Not long enough after the launch of the Toyota GT86 at Tokyo Motor Show, now comes its twin brother, The Subaru BRZ. The Subaru BRZ pretty much has the same specs as the Toyota GT86. It has the same engine and drive-terrain components. Only noticeable differences between the Toyota and Subaru variants are the front bumper design, wheel design and additional blue color for the BRZ.




Hope to see a STI version of this car soon. A turbocharged Boxer engine perhaps.



Continue to read the Subaru Press Release below:

Subaru Unveils "SUBARU BRZ"

Tokyo, November 30, 2011 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its world premiere of "SUBARU BRZ (display model)" at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. (Open to public from December 3 to 11 at Tokyo Big Sight)


SUBARU BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. It was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation, to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity s on the market today. This low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis BRZ realizes Subaru's aim for "Pure Handling Delight" -- the driving experience taken to a new level.

Major Features

Concept
The product concept of BRZ is "Pure Handling Delight." The Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has inherent qualities of low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. These attributes are maximized by placing this engine even lower and closer to the center of the chassis. These factors contributed to BRZ's low center of gravity -one of the lowest possible. The BRZ is a fun sports car that any driver can enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Design
"Ultra-low Center of Gravity Package"
The BRZ has a low-mounted Boxer engine on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an "ultra-low center of gravity package". With this arrangement, BRZ achieved a low driving position typical of a sports car. Overall height of BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. Yet, it allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with ample space. Not only is the BRZ a sports car, but it can also be a suitable partner for long tours with its unexpected utility.

- Exterior
Subaru aimed for a sports car design that instinctively conveys the car's fun-to-drive character. In addition, it was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru.


- Front fascia
The "ultra-low center of gravity package" also allowed a low hood design. This low hood and bulging front fenders raise expectations for the BRZ's drivability. Also, to communicate the Subaru identity the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille follow the Subaru design motif common across new Subaru models.

- Side
The low center of gravity enhances BRZ's sensuous beauty with its shapely fender flares. The aesthetic beauty is combined with functional beauty that advances aerodynamics through such areas as the C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. As would be expected from a sports car, the front and rear overhangs were shortened to express the BRZ's liveliness. The front fender is accentuated with a distinctive garnish.

- Rear fascia
The projecting rear wheel arches sit by way of contrast to the compact cabin and emphasizes the beauty of the BRZ's rear view.

- Interior
Details were carefully designed to allow a new level of fun-to-drive experience in which the driver and vehicle become one.
- The steering wheel was made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability.
- A tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges so that the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.
- Bespoke sports car seats were designed to hold the driver and passenger and feature lowered sitting positions to match the "ultra-low center of gravity package".



Mechanisms
Engine
Making full use of the design concept of the new-generation Boxer engine, the newly developed engine made exclusively for the BRZ is highly efficient with superior output and environmental friendliness. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine.
- It has square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm.
- Due to the joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota's direct injection and port injection technology "D-4S" was incorporated in the BRZ's power unit.
- To achieve the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting the shorter intake manifold and the shallower oil pan.

Transmission
The joy of sports car driving was realized through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response.
- The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever. The lever was optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel.
- The 6-speed AT has "S mode" for better shifting response and "M mode" for optional shifting. Also, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver's inputs.

Body
The lightweight yet highly-rigid body was developed exclusively to maximize the advantages of the "ultra-low center of gravity package".
- Low center of gravity and low driving position were achieved by the perimeter type body frame layout.
- The body has a rigid and durable frame structure that also works in balance with the vehicle's light-weight. The rigidity is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability is maintained for collision safety.
- High tensile steel was used in the body to contribute to weight reduction. Effective use of this material in the upper structure of the BRZ contributed to its low center of gravity.
- The front hood employs aluminum for lightness. The structure was fine-tuned for a low styling that also improves pedestrian protection performance.

Chassis
Excellent maneuverability and stability of the "ultra-low center of gravity package" offers direct and sharp response to steering and enhances driver's connection to the car
- The front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity, while a double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.
- To gain a low front hood from the "ultra-low center of gravity package", the front strut mount was lowered while maintaining the stroke.
- The tires are 215/45R17 combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.
- All models are equipped with electronic stability control to provide both driving pleasure and safety.

[Source: Subaru]

Finally, Toyota dropped the curtains. Toyota has unveiled the highly anticipated GT86 formally well known as the Toyota FT86. The GT86 is the futuristic successor of the company successful drift machine, the 1983 Toyota AE86 "Hachiroku".


The GT86 is a joint project between Toyota and Subaru. There will be 3 variations from this project, GT86 from Toyota Japan, Subaru BRZ from Subaru and Scion FR-S from Toyota American market.


The GT86 sports a brand new Subaru horizontally opposed 2.0 liter Flat-four engine combined with D-4S injection coupled with a 6speed manual transmission or 6 speed auto with paddle shifter on steering wheel. This power plant is rated 197hp @ 7000rpm and a maximum torque of 151lb-ft. Basically both the other variation of the GT86 will be using the same engine. Well, 197hp might not be a cup of tea for everyone. Its a good starting point for new drivers nonetheless. We are not surprised by the end of 2012, there will be a 500hp tuned GT86 on the road. :D



The GT86 is a compact rear wheel drive sports car with a dimension of 4240mm long, 1286mm high and 2570 wide. Toyota claims the GT86 has the same low center of gravity of a European supercar. It wont be long when we see this car driving sideways at racetrack in 2012. The GT86 is expected to be on sale by June 2012.

Check out some of the videos below:

Four wins for Audi at Auto Trophy 2011

• Q3, A1 and A5 Sportback top their classes
• Five second-place and four third-place finishes
• Audi also victorious in the advertisement category
• A1 to be introduced soon in Brunei with Q3 and A5 Sportback for 2012

Ingolstadt/Düsseldorf, November 22, 2011 - Three Audi models were voted best in their class by nearly 100,000 readers of “Auto Zeitung” in the competition for the Auto Trophy 2011. The Audi Q3, Audi A1 and Audi A5 Sportback picked up three of the most coveted awards of the year. Five other Audi models finished in second place in their categories, along with four third-place finishes. The company was also honored for the best advertisement.

This was the 50th time the brand with the four rings has won the highly sought award in the now 24-year history of the Auto Trophy. The award ceremony was held this evening as part of a gala event in the Classic Remise in Düsseldorf.

Introduced in the German market only a few weeks ago, the new Audi Q3 promptly secured first place in the “SUVs up to 30,000 euros” category. An outstanding 27.2 percent of the votes went to the newcomer from Ingolstadt. In the “mid-size” category, 29.7 percent of the voters selected the Audi A5 Sportback. With this, the dynamic four-door coupé took the Auto Trophy for the third time in a row. The Audi A1 completed the company’s triple success in the Auto Trophy 2011. With 32.1 of the votes, it once again landed at the top of the “all subcompact cars” category, just as it did in 2010.

These outstanding results were rounded out with second place finishes for the Audi A6 (full-size class), the Audi A8 (luxury class), the Audi R8 (supercars), the Audi R8 Spyder (convertibles over 30,000 euros) and the Audi RS 5 (sports cars). The Audi A7 Sportback (full-size class), the Audi Q5 (SUVs over 30,000 euros), the Audi A3 (compact cars) and the Audi A3 Cabriolet (convertibles up to 30,000 euros) each took third place in their categories. The Auto Trophy was presented for the 24th time this year. Nearly 100,000 readers of “Auto Zeitung” magazine voted on more than 393 models in 29 categories.

Locally the Audi A1 is set for an end of year introduction with 6 different customization options, all will feature the 1.4 TFSI engine with 7-speed S tronic transmission. As for the Audi Q3 and A5 Sportback, T.C.Y. Motors expects to introduce these two among other new models next year.

[Source: TCY Motor]

Yeap the Godzilla is back again. And Faster than the last one, which was 2012 version. The new 2013 Nissan GT-R was officially revealed at the 2011 LA Auto Show. You might find it hard to differentiate between the current GT-R and the latest 2013 GT-R. Basically the Japanese supercar didn't get much of an update from visual point of view. So whats new?

The update Nissan GTR features an extra 15hp more than 2012 model which means a figure of 545hp and 463lb-ft of torque thanks to redesigned intake system, bigger intercooler ducting and reduced airflow resistance. Transmission and suspension has been updated as well. Performance wise? How about 0-60mph in 2.7seconds sounds like..





Read More about the new GT-R below:

2013 NISSAN GT-R GAINS 15 HORSEPOWER TO 545 HP TOTAL
– Nissan's Multi-Dimensional Supercar Receives Engine and Suspension Refinements for New Model Year; Set to Arrive at Select Certified Nissan Dealers Nationwide in January 2012 –

Since its introduction, the iconic Nissan GT-R has had one goal in mind – never rest on its laurels. One of the most acclaimed supercars in automotive history, the Nissan GT-R is the ultimate expression of the Nissan brand and its "Innovation for All" philosophy. A multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere," the Nissan GT-R receives a number of engine and suspension refinements for the 2013 model year, all designed to enhance its already legendary performance.

"The 2013 Nissan GT-R once again sends a bold statement that it remains on the leading edge of international sports car design, technology and performance," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "It's our desire to keep pushing the envelope, to never settle for second best or second place – a philosophy that makes Nissan GT-R one of the most coveted and affordable supercars in the world today."

The major refinements to GT-R's renowned engineering masterpiece of an engine include improved intake efficiency, reduced airflow resistance including an enlarged air intake duct for the intercooler, and improved exhaust emissions efficiency and enhanced control. The engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room, similar to racing powerplant construction. As a result, horsepower is rated at 545 hp, an increase of 15 hp over the 2012 GT-R's 530 hp. Similarly, torque has been increased to 463 lb-ft from 448 lb-ft.

Transmission shift feel and quietness have been refined through a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing. Also, high performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is now standard for production models.

In addition, the suspension has been retuned and a handmade dry carbon rear spoiler has also been added to the Nissan GT-R Black Edition model. Other enhancements include the addition of a new blue lighting treatment inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light, helping provide a more sophisticated cockpit atmosphere. A RearView Monitor is now standard on all models.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is scheduled to go on sale at select certified Nissan dealers in January 2012.

About the 2013 Nissan GT-R

Following a major revision just last year, the 2013 Nissan GT-R is offered in two models – GT-R Premium and the GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black aluminum forged RAYS® wheels, unique read and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler. The 2013 Nissan GT-R is once again anchored by an advanced 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine matched with a high-performance 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Engine efficiency has been improved for the new model year, which helps raise horsepower to 545 hp (versus the previous 530 horsepower) and torque to 463 lb-ft (versus the previous 448 lb-ft). The engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room.

GT-R is built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform, which enables the use of the world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. This system places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing handling capability.

Total vehicle adjustability is provided by a "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel, enabling the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) among three settings – Normal, Special or "R," for ultimate handling.

The Nissan GT-R suspension has been retuned for 2013. The vehicle again utilizes a special Bilstein DampTronic system, and the braking system consists of Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R's lightweight 10-spoke forged aluminum 20-inch RAYS® wheels feature a premium dark (near black) finish, which provides a high quality, high-performance look. They are mounted with Dunlop Sports Max GT 600 DSST CTT tires – P255/40ZRF20 in front and P285/35ZRF20 in the rear. The Black Edition features special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® lightweight wheels with Dunlop Sports Max GT 600 DSST CTT tires – P255/40ZRF20 in front and P285/35ZRF20 in the rear.

Nissan GT-R's aerodynamics were improved last year with increased downforce and the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.26 (from 0.27). A new front fascia with aggressive double rectifier fins and integrated high intensity LED running lights was also added, enhancing the car's strong visual presence. Other exterior features include high-mounted LED stoplights, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade windshield wipers. Six exterior colors are available for 2013: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

Inside, Nissan GT-R's four-passenger cabin again balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder, and carbon fiber trim. The Black Edition adds custom red and black Recaro® leather-appointed seats, red and black interior trim and a dark headliner.

A specially designed 11-speaker Bose® sound system with speakers mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which provides sound quality suitable for a supercar, is standard.

Additional standard equipment for 2013 includes a RearView Monitor, Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather™ capabilities (XM® subscription required, sold separately), and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

Safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and tension reducers, and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is sold and serviced through nearly 700 Nissan dealers that have attained "GT-R Certification" status by meeting a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments – including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, special training for service managers and technicians, and designating dealer principals, executive managers and general managers as the primary communicators and negotiators in sales transactions. The names and locations of local GT-R Certified Nissan dealers are available onNissanUSA.com.

[Source: Autoblog & Nissan Press Release]

Since we are still in the GT-R topic, check this one out:


Nissan has recently released a promo video of their latest let's say Frankenstein of a car, The Juke-R. This compact crossover is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter engine with 480 hp (486 PS / 358 kW) engine. It is the same hardware found inside the Godzilla Nissan GT-R. The Juke-R features OMP racing seats, roll cage, GT-R steering wheel and also the 7inch touchscreen display taken from a GT-R. This is probably the best time not to call the Juke a Puke anymore. Bring it on.

In early November, the Volvo S60 was crowned Car of the Year in the Middle East at MEMA 2011, the Middle East Motor Awards. The jury praised the Volvo S60 as a well-balanced and stylish luxury sedan featuring a powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine and leading-edge safety technology.

MEMA, which was held for the second consecutive year, is regarded as the largest, most prestigious and only independent award for the automotive industry in the region. It is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in the United Arab Republic. The jury is made up of leading motoring journalists and professional racing drivers from ten countries, including Lebanon, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Syria.

"It is very rewarding to receive the Car of the year in the Middle East. It once again confirms the success of the Volvo S60. It is a car that well matches the customers' demands in these markets which is key to our forward success in the region", says Wim Maes, President Volvo Cars Overseas Corporation.

The nomination and assessment process takes more than eight months during which all 19 jury members fill in individual result cards for the nominated cars. Among the parameters taken into account are design, safety features and value for money.

The jury also noted that the 2011 Volvo S60 was the first car launched in the Middle East with Volvo Pedestrian Detection - a safety system that actively searches for and spots pedestrians in the roadway and automatically applies the brakes to protect them.

[Source: Volvo Press Release]

Breaking a 10 second quartermile is pretty hard enough. This VW Golf MK II takes it for the win for running 9.34seconds @ 256.8 km/h.

Here are the specs:

• 16Vampir Golf MK2 1,8L 16V
• Turbo 4 Motion Garrett GTX4202R 900HP on E85 Fuel.
• Stock 02M 6 Speed Transmission.

Racelogic Performance:
0-100kmh in 2,7s
0-200kmh in 6,2s
0-250kmh in 8,87s
100-200kmh in 3,42s
100-250kmh in 6,10s

ILMC (7/7) 6 HOURS OF ZHUHAI (China)
11-12-13 November 2011

THE FINAL ACT IN CHINA

The 2011 season of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup will draw to a close in China, at the Zhuhai racetrack. On the back of a second consecutive ILMC* title, secured after an almighty scrap in early October in the USA, Team Peugeot Total has one remaining goal: claim a sixth race win of the season in the home of the world’s biggest automotive market.


A sixth win to conclude the season
2011 will go down in the annals of Endurance racing as one of the most closely contested years of racing. From Sebring to Road Atlanta, taking in Spa-Francorchamps, Imola, Silverstone and of course the 24 Hours of Le Mans, every race has been decided by a few tenths of a second, sometimes thousandths, between Peugeot and its most tenacious rival. After six incredibly close races, Peugeot secured the manufacturers’ title* thanks to five race wins, including three one-two finishes and four pole positions.


At Zhuhai, the first racetrack to be built in China in 1996, the race may be just as difficult to call. Finishing the season with another win appears to be essential, on this technical track where the drivers’ nerves will be sorely tested as overtaking can prove to be complicated.

China, a great stage for the season finale

Here's a quick video walkthrough what makes an Audi TT RS a desirable sports car:

Source: Autobarn