Nissan GT-R Nismo Revealed with 600-HP, 7:08 Nurburgring Time
Nissan has revealed the latest, and greatest, iteration of its supercar killer, boasting 600 horsepower and a Nurburgring lap time lower than any other volume production car.
Continually improved over every year the GT-R has now reached a new high with the race-inspired Nismo model tuned up to 600 hp from its twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine (SAE rated output is a less impressive sounding 595 hp). Torque is rated at 481 lb-ft. That power comes thanks to larger capacity turbochargers, as well as individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and a new fuel pump to burn plenty of premium.
Aerodynamics also play an important role with a new underbody cover, front bumper and rear carbon fiber spoiler that reduce drag while adding 220 lbs of downforce at 300 km/h while also reducing the car’s center of gravity.
There are plenty of chassis tweaks as well including custom Bilstein dampers with three adjustable settings as well as a thick 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar. Nissan even went so far as to upgrade portions of the front double wishbone suspension and add more robust wheel bolts to better withstand the new car’s g-forces.
But the improvements go even deeper with new adhesive bonding used to strengthen the car’s overall chassis rigidity.
New tires are also a part of the package, developed by Dunlop and sized 255/40FZR20 up front and 285/35ZRF20 in the rear.
All together, the improvements helped the GT-R NISMO run an impressive 7:08 at the Nurburgring.
SEE ALSO: Watch the Nissan GT-R NISMO Lay Down a 7:08 at the ‘Ring
Inside the car gets a new Alcantara-coated Nismo steering wheel with a red center mark, while Alcantara coats the dash top and red stitching runs along the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel. New carbon-backed Recaro seats might be the real highlight of the interior, though apparently they won’t be offered in North America.
The GT-R NISMO will be available in five colors Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver and Vibrant Red as well as a special Dark Matte Grey. It goes on sale in Japan in February followed by US and European markets in late 2014.
GALLERY: 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo
When I went shopping for a new car two years ago, I found the Toyota dealerships were more willing to haggle with me. Consequently, I purchased a Matrix instead of a Civic.
I keep my cars for 10 years or more and Toyota (so far) has never disappointed me. I understand that Hondas will also withstand the test of time but I have never had the opportunity to prove it for myself.
My next new car will probably be a Corolla because of the experience I have had with Toyota over the years. I’m willing to try a Honda if i can get a good deal though.
Free speech works both ways.
Bull. Straight out of the mouths of Consumer Reports. Unbiased, scientific studies. Lexus and Toyota are yet AGAIN rated number one and two in reliability by a VERY comfortable margin. Honda is behind Mazda. Read it and weep. This month’s magazine btw.
Was shopping this week between Civic LX/EW and Corolla LE. Ended up with an LE Plus. $20,322 MSRP, $4500 Toyota holiday discount, $500 unrequested accessories. $16.3k before any fees.
Civic LX after $3k msrp discount was $17k, and then $1000 unrequested accessories, about $18k.
On top of the fact that Toyota offered $2k more for my tradein ($4k difference overall), it was an easy pick. The Corolla had huge rear legroom, a mid rear seat armrest/cupholder, huge savings.