Nissan GT-R promotion: What If you had no competition? - Watch Video
Go behind the scenes on Usain Bolt "Director of Excitement" 2013 Nissan GT-R commercial
Additional GT-R advertising campaign: Nissan has a GT-R "Flying High" campaign going on with the US Navy "Blue Angels" F-18 fighter jet demonstration squadron. This campaign highlights "acrobatics": Speed and power under control is a common working goal for both the Nissan GT-R and the fighter-jet engineering and design teams and it revolves around how easy it is for the operator, driver, or pilot, to immerse themselves into the technology of the evolving control system interfaces.
GT-R thoughts: Something to consider when looking at the ultra high-performance sports-cars is not just that the GT-R is the de-facto standard production sports-car to beat on the race track, but also that when you take into account driving on the streets in a non-felonious manner (which most people don't think about while dreaming about 200+ mph top speeds, mile long burn-outs, and ungodly horsepower numbers), the Nissan GT-R is arguably the most capable all-around super sports-car in existence. A very small handful of supercars (counting on one hand) might begin to slowly edge away from the GT-R in a straight line when exceeding the highest legal posted speed limit in the United States, but when accelerating within any legal speeds this car will annihilate its competition with 0-60 times of around 2.7 seconds. With one of the most sophisticated and functional all-wheel-drive systems on the planet, the GT-R's brutal quickness and road holding ability allows unsurpassed traction in nearly any road-surface or weather condition, and not just in the ultimate sea-level, warm, dry, and perfect road-surface conditions the road-testers normally strive for while trying to top each other in their performance stats. Also, although cozy, the GT-R is a 2+2 that can legally accommodate 4 persons if need be. Put it all together with top-notch craftsmanship, and excellent operator and co-pilot comfort and layout, and the Nissan GT-R is unbeatable in not just controlled track conditions, but in any conditions you can throw at it!
2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Package
New 2014 GT-R updates: As mentioned in following, Nissan considers the current 2013 and 2014 R35 GT-R's to be 3rd Gen R35s (the R35 Gen 1 began in 2007). These 3rd generation R35s most noticeably upped the output of the VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine to 545 hp (which began w/ 480 hp in 2007-2008).
For 2014, the Nissan GT-R is still offered as a GT-R Premium or GT-R Black Edition, but there is also the new GT-R Track Edition added to the lineup. The most predominant changes for all 2014 GT-R's include suspension setting changes (including shocks, anti-roll bar, and springs) that lower the vehicles center-of-gravity. Also, Nissan took steps to increase the overall body rigidity. Finally, the engine was retuned in order to provide superior mid to upper rpm response. The modified 2014 GT-R engine tuning includes new injectors which improve torque in the 4,500 to 6,000 rpm range while also providing a better overall throttle feel, however both the 2013 and 2014 rate 545 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm with 463 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 to 5,800 rpm. An oil pan baffle was also added to help situate the oil during high cornering loads on the 2014.
2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Development of the GT-R Track Package took place at the famed Nürburgring. The most obvious high-performance modifications for the 2014 GT-R "Track Edition" package include a track tuned suspension (which includes specialized Bilstein DampTronic gas pressurized shocks and higher spring rates), modified brake cooling guides, a front spoiler that includes carbon-fiber (brake) air ducts, a lightweight quilted cloth mat in the area where the rear seats no longer exist, and custom leather blue-trimmed high-grip front seats. The wheels and dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler come from the Black Edition GT-R. Nissan lists the Track Edition as being available in the same colors as the 2013 and 2014's (listed below), minus the optional Super Silver. Sales of the 2014 Track Edition begin in May 2013, but GT-R Track package equipped cars will be rare with only 150 cars slated for the US.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unique 2013 "Bolt-performance" gold-painted GT-R
Auctioned on eBay Motors
GT-R summary: The Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.'s 4-passenger, 2-door 2013-14 Nissan GT-R R35 coupe includes a handcrafted 545 hp [553 PS (metric hp) / 406 Kw] VR38 (VR38DETT) 3.8-liter twin turbo (biturbo) V6 engine with 4 valves per cylinder (24 total), and a dual clutch 6-speed BorgWarner transmission. The transmission connects to an all-wheel drive system with a rear-mounted transaxle. The GT-R has a 4-wheel computer controlled, 3-position driver adjustable, Bilstein suspension setup. Braking includes Brembo 15.4" front rotors and 15.0" rear rotors, with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. The wheels are 20" lightweight forged-alloy RAYS wheels. The 2013 GT-R also integrates LED running lights, a driver-configurable multi-function display system, and a Bose audio system with 11 speakers, including dual subwoofers mounted vertically between the rear seats. Also, it is often confusing when people talk about the generations of the Nissan GT-R. The current GTR is the sixth (6th) sixth generation GT-R model since 1969, but Nissan considers the 2013 Nissan GT-R to be the third (3rd) generation of the current model R35 supercar (as mentioned previously). It's a 3rd generation 6th generation.The first (1st) generation R35 GT-R consisted of the cars produced between 2007 and 2009. The second (2nd) generation R35 GT-R consisted of the cars produced between 2009 and 2012. Lastly, for the current 3rd Gen 2013-2014 R35's take a look at another excellent film about the 2013 Nissan GTR
Nissan likes to refer to the GT-R as “the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere.” Anyone with good fortune that is, and Nissan worked directly with Sony owned Polyphony Digital and their Gran Turismo 5 game developers (who also programmed the center multifunction-dash-display) to orchestrate the new model GT-R release, back in 2007, in both the real and virtual world for your driving pleasure. There is also the Nissan GT-R (R35) in the GTA IV (Grand Theft Auto IV) video game available for more adult oriented action.
About the Nissan GT-R Experience events: The GT-R Experience you might have read about is an official Nissan event and is an "invitation-only" promotional event which offers autocross and other sport driving techniques. The GT-R Experience is held at different locations, and is mainly designed with the buyers of new and future Nissan GT-R's in mind. It's manned by Skip Barber driving instructors, and gives attendees the chance to legally experience the GT-R performing nearer to its maximum potential.
The 2013 and 2014 GT-R Premium, GT-R Black Edition, and GT-R Track Edition are Japans entries into the small circle of ultimate supercars. The GT-R is part of the new breed of supercars being produced that takes winning very seriously, while at the same time proving you can build world-class leading designs at a price that makes sense.
Godzilla: Deep Blue Pearl 2013 Nissan GT-R R35 super-hypercar
2013 GT-R pricing and options: The 2013 Nissan GT-R comes in two models: the GT-R Premium ($98,000 USD base vehicle cost); and the GT-R Black Edition (+ $10,000 USD upgrade package) which adds lightweight black forged aluminum RAYS wheels, a red on black interior, full leather Recaro seats (red on black), and a trick new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler that uses a composite construction method used in race cars (2013 GT-R Black Edition = about $107,000 USD total price). Note: the dry carbon rear spoiler on the GT-R Black Edition is not intended for exposure to the outdoor elements 24/7. The dry carbon finish on the Black Edition spoiler will break down if not sheltered. Also note that the Nissan GT-R Black Edition is available in any of the GT-R colors, not only black.
The first 2008 R35 Nissan GT-R has a sticker price of around $70,000 USD upon its release. It's gone up quite a bit since then, but is still an incredible value in the supercar world. Either way though, the Nissan GT-R evolution is expensive proposition when your goal is to take out the big dogs while topping anything they can throw at you.
Wheels like these that most visibly distinguish the GT-R Black and Track Edition
Also note that the Nissan GT-R is historically recorded as a vehicle that holds one of the highest resale values of all the automobiles in the used car market. As a vehicular investment the GT-R has better long term value than most modern vehicles.
Pricing and options continued: The GT-R exterior color selections for both the 2013 and 2014 are Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, Solid Red, and the extra cost limited production 4-stage Super Silver (a $3,000 USD option). There was also the one-off gold-colored Nissan GT-R, pictured near the top of the page, built to benefit charity. Interior GT-R color options include grey or black leather-appointed / synthetic suede seats, or, the costlier GT-R Black Edition package replaces the former with the red and black full leather Recaro seating as mentioned. The only other real GT-R options are the cold weather package (which is not available on the Black Edition) and GT-R labeled floor mats priced at about $300 USD.
There are also the dealer accessories, which are available in addition to the standard factory options, such as the collector's custom ($1,100 USD for 2-piece set) Premium Sport Floor Mats that feature carbon fiber inserts and a metal GT-R logo. There are other, generally less costly, GT-R paraphernalia pieces available for purchase at checkout.
2014 GT-R pricing and options: The 2014 Nissan GT-R is still offered in the Premium Edition and Black Edition models, but also adds the new (for the United States) Track Edition. The 2014 Nissan GT-R standard or Premium Edition is about $1,500 USD higher than last year at $99,590 USD for the 2014. As with the 2103, the 2014 Black Edition adds about $10,000 USD for a price of $109,300 USD. Then the 2014 GT-R Track Edition (with no back seats) begins at $115,000 USD. Also note that a good thing about the GT-R, is even though the price is relatively high, you're not going to add another 50 grand in options which is child's play with cars like Porsche and BMW. The GT-R is decked out from the get go!
Next: GT-R components and high performance...
Engine: The 2013-2014 GT-R engine with an aluminum block, and aluminum heads, is a 545-horsepower (553 PS Metric HP or 406 Kw) / 463 lb-ft torque (627 Nm) VR38 (VR38DETT) 3.8-liter twin turbo (turbocharged) 24-valve monster-power V6. This is up from the 2012 GT-R's 530 horsepower (448 lb-ft torque) rating. The power increase was mainly achieved by smoothing the airflow through the intake system, as well as improvements to the exhaust system. Each of these engines are hand-built in special clean-rooms located in Yokohama, Japan. The rest of the vehicle assembly takes place in Tochigi.
Aftermarket Performance Tuning: If the stock GT-R's 545-horsepower is not enough, there are many aftermarket high-performance tuners, shops, and auto-parts suppliers: view some of the more popular aftermarket Nissan GT-R performance companies in our Top Tuners List where there are cars like the Switzer GT-R tuned to 1100 horsepower (Note: 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, 1/4 mile in 9.4 seconds at 150 mph, and the Standing Mile at 208 mph).
Also, another route many GT-R buyers take is to start with an older model like this 800 hp 2010 GT-R tuned by SPE featured on Jay Leno's Garage. This SP Engineering kit offers a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty on the engine. Also, SPE has all kinds of performance and styling parts available for the GT-R on their website.
Then there is Nissans official racing and tuning division called Nismo (Nissan Motorsport International Limited). Nismo is to Nissan about what TRD is to Toyota. The Nismo tuning kits offer specialty parts for aerodynamics, suspension, wheels, and engine performance.
The most famous independent GT-R tuning company in the world is probably Mine's tuning based in Japan. Mine's gained fame with the Skyline, and now works with the current R35 GT-R, the Subaru Legacy and Impreza, and the Mitsubishi EVO.
Another one of the more publicized and insane levels of GT-R tuning comes from AMS Performance. They have a 1400 horsepower on race gas or 1100 hp on pump gas mod called the AMS Alpha 12 GT-R. AMS mainly works to upgrade the performance of turbocharged or forced-induction vehicles.
The stock GT-R is a very quiet running car for the incredible performance levels it offers. Drivers looking for a more radical sound can take their pick of aftermarket GT-R exhaust systems, with some of the pricier models being built with titanium like the HKS GT-R exhaust system.
GT-R Racing: The Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 (R35) is a joint venture between NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM).
GT-R Drivetrain (powertrain): The GT-R includes a rear transaxle with an electronically controlled, GT-R specific, all-wheel drive system that includes a lightweight carbon-composite main (drive) shaft which places the transmission, transfer case and limited slip final drive (differential) at the rear of the vehicle, while the front differential and engine balance the weight distribution, to make this overall midship design platform one of the best handling and quickest sports-cars in the world. This system has a rear-drive bias but can transfer up to 50% of the traction to the front wheels as needed with a continuously variable torque split. Power effectively going down distributed and balanced between all 4-wheels makes a big difference on the amount of available traction!
The rear transaxle uses separate clutches for the odd gears (1, 3, 5) and the even gears (2, 4, 6), so as to always have a clutch in position for pre-selected gears, which gives an immediate shifting response based on electronic calculations. The BorgWarner transmission is either fully automatic, or manually controlled via the steering wheel paddle-shifters (downshift on the left / upshift on the right), and there is no clutch pedal. Downshifting features automatic engine rev-matching. There is also a hill start assist feature for starts on steep grades, and a snow mode function.
Premium midship (PM) design: The GT-R's weight distribution is purposely balanced at 53 / 47 (% front vs. % rear), even though conventional wisdom states 50 / 50 (front / rear) is ideal. Nissan explains that for ultimate handling, their static 53 / 47 weight distribution becomes a dynamic 50 / 50 distribution under acceleration, and real world tuning such as this is just one more reason why the GT-R is known to many as the ultimate supercar.
Next: continue GT-R components...
Set-up switches located in the center of the instrument panel pictured above the six-speed
paddle-shifted sequential dual clutch transmission w/ manual and automatic modes
GT-R suspension, handling, and gearing adjustments: Vehicle performance parameters are fine-tuned via “set-up switches” (a row of 3 switches with 3 positions each pictured above), located on the center console below the information / entertainment center, which enable the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorber rates, and the "Vehicle Dynamic Control" (VDC-R) among three settings – Normal, Special, or R for race style driving.
GT-R braking and suspension: the suspension has been retuned for 2013 and tuned even further for 2014, while again utilizing the special Bilstein DampTronic system specifically designed for the GT-R. The braking system consists of Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads, and Brembo monoblock six-piston front, and four-piston rear calipers. This GT-R braking system gets admiration by nearly all drivers for the fade free, sophisticated, reliable, and near record speed subtracting performance.
GT-R wheels and tires: The GT-R rolls on 20" lightweight forged-alloy RAYS wheels with a 10-spoke (in a dark, near black, finish) design for the GT-R premium (standard) model, or with a lightweight 6-spoke (in a black finish) design for the GT-R Black and Track Edition. The rims feature a unique textured inner wall to grip the tires in place during extreme braking or acceleration.
The tires are nitrogen-filled GT-R exclusive Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat tires: size 255/40ZRF20 front, and 285/35ZRF20 rear. The optional cold weather package includes Dunlop SP 7010 all-season run-flat tires (not available on the Black Edition). The GT-R also includes a tire pressure monitoring system.
Nissan GT-R (R35) exotic car passenger side front view
GT-R body (exterior): The 2013 and
2014 Nissan GT-R manages a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 which is the
same as a Toyota Prius or a BMW E90, and the aerodynamic down-force
tuned into the GT-R design is substantial. The GT-R body (unibody)
consists of steel, carbon fiber, and die-cast aluminum (the hood, trunk
lid, and outer door skins are aluminum). The four-passenger cabin has a
sloping roof line Nissan refers to as an “aero blade canopy” with
a “sword edge" c-pillar. Other body highlights include the “aero-blades”
on the front fenders which help smooth out the air-flow down the side
and past the wheels (rim and tire sides). Also note the massive air
intake on the front end of the GT-R for the bi-turbo combustion air
intake, intake cooling (through dual intercoolers), engine systems
cooling, and brake system cooling ventilation system.
Carbon fiber GT-R parts: The rear
spoiler is available as painted carbon-fiber, or as visible carbon fiber
weave with the Black Edition package. The GT-R also includes a carbon
fiber under-body diffuser, which helps control the air flowing both over
and under the vehicle. There is carbon fiber throughout the vehicle,
from cross bracing, to interior trim pieces.
Lighting: The exterior lighting
highlights include high intensity LED (2012 models and up) white running
lights below the headlights, reflection related plating in the “Super
wide beam” auto on/off HID headlight assemblies (that include three
additional sub-reflectors), and the GT-R trademark 4-ring LED tail-light
assemblies, with LED spoiler mounted high center third brake lighting
in the rear.
Next: interior and GT-R legend...
Nissan GT-R interior view via an open driver's door
GT-R subwoofers mounted vertically in rear seat
2014 GT-R Track Edition blue leather trimmed high grip seating
Quilted cloth replaces rear seats on GT-R Track Edition to save weight
Interior: The GT-R’s interior features high-performance bucket seats, a racing-style instrument panel (cluster) with a large center-mounted tachometer. The interior trim includes aluminum and carbon-fiber pieces. There is also previously mentioned center dash mounted multi-function display, designed by Polyphony Digital, developers of the Gran Turismo driving-simulation video games, which features eleven pages of mechanical / driving information, navigation with XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, and additional entertainment features available via the interface screen. An 11-speaker (9+2 subwoofers) Bose sound system that has its speakers mounted in rigid aluminum die-cast panels is standard equipment. The GT-R also includes a standard USB iPod port, streaming audio via Bluetooth, and the rearview monitor now standard equipment, along with cruise control, power outlets, power locks and windows, automatic climate control, and a self-dimming rear-view mirror among other things.
GT-R safety features: The Nissan GT-R interior safety features include seatbelts, driver and passenger front airbags, seat mounted side airbags, roof curtain mounted airbags, and an energy absorbing steering column and knee bolsters along with other strategically placed padding. Exterior structural safety features include heavy-duty door side impact beams, creases in the hood to aid in planned buckling during a front end crash, and other front and rear energy absorbing crumple zones built into the body. There is also the 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with "Electronic Brake force Distribution" which is capable of bringing things to a halt, or a well-controlled slowdown, in a near record-breaking hurry.
Also included with the 2013 GT-R is the vehicle security and immobilizer system to help reduce theft and insurance rates.
Gran Turismo Racer (GT-R) exotic car drivers instrument cluster
New for 2013 is the blue lighting treatment inside the tachometer ring which now matches the blue shift position indicator light to the right. Also, on the upper-middle face of the tachometer is upshift indicator lights (green, yellow, and red) which may be switched on or off by the driver.
Red 2013 Nissan GT-R parked curbside car picture
GT-R nicknames and legends: The Godzilla reference, used as slang for the GT-R by many, began via a magazine article back in the 1980's when the Nissan GT-R was still a Nissan Skyline GT-R. The Godzilla moniker spread easily because of the popular Blue Öyster Cult song Godzilla, and because the eternal Godzilla pop culture movie icon, all blended well with the idea of the GT-R dominating nearly everything it went up against, and then some. Also, talk is cheap until you clock it on the Nürburgring New-uhr boo-org ring, and the GT-R regularly makes record runs on the Nürburgring, aka "The Ring". The Nurburgring 24-hour race was important in the evolution of GT-R. Nürburgring is also often called the "The Green Hell" which was coined by 'Jackie' Stewart (an earlier generation race car driver). The Nissan GT-R has been a Nürburgring top performer in the "Production street-legal vehicles" class since day one.
Next:quick specs, road test video, and extras...
Nissan GT-R exotic car cutaway showing the entire drive-line
Nissan GT-R half of vehicle body exotic car cutaway frontal view
Performance Specs and pricing: 2013-2014 Nissan GT-R
|
Pricing: Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
GT-R Premium (standard edition)
GT-R Black Edition GT-R Track Edition |
2013 Nisaan GT-R $96,820 USD $106,320 USD N/A + $1,200 destination charge + tax, title, license and options extra |
2014 Nissan GT-R $99,590 USD $109,300 USD $ price not available yet |
| Engine | VR38 3.8-liter 24-valve twin-turbo V6 | same |
| Redline (max rpm) | 7,000 RPM | same |
|
Drivetrain (powertrain) configuration |
Front engine AWD (all-wheel drive) |
same |
|
Weight distribution: balance, front vs. rear |
53 / 47 (static), and 50 /50 (dynamic) under acceleration |
|
| Transmission |
6-speed dual-clutch w/ manual and automatic modes |
same |
| Power output | 545-hp, with 448 lb-ft torque | same |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) | 2.7 seconds | |
| Top Speed | 196 mph / 315 kph | |
| 1/4 mile (0.4 km) | 10.8 seconds at 125 mph | |
| Skid Pad (lateral acceleration) | 1.02g with VDC off | |
| Braking 60 to 0 mph | 106 feet | |
|
Curb Weight (lb. / kg) |
Standard - 3,829 lbs. / 1,737 kg Black Edition - 3,818 lbs. / 1732 kg |
|
| EPA Fuel Economy (city vs. highway) | 16 / 23 |
View a wallpaper quality Flickr car picture slide show of the Nissan GT-R at
Sepang International, Malaysia, or yet another of historic Nissan-Datsun sports-cars.
Also, keep in mind that in 2012, the Nissan GT-R was one of the top 20 most expensive cars to insure in the United States at an overall average of about $2,500 a year for a 40-year-old male with a spotless driving record. Some cities are much higher. Also, auto insurance rates for exotic cars like the Lamborghini and Rolls Royce were not considered. The other 19 cars with the highest auto insurance rates are the Audi A8 L, A8L, R8 4.2 Coupe, and R8 Spyder Quattro; the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, 750i, and 750XI; the Jaguar XKR Supercharged; the Mercedes C63 AMG, CL600, CL63, CL65, S600, SL63 and SL550 convertible; and the Porsche Panamera Turbo, 911 Turbo, Turbo and Turbo S convertible. *Info via Forbes.
View the Official Nissan North American GT-R web page, European GT-R page, or view the Japanese GT-R product page.
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