
Click the above image for 26 high-res photos of GT-R parts.
The new Nissan GT-R is an engineering playground. We hope to get our chance to play with it soon, but until then, we get pictures. Luckily, Nissan has released detailed images of the GT-R drivetrain and suspension. These reveal some of the alterations made in the GT-R design from prior models. One of the more significant changes is the placement of the transmission. The dual-clutch transmission and combination transfer case sit at the back of the car, coupled to the rear differential (that makes it a transfermissiondiffcase). It makes for more balanced weight distribution with the transmission, rear differential and transfer case counterbalancing the weight of the engine and front differential.
The turbochargers have also changed from Garrett units used in past GT-R models to IHI, a Japanese-owned company. The turbine housings (aka hot side) of the turbochargers are a combined casting with the engine exhaust manifolds. Most likely this is done to save space and for emissions reasons to ensure the catalytic converters are as close to the turbocharger outlets as possible. Each turbocharger is followed by two catalytic converters, making for a total of four. Two intercoolers are also installed, as opposed to one with two inlets, keeping the charged air for each bank of cylinders constantly separated. This is most likely done to ensure precise metering of air.
[Source: Nissan]
While staring at pictures can reveal a lot of information about the GT-R it does not provide much input into the control systems. The electronics integrated into the GT-R such as the drive-by-wire throttle bodies, dual-clutch automatic transmission and electronic controlled front differential have the potential for Nissan to create a traction control system beyond any other in existence. The potential is also there for the ATTESA all wheel drive system. In previous models it involved only feedback from wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensor and g-sensor, but this time around much more data is available to be fed into the computer controlling the torque split to the front wheels.
Check out the Nissan GT-R details gallery to view the technical shots. Also hit up the other GT-R galleries to see the complete package.













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Alex @ Oct 28th 2007 12:15PM
What I really like is that most of the mechanical mass is within the wheelbase. Should have good weight distribution.
By the way, have you guys seen the info about the upcoming lighter and more powerful version GT-R Spec V:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123174
naggs @ Oct 29th 2007 2:25AM
at 530 hp and 3600 lbs, it might be faster than a z51 vette for only twice as much. that is insanely good bang for the buck.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Oct 28th 2007 12:16PM
The three switches that have "R" and "off" are ridiculous.
John R @ Oct 28th 2007 12:46PM
You're complaining about switches? really?
why not the LS2LS7? @ Oct 28th 2007 1:54PM
Really.
John R @ Oct 28th 2007 12:49PM
These cutaways are almost as good to look at the the NSX ones from back in the day. Have to see about making a poster out of these.
stefan @ Oct 28th 2007 12:50PM
Does it have super-hicas 4ws?
JayP @ Oct 28th 2007 7:22PM
I had the exact same thought! A little 80's throwback.
Temple @ Oct 28th 2007 11:22PM
Yes it has the new iteration of HICAS 4WS. The system can also be found on the G35/G37/M35/M45. Its not clear if there are differences in the GTR's 4 wheel-steer system.
Chuck @ Oct 29th 2007 8:23AM
No it does not have hicas.
http://www.nagtroc.com
cc100 @ Oct 28th 2007 1:00PM
the weight of cars keeps going higher and higher, also not in-love with the slushbox only option.
John R @ Oct 28th 2007 1:03PM
Its dual-clutch, man. Big difference.
Justin @ Oct 28th 2007 7:25PM
I think he means no clutch pedal and rowing through gears, which I agree. Pushing a paddle button seems to easy to me, reminds me of playing a video game or something. Just my opinion though.
BigRedSpecial @ Oct 28th 2007 1:23PM
Everyone knows that the front-mid engine and rear-mid transaxle has been in the corvette for years right? just throwing that out there, as I haven't heard mention of it at all.
Russell @ Oct 28th 2007 1:30PM
Does that surprise you at all? Japanese are great at what they do, copying that is.
Gary Blomquist @ Oct 29th 2007 7:10PM
Actually, Porsche had the rear drive tranaxle in it's 944 S-3 or 968 rear drive cars well before Chevrolet. In fact they were using the 6-speed Getrag manual tranny/tranaxle in the 92-95 968's, before going to the Box..in 1996.
Rear Tranaxles have been utilized for some time. They do offer a better front/rear weight distribution.
Remember copying is can be interpretted as flattering or flattery to the one being copied. :)
a54 @ Oct 28th 2007 1:23PM
Transmission in the back, just like the vette.
vectorbug @ Oct 28th 2007 1:34PM
and the 944 too, iirc.
nagmashot @ Oct 28th 2007 1:44PM
and like the
Porsche 924, 928, 944, 968
Mercedes W169
Alfa Romeo Alfeta and GTV
Lancia Aurelia (1. production car using transaxle 1950)
Volvo, Pontiac, Ferrari, Skoda, Cadilac, Maserati etc etc.
Tranny from Borg Warner USA
(they do the DSG for VW... means Nissan used all that knowlege for their overhyped car)
Suspension from Bilstein Germany...
Brakes from brembo Italy
A5-14 @ Oct 28th 2007 2:18PM
Yeah, that 1961 pontiac tempest was something. It was the last US production car to use the rear mounted transaxle until the corvette in 1997.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/pontiac6.htm