NISSAN GT-R PERFORMANCE

To achieve ideal front-to-rear weight distribution, the Nissan GT-R clutch, gearbox and transfer case are mounted at the rear of the chassis, creating the world’s first 4WD independent-suspension transaxle. The six-speed sequential dual-clutch transmission shifts as quickly as 0.15 seconds when in R-mode. Separate clutches 'pre-select' the next gear so the gearbox is ready to make the shift the instant you flick the paddle.

Each Nissan GT-R engine is hand-assembled by a single craftsman in a temperature-controlled dust-free 'clean room' – much like those used for Formula One racing engines.

We wanted the Nissan GT-R to redefine the high-performance car. So we brought together the top development drivers at Nissan to create a car that would excel on the track, on the road, in all weather conditions – and with any driver at the wheel.

Each of the drivers was assigned a single aspect of the Nissan GT-R’s development. There was an autobahn expert, another who tested the car’s real-world poise over bumps, potholes and the like, and the ‘Ringmeister’ who put the GT-R through its paces on the unforgiving Nürburgring track.

That big spoiler and all those scoops and vents on the Nissan GT-R don't just look the part — they all do something. The spoiler creates downforce. The ridges on the air dam and vents on the rear bumper manage airflow. Vents behind the front bumper cool the brakes and create more downforce, and scoops on the bonnet work with the grille to cool the engine.

Images shown are for guidance purposes. In some instances photos represent a specific model, specification or offer that is not sold in Europe. Features shown may not be available in all markets.

An average car has exposed mechanicals underneath, breaking up the airflow, creating lift, and slowing you down. The Nissan GT-R isn’t an average car. Its underbody is almost entirely enclosed by composite panels, making it smoother and more aerodynamically efficient.

At the front, the undertray channels fast-moving air over the brakes to cool them. At the rear, a carbonfibre diffuser slows down the same air, creating a vacuum that glues the Nissan GT-R to the tarmac.

Developed by top German firm Bilstein in conjunction with Nissan and Porsche, the GT-R’s Bilstein DampTronic electronically controlled dampers have three selectable modes and react in seconds to road surface and driver inputs.

The brakes feature six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers for stronger, more equal pad application – something you’d expect to see on an all-out competition machine. Combining light weight and rigidity, the calipers are each machined from a single block of aluminium.

Heat is the enemy of any braking system – it’s not uncommon to see the discs of competition cars glowing bright red. Along with cross-drilling, the Nissan GT-R’s Brembo discs feature ingenious diamond-shaped ventilation ribs to pull away heat. The Nissan GT-R also benefits from full-floating discs – a racing technology originated by Brembo. By allowing the disc to float – in other words to move slightly on its central ‘hat’ – heat dissipation is improved and disc distortion at extreme temperatures is lessened.

The Nissan GT-R’s forged aluminium 20in wheels have knurling on the inside of the rim to limit tyre movement on the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking. The wheels have a dark gunmetal finish, for that high-performance look.

The Nissan GT-R uses high-performance Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT run-flat nitrogen-filled tyres designed to match the suspension characteristics. Standard tyre sizes are 255/40ZRF 20 front and 285/35ZRF 20 rear.