NISSAN

GT-R Nismo is fastest production car at Tsukuba Circuit

The R35 GT-R may be old, but that doesn't mean it has gotten any slower. Instead, it's actually the opposite. The 2020 model year GT-R is a lot faster and more powerful than it was back in 2007. So just how fast the GT-R is now today? Well, to give you an idea, the range topping Nismo version recently set a new production car lap record of 59.3 seconds at the Tsukuba Circuit.
Now, some of you may never have heard of the Tsukuba Circuit before, or only saw it as a playable course in Gran Turismo. However, Tsukuba is one of the go-to circuits for hardcore time attack drivers and builders in Japan and even elsewhere in the world. Though some are trying battling to set the lap record, being able to set a lap time of under one minute is already an achievement in itself.
Based on the video released by Nissan, the GT-R Nismo used to set the lap does not appear to be modified in any way. As such it being able to set a 59.3-second lap is a very impressive feat. For reference, not all time attack cars that take on Tsukuba are capable of setting a lap of under one minute. Do remember that these vehicles are often far from stock and have more power, wild aero, and grippier tires fitted as well. Nissan can sure be proud of how far the GT-R has already come.
In review, the GT-R Nismo was updated last year for the 2020 model year. It features revised aero, new turbos, lightweight wheels. Despite continuing to produce 600 horsepower under the hood, the upgrades have made the GT-R a lot faster than before. Hopefully, it won't be long before we see the new GT-R Nismo arrive in the Philippines and setting lap records at either Clark or Batangas.

by Jose Altoveros