Nissan Aus interested in updated GT-R Nismo

THE end is nearing closer and closer for the current-generation Nissan GT-R as the brand updates the flagship Nismo variant with a new one-choice colour scheme, upgraded engine internals and new logos.

Powered by the same 441kW/652Nm twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 as the current model, the new GT-R Nismo flaunts a fresh two-tone colour scheme, blending a ‘Stealth Grey’ body with a naked carbon-fibre bonnet, a feature that reportedly saves 100g from the Nismo’s kerb weight.

As for the body colour, Nissan says it was inspired by the colour of racetrack tarmac, the exact environments GT-Rs “have set records and competed on” – and it’s the only colour available.

More of a nip and tuck procedure than an all-out update, the new model also features a heap of new red accents and all of the same aggressive aero features as before, albeit with the updated Nissan logo adorning the boot lid and wheel caps.

Under the skin, the 410mm front and 390mm carbon-ceramic brake discs have been retained, as have the Brembo-sourced six-pot front and four-pot rear callipers.

While the VR38DETT’s power outputs have been left untouched, changes have been made under the bonnet to help the force-fed six rev and spool up faster, which should ultimately result in an increased level of performance.

These changes consist of new “high-precision, weight-balanced” piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs which have all reportedly been “dialled in with tighter tolerances”.

What improvement these upgrades make to the GT-R Nismo’s performance credentials remain to be seen – Nissan has not quoted any key performance figures.

As with every GT-R, drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Having been designed from day dot as the pinnacle of Nissan performance, GT-R chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura said the Nismo had always been an “ongoing pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure”.

“We take a holistic approach, seeking precision performance through a meticulous balance of engine components and shaving weight, and incrementally evolving the GT-R’s appearance to deliver the ultimate balance of power, performance and excitement to our customers,” he said.

Due to launch in its native Japan in October, it is not clear yet whether the new Nismo will be headed Down Under however a Nissan Australia spokesperson confirmed to GoAuto the local subsidiary most definitely has its hand in the air.

“GT-R has a long and successful history in Australia so absolutely we’re interested,” they said.

“We are awaiting confirmation of further details including availability, pricing and launch timings for markets outside of Japan.”

Four new GT-Rs were delivered in the first quarter of 2021, three less than in the first quarter of a COVID-stricken 2020.

Those four sales earn the GT-R a slim 1.6 per cent share of the $200,000-plus sportscar segment, well off the pace of its arch-rival and segment leading Porsche 911 (84/33.1%).