The 2014 Nissan GT-R was released for sale as of January
23rd, making it likely the first 2014 model of the year to hit
showrooms. The two models for the 2014 model year are the GT-R Premium
and GT-R Black Edition. On top of the two models, Nissan will also offer
up a pair of optional packages: Cold Weather Package and Premium
Interior Package.
Competition:
For the 2014 model year the GT-R’s biggest competitor remains the Porsche 911 Turbo
which is just about to enter a new generation. The new 911 Turbo will
be offered with a 3.8-liter flat-six engine pumping out about 550
horsepower and is set to be unveiled sometime next year.
Press Release:
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 new 2014 Nissan GT-R continues the tradition. Set to go on sale at
select certified dealerships in the United States in January 2013, the
latest iteration of the GT-R is another step forward in the effort to
deliver passion and emotion to customers through "extreme development."
Much
of that development 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 1st 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 Al Castignetti, vice president and
general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "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."
2014 Nissan GT-R: The Development
Continues
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 nameplate is added to each engine
showing the name of the engine constructor.
The
GT-R’s advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine again 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 a 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 been
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 again 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.
Again
in 2014, 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.
Stopping
power is again 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
Nissan GT-R’s rigid forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, manufactured by
RAYS®, utilize knurling inside the wheels helps 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 features 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 Castignetti.
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’s unique rear spoiler 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 carbon fiber "weave" to
be felt by the touch. The lightweight dry carbon fiber material* is
also incredibly strong, contributing to increased aerodynamic downforce.
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. The Premium
model interior features a change in color and stitching for a higher
quality look and feel.
In addition, 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 Castignetti. "The new
Premium Interior Package, which will be 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 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 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 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.
Models and
Options
The 2014 Nissan GT-R is available in two 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;
and 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.
Via : Topspeed.com
