Can Nismo make the gifted Nissan GT-R even greater?
THE first Nismo-badged vehicle to come to Australia is increasingly looking likely to accompany the three magic letters ‘G’, ‘T’, and ‘R’ on its fat rump.
That’s right. After years of scintillating speculation, dashed hopes, and even a false start or two, Nissan’s world-famous tuning house to rival any M-car, AMG, or HSV outfit is set to finally debut on the supernaturally gifted Japanese supercar coupe sometime in the not-too-distant future.
And we’re talking by the end of this year, since Nissan’s local managing director, Richard Emery, is on record for revealing his intention to bring Nismo to Australia sometime during 2016.
Saying that it would add “colour and personality to the brand”, the ex-Mercedes-Benz corporate high-flyer seems 100 per cent behind the idea of his company’s flagship flying the Nismo livery.
“We need to bring GT-R and Z and the cars that have those emotional connections to the public, and connect them back to the core brand that is Nissan,” he stated earlier this year. “We will be doing more with GT-R and Z, reminding people about our business and what we have achieved.”
The ‘regular’ MY17 R35 GT-R, of course, is no slouch, after gaining a substantial makeover in March, ahead of an arrival on Australian shores in September.
Though the body is fundamentally the same as before, the nose is different, gaining a larger grille with the corporate ‘V-motion’ look that is finding its way onto all future Nissans.
That revised face directs engine-cooling air more efficiently than before and is complemented by reshaped bumpers, revised daytime running lights, and a stronger bonnet which doesn't deform at speeds over 200km/h for improved air flow and stability.
Cooler running motors, better aero properties at licence-losing speeds – the GT-R seems a dead cert for the de-restricted Dead Centre.
Nissan says making strides in downforce generation, drag reduction, and mechanical cooling were key – and at times conflicting – engineering targets for the newcomer, helped by a host of small advances such as greater curvature in the now-lower front under-spoiler’s profiling (and without impacting on ground clearance).
The side sills have also been revised in the same way, but this time for the benefit of cutting under-vehicle lift and improving stability at high speed; restyled C-pillars with an upper section now promote smaller vortices, while additional side vents within the now-silver diffuser next to the quad titanium exhaust tips.
All these, as well as a restyled bumper from the previous GT-R Nismo, help dissipate heat from exhaust gases more effectively. Fans may also heed a higher-set lower black section that is said to make the car look wider and more aggressive. Like it needed that.
The wheels, meanwhile, are new, lighter, stronger, and more rigid Rats Y-spoke forged alloys for better balance and control.
The net result is that the Godzilla now sits more squarely and menacingly on the road while carving through the atmosphere more cleanly and quietly.
The body is also beefier, thanks to reinforcements to the windscreen frame, A-pillars, suspension attachment points, and under-boot area, all resulting in reduced deformation, crisper turn-in responses and better chassis balance.
The previous GT-R’s cabin proved divisive – some loving the high-tech overload of 27 switches and an endless array of electronic gauges for every conceivable functionality, while others just hated it.
Now Nissan has decided to cut the number of buttons to 11 (boo!), add more leather and higher-quality materials including machined aluminium alloy (probably a good thing in a circa-$200K machine), while the centre console has been lowered for better forward vision.
A larger touchscreen with sorely-needed nav updates, and more a intuitive multimedia system completes the cabin revision. Luckily, all those multi-function meters are still customisable.
Still on improved usability, the paddle-shifters have moved from the steering column where they couldn’t be accessed properly mid-turn, to on the steering wheel, so they move with the driver’s hands.
More progress has also been made on the seats, which are now more supportive on the higher-spec Premium and Pure versions.
Not that any of this stuff matters really, because the MY16 GT-R remains one of our all-time favourite supercars. Now, Nissan has gone and added more power and control… do we really need a Nismo version?
Let’s see what they’ve done. The hand-built VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged 24-valve V6, transmitting torque continuously to all four wheels via a six-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission, now tops out at 419kW thanks to more boost pressure and improved ignition-timing that’s now controlled at each individual cylinder.
Nissan says mid-range oomph benefits, reduces engine knock and fuel economy is improved.
Also new for 2017 is a titanium exhaust for better heat management and flow as well as quieter everyday operation (hmmm…), a more refined transmission (there is no longer a torque interruption during light throttle), retuned Bilstein adjustable dampers that are said to enhance ride-quality and dynamics capabilities.
The steering is said to be sharper with better responses and less low-speed effort, lower NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), wrapped up in a safer package, thanks to the structural upgrades and newer airbag technology.
All in all, it is an even greater Nissan GT-R so why bother with a Nismo version?
On top of all that, it’s some 22kW and 20Nm more potent, delivering 441kW at 6800rpm and 652Nm from 3600-5600rpm, courtesy of bigger turbos borrowed from Nissan’s GT3 competition racers.
Also, an all carbon-fibre front bumper makes the Nismo lighter, even more aerodynamic, and more planted to the ground. Nissan says this has been done “to improve airflow around the vehicle and generate a high level of downforce”.
Moving on, the Nismo’s shock absorbers, springs and stabilisers, have been retuned, for better handling with improved slalom times and cornering performance by up to two per cent.
Carbon-backed Recaro seats boasting leather with red Alcantara inserts give the game away inside.
So why buy Nismo? Chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura says it most eloquently: “The GT-R Nismo emphasises the ‘R’ in its nomenclature,” he said. “Its direct ties with racing make it at home on any racetrack, providing the highest levels of excitement and exhilaration for the driver.
“With the 2017 GT-R as a starting point, the new Nismo version has become a more well-balanced machine, with not just increased performance, but a heightened premium feel overall. It is the result of our relentless pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure.”
Ahh… that’s why. Come on, Nissan Australia, isn’t it time Nismo made its way Down Under?
Byron Mathioudakis GoAuto.com.au
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