We're nearly certain that when you visit Firkins Nissan and see the 2012 Nissan line up, you'll be floored by the technology that is inside of these vehicles.Nissan isn't just bringing you the latest and greatest technology inside their vehicles, they used it for entertainment value as well. How, you ask? The automaker has teamed up with Sony Entertainment and Polyphony Digital for a second season of the hit Spike TV series "GT Academy," which is scheduled to hit airwaves later this year.

"GT Academy" is a show in which gamers and race fans alike compete in the virtual realm in hopes of actually getting to drive a race car. Last year, 53,000 competitors signed up, with Californian Bryan Heitkotter taking home the gold. "Nissan GT Academy is a truly unique opportunity," he said. "For me traveling and racing around the world has been an amazing, life changing experience so far, and I know we can achieve even more."¹

Being the winner of "GT Academy" wasn't for nothing, as Heikotter has traveled to Europe, the Middle East and throughout the United States racing for Nissan.

"GT Academy" can be downloaded on the PS3 through the Playstation Store. The first two months will have racers battling each other with time records stored on the game console. The last week of competition features online time trials. Winners who clock the fastest laps will be chosen for the TV series.

This year's televised competition begins with 32 spots, then the top 16 players will move on to "GT Academy's" boot camp. Participants face a physical and mental challenge, including races in a Nissan GT-R and Nissan Maxima.

Source: ¹http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457318/nissan-north-america-and-sony.html