Nissan GT-R update
17th June, 2010
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Two years on from its international debut and one year on
from local launch in Australia, Nissan has announced a series of refinements for the GT-R super car,
continuing the evolution of this standards-setting performance machine.
To date, more than 260 Australian customers have taken delivery of the R35 version of the legendary
GT-R.
The 2010 Australian specification Nissan GT-R benefits from a number of enhancements. These include a
revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst.
The satellite navigation system is now HDD-based, displaying through the 7-inch digital display,
along with a new data logging function. Automatic headlamps and speed-sensing windscreen wipers are also
fitted.
There are also new entertainment functions, such as Bluetooth audio connectivity and a USB port with
iPod connection that allows the driver and passengers to enjoy their favourite music on the move.
From a performance perspective, the 2010-11 Nissan GT-R’s suspension has been retuned to offer
enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while continuing to provide the driver with a feeling of direct
contact with the road surface.
The damping force of the shock absorbers (rebound stroke and spring rate) have been changed to
increase steering stability and ride comfort, and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings
has been strengthened. Wheel alignment settings are also fine-tuned.
Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the GT-R SpecV (not offered in
Australia), have been extended to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor
area.
The 2010 Nissan GT-R gains improved low- and mid-range engine response thanks to newly adopted
hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce airflow resistance within the twin system exhaust, and the
cooling efficiency of the transmission’s heat exchanger has been improved by using a larger-diameter
coolant pipe.
Power and torque outputs from the 3.8 litre twin turbo V6 VR38DETT engine remain unchanged at 357 kW
and 588 Nm for 2010-11. Colour and trim specification also continue as before.
The specification changes coincide with a modest increase (of 1.9 per cent) in the Manufacturer’s
List Price* (MLP*) of the Nissan GT-R.
As a result, the 2010-11 Nissan GT-R is priced from $158,800* (plus dealer delivery and statutory
charges) and the Nissan GT-R Premium, with its two-tone interior leather trim, Bose entertainment system
and smoke grey 20-inch alloy wheels, is priced from $162,800* (plus dealer delivery and statutory
charges).
The Nissan GT-R continues to be available exclusively from a selection of 11 Nissan dealers across
Australia. These outlets have dedicated GT-R workshop facilities and specially trained technicians to
look after these technologically advanced vehicles.
Nissan GT-R on the track
The Nissan GT-R secured its maiden win in the inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship series at
Silverstone in May, when Sumo Power GT-R drivers Jamie Campbell-Walter and Warren Hughes were awarded
the famous RAC Tourist Trophy for taking out the 2nd of the 10-round FIA GT1 series.
Two Nissan-powered teams, Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team have each entered two cars in the
series, battling teams driving Aston Martin DB9, Corvette Z06, Lamborghini Murcielago R-SV, Maserati
MC12, and Ford GT rivals.
The FIA GT1 World Championships is open to privateer teams with no direct manufacturer teams allowed.
Nissan is able to supply the team with technical support via NISMO.
The Nissan GT-R engine is bored out to 5,552 cc and produces 600 hp (as per regulations), and 650 Nm
of torque in VK53DE guise. The car weighs in at 1,250 kg (again as stipulated by the regulations), and
drives the rear-wheels via a six-speed Ricardo transaxle.
A prototype raced in 2009 in anticipation of the FIA GT1 series provided a test bed for data
acquisition, resulting in changes to aerodynamics, weight optimisation and an increase in dynamic
performance.
The Sumo Power GT team was established in 2010 in the UK to participate in the FIA GT1 World
Championship, and is run by James Rumsey, with Nigel Stepney serving as chief engineer.
The Swiss Racing Team was established in 2000 in Switzerland and has a successful track record in
FIA GT racing.
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“We were very excited about Nissan returning to a world championship after nearly 20 years
away,” said Yuichi Sanada, Nissan Motor’s Global Motorsports Programme Director.
“The FIA GT1 World Championship is an ideal venue for Nissan to showcase its technology globally
through the participation of its iconic model the Nissan GT-R,”
“At Nissan the idea of the FIA GT1 World Championship is a very exciting one, and seeing the GT-R
on track in competition with these other world famous brands is spectacular,” said Soichi Miyatani,
NISMO President and Nissan CVP.
“With the strong global television exposure in place we are sure that this agreement will be a key
to us further enhancing the reputation and stature of Nissan’s highperformance cars. It also gives us
added exposure away from the on-track action as we look to reinforce the Nissan brand within this core
car-loving audience on a global basis,” he said.
In Japan, Nissan is in its third season of competition in the SUPER GT Series, deploying three GT-R
racers powered by a new 500 hp 3.4 litre engine (VRG34A) for the GT500 class in 2010. The cars are being
raced by NISMO, Team Impul and Kondo Racing.
Quotes
“The Nissan GT-R continues to appeal to perfection-seeking motoring enthusiasts in Australia,”
said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Australia.
“We are delighted with the high level of interest and sales the GT-R has enjoyed since launch.
This is a very exciting car to drive and is packed with innovative technology that enables the driver to
get the most from its scintillating performance.”
“Nissan reinforced the performance credentials of the new GT-R at the world’s toughest and
best-known test track, the Nurburgring Nordschleife, where last year it clocked a record lap-time of 7
minutes 26.70 seconds.”
“The fact that the Nissan GT-R has already been successful in the new FIA GT1 World Championship
series against far more exotic machinery will make every GT-R fan proud.”
“And the arrival of the finessed 2010-11 model GT-R makes this amazing motor car even more
desirable. It truly is a modern classic.” Thompson said.
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