Nissan GT-R, 2014

 

 Nissan GT-R, 2014

Nissan GT-R: The Development Continues
Following a major change to Nissan GT-R's renowned engine for the 2013 model year - including improved intake efficiency, reduced airflow resistance, improved exhaust emissions efficiency and a 15-horsepower increase to 545 hp (along with a 15 lb-ft increase in torque to 463 lb-ft) - the development of the engine continues for the 2014 model year.

New fuel injectors are adopted for enhanced torque response in the 4,500 - 6,000 rpm range, improving throttle and acceleration feel at mid- and high-rpm ranges. Also, an oil pan baffle has been added to stabilize oil behavior and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions. The baffle reduces rotational friction, which contributes to the increased responsiveness. As in previous years, each engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by a single specially trained technician, a process similar to racing powerplant construction. For 2014, an aluminum nameplate is added to each engine showing the name of the engine constructor.

The GT-R's advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine again features innovative plasma-sprayed bores (versus cast iron liners) for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system. Fuel economy is again rated at 16 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway.

The VR38DETT V6 is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds. The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in Nissan GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

The Nissan GT-R's unique Premium Midship platform, created expressly for use with the GT-R, enables the use of a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias.

The Premium Midship Platform layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tire grip at each corner. Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.

Chassis development also has been continued for 2014, enhancing the sense of "grabbing the road" and enhanced high-speed handling. The front suspension link bush location has been changed and with a new anti-roll bar the front roll-center height has been reduced, along with a change in spring and shock absorber specifications to lower the center of gravity. Maintenance of front suspension alignment has also been improved.

Handling duties are again managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes. A special Bilstein Damp Tronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations.

The Damp Tronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or R. The same three-stage adjustability is also available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation.