What's the news?
Nissan has taken the opportunity of the New York International Auto Show to display a 50th anniversary celebration of the mighty GT-R badge, with the R35 gaining two new models - the 2020MY Nismo and the 50th Anniversary Edition.
However, we're focusing on the GT-R Nismo here, which has been updated since its last outing in 2016 for another whirl at the supercar mob. Nissan says 'race-car inspired upgrades and tuning improvements... maximise its exhilarating performance'.
Primarily, there's been some weight-saving. All of the following items are now made of carbon fibre, saving 10.5kg alone: the front and rear bumpers; the front wings, which are modelled on the GT3 GT-R competition machine; bonnet; roof; side sill covers; boot; and the rear spoiler. There's also another 20kg of fat-trimming with other upgrades and new components. Among these are 20-inch Rays forged aluminium wheels with nine spokes, all wrapped in newly designed Dunlop tyres which increase the GT-R Nismo's contact patches by 11 per cent. Inside, exclusive GT-R Nismo front seats aim to keep a better hold on the driver's shoulder blades and hips.
Under the (now-carbon-fibre) bonnet lies the same old 3.8-litre 24-valve V6 biturbo petrol engine we've seen in the R35 for the past 11 years. However, this is no hardship as a) it's a monster of a powerplant in any guise and b) it develops 600hp/652Nm in the Nismo, with a modified turbine shape and fewer blades for the turbos (again, inspired by the GT3 track version) give 20 per cent better acceleration response without affecting horsepower.
Furthermore, Nismo has worked at refining the 'R-mode' for the six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts faster than before but which also optimises gear selection, 'especially when exiting corners'. The adaptive software controlling the gearbox can also learn its driver's style, so it knows when and where to shift up/down the ratios.
Other modifications include a revised titanium exhaust system with burnished-blue tips, fettling of the suspension to improve cornering stability/yaw-rate response/ride quality, updated steering control and a set of Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.
Anything else?
Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R, said: "The 2020 GT-R Nismo has evolved into a balanced, yet extreme, performance car. Pursuing driving pleasure is the most important concept behind GT-R and the new Nismo's performance suggests it is a car that belongs on the race track - but is also at home on the open road. We have built the 2020 GT-R Nismo for our customers to be the ultimate track and street vehicle. It is about total balance management, not just chasing power figures. The new Nismo has been brought to a new level, with enhanced engine, handling, braking and aerodynamics."