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Going Beyond Ultimate
Ultimate Nissan, ultimate GT-R, ultimate supercar. And yet, it will never be enough. For 2020, the GT-R has been refocused; lighter, more responsive, with enhanced aerodynamics. There may not be a word for beyond ultimate – but there is the 2020 GT-R NISMO®. [[67]]
A fanatically tuned 600-horsepower engine
Powered by the thrust of high-capacity turbos developed from our GT3 racing program, the GT-R NISMO's engine is the purest expression of passion, performance, and technology.
600 horsepower is impressive. But that didn't stop the engineers at NISMO. Further developments from the GT3 racing program make their way into the engine compartment – reshaped turbo vanes allow quicker spool up for enhanced response, and a more aggressive delivery of power across the rpm range. [[1325]]
An incredible amount of engineering, testing, and manufacturing know-how is required before a vehicle is allowed to wear the NISMO badge. It is truly a badge of honor.
While it is important, data will only tell you so much. A number alone won’t thrill, won’t give an unforgettable driving experience. It takes a special kind of genius – a uniquely human touch – to take science and turn it into a living, breathing, exhilarating machine.
Numbers speak – but it takes a special talent to know what they’re really saying. NISMO engineers are involved during the entire development process. They create that unique NISMO feel.
It takes a special skill set to create a NISMO. Engineers must be capable drivers and development drivers must be fluent in the language of engineering. They work together, raising the bar for excellence in both.
NISMO engineers ride along with development drivers – testing, gathering data, experiencing. Working together, the “NISMO-ness” is constantly unfolded. Repeat until Engineer and Driver are satisfied.
It takes a special blend of talent and ability to create the feel of a NISMO. Development drivers are the most dedicated, highest-trained and experienced of all Nissan test drivers. They only sign off on a NISMO product when it meets their exacting standards.
Unmatched agility and grip
For 2020 the GT-R NISMO finds enhanced handling that once again raise the bar for street and competition. Thanks to a reduction in weight with the addition of carbon fiber body panels, and additional downforce, the Bilstein® DampTronic® suspension has been retuned and combined with a NISMO-tuned hollow stabilizer bar to increase the amount of cornering grip, while still providing a civil ride. [[115]]
Increasing friction – the heart of braking – requires an incredibly hard compound. A lesson learned from racing, carbon ceramic is strong, exceptionally light, and heat resistant. Making the most of this competition technology, GT-R NISMO now employs larger rotors and pads, plus a new especially rigid caliper, wearing special paint that will not change color, even at temperatures over 1800 degrees. The lighter weight of the braking system also reduces unsprung weight, enhancing handling and steering response.
For 2020, GT-R NISMO features a new-design 20" RAYS® forged aluminum wheel. [[115]] A reduction in weight allows the suspension to react more quickly to driver input or road conditions, while the open design enhances cooling of brake components. A perfect partner, an all-new tire was designed using supercomputer analysis. The result is a wider contact patch, greater cornering grip, and reduced rolling resistance. A win-win-win situation.
The Nissan GT-R NISMO’s suspension setup is tuned for stunning agility and handling finesse, without compromising refinement. The springs and custom-developed Bilstein® DampTronic® dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit.[[115]]
To enhance the GT-R's already rigid platform, additional adhesive bonding was added to key spot welds for increased body shell rigidity.
Pushing the envelope
Reducing weight over the nose of the vehicle lowers the overall center of gravity enhances front-to rear weight distribution, and improves cornering turn-in.
Carbon Fiber fenders reduce forward mass, allowing the GT-R NISMO to respond more quickly to steering input. New aerodynamic vents come from the GT3 racing program, enhancing downforce.
Reducing the weight of the roof brings the GT-R NISMO's center of mass lower, enhancing stability, adding cornering grip and providing flatter cornering. [[65]]
Focused purely on the driver
The Nissan GT-R NISMO cockpit is relentlessly focused. Recaro® seats, an Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel, and signature NISMO red accents throughout anticipate an experience like no other. [[115]]
The NISMO® feel: going beyond the numbers
Great handling isn’t a result of just data. It requires a human touch. NISMO development drivers are much more than just racecar drivers focused on the fastest lap time. They focus on what the vehicle should feel like. What is exciting. What feels thrilling. As much on the street as on the track. They ensure every NISMO feels like a NISMO.
A legacy of victory on the track
The launch of Nissan GT-R NISMO is but the latest chapter in our story of pioneering spirit, innovation, and passion for motorsport.
Since 1984, NISMO has been the official in-house racing arm of Nissan. Started by a group of maverick Nissan engineers over 30 years ago, NISMO is synonymous with passion, expertise, and the heights of Nissan performance – not to mention decades of racing dominance. Every time you see a NISMO badge, you’ll know it’s something extraordinary. Engineered with brilliance, designed with an undeniable edge, and fueled by passion without a redline.
In 1936, a 747 cc Datsun Midget took the checkered flag, and we haven’t stopped racing – and winning – since. From Japan to Le Mans, Dakar to Daytona, our dedication to innovation has made Nissan Motorsports a dominant force. Whether it’s a humble sedan like the Skyline developed into the legendary Nissan GT-R, or machines that will shape the future, including the Nissan Delta Wing and the all-electric LEAF® racer, we race what we build, and we win what we race.
What a year! The NISMO GT3 racer claimed both the race win and the championship title in the Pirelli Super Taikyu Series in Japan at Twin Ring Motegi. The Endless GT-R (Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3), took the victory in the five-hour race – the team’s first Super Taikyu victory of the season, while the No. 99 Y’s Distraction GTNET GT-R clinched the title with a third-place finish.
A massive injection of NISMO® expertise
For 2020 the Nissan GT-R Track Edition features a healthy injection of NISMO tuning to make it an incredible blend of GT-R civility and GT-R NISMO ultimate performance.
Making the most of the enhanced handling, the GT-R Track Edition features legendary Recaro® high performance front seats. Excellent holding performance helps communicate every nuance of performance to the driver.[[115]]
Taking GT-R performance to the next level, a unique red and black interior featuring grippy and supportive Recaro® front seats helps hard-wire you to the experience. [[115]]
On the outside, the dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler provides downforce, and is a work of art in its own right. [[165]]
