2015 Nissan GT-R Adds New 600-Horsepower GT-R NISMO Model, Plus a Range of Exterior, Interior and Performance Enhancements
07/08/2014
Nissan
"Nearly half a century ago, a group of Nissan engineers dropped a performance engine into a regular-production car - and the Skyline GT2000 was born … and with it an era of GT performance models that lead directly to the latest GT-R." - Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Tokyo Motor Show, November 2013
As Nissan celebrated its 80th anniversary as one of the world's leading innovators in automotive design, performance and technology, it did so in style with the concurrent Tokyo and Los Angeles introductions of the most powerful Nissan GT-R ever, the new GT-R NISMO. With 600 horsepower on tap - a 55-horsepower increase over non-NISMO spec GT-R models - and exclusive racing-inspired body, interior and powertrain treatments, the GT-R NISMO sets the tone for the entire 2015 Nissan GT-R lineup: Never stop improving.
In that spirit, beyond the upcoming GT-R NISMO (slated for a mid-2014 calendar year U.S. sales release, for more information on the GT-R NISMO please go to nissannews.com), the ongoing lineup of GT-R Premium, GT-R Black Edition and GT-R Track Edition* receives a number of important performance, exterior and interior enhancements for the 2015 model year.
"To build on a legend, we looked at the total driving experience," explains GT-R Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura. "As the 'GT' in its name suggests, one of those objectives is to provide an exciting-yet-comfortable driving experience no matter what the road or weather conditions; while the other objective refers to the 'R' in its name, to deliver exhilarating high performance derived from race car technology."
To that end, the major changes for the 2015 Nissan GT-R focus on:
A recalibrated suspension for a more sophisticated ride and better road holding
Enhanced exterior appearance with LED headlight technology and distinctive front and rear designs - plus a carbon fiber trunk lid on Track Edition models
A more premium interior feel with enhanced appointments and improved quietness, including a standard Bose(R) Active Noise Cancellation system, carbon-style instrument cluster
"This is a truly more sophisticated GT-R," added Tamura. "It's not just about power, but an experience that reconnects you with the enjoyment of driving."
Outstanding Performance Meets a New Level of Sophistication
The 2015 GT-R's multi-dimensional performance means drivers can enjoy the full depth of the vehicle's capabilities whether navigating corners of a winding mountain road, cruising at highway speeds or in an urban environment. Chassis enhancements for the new model year are balanced between the suspension, steering and braking systems and tire design.
While chassis development has been ongoing since the GT-R's introduction - including significant on-track and endurance competition testing at Germany's famed Nurburgring - for 2015 the sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension has been fine-tuned to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels, giving better road handling and more consistent grip.
For 2015, more consistent tire contact has been achieved by optimizing control of the shock absorber valves, as well as use of modified front stabilizer spring rates and updated bush links. The tuning of these parts helps enhance road holding capability, resulting in a poised, confident ride and outstanding traction on rough roads. The reduction in minute vibrations and road noise helps provide a more relaxing, comfortable ride. An additional benefit is improved straight-line stability, with fewer small steering corrections needed to maintain trajectory during highway driving.
Every 2015 GT-R features a special Bilstein(R) DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system that utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations. The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or R. The same three-stage adjustability is also available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation.
The GT-R Track Edition includes specialized Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shock absorbers and higher spring rates. As in previous years, the suspension is mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes.
The GT-R's steering has been fine-tuned to reduce the effort for in-town maneuvers, while maintaining GT-R's exceptional feedback during highway driving. The steering system is a vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion design with aluminum steering rack, four-point mounting and stiff insulators.
For 2015, braking calibration has been retuned for firmer, more linear response at everyday speeds, making smooth braking more intuitive - generating a sense of greater confidence, particularly in wet conditions. Stopping power is provided by Brembo(R) monoblock six-piston front- and four-piston rear calipers with 15.35-inch front and 15.0-inch rear Brembo(R) full-floating, cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel, high-stiffness brake pads that minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.
The GT-R's rigid forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, manufactured by RAYS(R), feature knurling inside the wheels to help keep the tires from slipping around the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking. The wheels feature a premium dark (near black) finish, which provides a high quality, high-performance look. The Black Edition and Track Edition feature special metallic black six-spoke RAYS(R) forged lightweight wheels in place of the Premium model's 10-spoke design.
The tires are Dunlop(R) SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires, featuring a new compound and revised tread pattern, designed to match the suspension characteristics. As such, the tire design has been modified for use with the 2015 GT-R with stiffer sidewalls to reduce deformation, improving steering response under hard cornering. Standard tire sizes are 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear. Optional Dunlop(R) SP 7010 all-season run-flat tires are again offered as part of the Cold Weather Package (Premium model only).
Nissan has also enhanced the level of precision-constructed body elements and advanced assembly methods to help achieve the 2015 GT-R's exceptional balance of high-speed handling and ride comfort. And thanks to optimized insulation and acoustic tuning, even at high speeds the occupants are able to enjoy the sport engine sound.
Toward that end, "engine boom" has been reduced through use of the standard Bose(R) Active Noise Cancelation system. Additional sound deadening, including application of additional noise insulation under the floor and trunk, in the drive tunnel and on the firewall, helps control both engine and road noise.
Each body part is made of materials selected for optimum performance - starting with the precision-constructed multi-material hybrid body. A combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum are used to realize high stiffness and light weight.
For 2015, a new carbon fiber trunk lid, weighing about half of the standard trunk lid, is used on the Track Edition. Both the Track Edition and Black Edition feature a special dry carbon fiber material** rear spoiler that is also incredibly strong and contributes to increased aerodynamic downforce. Handmade in a limited monthly production run, a special coating allows the carbon fiber "weave" to be felt by the touch.
An Advanced 545-Horsepower Twin-Turbo V6
While the upcoming GT-R NISMO features a range of unique engine modifications, the 2015 GT-R Premium, Black Edition and Track Edition once again are powered by a potent 545-horsepower advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6. Torque is rated at 463 lb-ft.
Each engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by specially trained technicians, a process similar to racing powerplant construction. An aluminum plate is added to the front of each engine showing the name of the "Takumi" engine craftsman.
The engine features innovative plasma-sprayed bores (versus cast iron liners) for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system. The GT-R's fuel economy is again rated at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The VR38DETT V6 is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds. The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.
The Nissan GT-R's unique Premium Midship platform, created expressly for use with the GT-R, enables the use of the world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias.
The Premium Midship Platform layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tire grip at each corner.
Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.
Dazzling Motion, Even When Standing Still
The 2015 GT-R maintains its position as one of the most striking supercars in the market today. Significant updates to the GT-R's lights for the new model year enhance its visual impact.
The new efficient High Intensity Discharge (HID) multi-LED headlights create a distinctive GT-R "lightning" motif, generating a bold exterior visual signature. The new headlights feature an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that automatically adapts the angle of the light beam according to the speed of the vehicle. At highway speed, actuators in the headlight unit adjust the angle of the projectors to project the light farther. The four LED units are configured with new LED high beam and three different low beams, including long distance illumination and wide illumination.
At the rear, the GT-R's distinctive four-ring taillight signature now forms coherent circles of illumination, giving the GT-R an equally distinctive rear appearance. Upon start-up, the full new lighting signature is illuminated, creating a dramatic start-up procedure.
The 2015 GT-R adds a new exterior body color with special finishing - Regal Red, which features a blend of 24 karat gold-coated glass flakes blended into the paint. The 2015 color palette also includes Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production 4-stage metallic Super Silver. As expected, GT-R's advanced technology is present even in the vehicle's paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and "double clear coat" process.
While the GT-R's new lighting gives a fresh look coming and going, the overall shape remains both powerful and highly aerodynamic. The body again features a low coefficient of drag of 0.26, achieving high front and rear downforce. GT-R's front fenders express strength and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The vents in the fenders' trailing edges assist in providing front downforce and optimizing side airflow.
The 2015 GT-R's four-passenger cabin retains it sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. Airflow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear venting, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.
Upscale Cabin Appointments
For 2015, GT-R now includes a choice of three interior color schemes, including a new hand-stitched Ivory color that is available with the Premium Interior Package, with semi-aniline leather appointments with hand-stitching on the front seats, along with Ivory accents on the instrument panel, steering wheel, door trim, armrests and shift knob. Also offered are Black and an optional Premium Interior Package with a Red Amber color.
The GT-R Black Edition adds a unique red and black interior color treatment and Recaro(R) leather-appointed seats, along with red steering wheel accents. The Track Edition includes unique blue-trimmed high-grip front seats, and for 2015 now features heating in the front passenger's seat as well as the inclusion of rear seats.
These features add to the four-passenger Nissan GT-R's usability as both a daily driver and a high-performance machine. Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort.
The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position. The GT-R's cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement. For 2015, the meter cluster finisher has a new carbon look.
A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R. Each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button. Carbon fiber interior trim is offered for all models.
The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired, multi-function display that was created in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, makers of the Gran Turismo electronic game. Fourteen different pages of information are available on this system, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback.
Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system and Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System. The navigation system includes NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather capabilities (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
All 2015 GT-R models include a specially designed, 11-speaker Bose(R) audio system that features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel mounting of all speakers allowed Bose(R) engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system. The Bose(R) Active Noise Cancellation system and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth(R) are standard.
Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection - along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.
Models and Options
The 2015 Nissan GT-R is available in four models, including the future GT-R NISMO. The GT-R Premium model comes fully equipped with a 545-horsepower engine, dual clutch rear transmission, Nissan Navigation System, custom-designed 11-speaker Bose(R) audio system, premium near-black finish wheels and heated front seats.
The GT-R Black Edition adds special lightweight metallic black aluminum-alloy forged RAYS(R) wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro(R) leather-appointed seats and dry carbon fiber rear spoiler**.
The limited production Track Edition (late availability) is designed to take GT-R supercar even closer to a pure motorsports competition machine. It features a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, a front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight carbon fiber trunklid. Production of the GT-R Track Edition is limited for the U.S. market.
Two options are available: a Cold Weather Package, which includes Dunlop(R) all-season tires and unique coolant/water ratio; and the Premium Interior Package, which is offered in Red Amber and Ivory. Both options are offered with the Premium model only.