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Nismo GT-R set to rumble Geneva

• Race-inspired version of Nissan's GT-R to make European debut at Geneva 2014
• Extensive development work done in Europe
• 3.8 twin-turbo engine puts out 441kW/652Nm
    
ROLLE, Switzerland - Developed, honed and perfected during extensive testing in Europe, the Nissan GT-R Nismo will return to make its European debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show on March 4.

GALLERY: Nissan Nismo GT-R

With DNA from the legendary Nismo global racing team, the ultimate GT-R is a race-orientated model delivering "factory tuned" supercar dynamics with revolutionary enhanced aerodynamics and ultra-precise handling.

The car is already established as one of the best-performing supercars in the automotive sphere but now Nissan has drawn on decades of racing experience gathered by Nismo, the brand's motorsport specialist, to develop the best Nissan GT-R yet.

EURO LAUNCH SEPTEMBER 2014

It has exclusive styling that embraces the longstanding racing philosophy of "form following function". It has numerous motorsport-inspired technologies to enhance performance through optimised aerodynamics, suspension and power train: the result, Nismo says, is a well-balanced machine at home on road and track.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo is already available in Japan but will go on sale in Europe in September 2014. Complementing its authentic Japanese racing heritage, the new GT-R flagship also has roots in Europe, having been developed and tested at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife.

MORE POWER

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says this is the fastest Nissan GT-R yet. "With a 7min08.679 Nordschleife lap time we can authoritatively say the GT-R Nismo*2 holds the volume production car lap record, the gold standard of high-performance achievement."

"The car," Nissan says, "has innovation, uncompromising engineering and motorsport-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

"The 3.8 V6 VR38DETT engine benefits from the knowhow that Nismo has gained from participating in events such as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24-Hour. Engine power has risen and is now 441kW with 652Nm of torque."

BIGGER AND BETTER

This comes, the automaker says, from new high-flow, large-capacity turbochargers used for GT3 racing, improved breathing and optimised individual ignition timing for each cylinder.

"The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers front and rear have been specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip and progressive handling. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R - the last for circuit applications."

The Dunlop ZRF tyres are only for Nismo's 20" rims: front 255/40, rear 285/35 and specially links on the front double-wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimise wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability.

Adhesive bonding in addition to spot-welding has, Nissan says,greatly stiffened the shell for precise suspension response under extreme load.

NISMO GOODIES

The Nismo has a car-specific aero package. The front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the centre of gravity and generating an additional 100kg downforce at 300km/h.

The car's aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics.

A wider front bumper and elongated and tapered rear bumper keep the drag down to Cd 0.26, the same as that of 2014 Nissan GT-R. The black 6-spoked rims were inspired by Nissan's GT500 Super GTGT-R race car.

"The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit," Nissan says, "inspires driver confidence through craftsmanship and optimised driving position and ergonomically sculpted carbon fibre-backed reclining Recaro seats firmly support the driver and passenger."

The three-spoked steering-wheel is wrapped in red-stitched Alcantara and the combi-meter has a carbon-like finish; the tacho is all red and the cluster hood is covered with Alcantara.

Other trim features include red stitching on the seats, centre console, door trim and steering wheel.
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