There are two axes to GT-R evolution apparently. The horizontal is the 'R' axis, the Racing side of GT-R which has been developed recently with
the NISMO
GT3 motorsport programme
. Now with the MY15 car Nissan wants to emphasise the vertical axis, the Grand Touring part of the GT-R experience that you could argue we haven't seen much of thus far.
Rays wheels mark out the NISMO track edition
So how to do it? As is the GT-R way the changes are enacted through a series of small detail tweaks rather than a total overhaul. The focus has been on further refinements to the chassis and a reduction in interior noise and vibration.
Building on last year's revisions that had a similar intention, the GT-R should now possess a 'more mature, civilised attitude'. The dampers have been modified to 'improve cornering stability' and reduce steering corrections on rough road, perhaps in response to the observations of tramlining in the current car. The material and inner structure of the tyres is also different to again improve stability and ride quality.
Nissan says the MY15 GT-R has 'retuned' engine and transmission management systems in that pursuit of greater mechanical refinement. The clearance between the the transaxle and driveshaft has been modified as well which aims to reduce vibration coming on and off the throttle. Interestingly, there is not even one additional horsepower. There, that's got your attention back. Now you'll remember the new flywheel housing bearing, optimised steering dynamic damper and new boot carpet material (really, that made the press release). Looks like there are some slightly fussier wheels available too.
Silica Bronze 45th Anniversary car just for Japan
If all this sounds like the GT-R is going a bit soft, there is also a new NISMO Track Edition to bridge the gap between the standard and full-fat NISMO cars. Rays forged wheels, stickier Dunlop tyres, uprated suspension, new front wings and 'custom adhesive bonding for increased body shell rigidity' feature there.
In all honesty it doesn't sound like the GT-R will be suddenly being transformed into Continental GT by these latest updates. But a car that retains all we love about the GT-R with an additional layer of usability must surely be a good thing.
The MY2015 GT-R goes on sale in Japan next February. Full UK spec and prices are expected to be confirmed soon; for reference the MY14 car costs from £78,020 over here and we'd be surprised is next year's car was significantly more. And if you're wondering why there's a beige GT-R in the story, that's the MY15 '45th Anniversary' GT-R and the colour is in fact 'Silica Brass'. GT-R geeks will know it as the colour first seen on the 2001 R34 M-Spec, a car originally billed as the 'GT-R that satisfies the mature driver'. Who wants a Micra for the post office trip when you could use a GT-R? This new Silica Brass car is based on the Premium Edition GT-R and will be limited to just 45 suitably mature Japanese drivers.
Watch the launch film here.
