The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation
of the Earth's natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics
- and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing
tire grip and low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear
down force, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather
situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency..
EXTERIOR - 2008 Nissan GT-R
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The new Nissan GT-R is a muscular, distinctive looking car. Chunky, edgy,
wide shouldered, ground-hugging and flat-sided, it is also one of the most
aerodynamic cars in the world (Cd 0.27) as well as being one of the most
distinctive. |
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| The style bears a close resemblance to the GT-R Proto shown at the 2005
Tokyo Motor Show to great critical acclaim. (In turn, has much in common
stylistically with the 2001 GT-R Concept) The only significant styling
difference - apart from small details - is to the front styling, changed
mostly to allow for superior crash test protection. |
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This is the first GT-R not based on a mass-volume Nissan vehicle (the
last GT-R was based on the Skyline). That gave design director Shiro
Nakamura, product chief designer Hiroshi Hasegawa and their team a great
deal of freedom to create Japan's ultimate supercar.
The body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum,
providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. Offers advanced
high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects
of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations.
The large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline
and curved C-pillar "sword edge," along with four-round taillights, efficient
rear spoiler and large, integrated ?120 exhaust tips, which express the distinctive
GT-R identity, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.
The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R's
paint - which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The
Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly
hand-polished by craftsman.
INTERIOR - 2008 Nissan GT-R
| Like the exterior, the Nissan GT-R's interior is stylish but highly
functional. The cabin is unique, sharing no major components or design features
with any other Nissan model.
Instruments are large, clear and simple, all directly in front of the driver
for maximum legibility. The circular analog instruments are ringed in chunky
bezels and there is a tachometer in pride of place, red-lined at 7000rpm.
Within the tachometer is an easy-to-see gearshift position display. |
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The circular analog instruments are ringed
In the center of the dashboard, below the multi-function display, is a cluster
angled towards the driver. It contains switches for the air conditioning, audio
and set-up switches, used to change the tuning of components including dampers,
gear shift and VDC.
The center console, which sweeps through the middle of the cabin, contains the
red start button, the leather shift lever (the same leather used for the steering
wheel, to help tactility) and parking brake, which aligns with the center armrest
when off, functioning as an extended arm rest. The shift lever selector chooses
Park, Reverse, Neutral, Automatic or Manual, and manual gear shifts are done by
paddles directly behind the steering wheel. There is a full automatic gear change
provision, useful in heavy traffic or when relaxing rather than sporty driving
is desired.
The steering wheel is small, comfortable to hold and trimmed in soft hand-stitched
leather. Switches have been placed on spokes in an orderly, logical manner.
Seats are especially designed for the Nissan GT-R. They're heavily side
bolstered for maximum lateral support and comfort. It has a particularly better
for supporting the body and reduces slipping. To relax the lower legs during
longer drives, the front edge of the seat is unusually flat; it also makes
getting into and out of the seat easier.
Like many high-performance four-seat coupes, the rear seats are more
'occasional' seats than full-size chairs. Though perfectly comfortable for most
adults on short journeys, they are better for children or for carrying bags,
jackets and other goods. The center console sweeps through the middle of the
cabin, dividing left and right rear seats. Between the seats there is the
provision for optional two BOSE sound system woofers. |
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The trunk is large (VDA: 315L), easily big enough for two sets of golf bags
or for substantial holiday luggage. Luggage space is further improved by the
car's run-flat tires which obviate the need for a spare tire in the trunk.
The seat has three color schemes: black, black with red highlight or gray.
Navigation
| The advanced navigation system on the new NISSAN GT-R - which uses the same
screen as the innovative multi-function meter - is easy to operate and uses
a powerful 30 GB hard disk drive speeding route searches and enhancing driving
directions. In addition to its navigation function, it also includes an
enriched entertainment system capable of recording up to 3000 songs
(from music imported from CDs) as well as playing DVDs. |
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The high resolution screen with newly developed WVGA (wide video graphics array)
high resolution display is a liquid crystal monitor that has four times the
number of pixels of a conventional satellite navigation screen. Innovative 3D
graphics can depict streetscapes and junctions with far more accuracy than
conventional displays. The system is also easy to use thanks to both a navigation
switch and a touchpad. There is also voice command and a steering wheel switch.
The powerful 30GB system also allows for a superb entertainment system. It can
record up to 3000 songs from music CDs and provides various music selection
functions including the selection of songs by mood including 'bright' and
'soothing'. It can play DVD audio and video and can play music from memory CF
cards, WMA (Windows Media Audio) and MP3 format. By using a Bluetooth transmitter,
you can wirelessly connect and listen to music on an iPod. Wireless connection
also allows hands-free cellular phone calls.
A digital TV tuner allows drivers and passengers to watch TV on the high
definition screen.
Multi-function meter
| To allow the driver to get maximum enjoyment from the new Nissan GT-R,
Nissan is offering more mechanical and driving information than ever before.
The new multi-function meter, developed in conjunction with Polyphony Digital
Inc, designer of the Gran Turismo series for Sony PlayStation and Xanavi
Informatics Corp (Navigation), is sited in the central part of the dashboard.
It serves up a wealth of useful information, including: |
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Mechanical information - including engine water temperature, oil temperature, oil
pressure, transmission oil temperature, transmission oil pressure, turbocharger
boost and front/rear torque split. In every case an individual reading can be
highlighted or several different functions can be shown in the multifunction
window.
Driving information - including accelerator opening, brake pedal pressure,
steering angle and g-force both longitudinally and transversely. An on-board
driving recorder also logs driving performance and can be a useful tool in
improving driving technique.
An optimal gearshift map is shown for fuel efficiency. It shows best gearshift
points using easy-to-understand graphics, and includes both enthusiastic and
urban driving. The monitor also shows a log of eco-driving level over the
previous 20 minutes.
Driving records - including routes used and duration time
ENGINE - 2008 Nissan GT-R
Nissan's VR38DETT is a brand new engine specially developed for the Nissan
GT-R. The 3.8-liter unit uses twin IHI turbochargers. Its maximum power is
480 PS (353 kW) at 6400rpm. This makes the Nissan GT-R one of the world's
most powerful road cars and the most powerful production car ever built
by Nissan.
'The engine's very tractable and that means it's very easy to drive, a key
quality of the Nissan GT-R.' Maximum torque of 60kg/m (588 Nm) is delivered
seamlessly from 3200-5200rpm.
The engine's high environmental standard is partly due to the innovative
plasma-coating bores, which improves cooling, boosting fuel efficiency and
power. The plasma sprayed cylinder liner bores are just 0.15mm thick, compared
with conventional cast iron liners of 2.6mm. Not only are they much better at
dissipating heat, improving efficiency, they're also lighter - saving about
3 kg in a V6 engine. To ensure sufficient lubrication of this sprayed-on
cylinder liner in the aluminum block, special synthetic engine oil is used
(Mobil-1 RP OW-40).
| In addition, the fully independent intake and exhaust systems produce a
higher output and a faster response. These fully symmetrical intake and
exhaust systems increase air intake and reduce exhaust resistance, producing
a smooth and fast gas flow. The twin IHI turbochargers are highly responsive. |
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Emissions are improved by a secondary air system, featuring an air pump,
which promotes faster catalyst reaction, better to cleanse the exhaust.
The Nissan GT-R's advanced electronic controls respond quickly to climate
and altitude changes, ensuring maximum performance at all times. Precise
monitoring of the air-fuel ratio further improves fuel efficiency and emissions.
This precise control improves high-performance fuel consumption by five percent.
During ordinary low-rev driving, the Nissan GT-R will typically generate about
40 kg/m (392 Nm) of torque - sufficient for excellent pick-up and acceleration
- and this high output allows for an optimum air-fuel ratio, significantly
improving fuel efficiency and exhaust cleanliness.
Other technical innovations include a thermostatically controlled air-cooled
type oil cooler system, for greater cooling efficiency. The engine oil is
cooled by oil cooler system and in extreme cornering - of which the Nissan
GT-R is easily capable - a scavenger pump maintains turbocharger oil flow.
A collector tank inside the fuel tank always stores enough fuel to maintain
fuel flow even under strong g forces. The oil collecting structure inside the
engine is optimized by a lateral wet and dry sump system, which helps secure
stable oil collecting and oil pressure in various driving scenes.
TRANSMISSION - 2008 Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R uses an all-new GR6-type transmission, exclusively developed
for the car. The paddle shift six-speed twin clutch gearbox is highly
efficient - unlike an automatic transmission with conventional torque converter,
there is minimum power loss so response and fuel economy is improved.
| In M range (for manual transmission mode), the paddle shift gives exceedingly
quick changes. Such quick gear changing maintains the turbo boost, so
acceleration is one strong powerful seamless burst. |
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The twin clutches make a significant contribution to shift speed. There are
separate clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears. When the car is
running in an odd number gear, the adjacent even numbered gears are pre-selected
and are ready to make the shift immediately in the sequential-shifting gearbox.
When downshifting, a synchronized rev control 'blips' the throttle precisely to
synchronize engine speed for extra-fast downshifts. Borg-Warner triple cone
synchronizers are used.
When R range - the sportiest setting - is chosen on the set-up switch, a
computerized control predicts the driver's next gear change, based on throttle
opening, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
The Nissan GT-R uniquely offers exceedingly quick gear shift speeds and full
automatic transmission. In A (for automatic transmission) range, the car changes
gear automatically, in the most fuel efficient manner. Higher gears are used
whenever possible, benefiting from the car's massive 588 Nm (60kgm) of torque,
and its long and flat torque curve. The car can be driven in sixth gear for
long periods at low speeds, and still offers good throttle response. Such docile
behavior is at odds with most equivalently fast supercars and is one of the
many unique aspects of this technology flagship.
The E-TS electronic traction control and rear final drive with limited slip
differential (for better power delivery) are both integrated into the surprisingly
compact and light rear transaxle. By placing the input/output shafts diagonally,
the transmission is flat and the car's center of gravity can be lowered.
One highly useful and unusual feature is the Nissan GT-R's Hill Start Assist. On
an uphill gradient, which the car automatically recognizes, the system maintains
brake pressure for about two seconds after the release of the brake pedal, making
hill starts easy.
SUSPENSION - 2008 Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R has a new type of suspension offering excellent straight-line
stability, even over 300 km/h (1886.4 mph), plus top-class handling and braking
in all situations - from urban commutes, to snowy and slushy roads, to the
racetrack. The suspension is designed around the new 'Premium Mid-ship' platform
package, and takes advantage of the perfect load balance of all four wheels.
Structure and features of Front Suspension
A set-up switch allows the driver to access three different suspension modes:
R (high performance), Sports (the normal setting) and Comfort (for city driving
to absorb road bumps). The set-up switch electronically changes the settings
on the Bilstein DampTronic dampers, specially developed for the Nissan GT-R.
Structure and features of Rear Suspension
In R mode, the Bilsteins ensure flat, hard cornering for high-speed and maximum
feedback. In the other two modes - Sport and Comfort - the dampers are
electronically controlled to produce the best possible handling/ride balance
(depending on which setting is chosen).
Special sensors measure eleven vehicle
elements including vehicle speed, Lateral acceleration speed, steering angle
speed, demand torque, estimate torque, engine rpm, brake oil pressure, normal
acceleration (front axle and rear axle), ABS anti-lock braking behavior and
vehicle stop information.
BRAKES - 2008 Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R has huge front and rear Brembo fully ventilated drilled steel
disc brakes (380). They give superb pedal feel as well as immense stopping power.
The full floating rotors stabilize braking while also preventing heat distortion.
The inner parts of the rotors have diamond-shaped ventilated ribs, to ease
cooling, while the rotors are also cross drilled to run as cool as possible.
Structure and features of Front Suspension
Brembo monoblock six-piston calipers are used in front and rear for four piston
type. To generate strong braking force and prevent caliper distortion,
racing-style three bolt structures are used.
Structure and features of Rear Suspension
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE - 2008 Nissan GT-R
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced
version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new
package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent
transaxle 4WD system, that is the most advanced four-wheel drive system on a road
car ever used.. The transaxle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission,
transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual
front location), which provides a superb front-to-rear weight balance, enables
vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car.
The all-wheel drive (ATTESA E-TS) optimally distributes power to the front wheels
when and if necessary. Though naturally rear-drive biased, up to 50 percent of
torque can be fed forwards improving traction in difficult conditions - such as
rain, frost, ice or snow. Front drive is also utilized to improve cornering
performance on tarmac, improving traction and stability.
Special computerized control automatically alters the front/rear torque split
from zero torque at the front wheels, to 50 percent of total torque. The control
is varied continuously, as various sensors on the car measure speed, lateral and
transverse acceleration, steering angles, tire slip and other road surface and
yaw rate.
On the new Nissan GT-R an additional sensor is the yaw-rate feedback control,
which measures the difference between the target yaw rate calculated from the
steering angle, the actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor.
Front and rear torque is automatically corrected accordingly.
The four-wheel drive system includes a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R), the
Nissan GT-R's electronic stability control system. This continually monitors
the vehicle's behavior. If off balance behavior is detected - such as sliding
or skidding - torque to the wheels will be altered to help stabilize the car.
Electronic traction control is also fitted to rear mechanical limited slip
differentials, preventing wheelspin and improving.
SAFETY FEATURES - 2008 Nissan GT-R
SAFETY SHIELD / Nissan's concept of " the vehicle that helps protect people."
This approach provides various measures to help the driver and passengers better
avoid dangers in ways that are optimized to each of a wide range of circumstances
that the vehicle may be in, from " risk has not yet appeared" to " post-crash."
The new Nissan GT-R is not only one of the world's fastest cars, it is also
one that incorporates advanced safety technologies. Safety comes in both primary
(avoiding accidents) and secondary (protecting in accidents) forms.
In primary safety, the Nissan GT-R has a whole suite of features. The super
wide beam headlamps give drivers superb visibility at night, helping them to
spot hazards. The LED (light emitting diode) high-mounted stop lamp react faster
than normal brake light bulbs, while the LED taillights illuminate up the rear
of the Nissan GT-R more effectively - thanks to their extra brightness -
compared to conventional lighting.
The door mirrors are heated, so they work even in the coldest weather, and the
flat blade wipers are aerodynamically designed to stay on the windscreen even
at high speed, allowing rainwater to be cleared effectively and quickly.
Electronic controls include ABS anti-lock brakes, preventing wheel lock-up in
an emergency, and VDC-R (Vehicle Dynamic Control) - the four-wheel drive
electronic stability control system that improves traction and grip and helps
prevent skids and slides. Electronic traction control stops wheelspin while
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) helping optimize braking power. The
brakes are drilled ventilated Brembo discs which offer the best level stopping
power of any production car - another advantage for primary safety.
The Nissan GT-R handling performance is excellent at helping to avoid accidents,
but sometimes accidents cannot be avoided. So the Nissan GT-R has extraordinary
body construction, and safety features designed to help minimize injury both to
occupants and pedestrians.
The body is a mix of racing car-like carbonfiber, extra strong diecast aluminum
and advanced steels, all designed for rigidity and strength. Yet, in an accident, certain compliance is designed in, to help manage the crash energy in impacts.
Three-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts are fitted to all four
seats. Driver and front passenger SRS airbags are standard. Driver and front
passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered
as options.
Pedestrian protection has been given a priority. The hood, front fenders and
cowl have all been designed to help mitigate injury to pedestrians and
energy-absorbent materials have been chosen for the front bumper to help
reduce pedestrian leg injury. Nissan's latest safety technology, the 'pop up
engine hood' is also used. When front bumper sensors detect an impact with a
pedestrian, a control unit activates a pyrotechnic activator that raises the
rear edge of the hood, helping to reduce the impact on the pedestrian's head.
MANUFACTURING - 2008 Nissan GT-R
Unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle's design, but also
through a specialized production process.
In creating its new-generation supercar, Nissan designed an entirely new
production system.
The Nissan GT-R benefits from production procedures that include higher
precision tolerance control for all body parts. Carbon fiber, aluminum and
steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which
includes vibration testing of all bodies to ensure superb torsional rigidity
and strength, the use of specially designed precision machine tools and extra
assembly steps that reflect the high technology and premium nature of the
vehicle.
All Nissan GT-Rs are built in Nissan's Tochigi factory in Japan. It's the same
factory where Infiniti models are built. In addition, much of the Nissan GT-R's
assembly is done by hand, reflecting the complex nature of the vehicle and its
hand crafted precision. Engines (built at Yokohama) and transmissions are hand
assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon
completion; all car undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the
proper operation of all components..
Each car is conducted a break-in drive before shipping in addition to its
regular inspections, so the very earliest use of the brakes, transmission and
suspension will be smooth for the customer. The vehicle is fully inspected
before customer delivery.
To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special High
Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received
extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first
three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine,
transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12
months, free of charge.
Source: Nissan
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New Nissan GT-R:
the 21st Century supercar for anyone, anywhere, anytime
