NISSAN

First impression: 2024 Nissan GT-R

Nissan has gone through some major changes over the past few years, but it revealed it also knows when to let it all alone on Thursday night with the reveal of the 2024 Nissan GT-R.

The Japanese automaker has redesigned the front and rear fascias, as well as offering new rear wing options aimed at improving the aerodynamic performance of the popular sports car. However, the tweaks were minor, leaving fans with much of what they love.

The 2024 Nissan GT-R is offered in three classes, starting with the Premium GT-R. Next is the 565-horsepower T-spec, followed by the 600-hp GT-R Nismo with engineering drawn straight from motorsports applications.

More speed please...The changes in the new model are mainly aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, mainly the downforce. Keeping it glued to the road means better handling and better assurance that every pony actually goes from wheels to asphalt with minimal skidding.

Improvements include redesigned front and rear fascias, optimized bumper sides, revised grille shapes and reshaped rear wings, further enhancing the car's aerodynamic performance, Nissan officials noted.

Demonstrating the team's attention to every detail, the engineers closely examined the mesh used in the front grille and employed a finer mesh to further improve cooling and reduce drag. Impressively, the GT-R's drag coefficient remains unchanged at 0.26 Cd despite the increase in downforce.

The Nismo variant features a new wing design with gooseneck struts that handle nearly 10% more surface area, which together with a new camber, optimizes drag and downforce. The brand has also updated the Nismo's front lip, rear diffuser and canards in pursuit of better performance.

Not all Nismo changes make the car faster or better. Some just make it look like it does all that. A new Nismo Appearance Package includes an exclusive red-accented version of the car's 20-inch RAYS forged wheels, a unique clear coating applied to the carbon fiber hood, and a unique engine cover design. Plus comes in a new color – Stealth Gray – just for the Nismo.

However, powered by the same 3.8-liter, 24-valve twin-turbo V-6 as the other models, the Nismo engine produces 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque with "significantly improved engine responsiveness." Of course, going fast means stopping fast is a must, so Brembo brakes with enlarged carbon ceramic rotors – 16.1-inch front and 15.3-inch rear – are sure to get the job done.

The other variants also enjoy the twin-turbocharged V-6, which produces 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque.

The GT-R channels its power through a standard ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system that can vary its torque split from front to rear, depending on the driving scenario, for maximum steering feel and performance. The standard 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox is mounted at the rear to optimize the vehicle's weight distribution and offers aggressive downshifts as well as steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control.

On the GT-R Premium, braking is provided by a brake system jointly developed by Nissan and Brembo with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. Lightweight 20-inch RAYS wheels in high-performance summer Dunlop tires.

The GT-R T-spec uses Brembo brakes with enlarged carbon-ceramic rotors from the GT-R Nismo, along with a gold-painted version of Nismo's RAYS wheels using ultra-high Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 run-flat tires. performance with a specific Nismo compound.

by Michael Strong, Detroit-USA