2012 Nissan GT-R could go on sale in Australia in Q1: 420kW rumoured

Details of the 2012 Nissan GT-R have leaked out from a European press event around two months ahead of the supercar’s unveiling at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

According to the North American GT-R Owners Club (NAGTROC), the 2012 Nissan GT-R will again score a substantial power increase. Although the exact figures are not expected to be revealed until early November, the uprated GT-R was reportedly shown to produce at least an additional 40hp (30kW).
With the MY2011 Nissan GT-R currently producing 390kW, it appears the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 will generate at least 420kW. Higher boost levels and revisions to the intake and exhaust are also on the cards.
Nissan Australia’s Jeff Fisher said the 2012 GT-R could arrive in Australia as early as the first quarter of next year, but admitted the final timing was still to be locked down.

The NAGTROC report said there will be no visual changes to the new model, with the engineers focusing on retuning the suspension and transmission logic, and revising the underbody to improve aerodynamics and cooling performance.
Despite the power increases, fuel consumption and emissions will fall marginally from the current 11.9 litres/100km and 281g/km levels.
The report also suggested the Premium Black and Egoist variants would be offered worldwide, while a Track Edition with carbon panels and slick tyres would be made available exclusively to right-hand drive markets.

Lexus CT 200h: Economy wins over sport

(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)

The newest hybrid from Lexus comes in the form of a low-down hatchback with futuristic side styling, an aggressive front end, and a dark sunglasses-looking rear window. It seems like a perfect fit for the class of hot hatchbacks that includes the Civic Si, VW GTI, and Mazdaspeed3.

And a sporty hybrid? Sign us up.

But hitting the gas produces the same sort of half-hearted push that you get from a Toyota Prius, no surprise as it has the same power-train specs. Sure, it shows nice composure when manhandled through a corner, but you won't exactly be powering out the other side. No, Lexus opted for fuel economy over push with the CT 200h. You will have to be satisfied with slow cruising with stylish looks and practical hatchback space.

Cabin tech isn't exactly cutting-edge in the CT 200h, either. Although it's a completely new model, Lexus fitted it with electronics that were current in 2008. That means a solid set of features, such as navigation with traffic and a quality audio system, but Lexus missed an opportunity here to push out tech that might compete with the likes of Audi or BMW.