GT-R on the improve
Nissan has released a more powerful GT-R but it's just the beginning of where the Japanese maker's supercar is headedReleased in R35 form just three years ago, Nissan's GT-R has already come in for an update. The performance gains are significant but in reality this is a minor change for the brand's halo car.
"In my mind it's just a small modification. The GT-R will constantly improve," Chief Vehicle Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno (pictured) told the Carsales Network at this week's local launch.
"So please keep awaiting further developments."
Customers of the previous model aren't forgotten in its progression by way of an upgrade kit including suspension retune.
The option is currently offered in Japan but Nissan is planning for the kit to be made available in other markets, including Australia, "within a year".
In terms of the GT-R's platform, Mizuno said the current version can serve for "at least" another five years.
Meanwhile the GT-R will receive development attention yearly and 'major' update releases can be expected every three years or so. This is in contrast to other sportscar makers: Some -- such as main rival Porsche -- can spend around seven years before a new release.
Referring to the previous weekend's Australian Grand Prix, he said: "The Red Bull Formula One car got away but last year's car was a different design and specification... Development is very important."
Mizuno told us his previous experience in Group C racing, including the Le Mans and Daytona 24 hour races, taught him lessons in the roles of team director, chief designer and set-up engineer. Albeit 20 years ago (Mizuno San is now in his 50s), that was when development progress was motorsport's main game; when the FIA wasn't so concerned with team budgets and whatnot...
"Racing is massive. Every year there's progress. The GT-R will receive the same progress because I want to offer the same situation for the GT-R customer," said Mizuno.
"It's not always about performance numbers. Development, production [quality] and obviously the driving situation are always important points for the customer."
The GT-R has been honed to bring extra power, improvements in ride and gains in efficiency. Pricing for the MY11 model starts at $168,800.
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