 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission and fast shifting can be done via paddle shifters.

But Nissan wanted to emphasize the GT-R isn't just a car for the track; it's suited for daily driving as well. There is seating for four passengers and trunk space for two golf bags or suitcases. A cockpit-style instrument panel features a video-game-inspired multifunction display that can give the driver 11 pages of information from acceleration to steering angle to brake pedal pressure.

The GT-R will arrive in showrooms during June 2008, with a starting price of $69,850 and $71,900 for the premium version. With performance stats showing 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 190 mph, most will think of those numbers as champagne stats at a beer bargain.

Nissan has had a good year, with sales up 9.8 percent in October and up 4.9 percent overall this year. Helping achieve those numbers is the midsize crossover Murano SUV, which gets its first major makeover since introduction.

Debuting as a 2009 model, the second-generation Murano takes cues from the original version but adds more style and individuality. The exterior is highlighted by a bolder profile, a wide front end, a wide grille with large headlights and large 18-inch or 20-inch wheels for a solid-looking stance. The rear exterior has been redesigned, featuring uniquely shaped rear glass, large LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers.

Changes under the skin include a new platform, suspension, body structure and steering for improved ride and handling. The 3.5-liter engine has also been revised to put out 265 horsepower and is mated to a new Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The interior has been redesigned with what Nissan calls the "mobile suite" theme. With upgrades from a new instrument and center stack design to a new seat design to ambient lighting, the Murano is designed to provide a sense of warmth and security. The optional power-sliding glass moonroof and second-row skylight allows an open-air experience without compromising headroom.

"The 2009 Murano is an upgrade, not just compared to the previous generation vehicle, but the entire crossover SUV segment," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.

Shoppers don't have to wait for long for the 2009 Murano. The redesigned SUV is scheduled to go on sale nationwide in early January 2008.