Monday, July 7, 2014

2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo first drive



What is it?

The Nissan GT-R Nismo becomes the halo model within Nissan's halo lineup. Think of Nismo (Nissan Motorsports) as Nissan's AMG and you start getting the idea.

The 2015 GT-R Nismo made its debut at the Geneva motor show and has on board damned near every performance part Nissan could throw its way. It starts with the company's 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 massaged to make 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque, up 55 hp and 18 lb-ft over your basic GT-R. The Nismo has high-flow turbos similar to the company's GT3 race cars, the ignition-timing wick has been turned up, roughly 45 pounds have been shed and the four-wheel independent suspension is stiffer. Add it all up, and the result is a claimed 7 minute, 8.679-second Nurburgring lap, among the fastest times for a volume-production car, if that floats your boat.

You'll know the Nismo when you see it because of its front bumper and carbon spoiler (adding 220 pounds more downforce at 185 mph, Nissan says). Subtle Nismo red striping around the side sills and bumpers is a nice touch. Five colors are offered: red, black, silver, white and matte gray. Those last two look particularly hot. Inside, you'll find Recaro buckets, red-accented instruments and the company's multifunction display.

The car starts at about $151,000 and goes on sale at the end of July.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140623/carreviews/140629985#ixzz36nmNr7pZ