2010 Nissan GT-R Upgrades Revealed
Stiffer suspension, NACA ducts and data-logging will be next year's highlights
2010 model year upgrades for Nissan's GT-R will include the adoption of the Spec-V's rear diffuser plus new side NACA ducts, suspension tweaks, and an optional NISMO data-logging facility that will let drivers share and compare data via their PCs.
The changes were revealed to PistonHeads yesterday by GT-R project chief Kazutoshi Mizuno, who was our host yesterday at the company's Nurburgring technical centre where elements of the 2010 upgrade package - and European Spec-V models - are undergoing their final evaluation.
According to Mizuno-san, the suspension tweaks are minor but include marginally stiffer front spring and damper rates, and stiffer bushing for the rear torsion control arms. The aim is to further increase the driver appeal - or to paraphrase the enigmatic chief engineer 'to make the driver's buttocks feel even closer to the rear wheels during sporty driving'.
The NISMO data-logging system will be part of an upgraded sat-nav option. As we understand it, owners will be able to download data using a USB memory stick, load it onto their PC for analysis, and even share their numbers with other GT-R drivers online.
The adoption of the Spec-V rear diffuser and new NACA ducts next to the rear wheels are there to improve airflow and brake cooling, says Mizuno. The 2010 cars have also been tweaked to meet Euro 5 emissions regs, and an ECU modification improves low-speed tractability in low temperatures when the transmission fluid is still cold.
Mizuno and Nissan senior vice president Andy Palmer (who was co-incidentally visiting the Nurburgring GT-R test team on the same day) also gave us some insights into the new Spec-M model that has been rumoured for some time. Contrary to the suggestion in our story yesterday, it won't be at the Tokyo motor show next month, but will emerge sometime next year instead.
We shouldn't get too distracted by the 'comfort' tag, they say, as the core package will be largely undiluted. Instead, think of a GT-R 'plus' with extra luxury fittings like a high-end sound system, expensive interior fittings and a more 'bespoke' feel.
Like the Spec-V, the idea of the Spec-M is to increase exclusivity, not improve accessibility, so although the suspension may be set up for a little more comfort we're not expecting the driving experience to feel very different from the standard car.
Meanwhile the 2010 model year GT-R should be available in the UK early next year, around the same time as the Spec-V edition.
I can imagine all the GT-R owners uploading their car stats from the data logger and comparing 'standard' BHP. It's a good idea though. Although, i'd imagine that same information will also then be available to Nissan mechanics upon service time.
Possibly used as a warranty get out clause too, should anything break after excessive or vigorous driving.
Then I found a new unregistered AUDI RS6 AVANT at my dealers for less than £60k, I bought it on the spot, and am over the moon with it.
Amongst many other cars we have had are 2 new Nissan Navara pickups in the last 18 months, service is absolutely zero, nobody at my 2 local dealerships are even interested in you when you want to buy one, warranty service nearly non existant (my local dealer has just told me you have to wait at least 3-4 weeks for a reply from Nissan on warranty claims).
I had a back axle fail with 500 miles on the clock, they changed the halfshafts and gave it back. I then had an independent garage do an oil change on the axle, and its seems that when they changed the broken shafts they left the old oil in, they found so much debris, old bearing parts on the magnetic plug.
No way would we ever purchase another Nissan no matter how cheap or how good or what "special" dealer is set up to service them.
My partner had a Magna that was always throwing shafts and the dealership were hopeless. One set of shafts lasted less than a week. It was a TP Magna and they were notorious for it.
But then I test drove (and purchased) an Evo IX. It's been an awesome car and very reliable. But I take it to a mechanic who prepares Evos for racing and rallies himself (well enough to win some of the local tarmac rallies).
I think if you pick the right model and a good mechanic, almost any brand car can be a great vehicle to own.
But then, I had a Lotus Excel as a daily driver for several years. Maybe my perception is a little skewed.
Then I found a new unregistered AUDI RS6 AVANT at my dealers for less than £60k, I bought it on the spot, and am over the moon with it.
Amongst many other cars we have had are 2 new Nissan Navara pickups in the last 18 months, service is absolutely zero, nobody at my 2 local dealerships are even interested in you when you want to buy one, warranty service nearly non existant (my local dealer has just told me you have to wait at least 3-4 weeks for a reply from Nissan on warranty claims).
I had a back axle fail with 500 miles on the clock, they changed the halfshafts and gave it back. I then had an independent garage do an oil change on the axle, and its seems that when they changed the broken shafts they left the old oil in, they found so much debris, old bearing parts on the magnetic plug.
No way would we ever purchase another Nissan no matter how cheap or how good or what "special" dealer is set up to service them.
i had a shocking experience at a Mazda dealer who suggested it was normal for an RX8 engine to fail at 48,000 miles ....they weren't even appologetic.
Then I found a new unregistered AUDI RS6 AVANT at my dealers for less than £60k, I bought it on the spot, and am over the moon with it.
Amongst many other cars we have had are 2 new Nissan Navara pickups in the last 18 months, service is absolutely zero, nobody at my 2 local dealerships are even interested in you when you want to buy one, warranty service nearly non existant (my local dealer has just told me you have to wait at least 3-4 weeks for a reply from Nissan on warranty claims).
I had a back axle fail with 500 miles on the clock, they changed the halfshafts and gave it back. I then had an independent garage do an oil change on the axle, and its seems that when they changed the broken shafts they left the old oil in, they found so much debris, old bearing parts on the magnetic plug.
No way would we ever purchase another Nissan no matter how cheap or how good or what "special" dealer is set up to service them.
What, are they removing it completely?
Mine then went up to 547hp with a Cobb Stage 1 remap, and the otherwise stock car went up to 541.
I'm back to the same rolling road on the 10th and expect it to be nearer 580hp now I have a custom 99RON map...
Strangely, the original Japanese and American spec cars had stiffer suspension which was then softened slightly for the Euro spec (which then went faster still at the Nordschleife). If they've stiffened it up again, I'm glad I've got a 2009 Euro spec!
Chris R, why didn't you get pics of these NACA ducts and rear diffuser of which you speak?!
Anyway, we thought PHers would be more interested in comparing in-car footage of Toshio Suzuki and Dirk Schoysman doing their thing. Amazingly different approaches to the same challenge - watch this space for some pretty cool videos.
Oh, and after being driven fast around the 'Ring by both (with Suzuki driving at 7min 45sec pace - his words - and an indicated 175mph on the main straight both times), it was kind of hard to concentrate on, er, you know, work..?
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