The GT-R Nismo Special Edition is not shy about displaying its carbon fiber.
Nissan North America
Even though we are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next generation Z car, Nissan has not forgotten that its true performance flagship is still the GT-R. To remind the rest of us that Godzilla – as it is sometimes affectionately known – is still the king of monsters, the carmaker has announced a new special version of the track restriction. GT-R Nismo.
Most of the Special Edition body is covered with Nismo Stealth Gray paint, except for the carbon fiber hood, which now proudly displays its fabric under a clear glossy finish. The contrasting dark hood is a great addition to the GT-R Nismo’s already exposed carbon fiber roof. Exclusive 20-inch beams, forged aluminum alloy wheels, fill the arches with red accents, reflecting the Nismo Red strip along the lower aero pieces. It will also be the first GT-R to feature Nissan’s new minimalist logo on its boot and center hood.
The GT-R Nismo is mostly mechanically unchanged. It is still powered by Nissan’s 3.8-liter VR38DETT dual-turbo V6 that delivers 600 horsepower and 481 pounds of torque – 35 pounds and 14 pounds more than the non-Nismo model. The power is still being converted in forward thrust by a sophisticated ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive system and six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Handling is further enhanced by the Nismo-adjusted adjustable damper suspension.
However, the Special Edition VR38DETT will be assembled with high-precision, weight-balanced parts for the piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft and valve gear components. The stricter tolerances allow GT-R motor builders – special Nissan master technicians called takumi – who manually assemble each power source in a special clean room – to speed up turbocharging, faster revs and sharper performance link. And because tighter internal tolerances are not something you can easily see, the GT-R Nismo Special Edition engine will have an aluminum takumi certification plate in an exclusive color.
Nissan will build a limited number of special editions, some of which will be available in North America this fall. How much it still is is still unclear and prices are an even bigger question mark, but the carmaker promises that the details will be revealed before opening the order books later this year.