Nissan GT-R NISMO arrives in Australia

February 11, 2017

• New extreme iteration of Nissan GT-R super sports car joins GT-R Premium Edition and GT-R Track Edition in Australia
• 2017 GT-R NISMO sets new performance standard for legendary Nissan super sports car with 441kW / 652Nm high-capacity turbocharged 3.8-litre V6engine, motorsport-inspired body, chassis and suspension developed by NISMO
• First NISMO-developed vehicle in Nissan Australia's lineup, additional NISMO models planned

BATHURST, Australia - If ever there was a vehicle designed to explore the upper limits of performance, the Nissan GT-R has, throughout its history, been it. And while by its very nature evolution never stops, the advancement of Nissan's iconic super sports car has established a new high point in the form of the 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO.

Bearing the name of Nissan's legendary motorsports and performance group – NISMO, an abbreviation of NISsan MOtorports - the GT-R NISMO is without question the flagship of both the GT-R and NISMO – as well as the entire Nissan brand.

Now available in Australia, the 441kW GT-R NISMO joins the established 2017 GT-R Premium and GT-R Track Edition vehicles as the pinnacle of the revered GT-R model range.

Drawing on Nissan's long history of sports car design, the GT-R NISMO model itself was inspired by a NISMO-prepped GT-R racecar that competed successfully at the 2012 Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in near-production form. And, as proof of concept, on 30 September 2013, a "time attack" GT-R NISMO was driven to a new volume production car and Nissan GT-R Nurburgring lap record of 7 minutes, 8.679 seconds around the famed German road course. On the 19th of November 2013, the GT-R NISMO was officially unveiled on the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Not surprisingly then, while the extensive refinements made to the GT-R for 2017 place an emphasis on balancing speed with the total driving experience, the new GT-R NISMO, which is based upon the MY17 GT-R, places a stronger emphasis on the "R" – as in racing – of the GT-R name. A quick glance at the GT-R NISMO specs shows:

• An additional 22kW of power and 20Nm of torque compared to the GT-R Premium Edition and GT-R Track Edition
• A NISMO-tuned suspension with additional roll stiffness
• The addition of adhesive bonding (in addition to spot welding) for increased body shell rigidity
• NISMO-tuned aerodynamic exterior elements designed to increase downforce, including carbon fibre bootlid and spoiler, carbon fibre front and rear bumpers and lower front undercover
• Ergonomically sculpted Alcantara®-trimmed Recaro® front bucket seats
• NISMO racing-style Alcantara®-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with red centre mark, designed to provide the best combination of feedback, grip and comfort

"The GT-R NISMO is a concentrated dose of NISMO's long-standing expertise in the form of an ultra-high-performance car," said Takao Katagiri, President and CEO of Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd., President and CEO of Autech Japan Inc. and Head of NISMO Business Office in Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. "The inspiration for this extraordinary vehicle can be found in our long and successful history in developing cars for motor racing and it's this extensive experience we have gathered from the track that has resulted in this focused version of an already special car.

"The Nissan GT-R NISMO is arguably the most complete transfer of motor racing know-how into a production sports car, as done by a car-maker, not a tuner," he said.

Mr. Katagiri emphasised the importance of Australia as NISMO's newest official market, highlighting the fertility of the ground on which the GT-R NISMO has just landed.

"Australia is a prime market for NISMO," he said. "This new-car market's strong appetite for high-performance sub-brands is clearly evident and to now be able to offer Australians our range-leading sports model is a milestone in NISMO's journey."

Innovative, Uncompromising Engineering

The 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO employs innovation, uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve extraordinary levels of power, speed and handling. Under the bonnet, the 3.8-litre V6 VR38DETT engine benefits from the expertise that NISMO has gained from participating in motorsports events around the globe. Engine power has been increased (versus standard GT-R models) and is rated at 441kW at 6,800rpm and 652 Nm of torque from 3,600rpm-5,600rpm. High-flow, large diameter turbochargers, used in the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 racing car, improve breathing, while optimised individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Engine

As with all 2017 GT-R models, each GT-R NISMO engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by specially trained technicians, a process similar to racing powerplant construction. An aluminum plate is added to the front of each engine showing the name of the "Takumi" engine craftsman, of which there are fewer than 10.

The engine features innovative plasma-sprayed bores (versus cast iron liners) for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin NISMO-specific high-performance turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system. The GT-R NISMO's rate of fuel consumption is 11.7 litres per 100km* (combined cycle). Recommended fuel type is 98 RON premium unleaded petrol and the fuel tank capacity is 74 litres.

As with all MY17 GT-R models, a special factory tuned Titanium exhaust system is fitted to the 2017 GT-R NISMO. The system is made of Formula One race-car-grade titanium (Ti-1Cu), with its alloy construction generating a high strength-to-weight ratio and delivering a weight savings over the stock exhaust unit – along with a clear sound that is unique to titanium. The system offers reduced thickness, integrated fins and undercover ducts, allowing it to endure high temperatures without affecting performance under extreme driving conditions.

Transmission

The VR38DETT V6 is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (wet clutch system, not dry), which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds. The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts.

It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

Along with Nissan GT-R's unique Premium Midship platform, the GT-R NISMO utilizes an independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for all Terrain with Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear-drive-biased all-wheel drive system can vary torque split depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tyre slip, road surface and yaw rate.

Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias.

The Premium Midship Platform layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tyre grip at each corner. Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low centre of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.

Suspension

The GT-R NISMO's suspension set-up has been developed using NISMO's racing experience and technologies and tuned for stunning agility, road holding and handling finesse, without compromising refinement. The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.

Specially developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability.

Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area. To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R NISMO features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar (15.9 mm in other GT-R models), which raises roll stiffness.

Brakes

Stopping power is provided by Brembo® monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with 390mm diameter front and 380mm diameter rear Brembo® full-floating, cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel, high-stiffness brake pads that minimise fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers use a race car-style radial mounting to minimise caliper flex during extreme braking.

For the GT-R NISMO there are additional front and rear brake air ducts made from carbon fibre to aid brake cooling in extreme driving conditions.

Wheels and tyres

The rigid forged metallic black 6-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight aluminum 20-inch wheels, manufactured by RAYS®, are inspired by Nissan's legendary GT500 racecar from Japan's Super GT racing series. Both light in weight as well as strong, much of their strength comes from their H-pattern spoke design, an I-beam-like sectional layout similar to that used in an engine connecting rod. This wheel design feature is new for the 2017 model year and further reduces weight while retaining the necessary stiffness. These wheels also feature knurling inside the bead lip to help keep the tyres from slipping around the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking.

The GT-R NISMO's wheel dimensions are 20 x 10J (front) and 20 x 10.5J (rear), 0.5-inches wider than the GT-R Premium Edition. As such, the GT-R NISMO's front fenders are wider compared to the standard GT-R model variants.

The GT-R NISMO's tyres – developed by Dunlop with a NISMO-specific compound – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. The front tyres are 255/40 ZRF20, with 285/35 ZRF20 in the rear. These tyres bear the unique product identifier of 'NR1'.

Body

Increased rigidity in the body shell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load – another NISMO "factory tuned" enhancement. This design feature helps preserve ride comfort even with the stiffer suspension.

Exclusive Styling with Improved Aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation techniques to analyze airflow, NISMO developed an aero package for the GT-R NISMO that improves road holding and minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a more menacing and muscular appearance.

Together, the front bumper, engine undercover and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce and lower the car's centre of gravity compared to the standard GT-R models. The car's aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same as that of standard Nissan GT-R.

The GT-R NISMO's hand-made dry carbon rear spoiler features a special coating that allows carbon fibre "weave" to be felt by touch. The lightweight dry carbon fibre material is also incredibly strong.

The GT-R NISMO creates frontal visual impact with efficient multi-LED headlights that provide a distinctive GT-R "lightning" motif, generating a bold exterior visual signature. The four LED units are configured with new LED high beam and three different low beams, including long distance illumination and wide illumination.

At the rear, GT-R's distinctive four-ring tail light signature forms coherent circles of illumination, giving the GT-R an equally distinctive rear appearance. Upon start-up, the full lighting signature is illuminated, creating a dramatic start-up procedure. The Nissan GT-R NISMO is available in five body colors: Jet Black, Solid Red, Pearl White, and Super Silver. As expected, GT-R's advanced technology is present even in the vehicle's paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip finish and "double clear coat" process. Matte Gray is also available.

A Racing-Inspired Cockpit

The Nissan GT-R NISMO cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position. Ergonomically sculpted RECARO® seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara®, comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.

NISMO racers influenced the design of the steering wheel, which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red centre mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort. The combi meter has a carbon-like finish, and the NISMO tachometer features a red design. The instrument hood is also dressed with Alcantara®. Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, centre console, door trim and steering wheel.

As with all 2017 GT-R models, the GT-R NISMO's instrument panel is dominated by a video game-inspired, multi-function display that was created in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, makers of the Gran Turismo electronic game. Eleven pages of information are available on this system, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback. Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

The NissanConnect NISMO feature is also available to GT-R NISMO owners. This app-based system provides live performance meters and a data-logger that can be shown on a suitable mobile device. The NissanConnect NISMO app can be downloaded to a suitable mobile device from the relevant app store and connected to the car via Bluetooth.

All 2017 GT-R models include a specially designed, 11-speaker Bose® audio system that features two forward-facing woofers in the rear centre armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustic performance of the GT-R sound system. Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® is also standard.

The BOSE audio system also incorporates Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which uses the speakers to cancel unpleasant sound frequencies should they enter the cabin, as well as Active Sound Control (ASC), which allows more desired frequencies in.

Production

The GT-R NISMO is assembled in Tochigi, Japan, with the engines hand-assembled in Yokohama, Japan.

Official start of local sales

The Nissan GT-R NISMO is now officially on sale in Australia.

Australian prices

The 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO is now available in Australia. It joins the GT-R Premium Edition and GT-R Track Edition model grades that are already on sale (their Australian market release was in August 2016) and the new Nissan GT-R NISMO now takes its position as the top GT-R model grade in Australia.

Australian prices (MSRP**) for the 2017 Nissan GT-R model range are shown below.

Footnotes

* Figures tested in accordance with ADR81/02 (combined test). Figures stated for the purposes of comparison amongst vehicles only. Actual fuel consumption depends on factors such as traffic conditions, vehicle condition, how the vehicle is driven and any accessories fitted.

** Manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) are provided for media purposes only and do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.

About NISMO
NISMO, a short form of "NISsan MOtorsports," is the performance brand for Nissan, and is one of the company's purveyors of "innovation that excites." NISMO offers products featuring innovative technology and high performance to a wide range of customers for street use. NISMO cars provide an exciting driving experience with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility.

In the motorsports world, NISMO competes in the highest forms of GT and sports car racing, such as Japan's Super GT Series, as well as providing engines to teams that compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The Nissan GT-R captured the Super GT championship in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. The Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 won the Bathurst 12-Hour endurance race in 2015.

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2015, the company sold more than 5.4 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 12.2 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan manages operations in six regions: ASEAN & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America and North America. Nissan has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and Mitsubishi Motors since 2016 under the Alliance.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/. You can also follow @NissanMotor on Twitter.

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