Nissan's new GT500 challenger, which aims to battle for championship success in 2017, was revealed on the eve of last weekend's Super GT final rounds.

Nissan's new GT500 challenger, which aims to battle for championship success in 2017, was revealed on the eve of last weekend's Super GT final rounds.

The Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500 was unveiled at Twin Ring Motegi along with entries from rivals Lexus and Honda.

New regulations for 2017 include a 25 percent reduction in total downforce in all GT500 machines. 

NISMO has also incorporated enhancements with endurance and reliability, while further advances were achieved in power output.

The car's dynamics were also improved through a lowered center of gravity and an optimization of weight distribution.

The new car aims to continue the incredible success for Nissan in recent years, which won the championship 2014 and 2015 and won five of the eight rounds in 2016.

"We will make further development improvements during off-season tests and aim to create a race car that will shine brilliantly within the history of motorsports," said president and CEO of NISMO, Takao Katagiri. "We hope to thrill fans with a fast, more appealing GT-R that will excite fans as it lines up on the grid for the opening round competing against the new Lexus and Honda machines."

Fans will get another chance to view the 2017-spec GT500 GT-R at the upcoming NISMO Festival in Japan scheduled for Fuji International Speedway on December 11.

NISMO Calendar

November 19-20

FIA WEC, Bahrain

December 3-4

Australian Supercars, Homebush Street Circuit, Sydney, NSW,Australia

December 11

NISMO Festival, Fuji International Speedway, Japan

Three car Aston Martin line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece in the Circuit de la Sarthe 24h race.

• Three car line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece
• Team look to build on strong results of FIA World Endurance Championship season
• Aston Martin Racing joined by Beechdean AMR at prestigious 24-hour classic 

Aston Martin Racing is poised to contend the 84^th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the world famous Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend.

Campaigning two V8 Vantage GTE Pro entries and one GTE Am, the team will be seeking outright victory in both classes, as it competes against one of the most competitive field of GTE entries in recent years.

Following both the 6 Hours of Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, which saw the team take three podium places and a victory in GTE Am, the team remain positive ahead of what is forecast to be a wet week of racing in France.

Paul Howarth, Team Principal Aston Martin Racing said, “This is the race that everyone wants to win and we’re no different. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in the best position possible ahead of this race and we’re confident in the decisions that we’ve made so far. There’s a lot of work to do before 3pm on Saturday, but we’ll continue to build and prepare to ensure we get the result we want”.

Following a 3^rd place finish in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps for the #97 GTE Pro entry of Fernando Rees (BR), Richie Stanaway (NZ) and Jonny Adam (GB), the trio will look to take to the top step this weekend.

Richie Stanaway said, “This a circuit that I enjoy coming back to and there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere here. Our first session is on Wednesday and I think it will provide us with the first opportunity to test this year’s Vantage in the wet conditions here. I can’t wait to get going now!”

In the sister #95 GTE Pro entry, Darren Turner (GB) is joined by the Danish pairing of Nicki Thiim (DN) and Marco Sorensen (DN).

“Le Mans is the ultimate endurance race,” Darren explained. “It’s world-famous; everyone knows about Le Mans and its history. If you are a racing driver who is lucky enough to compete at Le Mans it quickly becomes a highlight of your career. I feel very fortunate to have been able to do it this many times as an Aston Martin driver.  It is very special and I can’t wait for the start at 3pm a week on Saturday!”

The #98 GTE Am entry of Paul Dalla Lana (C), Pedro Lamy (P) and Mathias Lauda (A) will look to continue their strong form after victory last time out at Spa-Francorchamps.

Pedro Lamy commented, “We have been waiting for this opportunity since we left Le Mans last year. We’ve grown a lot as a trio of drivers and we have a great crew behind us. We have had two good races at Silverstone and Spa and I really hope we can continue that this weekend”.

Aston Martin Racing will also be joined this weekend by customer team Beechdean AMR, who will run a V8 Vantage GTE in the Am class and sport their iconic blue and white livery; albeit with a chromed twist. The entry will be driven by Andrew Howard (GB), Liam Griffin (GB) and Gary Hirsch (CH).

The 84^th 24 Hours of Le Mans will start at 3pm on Saturday 18 June. For up-to-date information, follow the team’s official twitter feed at @AMR_Official.