GT-R Technical Features PtIII: Engine

Such is the depth of information supplied on Nissan's all-new GT-R (and the interest in those details) we've taken the step of publishing a series of Technical Features spotlighting the GT-R. Here's the third in the series -- Nissan's own overview of the GT-R's engine

According to Nissan: the GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT V6 -- a brand new engine specially developed for the car. Displacing 3.8-litres, the 60-degree all-alloy unit uses twin IHI turbochargers and produces a claimed 353kW -- around 480hp -- at 6400rpm. Maximum torque is 588Nm is delivered from 3200-5200rpm.

It is the most powerful production car ever built by Nissan.

"More important than the absolute power, is the manner in which it is delivered," says chief vehicle engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno. "The engine's very tractable and that means it's very easy to drive, a key quality of the Nissan GT-R."

The DOHC engine's design is linerless. The bores use plasma-coating which are not only lighter (saving around 3kg -- no cast iron liners!) but improve cooling efficiency.

Intake and exhaust systems are independent ie: one for each bank of the V6. Nissan says this boosts power and also engine response and reduces turbocharger lag. Variable valve timing is used on the inlet cams only.

The engine is metred by Nissan's latest EGI ECCS Electronic-controlled fuel-injection and engine management systems and software. The maker says these system accommodate for climatic and altitude changes (important for markets like Europe and the USA) and, via precise air-fuel monitoring, improves the balance of performance and emissions/economy further at all revs.

High-performance fuel consumption has been improved by five per cent (though over what we don't know).

Nissan says that during "ordinary low-rev driving", the GT-R typically generates around 400Nm -- "sufficient for excellent pick-up and acceleration".

"When driving on moderate throttle openings -- in other words, in normal everyday driving -- the Nissan GT-R proves to be especially ecologically friendly," says Mizuno.

"Its fuel economy advantages over rivals is magnified in such normal everyday driving situations," the chief engineer opined.

The GT-R features include enhanced oil cooling and supply systems, the latter to combat extreme cornering forces. Says Nissan: "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."

The fuel supply system is also set-up to "maintain fuel flow even under strong g forces."

Nissan claims the VR38 is a very efficient engine overall. It satisfies Japan's U-LEV (ultra low emission vehicle) standards leading the carmaker to further claim the GT-R is "the world's most efficient supercar in balancing speed, acceleration and fuel consumption."

Like all good supercars, each GT-R's engine and transmission is handbuilt. Each assembly is carried out a single technician in a special GT-R 'clean room' area of Nissan's Yokohama plant.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our GT-R launch review and drive impression early next month