NISSAN LAUNCHES RANGE-TOPPING GT-R EGOIST TO LINEUP, NOT FOR U.S.

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

NISSAN LAUNCHES RANGE-TOPPING GT-R EGOIST TO LINEUP, NOT FOR U.S.

By Mark Kleis

Earlier today Nissan revealed more details and set an official reveal date for its refreshed GT-R high-performance coupe. But what many U.S. news outlets missed was the revealing of a new Japan-only trim level known as the EGOIST, which Nissan is also considering introducing in Europe and the Middle East.

The 2011 Nissan GT-R EGOIST represents the turning of a new leaf for the automaker, a much different leaf than it recently revealed. The EGOIST is, as Nissan calls it, an "ultra-exclusive" version that allows the customer to custom order the vehicle specifically to their tastes, much more like a Bentley or similar ultra-luxury vehicle.

Interior changes

Each EGOIST GT-R is created by Takumi, which means "master with greatest skills." Nissan will allow customers to choose from 20 different interior color combinations, with four upper area colors and 10 lower area colors. Once the unique combinations are chosen by the customer, the bare interior is sent to Seton Company in Germany where special leather master craftsman sew each piece by hand.

For example, the seats are an exclusive quilted design with single and double stitching combined in a reticular pattern. Nissan says the luxurious style also provides for enhanced body grip performance (suitable for racing circuit driving), while retaining smoothness and fit more akin to coach-built luxury sedans.

Another very unique interior feature is found in the simplest of details, the GT-R emblem. For the EGOIST model, Mr. Sakae Kubota created a Wajima Maki-e lacquer emblem that deep coloring with a glaze coating. The color of the emblem will change over time as it is exposed to the elements through oxidation.

The final luxury touch for the interior comes in the form of a Bose precision sound system that uses electronic tuning to set the optimal listening position precisely to the owner's seating position.

Exterior changes

Borrowing from the SpecV GT-R, the EGOIST features a dry carbon fiber rear spoiler that helps to improve stability through aerodynamic performance at speeds exceeding 300km/h.

Underneath the car sit RAYS lightweight forged aluminum wheels, also borrowed from the SpecV, which are aimed at reducing crucial unsprung weight. The wheels are coated in a new Blue Sword Chrome color that is new to the GT-R.

The final bit borrowed from the SpecV is the titanium exhaust system, which improves torque and provides for a unique exhaust note.

Pricing for this luxury-laden beast starts at roughly $185,000, which is slightly less than the most expensive model, the SpecV, starting at $194,000.

link:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/nissan-launches-range-topping-gt-r-egoist-to-lineup-not-for-u-s.html

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

2011 Nissan GT-R EGOIST: Special Edition Caters to Luxury Seekers, Costs Twice as Much as Base Model

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010

Together with the presentation of the standard, SpecV and Club Track variants of the once again facelifted GT-R in Japan today, Nissan also released a new bespoke edition of its supercar named "EGOIST".

Crafted to cater the needs of those seeking more exclusivity and luxury, the Egoist combines bits and pieces from the SpecV such as the carbon fiber wing, Rays alloy wheels and titanium exhaust, with premium materials and special equipment inside.

The Egoist's cabin is trimmed entirely in leather with quilted seating surfaces and customers can choose from four different colors for the upper area and 10 for the lower area. And if it makes you feel better, the leather bits are hand-made by a company in Germany.

And how much will the Egoist cost Japanese buyers, we hear you ask? The answer is 15,000,300 Yen (~ US$184,500), or close to twice the price of the base model which starts at 8,694,000 Yen (~ USD106,900) in Japan.

Press Release:

EGOIST

EGOIST is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or "master with greatest skills." Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices. In addition, the Bose sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer's needs. This is the ultimate expression of the Nissan GT-R.

Interior

Customers can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices, four upper area interior colors and 10 lower area interior colors. Interior parts are sent to Seton Company, Inc. Muelheim an der Ruhr in Germany and leather master craftsmen sew and stick carefully selected leather by hand.

Seats

Seats are an exclusive quilted design with single and double stitching combined in a reticular pattern. Enhanced body grip performance (suitable for racing circuit driving), smoothness and fit are all provided.

Wajima Lacquer (Maki-e) Emblem

Wajima Maki-e with deep coloring and glaze created by Mr. Sakae Kubota, an accredited traditional craftsman for Japanese lacquer, is used for the GT-R emblem at the center of the steering wheel. The beautiful coloring of Maki-e changes as time goes by.

Bose Precision Sound System

Specially developed carbon composite-based woofers, which can cancel vibrations through their high rigidity and damping, are installed. In addition, sound quality is adjusted by Bose exclusively for each owner, depending on individual driving position.

Carbon Rear Spoiler

EGOIST adopts a dry carbon rear spoiler (also used in the SpecV). Providing stable aerodynamic performance, even when driving at more than 300km/h, the rear spoiler gives an intense look in the rear with its black carbon color.

RAYS Forged Aluminum-Alloy Wheels

Lightweight and highly rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels, also used in the SpecV, reduce unsprung weight and help provide a supple ride feel. Newly developed five-layer Blue Sword Chrome Color Coating is adopted.

Titanium Exhaust System

EGOIST uses a Titanium exhaust system, also used in the SpecV, providing agile accelerator

link:

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/10/2011-nissan-gt-r-egoist-special-edition.html