<hgroup>2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

Godzilla goes gorillas for the track, but gets no power increase. </hgroup>

• February 2013
• BY ALEXANDER STOKLOSA

Nissan continues to refine and improve its GT-R monster, most recently introducing suspension and engine tweaks—with no increases in total output—for 2014, and now it is giving Americans a taste of a special Track Edition that’s previously been offered elsewhere around the globe. Even though the name slightly differs from the Track Pack cars sold overseas, the 2014 GT-R Track Edition is conceptually the same and includes a host of upgrades geared toward owners intent on taking their GT-R to the track.

From 2 + 2 to 2 + Nothing
In the spirit of a true track car, the GT-R Track Edition offers up its rear seat on the altar of hard-core performance. The deletion of the fairly useless rear seats is probably the Track Edition’s most recognizable change relative to the regular GT-R Premium and Black Edition models. In place of the two rear seats are quilted recesses that seem perfect for storing a pair of helmets. The front seats get unique blue accents and a mix of grippy cloth and supple leather upholstery.

Performance-wise, the Track Edition inherits a new front spoiler with built-in carbon-fiber air ducts and brake-cooling channels, and the suspension is further honed for the track. Higher spring rates and special Bilstein shocks are fitted to all four corners, which also get the same metallic-black-painted Rays forged-aluminum wheels as the GT-R Black Edition. A sweet-looking carbon-fiber rear spoiler (also shared with the Black Edition) hangs off the rear deck, and Nissan claims the piece’s increased stiffness improves rear downforce. Sure.

<table class="default" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="429px"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top">

</td> </tr> </tbody></table> From 545 Horsepower to 545 Horsepower
As with the rest of the 2014 GT-R lineup, the Track Edition’s twin-turbocharged V-6 engine makes the same 545 horsepower as last year’s GT-R. While we’ve enjoyed watching (and experiencing) the GT-R’s output figures rise incrementally over the years, 545 ponies strapped to the GT-R’s all-wheel-drive gear and six-speed dual-clutch automatic hardly is a recipe for sloth. Mix in a sharper chassis tune and even the relatively negligible weight reduction that the deletion of the rear seat affords, and we’re betting this GT-R is going to be one helluva ride.

It also will be one helluva rare GT-R—Nissan is bringing just 150 examples of the Track Edition to the U.S. If this Godzilla iteration tickles your fancy, we suggest getting on the horn with Nissan before the track-focused monster goes on sale in May. Pricing for the Track Edition has yet to be announced, but don’t be surprised if it costs more than the $110,330 Black Edition. View Photo Gallery

Earlier in the year Nissan finally announced motorsport and engineering firm Nismo as its official performance partner.
At the time, Nissan also confirmed the launch of its fastest GT-R yet, a new Nismo-enhanced model that would hit the market sometime in 2014.

Few details were provided, although Nissan did state that its GT-R Nismo model would draw on lessons learned from racing the GT-R in various motorsport categories around the world, and that it would also deliver more power than the standard model.

Now Autocar has managed to come away with a few more details after speaking with Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer.

Palmer revealed that Nissan had begun testing prototypes for the car and that a world debut was scheduled for November’s 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, meaning we’re likely to see it in showrooms as a 2015 model.

He also boasted that the GT-R Nismo was expected to lower the Nürburgring production car lap record. The current record stands at 6:48, set by a barely road-legal Radical SR8 LM, though Palmer is likely referring to the 7:12:13 set by the Dodge Viper ACR in 2010.

The key will be motorsport know-how taken from Nissan's Nismo race team, particularly in the area of aerodynamics. Pictured above is Nissan’s GT-R Nismo GT-3 endurance racer, which is expected to influence the design.

"The majority of the exterior changes are aero and downforce related," Palmer said. "The production car record at the Nurburgring is the gold standard, and we expect to lower that."

The current 2014 Nissan GT-R delivers 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque, and will lap the Nürburgring in 7:18.6.

With prototypes for the new 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo already testing, we should have the first spy shots very soon.

The 2014 model year features the introduction of a third and most exclusive model – the GT-R Track Edition. This new model is designed to take Nissan's legendary 545-horsepower street supercar even closer to a pure motorsports competition machine. It features a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight quilted cloth mat where the rear seats usually reside. Production of the GT-R Track Edition is limited to 150 cars for the U.S. market.

Said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc.: "The concept behind the GT-R Track Edition is to enable drivers who enjoy even more demanding high-performance driving than the GT-R Premium and Black Edition models' extreme performance, the chance to come closer to a competition spec vehicle – no back seat, stiffer suspension, higher grip seats, additional brake cooling – the works."

Changes to the GT-R's sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension for the Track Edition include specialized Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shock absorbers and higher spring rates. Much of the 2014 GT-R's suspension development took place on the Nürburgring, one of the world's most challenging racing circuits, where the Track Edition damping force and handling benchmarks were further refined by GT-R development driver Toshio Suzuki. The Track Edition's air guides for the front and rear brakes were also refined through rigorous track testing.

In the interior, the new GT-R Track Edition includes special blue-trimmed high-grip front seats that use a special leather and fabric appointments. Finishing off the GT-R Track Edition's special features are a handmade, lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight wheels mounted with Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires. Both the wheels and spoiler are also offered on the Black Edition. The rear spoiler's lightweight GT-R specific dry carbon fiber material* is also incredibly strong, contributing to increased aerodynamic downforce.

-Track-tested development process includes class victory in Nurburgring 24-Hour race
-Improved high rpm throttle response, lower center of gravity and reduced body flex lead dynamic performance enhancements
- New Track Edition** joins Premium and Black Editions models, U.S. availability limited to 150 units
- New, exclusive Premium Interior Package features Red Amber semi-aniline leather seating appointments

Considered by many to be the perfect "street-able" supercar at its launch, the team behind the creation of the Nissan GT-R has never slowed down. The relentless ongoing development of the GT-R has been driven by the fact that the GT-R competes in a rarified supercar segment against vehicles costing more than twice as much – and where bragging rights can be won or lost by mere fractions of a second. The 2014 Nissan GT-R continues the tradition, taking another step forward in the effort to deliver passion and emotion to customers through "extreme development."

Dedicated to Continuous Improvement

As in previous years, much of that development of the 2014 GT-R has taken place on the world's most challenging racing circuits, including the famed Nurburgring where the GT-R set production car lap records in both 2008 and 2009. The most grueling of these ongoing track tests was staged in May 2012 with the entry of an essentially stock Nissan GT-R in the Nurburgring 24 Hour sports car endurance race, where it finished first in class and 30th overall. More than just a test of the GT-R's durability and reliability under the most extreme conditions, the around-the-clock race was also a development trial for key GT-R senior engineering staff members that were involved in every stage of the project from vehicle prep to pit stops to post-race teardown and analysis. The experience is expected to have a long-ranging impact on the growth of the GT-R and the core development team.

"With the entry into an actual 24-hour racing competition, GT-R's unique development process not only took an incredible step into a new dimension, it did so under the eyes of 100,000-plus spectators," said Loing. "The development of a super high performance vehicle demands testing your own limits as well as the vehicle's, which was the case at Nurburgring and will certainly pay off in our GT-R customers' enhanced driving enjoyment."

Following a major change to GT-R's renowned engine for the 2013 model year – including improved intake efficiency, reduced airflow resistance, improved exhaust emissions efficiency and a 15-horsepower increase to 545 hp (along with a 15 lb-ft increase in torque to 463 lb-ft) – the development of the engine continues for the 2014 model year.

New fuel injectors are adopted for enhanced torque response in the 4,500 – 6,000 rpm range, improving throttle and acceleration feel at mid- and high-rpm ranges. Also, an oil pan baffle has been added to stabilize oil behavior and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions. The baffle reduces rotational friction, which contributes to the increased responsiveness. As in previous years, each engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by a single, specially trained technician, a process similar to racing powerplant construction. For 2014, an aluminum plate is added to the front of each engine showing the name of the engine constructor.

The GT-R's advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine features innovative plasma-sprayed bores (versus cast iron liners) for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system. Fuel economy is again rated at 16 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway.

The VR38DETT V6 is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds. The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts.

It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

The Nissan GT-R's unique Premium Midship platform, created expressly for use with the GT-R, enables the use of the world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias.

The Premium Midship Platform layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tire grip at each corner. Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.

Chassis development also has continued for 2014, enhancing the sense of "grabbing the road" and enhanced high-speed handling. The front suspension link bush location has been changed and with a new anti-roll bar the front roll-center height has been reduced, along with a change in spring and shock absorber specifications to lower the center of gravity. Maintenance of front suspension alignment has also been improved.

Handling duties are managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes. A special Bilstein® DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations.

The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or R. The same three-stage adjustability is also available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation.

The GT-R runs on Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires designed to match the suspension characteristics. Standard tire sizes are 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear. Optional Dunlop® SP 7010 all-season run-flat tires are again offered as part of the Cold Weather Package (Premium model only).

Stopping power is provided by Brembo® monoblock six-piston front- and four-piston rear calipers with 15.35-inch front and 15.0-inch rear Brembo® full-floating, cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel, high-stiffness brake pads that minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.

The GT-R's rigid forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, manufactured by RAYS®, feature knurling inside the wheels to help keep the tires from slipping around the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking. The wheels feature a premium dark (near black) finish, which provides a high quality, high-performance look. The Black Edition and Track Edition feature special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight wheels in place of the Premium model's 10-spoke design.

"The performance enhancements for 2014 signal Nissan's intent to keep the GT-R on the leading edge of international sports car design, technology and performance year after year after year," said Loing.

Functional, High Performance Aerodynamics and Style

The Nissan GT-R's dramatic styling is unchanged for 2014. Every aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience – as well as to suggest GT-R's supercar level of performance.

The GT-R's hybrid body construction is again a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness, precision and lightness. The body features a low coefficient of drag of 0.26, achieving high front and rear downforce. GT-R's front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The vents in the fenders' trailing edges assist in providing front downforce and optimizing side airflow.

The aggressive front end, with a large hood bulge and enlarged central air intake, provide a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. The "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wide illumination spread.

The Nissan GT-R's four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and a curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The signature rear view of the GT-R is provided by its hallmark four-ring taillights, while air flow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear venting, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.

The GT-R Black Edition and Track Edition feature a unique dry carbon fiber rear spoiler that is designed to be as slippery to the wind as it is attractive to the eyes. Handmade in a limited monthly production run, a special coating allows the carbon fiber "weave" to be felt by the touch.

GT-R's advanced technology is present even in the vehicle's paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and "double clear coat" process. The 2014 color palette includes Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

A New Premium Interior for 2014

Just as GT-R reflects a constant pursuit of performance improvements, driver and passenger needs and desires are also continuously reviewed. Takumi, the Japanese word for artisan, has always been reflected in the GT-R, which features a great amount of hand craftsmanship.

For 2014, the Black Edition model's steering wheel features new coordinated red accents, providing a sportier appearance. The biggest interior change for 2014 is availability of a new optional Premium Interior Package with exclusive Red Amber color semi-aniline leather appointments with hand-stitching on the front seats, along with Red Amber accents on the instrument panel, steering wheel, door trim, armrests and shift knob.

"Comfort and a sense of luxury refinement are never out of place, even in car with the ultra performance levels of GT-R," said Loing. "The new Premium Interior Package, which is available in limited numbers, adds a great new look and really accents the high levels of craftsmanship found throughout each and every GT-R."

As in previous years, the key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as both a daily driver and a high-performance machine is its balance of functionality and comfort. It provides comfortable four-passenger seating (except Track Edition) and trunk capacity of two golf bags or suitcases. Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort. The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position. The GT-R Black Edition adds a unique red and black interior color treatment and Recaro® leather-appointed seats. The Track Edition includes unique blue-trimmed high-grip front seats.

The GT-R's cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R. Each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button. Carbon fiber interior trim is offered for all models.

The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired, multi-function display that was created in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, makers of the Gran Turismo electronic game. Eleven pages of information are available on this system, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback.

Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. The navigation system includes NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather capabilities (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

All 2014 GT-R models again include a specially designed, 11-speaker Bose® audio system that features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system. Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® is standard.

Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts (except Track Edition).

Models and Options

The 2014 Nissan GT-R is available in three models: GT-R Premium, which comes fully equipped with a 545-horsepower engine, dual clutch rear transmission, Nissan Navigation System, custom-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system, premium near-black finish wheels and heated front seats; the GT-R Black Edition, with special lightweight metallic black aluminum-alloy forged RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats, dark headliner and dry carbon fiber rear spoiler; and the limited production 2-seat Track Model with unique performance features.

Just two options are available: a Cold Weather Package, which includes Dunlop® all-season tires and unique coolant/water ratio; and the Premium Interior Package. Both options are offered with the Premium model only.

Nissan GT-R Nismo will be capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 2 seconds

by Andrew Christian, Email, 31 Jul, 2013

2013 Nissan GT-R Egoist

The Nissan GT-R is probably the fastest-accelerating car on the market right now but it seems that it will not be for long. Why? Because Nissan is preparing the Nismo version of the GT-R, which will be even more powerful and lighter than the standard version. AutoExpress says that the upcoming Nissan GT-R Nismo will be capable to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in an astonishing 2.0 seconds! This means that the GT-R Nismo will be faster than the exclusive Bugatti Veyron Super Sport but also than the lightweight models such as the Ariel Atom V8. Apparently, the twin-turbo V6 engine will get a power boost thanks to British company Williams Advanced Engineering, same company that helped Nissan to develop the Juke Nismo. Moreover, the Nismo GT-R will get a range of sporty styling upgrades, a new exhaust system and plenty of carbon fiber trim and red detailing. For those who don’t know, the 2013 Nissan GT-R is powered by the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine developing 550 hp and can push the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.7 seconds. The Nismo GT-R will make its debut in November at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. [source: Autoexpress]


Gallery: 2013 Nissan GT-R Egoist

Last month reports emerged claiming Nissan’s next GT-R, the R36, would be introduced as early as the 2016 model year and that it would likely come with some form of vehicle electrification in order to boost its performance while also cutting back on emissions and fuel consumption. In fact, a trademark application from Nissan for a new “R-Hybrid” label surfaced around the same time, suggesting the automaker is planning to launch a new range of high-performance hybrids.

Now, Australia’s Car Sales is reporting that Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology offshoot of Williams F1, will supply Nissan with the hybrid technology for the 2016 GT-R. Williams already supplies hybrid technology for Audi and Porsche race cars including Audi’s Le Mans-winning prototypes and has partnered with NISMO to help develop the Nissan performance division’s future road cars.

It’s not clear what form the GT-R’s hybrid system will take, though it’s unlikely to be a flywheel-based system like that supplied by Williams to Audi and Porsche. Instead, we’re more likely to see the GT-R benefit from Williams’ energy recovery and storage technology, electric motor traction control systems and electronic control systems.

In related news, Car Sales also reports that Nissan’s Super GT driver Michael Krumm will take over from Toshio Suzuki in testing duties for future GT-R variants. Suzuki was the principal test driver for the current R35 GT-R and the man responsible for all its official Nürburgring times including the most recent 7:18.6 figure.