All right, no more fooling around. The Nissan GT-R, darling of the supercar-as-video-game set, has found itself suddenly in the middle of a crowded pack that includes the Porsche 911, Audi R8, all-new Corvette Stingray and the Jaguar F-Type, among others. It’s time to break out the big guns. In simultaneous introductions at the Tokyo and Los Angeles Auto Shows, the GT-R NISMO was unveiled, with stepped-up performance and looks.
The fourth model in the GT-R lineup goes on sale later in 2014 as a 2015 model. The 3.8 V6 has been upgraded using know-how from NISMO’s motorsports arm and output raised to 600 horsepower courtesy of larger, GT3-grade turbochargers and improved breathing. To handle the extra power, Bilstein DampTronic shocks have been retuned front and rear, and unique Dunlop tires developed for the car. There are additional links on the front suspension to solidify wheel position in high-speed corners, and a larger anti-roll bar keeps the body level.
To distinguish the GT-R NISMO from the outside, an aerodynamics package tweaks the front bumper and adds a carbon spoiler at the rear. The blacked-out six-spoke wheels are similar to those used on racing GT-Rs. Inside, carbon fiber-backed Recaro seats and carbon-look trim provide a more purposeful look.
The GT-R NISMO will join the enhanced versions of the Juke and 370Z when it goes on sale next year.
