2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo Is Lighter, Grippier And (Hopefully) More Exciting To Drive

Nissan arrived at the New York Auto Show with a whole team of new models, including the updated for 2020MY Nissan GT-R Nismo.

The king of the GT-R range received a number of revisions, aiming to make it even more exhilarating to drive but keeping the main power figures unchanged. This means that the hand-crafted twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine -which employs the same turbochargers with the GT-R GT3 race car- still produces 600hp and 481lb-ft (652Nm) of torque.

Despite the same power figures, the race car-derived turbochargers now feature a modified turbine shape and fewer blades, while the six-speed dual-clutch transmission comes with an updated software, improving the adaptive shift control and a more refined ‘R’ mode. There’s also a revised titanium exhaust system.

It slimmed down 67 pounds (30kg)

The Japanese car maker focused in other areas too in order to extract more speed, including weight and aerodynamics; each exterior panel made out carbon fiber -like bumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoiler- has been optimized, saving a total of 23lbs (10.5kg) in addition to nearly 44lbs (20kg) of weight savings achieved from other upgrades and new components.

The new front fenders are now similar to those found in the GT-R GT3 race car, featuring scalloped vents to send hot air away from the engine bay and smooth the airflow along the body. In addition, the carbon roof is now made with a new compression process, making it lighter and with a tighter weave.

The revised 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo also features a new exclusive set of 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels that are lighter and more rigid than before. The wheels are wrapped in new Dunlop rubber that features a wider tread and fewer grooves, offering a larger by 11 percent contact patch.

The suspension is updated for better stability and enhanced yaw rate response, while the steering wheel is also improved, offering more linearity and precision than before. A set of bigger Brembo carbon ceramic rotors -16.1 inches (410 mm) up front and 15.3 (390 mm) at the rear- are claimed to be more durable and stronger than ever.

“We have built the 2020 GT-R Nismo for our customers to be the ultimate track and street vehicle,” Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R said.“It is about total balance management, not just chasing power figures. The new Nismo has been brought to a new level, with enhanced engine, handling, braking and aerodynamics.”