Filed under: Japan, Tech, Supercars, Nissan
Nissan GT-R recognizes tracks via GPS, removes speed limiter
We know that the Nissan GT-R's ECU wizardry is impressive, but this little tidbit left us in awe. According to our friends over at the GTChannel, the GT-R's integrated computer limits the vehicle's speed in Japan to 111 mph (180 km/h), but once the GPS system detects that you've arrived at a domestic circuit, it removes the top speed limiter for all-out track assaults.
In the U.S., they've bumped up the electronically-limited top speed to 156 mph (250 km/h), but there's no integration with the GPS here in the States, meaning that anyone that wants to go faster on track has to have the ECU modifed. Nissan has made several overtures that the GT-R's ECU will be a tough nut to crack, but we're sure that enterprising tuners both here and abroad will be able to coax a few extra ponies out of the twin-turbo'd 3.8-liter mill and remove any electronic nannies that go with it.
[Source: GTChannel]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Zane 12:39PM (12/22/2007)
Freaking awesome! I'm sure there might a way to add the co-ordinates of new tracks in the future.
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steve 12:49PM (12/22/2007)
that is cool....wonder how many years before you can get one of these things for msrp
Russell 11:38PM (12/22/2007)
Yes, but will it recognize a middle finger from a Z06 driver?
YouFaceTheTick 12:51PM (12/22/2007)
What track can handle 150+ mph? Sounds like a boring track if there's so much space you can run up to 150.
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racer01 1:01PM (12/22/2007)
Suzuka to name one - It won't take it long to get to 150. Yea, slow corners and low speeds are the best - not.
why not the LS2LS7? 3:34PM (12/22/2007)
Miller Motorsports Park. Has a 6/10ths of a mile straight.
It's huge, so it means the straight doesn't dominate the entire track. It's a bit boring though.
Rob 1:05PM (12/22/2007)
What kind of 'supercar' has an electronic speed limiter? I'm in awe, as to how dumb Nissan is.
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Zane 1:14PM (12/22/2007)
How about telling that to the folks who created the upcoming Audi RS6? It might not be a supercar but it's definitely a superwagon.
Russell 1:23PM (12/22/2007)
It ain't a supercar, 156mph is laughable now a days.
Do Porsches have limits? Sure it can be modified, all other cars can be modified and tuned.
Rob 1:23PM (12/22/2007)
thanks for making my point
racer01 2:33PM (12/22/2007)
Wow, smart comment - its the law in Japan
clevershark 4:54PM (12/22/2007)
Road cars made by the major automakers in Germany are limited by a "gentlemen's agreement" to 155mph. That means that the CL55 or M5 you see in the showroom is crippled by design. I don't think Porsche is in that group of automakers though.
Of course this isn't a law so it's not particularly well-enforced. Clarkson pushed an M5 wagon to 175mph in a recent runway test for Top Gear.
Rob 7:32PM (12/22/2007)
Wow, smart comment-I live in the US. The replies just continue to prove the point. Pathetic.
carmaniac 11:22PM (12/22/2007)
It's because you live in lawsuit-happy ol' USA that they have the limiter.
"Oh no, my car went off the road at 175mph, it's Nissan's fault because I can't drive! Sue sue sue!"
Rob 12:56AM (12/23/2007)
So its more lawsuit happy in Japan where its limited to 111mph instead of 156 in the states? Its not like this car isnt designed to handle that kind of speed, not that any speed over 90 is usable on the freeway. I just think a halo car such as this should not be limited. Some cars are limited because they become unstable at higher speeds. This is not one of those cars. Maybe the Veyron should have a limiter on it.
mmcdermott 2:12AM (12/23/2007)
relax man. you made a stupid comment, just accept it
Phil Perman 7:58AM (12/23/2007)
The Veyron does have a limiter on it, its just set to 253 as thats how fast the tires are rated to go safely.
The German cars probably have limiters on because they have some of the only roads in the world where you can (and are allowed to) reach those sorts of speeds. While the engines can do those top speeds, it probably puts far more strain on the engine and transmission than is wise, so they limit it just for safety.
Rob 3:14PM (12/23/2007)
OK I concede. My point has been debunked by the "you're dumb" arguement. That arguement is harder win against than "stay the course". I raise the red light of my tail lights to you, good sir!
captainslow 3:16AM (12/26/2007)
Rob, you're an idiot.
Matt 9:12PM (1/15/2008)
It's not that nissan is being dumb by limiting the car, it is more like they are being smart. They realize that this is a very powerful car and is very cheap compared to cars with similar performance. They understand that this car will therefore get into the hands of less than capable drivers, who will crash it trying to hit it's near 200mph(non limited) top speed. So they limit it to places that aren't tracks to prevent them from hurting themselves or others in an uncontrolled environment. They do this in the US because the same thing will happen here, and since this car's major market is Japan they haven't fixed the car to recognize US tracks, which is also why the limit is at 156 instead of 111(so Americans can use it at the track and not be hampered 90% of the time)