Nissan’s entry to FIA’s GT3 is none other than the R-35 GT-R GT3. Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) and JR Motorsports (JRM) collaborate to build a very menacing looking GT-R. Using the same 3.8 liter V6 Twin Turbo found in the street legal version, the detuned motor outputs 523-hp in order to meet FIA GT3 regulations, 22-hp less than what you can get off the dealer showroom floor.

After painfully writing a $388k check, what do you get? You get a race prepped GT-R with fully adjustable suspension, full roll-cage, a 6-speed semi-automatic paddle shift transmission powering the rear wheels, and an aero package designed to keep Godzilla firmly planted on the track. And if you run into any technical difficulties, a direct line to tech support Nismo is just an engineer away;)

(Source: Chrysler Group LLC)

When transforming a street car to a race car you usually don’t start by reducing engine displacement, but that is exactly what Dodge engineers did building the SRT Dodge Viper GTS-R. ALMS (American LeMans Series) rules stipulate no more than 5.5 liter capacity motors; However, Dodge was able to submit and get approval to run their V10 motors in an 8.0 liter configuration by altering bore and stroke. The caveat was to run their V10 0.4 liters short of the street version 8.4 liter motor and installing an intake restrictor plate.

The normally aspirated 8.4 liter V-10 from the street legal SRT Dodge Viper GTS puts out an astounding 640 hp and 600 ft-lb of torque. To compensate for the reduction in hp, engineers attacked the problem with a weight reduction plan along with some aero dynamic alterations. I can’t wait to see this Viper battle it out against Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette and 2011′s Team Champion BMW GT2 in the 2013 season.

For all our Florida readers, there is only one place you should be this weekend and that’s V2Lab’s Mystery Meat. The follow-up to last years Big Meat, Mystery Meat looks to be an even bigger and better show. This open format event has everything from JDM to Euro and everything in between. There will be something there for everyone. Located downtown Orlando, Florida, it’s no more than a few hours drive for anyone in the state. We expect to see you all up there and if you see us say ‘hey’. We love talking with fans.

(Source: autovoce.com)

To be top-of-the-food-chain in with this kind of company (BL 1200+ awhp Nissan GTR, Mullet’s Hennessey Ford GT (Twin Turbo, Supercharged, with Nitrous), and the LMR Turbo + Nitrous Camaro) is definitely something to brag about. This footage from TX2K12 puts it all into perspective. Seriously, it’s not even close. WoW. Underground Racing definitely knows how to build monster eating monsters!!!

(Source: Mercedes-Benz AMG)

After drooling over yesterday’s McLaren 2012 FIA GT3 post, I came across this highlight video of the super sexy Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG GT3. Mercedes seems to attribute more to DTM, but seeing how McLaren and Mercedes work so closely in F1, I’m sure there is some crossover in the relationship.

(Source: McLaren Group)

McLaren and racing go hand in hand. As one of the most successful teams in Formula 1, McLaren is looking to conquer FIA GT3 for 2012 by applying lessons learned and engineering prowess. Sharing the same 3.8 liter twin turbo V8 as the road going 12C, but in ‘de-tuned’ format, this beast should see a few podiums down the line. As they work out the kinks, look for McLaren to tear up European tracks.

(Source: Ferrari)

Last night I had a brief conversation with my buddy Scott about Form & Function and how each relates and interacts with each other. We chuckled at some examples where Form definitely trumped Function. Then I came across Ferrari’s latest promo for their new F12 Berlinetta. Ferrari engineers have once again proved that Form & Function can coexist in a balance that not only exudes beauty, but performs in a world class of its own.  The latest 2-seater coupe from Ferrari certainly knows how to get the blood flowing. Like the C-pillar winglets on the 599, the hood aero is simply sick!!!

The concept of strapping a small electric motor to a bicycle has been around for quite some time now. You usually see these home made electric bikes with a long haired hippy at the helm looking like it’s been cross country. So… it’s quite refreshing to see major manufacturers building these purpose made electric bikes. With sleek designs and compact power units, get ready to start seeing more and more of these very cool bikes.

You will have to skip to 1:09 for the e-bike to show up.