While the release of the Nissan GT-R was pretty exciting itself, the news that the Japanese manufacturer has launched a Nismo version of the car was enough to send car fanatics into a frenzy.
Nismo, Nissan’s performance and motorsports specialists, have delivering a “factory tuned” version of the vehicle, offering the dynamics of a supercar, in addition to quality aerodynamics and superb handling.
The GT-R has already gained a reputation as one of the top supercars in the world of automobiles, so what can the Nismo possibly offer to improve what is already pretty spectacular?
I suppose the first place to investigate would be under the bonnet.
Well, it comes with the same 3.8-litre V6 VR38DETT engine as the standard GT-R. So not a lot has changed here. However, the difference lies in the new high-flow, large diameter turbochargers featured in the machine.
These innovations are typically used in GT3 racing and help to improve the breathing of the car’s engine. Furthermore, an optimised individual timing control found on each cylinder helps to upgrade the fuel pump and improve combustion.
With this addition, the vehicle has been able to complete a lap of the Nurburgring in Germany in just over seven minutes, placing it as the fastest volume production car to have ever completed a trip around the iconic track.
Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn said this has seen the GT-R Nismo achieve “the gold standard” of high performance achievement.
An additional feature that has helped the model to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling is the new and improved chassis.
Using springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers located in both the front and rear suspension helps to deliver exceptional grip levels, significantly improving the handling abilities.
Body rolling in the corners is also minimised by a 17.3mm hollow anti-roll bar, raising roll stiffness while reducing weight.
Furthermore, the body construction has been improved using adhesive bonding and spot welding, which has improved suspension response under extreme loads.
However, the exterior body shape has also contributed to the intense performance qualities, with an aero package that improves road-holding, in addition to minimising the negative impact of drag.
While this all sounds wonderful, it doesn’t help to explain how it looks!
It doesn’t look too audacious when you consider the standard lavish exterior of a performance model. However, the front and rear spoiler help to enhance the track look, while vents on the bonnet and front wheel arches give it that speedy aesthetic.
From the back, the car has a snubbed tail capped by a rear wing and looks slightly more edgy from this angle.
Enough about how it looks… how does it drive?
Well, I’ll let Michael Krumm – racing pilot and test-driver for Nissan who secured the record breaking lap-time – explain that one:
“We had a fantastic time attacking the Nürburgring. I had so much fun out there. The car gave me so much confidence, but also it is really enjoyable. The Nissan GT-R Nismo is a really engaging, rewarding car and, of course, super-super-fast.”
The GT-R Nismo is expected to hit the European market in early 2014.
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