Nissan Rents Entire Nürburgring to Test Nismo GT-R

The NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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GT-RNissan GT-R Gen.2Japan, 2009 > present25 versions
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came at a rough time for Nissan. The company was enduring losses and had just been bought by RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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. CEO Carlos Ghosn said that the only way the GT-R could be made is if each car posted a profit, however small. Now, Nissan is healthy again and in a growing position in the industry. The GT-R is nearing the end of production, and Nissan will celebrate the car and the company’s success with the Nismo GT-R high performance edition.

It seems that Nissan is going all out with the Nismo GT-R. It hired the Nordschleife, paid track marshals and set up timing equipment around the track to test the Nismo. Toyota TS030Toyota TS030 HYBRIDJapan, 2012 > present5 photos
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driver Sebastien Buemi is the car’s test driver. The ultimate goal would be a new lap record, but that seems unlikely given the Nismo’s rumored 600hp and lower weight. In October 2012, Nissan confirmed a GT-R could lap the ‘Ring in 7:18.6. The extra power and lower weight will certainly help but will probably not be enough to beat the Porsche 918’s 6:57 lap time.

The version being timed on the Nürburgring was camouflaged but had a massive rear wing as high at the car’s roof to keep it planted to the road. It also had a more aggressive body kit all the way around the car. Williams F1WilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
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has reportedly been providing some input on the project.

"I've done testing on the Nordschleife and it’s been interesting. The program is still at an early stage but we are getting more out of the car all the time. The lap time is coming down all the time, but we don't know what's possible yet,” said Buemi when he tested the car earlier in the year.

The Nismo is expected to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on November 20.

"The standard road car is a global supercar and the GT-R's performance on track reflects the passion and talents of the Nismo team. The GT-R Nismo will be special," said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

The video below shows the Nismo during its private test. Note the whistle of the turbos, which is much louder than on the standard car.

Source: Autocar