NISMO, its name derived from NISsan MOtorsports International Co., is known worldwide as Nissan’s in-house tuning arm that pursues performance at a maniacal level by perfecting the smallest of details. True to its proud heritage, the GT-R NISMO is a more extreme, track-oriented version of the GT-R that has matured through rigorous refinements, becoming sharper and more rewarding as a street car.
The GT-R NISMO was extensively enhanced for the 2020 model year with new race-proven turbochargers, improved gearbox shift control, lighter components, reduced overall mass and upgrades to the brakes, wheels and tires. The result was a 2.5-second reduction in lap time around Nissan’s development track, along with an improvement of the GT-R’s inherent high-speed stability, even at speeds of up to 186 mph.
GT3 turbos for the 600-horsepower VR38DETT V6 The 2021 GT-R utilizes the same turbochargers developed for the GT3 race car version of the GT-R. They employ a 10-vane turbine wheel (one fewer vane than the 2019 model) and the vanes are 0.3 millimetres thinner. This accounts for a 14.5% reduction in mass, and therefore inertia by 24%, allowing for faster response. To counteract having one less vane, which would normally reduce flow rate, a special backplate was created to prevent exhaust gases from flowing behind the turbine blades, drastically improving flow efficiency. The new shape optimizes efficiency with exhaust gases to boost flow rate resulting in improved boost response and acceleration as well as in gear “pickup” in any situation.
In addition, the standard titanium exhaust system was revised in 2020 to provide a more emphatic – yet not intrusive – tone coming through to the cabin. Handcrafted burnished tips are a signature touch of the lightweight system.
The GT-R NISMO’s revised 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (versus the 2019 design) features a refined “R mode” that now shifts gears more aggressively and intuitively, thanks to a new algorithm for the adaptive shift control (ASC). With engine speed kept at a higher rate (thanks to lower gear engagement), acceleration also improves when powering out of a corner.
GT-R NISMO SPECIAL EDITION
The continuous evolution of Nissan’s flagship GT-R NISMO takes another step forward with the addition of a new Special Edition, which was previewed today in Yokohama, Japan.
A very limited number of the new model will be available in Canada this fall. Pricing for the GT-R NISMO Special Edition will be announced at a later date.
The GT-R NISMO remains Nissan’s ultimate performance super sports car that provides race-proven technology and an exhilarating driving experience for virtually everyone. The GT-R NISMO’s VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 remains the heart of the GT-R’s drivetrain and is rated at 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. The GT-R NISMO Special Edition utilizes high-precision, weight-balanced parts for the piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, and valve gear components dialed in with tighter tolerances, delivering snappier engine revs and quicker turbo spooling.
Each engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by master technicians known as takumi. Just as great artists sign their work, so do the takumi, with a special aluminium takumi certification plate in a Special Edition-exclusive colour on the front of each engine.
The GT-R NISMO Special Edition features a NISMO-exclusive Stealth Gray exterior colour, new edition-exclusive 20-inch RAYS forged aluminium-alloy wheels with red accents, and a unique clear-coated carbon fibre hood that exposes the intricate carbon fibre weave. For the first time for GT-R, the new Nissan logo adorns the trunk lid and wheel centre caps.
Depending on current COVID conditions and the scarcity of the 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo Special Edition, test drives may not be available. We’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
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Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
