Just yesterday we brought you news confirming that development of a NISMO version of the Nissan GT-R is on schedule for 2014. Moving almost as quickly as the GT-R itself, spy photographers have captured the new model testing on European roads.
It goes without saying that the GT-R NISMO will be the pinnacle of GT-R development to date, but speculation is running rife at moment as to the car’s performance credentials. We’ve heard rumours of a possible 2.0 second sprint from zero to 100 km/h and that the GT-R NISMO will oust the Viper ACR as the production car lap record holder at the Nurburgring.
While performance figures remain a while off from being officially announced, we can see a few aerodynamic tweaks hidden beneath the heavy camouflage. Most obvious is the massive GT3-inspired rear wing. In fact, Nissan’s GT-R NISMO GT3 race car (pictured below courtesy @Ash_Oldfield) is said to have directly influenced the aerodynamics package of the new model, as well as the chassis.
Further aerodynamic enhancements are also evident in the front and rear bumpers, with slightly deeper side skirts too. New air vents have been added front and rear, while the rear fenders also look to be extended to create a vertical spoiler effect. We can expect all of these additional components to be produced from composites, such as carbon fibre or CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic).
NISMO product chief Hiroshi Tamura describes the aim of the GT-R NISMO project as being the pursuit of “pure” performance and so, while a reduction in weight and improved aerodynamics is a given, a bump in power from the current GT-R’s 404 kW to around 425 kW is also possible.
No aspect of the GT-R NISMO is likely to be left untouched, so further work on the A-symmetrical suspension, 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, wheels and brakes will all benefit from NISMO’s experience on the world’s race tracks.
The Nissan GT-R NISMO can be expected to make a debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in late November, before making its way to global showrooms in the first half of 2014.
