The most anticipated model for Nissan’s high-performance unit Nismo is without a doubt the GT-R Nismo, a souped-up version of what is already an incredibly fast machine. Following the high-performance versions of the 370Z and the Juke, Nismo is getting ready to present its take on the GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week.
The first two leaked photos show that the Nismo version features a special body kit including new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a massive rear spoiler that contribute to increase downforce by more than 220 lbs (99.8kg) at 186 mph (299 km/h).
The magazine crew at Car&Driver has learned that the hardcore version of the GT-R will add 50 more horsepower and 17 lb-ft to the standard car’s 545hp and 463 lb-ft of torque (627 Nm), for a total of 595hp and more than 480 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. The output increase is due to revised intake and exhaust systems, reworked ignition timing and larger turbochargers sourced from the GT-R GT3 race car.
The GT-R Nismo’s peak power of 595hp is available at 6,800 rpm versus 6,400 in the standard GT-R. Nissan reportedly says it could have extracted even more power from the revised engine, but that could have posed the risk of destroying the transmission (we wonder what tuners have to say about that..). No performance data has been officially released, but the GT-R Nismo reportedly set a Nürburgring lap time of 7:08.69 on September 30.
Dynamically, the GT-R Nismo gets stiffer springs and dampers, as well as larger anti-roll bars that include a 17.3-mm (0.68in) hollow piece out back. The dampers are electrically adjustable through three settings, which have been renamed Track, Race and Race Plus (from Comfort, Normal and R in the standard GT-R). Needless to say, the “softest” track setting is said to be pretty rigid.
Sales of the GT-R Nismo will begin in February 2014 in Japan, while in the U.S. the car is said to arrive about a year later.
By Dan Mihalascu
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