Tuesday 19th November 2013

Nissan GT-R NISMO: Official

600hp, overhauled suspension, more aero and one very fast 'ring time

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You've been waiting for this one haven't you? The 370Z NISMO showed some promise, the Juke NISMO err, didn't really, but here's the NISMO to show what Nissan's motorsport bods can really do; the GT-R NISMO.

Note the NISMO-inspired paint job too

Where to begin? Power from the 3.8-litre V6 is up by 50hp to 600hp and torque by 16 points to 481lb ft. This is achieved through bigger turbos with improved air flow, an upgraded fuel pump and 'optimised individual ignition timing for each cylinder'. There are no official performance claims as yet.

The GT-R's three-mode Bilstein Damptronic dampers have been recalibrated to deliver 'exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response'. Expect an even more uncompromising attitude than the standard GT-R then, with everything good and bad that that entails. NISMO has also developed new tyres for mega Godzilla; they're 255/40 ZRF20s at the front, 285/35 ZRF20s at the rear, made by Dunlop. They are fitted to new six-spoke rims inspired by the GT500 racer.

Alcantara wheel ready for some race gloves

And there's more, a lot more. The front suspension features links that increase the castor trail, improving wheel position during hard cornering and boosting stability. A hollow 17.3mm rear anti-roll bar reduces weight and, erm, roll as well. New high-rigidity bolts (yes really) are used also to increase the stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area. The bodyshell is more rigid thanks to new welds and bonds.

The inside is largely standard GT-R, albeit with the addition of some gorgeous carbon-backed Recaros plus an Alcantara wheel.

It won't have escaped your attention that the NISMO looks even more aggressive and imposing than the standard GT-R. The new body addenda including a front bumper, an 'engine undercover strake' and the carbon wing, has been integrated thanks to extensive work on the car's airflow. NISMO claims an additional 100kg of downforce at 186mph compared to the 2014MY GT-R whilst retaining the same 0.26Cd.

For 'aero tuning', see 'gigantic rear wing'

And the result? An astonishing Nordschleife lap time of 7:08.679 seconds. Very, very fast then. However, there's a caveat (or three) to that time. The GT-R NISMO that registered that time was fitted with 'track options', specifically some aerodynamics tuning (see that massive rear wing), suspension tuning and weight reduction. In theory, these will be offered on the production NISMO GT-Rs also, but there aren't yet firm details on exactly what the track options will comprise or their cost.

Speaking of cost, we can only speculate on the list price right now. Many are suggesting a figure in excess of £100,000 when the NISMO arrives in Britain next September.

[dlockhart]

This is the first of the 370 GT-Rs which has evoked the same emotional response as the skyline gtr did 15 years go.

You have to admire the acheivement, even though its not my cup of tea