Cars Review

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Nissan GT-R
 Nissan’s Multi-Dimensional 530-Horsepower Supercar Makes North American Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show, Set to Go On Sale in Early 2011

Entering its fourth year of availability in the North American market, the 2012 Nissan GT-R has a new look, new colors, new wheel design and, most important to fans of pure power, more horsepower under the hood. In addition, a new “Black Edition”– with unique seats, interior colors and wheels – joins the GT-R Premium model. The latest iteration of Nissan’s legendary supercar makes its North American debut that the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and will be available at official “GT-R certified” Nissan dealers across the United States in early 2011.
INTERIOR
The rather austere cabin of the 2012 Nissan GT-R is meant to convey an impression of performance and technology. The front seats have prominent bolsters and faux-suede upholstery inserts to keep occupants firmly located during high-G maneuvers, yet they remain comfortable during long-distance drives. The interior itself is well-constructed, with plenty of soft-touch materials, and most controls have a solid, positive feel. Opting for the Black Edition spices up the interiors appearance significantly.

The navigation screen can be used to display a variety of parameters, such as G-force during cornering, steering input, gear position and lap times. If this all sounds a bit video gamelike, theres a good reason. This interface has been designed by Polyphony Digital, the developers of the popular Gran Turismo series of driving simulation games.

Entering and exiting the GT-R takes no more gymnastic aptitude than that required by more conventional cars -- a rarity among high-performance exotics. The rear seats are much smaller and difficult to access, but they are adequate for child-sized passengers. Trunk space is commendable for this type of car, providing a deep well that can accommodate up to 8.8 cubic feet of cargo.
EXTERIOR
The newly refreshed front fascia features aggressive double rectifier fins and new integrated high intensity LED running lights. Additional plated parts are used for the headlight inner panels, enhancing the car’s strong visual presence.

The redesigned rear fascia features a lower center of gravity than the previous design, created by using asculpted lower section and extended length. Underfloor cooling performance is also enhanced and air resistance reduced by extending the rear diffuser.

In addition, cooling performance for the muffler is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% through use of a new rear fascia outlet and new vents on the lower rear fenders that help remove air from the rear wheel wells. Newly designed larger diameter tailpipe finishers are also adopted. Six exterior colors are available, including two new colors: Deep Blue Pearl and Jet Black. Other available colors are Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

GT-R’s newly designed, lighter weight and more rigid forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, once again manufactured by RAYS®, help improve suspension response. Knurling inside the wheels is modified to help keep the tires from slipping around the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking. The wheels also feature a new premium dark (near black) finish, which provides a high quality, high-performance look. The Black Edition features special black six-spoke RAYS® lightweight wheels in place of the Premium model’s 10-spoke design.
ENGINE
More important to GT-R fans are the changes made to the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6, which deliver a healthy 45-hp boost (to 530), and a rise in torque from 434 to 448 lb-ft. Modifications were made in the areas of boost pressure, valve timing, air/fuel mixture, and exhaust flow. Nissan claims improvements in emissions and fuel economy as well.

Nissan made improvements to the six-speed dual-clutch transmission’s “R mode” launch control; we hope they will bring 0–60 times back down into the low threes. (The company chose to reprogram the system for 2010—slowing the car’s sprint by 0.6 second to 3.8 in the process—due to transmission reliability issues.) Also of interest is a two-wheel-drive mode that prevents low-speed binding in parking lots; it activates when the car is traveling at speeds below 6 mph and the steering wheel is turned more than halfway to full lock. We’d like to see a two-wheel-drive mode we could use on the track, too.

The GT-R’s structure has been strengthened with a new strut-tower brace and another brace added behind the glove box. Chassis tweaks include modifications to the front springs, shocks, and anti-roll bar; an increased front caster angle for improved straight-line stability; a lower rear roll center; and new front brake rotors said to improve fade resistance while extending rotor life.
SAFETY
Standard safety features on the GT-R include antilock Brembo brakes, stability control and traction control. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are also included. In Edmunds brake testing of a previous GT-R, weve recorded a best 60-0-mph stopping distance of 98 feet, which ranks among the shortest distances weve ever seen.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Nissan GT-R achieves an impressive level of performance by utilizing technology rather than brute force. Instead of a large-displacement V8 that makes a burly rumble, the Nissans twin-turbo V6 sounds like the sort of jet turbine youd find in a sci-fi flick. All four wheels work in concert to maintain a tenacious grip on the asphalt, and the car accelerates past the national speed limit with startling immediacy. Braking is likewise as urgent and powerful.

The GT-R really shines on serpentine roads or racetracks, where its handling limits rank with the top supercars. The suspension is unfazed by speed, so the car tracks through curves with robotic precision. The steering is as communicative and responsive as weve ever experienced in an all-wheel-drive car. However, the GT-Rs curb weight of 3,800 pounds keeps it from feeling as nimble as a Porsche 911.

The GT-R is much less polished in the confines of a congested city. The shift action of the transmission is clunky and loud while in automatic mode in stop-and-go traffic, and it will clatter like a racing transmission at a walking pace. When the road is open, the GT-R regains its composure, and the transmission shifts quickly and positively in automatic mode. On the whole, the transmission responds better when its shifted manually. Road noise can be intrusive at times, but we think its a small price to pay for the 2012 Nissan GT-Rs otherworldly performance.
reference:www.rsportscars.com,www.caranddriver.com,www.edmunds.com

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Citroen DS4
The Citroen DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. The DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.

The 2012 Citroen DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact design.

The 2012 DS4 delivers a "new at-the-wheel" experience with unrivalled driving sensations and outstanding agile on-road handling. With its slightly raised stance and taut lines, the DS4 is a unique and eye-catching addition to the segment.

Finely crafted to convey a prestigious presence both inside and out, the 2012 Citroen DS4 offers meticulous detailing from carefully applied chrome touches to premium cabin materials - such as the finest quality leather seats. A large panoramic windscreen, offering enhanced occupant visibility, illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
INTERIOR
As with its prestigious exterior, Citroën DS4s cabin exudes power, dynamism and refinement. The driving position is enveloping, with chrome-surround dials focused directly towards the drivers eye-line. The characterful, sculptured dashboard also uses high quality materials for a superior tactile feel.
DS4s cabin is dominated by the large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline. Offering up to 45° of upward vision, the panoramic glazed area combines with Citroën DS4s slightly raised stance, to provide optimised visibility for the driver, with a bright yet intimate, airy cabin environment for passengers.
Allowing owners to personalise the interior, DS4 is available with a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone options. Range-topping models are also equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels - complete with a Bracelet design on the seats, evoking the links of a watch strap.
For an added touch of luxury, there is chrome detailing on the air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and parts of the central console. Aluminium pedals, embossed leather door handles and ambient lighting are further evidence of Citroën DS4s attention to premium detail.
 EXTERIOR
 An example of truly creative design, the 2012 Citroen DS4 boldly blends a mix of the most desirable styling references to create an exciting new automotive proposition. Marc Pinson, DS4s chief stylist, comments, "Reinterpreting cues opened up new possibilities, bringing practical and surprising solutions to automotive mobility".

Compact and muscular, the DS signature on the bonnet is complemented by a striking LED light signature around the front fog lights. The LEDs are illuminated both day and night. The eye-catching profile, featuring a chrome-finished waistline surrounding dark tinted windows, is enhanced by muscular wheel arches - that emphasize the large wheels (up to 19") - and is crowned by a tautly drawn roofline with a spoiler for added vitality. The lower part of the rear bumper is finished in chrome and the horizontal detailing on the rear light clusters highlights their innovative boomerang design.
 ENGINE
With its high-set, taut and agile stance, Citroën DS4 is tuned for dynamic performance, appealing to drivers looking for an involving motoring experience. "We really wanted drivers to feel like they have the road at the tips of their fingers", says Jérémie Maestracci, DS4s project manager.

On the road, Citroën DS4 exercises exemplary control, giving occupants a reassuring sense of safety in all circumstances. Fitted with a MacPherson type suspension assembly at the front, a flexible transverse beam at the rear and hydraulic steering with an electric pump unit, the platform is a tried and tested solution tailored for the distinctive set-up of the car.

Depending on trim level, DS4 is fitted with large-diameter (340mm) ventilated disc brakes and, as standard, with dedicated braking control systems, including ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Ensuring optimal vehicle control in the most demanding driving situations, Citroën DS4 also features intelligent traction control with ESP.

DS4 will be launched with a choice of five refined and highly efficient Euro 5 engines. The two HDi diesels - an HDi 110 (also available as an e-HDi version) and an HDi 160 - are both fitted with Citroëns Diesel Particulate Filter System. The three petrol powerplants - VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200 - were co-developed with BMW. The new THP 200 - based on the 1.6-litre engine - delivers flexible power delivery and performance thanks to its power output (147kW), plentiful torque (275Nm at 1,700rpm) - with low CO2 emissions of just 149g/km. All engines are available with manual or EGS six-speed gearboxes.

Special attention has been given to the cars internal acoustics, retaining the refined atmosphere on-board by minimising engine vibration, wind and road noise. This has been achieved by specifying a laminated panoramic windscreen with damping film, fitting additional sound absorbent material around the engine compartment and enhanced sealing barriers on the body and doors.
Technology

Beyond its distinctive styling and dynamic performance, 2012 Citroen DS4s cabin overflows with Créative Technologie, providing equipment, functionality and innovative features for first-class travelling comfort and ultimate user convenience. Features available include an advanced audio system with processing software for effective soundscaping, delivering high quality, authentic sound evenly throughout the cabin. For ultimate driving luxury, massaging front seats are available with electric lumbar adjustment in the front passengers and drivers seat backs.

Another example of the tailored DS4 experience, drivers can select their own on-board ambience from four ranges of polyphonic sounds - Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik - for alerts and reminders; select from three air-conditioning flow levels - soft, average & intense; and choose from an array of colors for the instrument panel - spanning from white to blue. 
source:www.cardotcom.com,www.netcarshow.com