I find it extremely interesting to compare the sizes and designs between the 5th generation (1999–2002) R34 Skyline GT-R and the new R35 GT-R thanks to these photos from Jalopnik. It’s crazy how much larger the 2008 GT-R is when sized up behind (insert joke) the retired R34 Skyline.

When the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R was released in 1989, it was rated by many motoring magazines, as providing performance and handling similar to that of European icons like the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari Testarossa, but at a considerably lower price.

The Porsche 959 was Nissan’s target when designing the Skyline R32 GT-R. The chief engineer, Naganori Itoh, intended to use the car for Group A racing, so the design specification was drawn up in conjunction with a copy of the Group A rules.

The R32 GT-R was introduced in the Australian Bathurst 1000 touring-car race to compete against GM Holden and Ford V8 saloons, winning in 1991 & 1992. This success led to the Australian motoring press naming the car Godzilla due to it being a “monster from Japan” and as Australia was the first export market for the car the name quickly spread.

To put Australian motoring press tag of “Godzilla – Monster from Japan” in perspective keep in mind that the R32 GT-R won against GM Holden and Ford V8 saloons with its RB26DETT 2.6 litre inline 6 Twin Turbo Engine… THATS PRETTY FUCKING RIDICULOUS and just goes to further exemplify how advanced this car and all its systems were at the time.

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Back in December Zagato announced that they would be working with Bentley on a new project but failed to mention which Bentley. Now we know it will be the Bentley continental GT Speed.

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Giorgetto Giugiaro has set to work on a concept car which will both be less environmentally harmful yet still delviver some serious power. The Italian design house used Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to power their idea of a futuristic super car employing state-of-the-art F1 technology.

Giugiaro claims: “It is an “extreme”, ecological, 4WD super-sportscar, the first hybrid car with mid-engine and driving position and a roomy cabin able to accommodate three adults plus a baby in complete comfort.”

Some Numerical Metrics

Displacement: 3.3L V6
Max. power: 155 kw – 207hp @ 5600 rpm
System total power: 200 kw – 272hp
Max. torque: 288Nm – 212 ft lb @ 4400 rpm
Top speed: 250 km/h – 155mph
0 – 60mph: 4.05 sec
Consumption: 7.1 L/100km – combined cycle
CO2 emissions: 180 g/km – combined cycle

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The Ariel Atom 500, is a V8-powered mini-space shuttle that pulls out figures of over 1,000 bhp per tonne. This from a 2.4-litre V8, which is perhaps paying homage to current Formula One rules. It is supercharged and revs to 10,000 rpm.

With over 500 hp in a 500 kg package the Atom 500 will boast one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production car. The Atom will have over 1000bhp per tonne (compared to a Bugatti Veyron’s 521bhp per tonne) and will be built in limited numbers.

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Due to request from certain Koenigsegg Clients and Customers, Koenigsegg has created a Limited Edition version of its sought after cars. The Koenigsegg Edition comes in two limited versions, the CCX and CCXR models.

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Toronto, Ontario – The largest Ferrari Maserati dealership in North America will soon be built in Vaughan, a few kilometers north of Toronto. Construction work for the new facilities, which started at the end of last year, will give birth to the first Ferrari Maserati dealership to meet the new architecture standards of the Fiat division in North America.

The opening of the Vaughan dealership is scheduled for fall 2008. It will replace the current facilities in North York, a short drive away. The ultra-modern building will stretch over 70,000 square feet and house a total of 15 cars in separate showrooms for both brands. The interior lobby at the Service department will be large enough for eight models, while the repair shop will include 15 service bays. Furthermore, the underground parking lot will offer 70 parking spaces.

These new facilities will also feature a luxurious waiting room for customers, a gear shop as well as an exhibit area highlighting the rich history of both Ferrari and Maserati. The official dealer, Remo Ferri, said that his new dealership will boast “special departments dedicated to motorsports and vintage car restoration, two activities in which Ferrari is highly involved.”

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Another great set of videos, this time pitting the 2008 Nissan GT-R (R35) vs. Porsche 911 Turbo (997)

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A self-confessed Bond fanatic has made an up-to-date version of the wondercar using the Esprit’s spiritual successor, the Lotus Elise, as its base.

This “sQuba” prototype cost $1 million (£750,000), and can dive to a depth of 10m, and will be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

It was the brainchild of concept car designer, Founder and CEO of Rinspeed Inc. Frank M. Rinderknecht, who said: “For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly under water. Now we have made this dream come true.”

His team at Rinspeed replaced the petrol engine with three electric motors, one to power the rear wheels and two for the specially designed propellers. They are capable of taking it to 75mph on land, a more sedate 4mph while cruising in “boat” mode and a positively tranquil 2mph while underwater.

The company also claims that the car is extremely “green” as well, as it is a zero-emission vehicle powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

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Autocar’s Chris Harris wiggled himself behind the wheel of three of the most desirable sports cars of the year and drove them on the race track to see which one is the “King of the Hill”. Check out these two videos after the jump to see which car or cars”… won Autocar’s comparison test.

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[Source: autocar.co.uk]