The Nissan GT-R Spec V is the first factory special edition to come from Nissan Japan. While the GT-R Spec V does not add a whole lot performance-wise to standard GT-R cars, its powerful styling enhancements, weight savings and trick high gear boost controller should ensure every unit will be snapped up by the Nissan devout in Japan.
Nissan GT-R Spec V Performance
Introduced at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the 2010 GT-R Spec V carries the same engine as other GT-R cars, though a boost controller is added which provides additional torque in high gear to pass that imported Corvette ZR1 on the highway, or the Nurburgring. Operated via a button on the dash, the extra boost engages for 80 seconds, then disengages on its own, presumably to save load on the engine.
Other Spec V performance extras include a high-flow titanium exhaust, adjustable more-aggressive Bilstein shocks and carbon-ceramic composite Brembo brakes front and rear. Did Nissan opt out of universally raising boost or engine tuning to aid maximum power output in order to make way for an even-more-aggressive GT-R variant? We hope so.
Nissan GT-R Interior and Exterior
A quick glance over the 2010 GT-R Spec V interior reveals the most obvious change here: no rear seat. Left behind are some rather strange looking luggage compartments, though the base GT-R's rear seat is not so useful anyway, and weight savings will be appreciated.
Outside the Spec V gets carbon fiber and titanium everything: a new rear spoiler that is sure to please Spec V clientele, a tricky carbon front grill and brake ducts, skirts and some beautiful Rays wheels also available from the NISMO performance shop for other GT-R models.
The price for all this Spec-V jazz? An astounding 15,750,000 yen, which works out to a hair over US $170,000 or almost $100,000 more than the current GT-R at current exchange rates. Don't expect the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V in the states, or anywhere else outside Japan, at least not yet. Stay tuned for more details as they arise!
NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW GT-R SPECV MODEL
TOKYO – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate super car that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R Spec V new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the Spec V unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres, combine to deliver the Spec V exceptional performance.
The SpecV will be sold at the following seven dealer outlets, each of which is staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving.
Nissan GT-R Spec V Performance
Introduced at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the 2010 GT-R Spec V carries the same engine as other GT-R cars, though a boost controller is added which provides additional torque in high gear to pass that imported Corvette ZR1 on the highway, or the Nurburgring. Operated via a button on the dash, the extra boost engages for 80 seconds, then disengages on its own, presumably to save load on the engine.
Other Spec V performance extras include a high-flow titanium exhaust, adjustable more-aggressive Bilstein shocks and carbon-ceramic composite Brembo brakes front and rear. Did Nissan opt out of universally raising boost or engine tuning to aid maximum power output in order to make way for an even-more-aggressive GT-R variant? We hope so.
Nissan GT-R Interior and Exterior
A quick glance over the 2010 GT-R Spec V interior reveals the most obvious change here: no rear seat. Left behind are some rather strange looking luggage compartments, though the base GT-R's rear seat is not so useful anyway, and weight savings will be appreciated.
Outside the Spec V gets carbon fiber and titanium everything: a new rear spoiler that is sure to please Spec V clientele, a tricky carbon front grill and brake ducts, skirts and some beautiful Rays wheels also available from the NISMO performance shop for other GT-R models.
The price for all this Spec-V jazz? An astounding 15,750,000 yen, which works out to a hair over US $170,000 or almost $100,000 more than the current GT-R at current exchange rates. Don't expect the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V in the states, or anywhere else outside Japan, at least not yet. Stay tuned for more details as they arise!
NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW GT-R SPECV MODEL
TOKYO – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate super car that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R Spec V new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the Spec V unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres, combine to deliver the Spec V exceptional performance.
The SpecV will be sold at the following seven dealer outlets, each of which is staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving.
Model Lineup
Now in its third year of availability in the North American market, the Nissan GT-R enters the 2011 model year with a number of enhancements and a simplified model lineup. The previous GT-R base model has been eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model. The 2011 GT-R will be available through nearly 700 official “GT-R certified” Nissan dealers across the United States beginning in March 2010.
“As difficult as it is to improve on perfection, we’ve added a few important features to GT-R for 2011 – improving ride comfort, enhancing the navigation system features and adding auto on/off headlights,” said Al Castigation, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “One thing that remains unchanged is GT-R legendary performance, including its 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 and 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.”
Enhancements for 2011 include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area. The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened to enhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R’s outstanding handling. In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod® interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic® and NavWeather™ capability, along with premium points-of-interest (POI) information.
Super car Packaging and Driveline
The Nissan GT-R is a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of “the ultimate super car that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere.” It is built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform created expressly for use with the GT-R.
The Premium Midship platform enables the use of a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. This 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 tire grip at each corner.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 485 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 434 lb-ft of torque at 3,200, while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The engine features innovative plasma-sprayed bores replacing 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 high-performance IHI 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. All GT-R engines are hand-assembled in a clean room environment at the Nissan Yokohama engine plant.
The VR38DETT is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, 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 immediate shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines.
Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center 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.
Putting the power to the ground is an electronically controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system specifically developed for GT-R. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire 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.
GT-R’s handling duties are managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes. A special Bilstein DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations. The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or “R,” for ultimate handling. The same three-stage adjustability is available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation, which also includes a Snow mode. For 2011, the suspension has been retuned and the rear bushings strengthened for enhanced ride comfort while still maintaining handling.
Stopping power is provided by Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with large 15-inch Brembo full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel high-stiffness brake pads that minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.
GT-R-specific lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, with special knurling to assist with securing the tires during hard acceleration or braking, are shod with nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high-performance summer run-flat tires specifically designed for the GT-R, sized 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear. Optional Dunlop SP Sport 600 – 255ZRF40/20 front, P285ZRF35/20 rear performance summer tires are available with the Ultra High Performance Summer Tire Package.
GT-R’s Signature Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style The Nissan GT-R’s dramatic styling remains unchanged for 2011, again following the “function over form” theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle’s driving experience – as well as suggest GT-R’s “super car” level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, GT-R’s aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The GT-R’s hybrid body construction is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness, precision and lightness.
The body features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27 while achieving high front and rear downforce, providing stability and handling performance in a wide range of driving conditions.
GT-R’s front fenders express power and stability, while the “aero-blades” on the fenders’ leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The vents in the fenders’ trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimizing side air flow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood bulge and single central air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. The “super wide beam” headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wide illumination spread. An auto on/off feature has been added for 2011, along with standard speed-sensitive windshield wipers.
The Nissan GT-R’s four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The signature rear view of the GT-R is provided by its hallmark four-ring taillights, while air flow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.
GT-R’s advanced technology is present even in the vehicle’s paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and “double clear coat” process. Five exterior colors are offered for 2011, including a special seven-coat Super Silver paint color treatment includes a polished front bumper. The Super Silver paint is baked five times and is hand-polished by craftsman. Front and rear fascias receive double clear coat for 2011.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Super car Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as both a daily driver and a high-performance machine is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality and comfort. It provides comfortable four-passenger seating and trunk capacity of two golf bags or suitcases.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort. The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position.
A cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver’s head movement. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in GT-R’s interior – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red “engine start” button.
The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display. 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, an entertainment system with a Music Box Hard Drive and DVD playback capability and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. For 2011 the navigation system receives XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather™ capabilities.
All 2011 GT-R models include a specially designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system. Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® has been added for 2011.
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplights, bright LED rear combination taillights, “super wide beam” headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade windshield wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretentiousness and load limiters and tension reducers, and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.
GT-R Dealer Certification
The Nissan GT-R is sold and serviced through nearly 7000 Nissan dealers that have attained “GT-R Certification” status by meeting a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments – including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, special training for service managers and technicians, and designating dealer principals, executive managers and general managers as the primary communicators and negotiators in sales transactions. The names and locations of local GT-R Certified Nissan dealers are available to consumers on Nissan USA.com.
Models and Options
The 2011 Nissan GT-R is available in one model: GT-R Premium, which comes fully equipped with a 485-horsepower engine, dual clutch rear transmission, Nissan Navigation System, custom-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system, premium near-black finish wheels, Bridgestone RE070A tires and heated front seats.
Three options are offered – a Cold Weather Package, which includes Dunlop all-season tires and unique coolant/water ratio, special Super-Silver paint and the Ultra-High Performance Tire Package.
Now in its third year of availability in the North American market, the Nissan GT-R enters the 2011 model year with a number of enhancements and a simplified model lineup. The previous GT-R base model has been eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model. The 2011 GT-R will be available through nearly 700 official “GT-R certified” Nissan dealers across the United States beginning in March 2010.
“As difficult as it is to improve on perfection, we’ve added a few important features to GT-R for 2011 – improving ride comfort, enhancing the navigation system features and adding auto on/off headlights,” said Al Castigation, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “One thing that remains unchanged is GT-R legendary performance, including its 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 and 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.”
Enhancements for 2011 include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area. The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened to enhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R’s outstanding handling. In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod® interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic® and NavWeather™ capability, along with premium points-of-interest (POI) information.
Super car Packaging and Driveline
The Nissan GT-R is a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of “the ultimate super car that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere.” It is built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform created expressly for use with the GT-R.
The Premium Midship platform enables the use of a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. This 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 tire grip at each corner.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 485 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 434 lb-ft of torque at 3,200, while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The engine features innovative plasma-sprayed bores replacing 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 high-performance IHI 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. All GT-R engines are hand-assembled in a clean room environment at the Nissan Yokohama engine plant.
The VR38DETT is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, 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 immediate shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines.
Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center 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.
Putting the power to the ground is an electronically controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system specifically developed for GT-R. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire 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.
GT-R’s handling duties are managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes. A special Bilstein DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations. The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or “R,” for ultimate handling. The same three-stage adjustability is available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation, which also includes a Snow mode. For 2011, the suspension has been retuned and the rear bushings strengthened for enhanced ride comfort while still maintaining handling.
Stopping power is provided by Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with large 15-inch Brembo full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel high-stiffness brake pads that minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.
GT-R-specific lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, with special knurling to assist with securing the tires during hard acceleration or braking, are shod with nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high-performance summer run-flat tires specifically designed for the GT-R, sized 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear. Optional Dunlop SP Sport 600 – 255ZRF40/20 front, P285ZRF35/20 rear performance summer tires are available with the Ultra High Performance Summer Tire Package.
GT-R’s Signature Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style The Nissan GT-R’s dramatic styling remains unchanged for 2011, again following the “function over form” theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle’s driving experience – as well as suggest GT-R’s “super car” level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, GT-R’s aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The GT-R’s hybrid body construction is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness, precision and lightness.
The body features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27 while achieving high front and rear downforce, providing stability and handling performance in a wide range of driving conditions.
GT-R’s front fenders express power and stability, while the “aero-blades” on the fenders’ leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The vents in the fenders’ trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimizing side air flow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood bulge and single central air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. The “super wide beam” headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wide illumination spread. An auto on/off feature has been added for 2011, along with standard speed-sensitive windshield wipers.
The Nissan GT-R’s four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The signature rear view of the GT-R is provided by its hallmark four-ring taillights, while air flow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.
GT-R’s advanced technology is present even in the vehicle’s paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and “double clear coat” process. Five exterior colors are offered for 2011, including a special seven-coat Super Silver paint color treatment includes a polished front bumper. The Super Silver paint is baked five times and is hand-polished by craftsman. Front and rear fascias receive double clear coat for 2011.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Super car Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as both a daily driver and a high-performance machine is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality and comfort. It provides comfortable four-passenger seating and trunk capacity of two golf bags or suitcases.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort. The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position.
A cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver’s head movement. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in GT-R’s interior – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red “engine start” button.
The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display. 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, an entertainment system with a Music Box Hard Drive and DVD playback capability and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. For 2011 the navigation system receives XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather™ capabilities.
All 2011 GT-R models include a specially designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system. Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® has been added for 2011.
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplights, bright LED rear combination taillights, “super wide beam” headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade windshield wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretentiousness and load limiters and tension reducers, and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.
GT-R Dealer Certification
The Nissan GT-R is sold and serviced through nearly 7000 Nissan dealers that have attained “GT-R Certification” status by meeting a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments – including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, special training for service managers and technicians, and designating dealer principals, executive managers and general managers as the primary communicators and negotiators in sales transactions. The names and locations of local GT-R Certified Nissan dealers are available to consumers on Nissan USA.com.
Models and Options
The 2011 Nissan GT-R is available in one model: GT-R Premium, which comes fully equipped with a 485-horsepower engine, dual clutch rear transmission, Nissan Navigation System, custom-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system, premium near-black finish wheels, Bridgestone RE070A tires and heated front seats.
Three options are offered – a Cold Weather Package, which includes Dunlop all-season tires and unique coolant/water ratio, special Super-Silver paint and the Ultra-High Performance Tire Package.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R, the first Skyline GT-R model to be released in the United States, offers performance unlike any Nissan sports car in the history of the Japanese automaker. The "Skyline" moniker has officially been dropped, but the 2009 GT-R, which was delivered to its first US customers in July 2008, represents a new era for the Skyline GT-R, the most storied sports car in Japanese automotive history.
With exterior styling that is a departure from Nissan Skyline GT-R models of the past 20 years, the 2009 Nissan GT-R places performance function on the level with styling. Classic Skyline GT-R touches are found in the taillights and rear end, as well as in the flared rear fenders embracing 20 x 10.5 in. rear wheels.
No stock Skyline GT-R model in Nissan's history can touch the performance ability of the brand-new 2009 model. The Skyline, like other critical darling sports cars such as the BMW 3-Series, has always been about outputting greater performance than spec sheets and dyno numbers would indicate. The 2009 GT-R offers some of the most sophisticated electronic engine and drivetrain management found on any sports car in the world.
Offering a stellar bang-for-the-buck ratio with a base price a hair under $70,000, the 2009 Nissan GT-R is already commanding significant price gouging over MSRP. All the official details appear below, direct from Nissan...
Official 2009 Skyline GT-R press release from Nissan...
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "an ultimate super car for anyone, anywhere, at anytime". The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world's first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.
Official 2009 Skyline GT-R press release from Nissan...
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "an ultimate super car for anyone, anywhere, at anytime". The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world's first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.
The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics - and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.
Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new complementary and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance "speed and efficiency," "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety."
Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation - whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas - all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.
The Nissan GT-R's unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle's design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.
To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisers and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.
Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Super car
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The trans axle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.
The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.
Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.
Braking is essential for a daily-driven super car and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.
High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stop lamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.
Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.
Functional Design - High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience - as well as suggesting GT-R's "super car" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The all-new GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.
The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.
The Nissan GT-R's large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated f120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.
The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R's paint - which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Super car Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance super car is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.
The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R - each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.
Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings - Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R "super car" application.
A high-speed, high-capacity CAR WINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.
For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation.
A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a super car.
Nissan Skyline GTR Picture
