Exclusive! GT-R Track Edition / 370Z NISMO Chat with Nissan!

[AZhitman]

Another exclusive chat with Nissan Corporate on NICOclub!

On Tuesday, March 12 at 2PM Central Time, join us here on NICOclub (in this thread), where we'll be joined by Nissan’s Carl Phillips, senior manager in Nissan's Chief Marketing Management department. Mr. Phillips will be answering your questions about the new GT-R Track Edition and 2014 370Z NISMO.

If you have any questions you'd like Mr. Phillips to answer, feel free to post them up here. Discussion will occur AFTER the live chat - QUESTIONS ONLY for now. Thanks all!

Previously, we've held chats with Product Planners. However, Mr. Phillips is responsible for the Maxima, 370Z, the GT-R as well as NISMO, Nissan's performance R&D division. Here's your chance to speak directly with the man in charge!

NOTE: If your question disappears, don't panic - it just means 1 of 3 things: we already have received the same question, or it's something that can't be answered until closer to the release date.

Also, keep it respectful, relevant, and quick - We've done Product Planner chats for the B17 Sentra and Pathfinder, and you guys have done a great job of making sure this is a regular occurrence with Nissan!

[float_6969]

woot! Man, I REALLY want a NISMO 370Z. I mean REALLY. So beautiful.

[asoomal]

Will we ever see a Nismo Murano?

[RicerX]

Is there a chance we could see a streaming bluetooth audio option make it into the Bose Package for the 370Z Nismo? Will there be any NISMO parts that may be dealer-optioned as well?

What was the objective with the GT-R Track Edition? Was it simply to lose weight and include only necessities for the true track-driver buyers?

[DJ_B_Easy]

Through my VERY minimal research, it appears the NISMO 370Z ride height is increased from 2013 standard editions. Is this true, and if so, what are the specs/engineering behind it?

[Pento240sx]

Why did you get rid of the inline 6 engine on the GT-R?
Will we ever see the inline 6 back, on any of the coming up sport cars?
Is it there ever going to be a affordable RWD sports car?

Thats is all the questions for me thanks.

[AZhitman]

Reminder - This is happening tomorrow, so make sure to tune in - right here - to get your questions answered LIVE!

[LongBeachCoupe]

its today! Yay!

[300ZXttZMAN]

I can't wait!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I recall reading about a sizzling Nismo Juke RC with around 270hp, but haven't heard anything lately about that. Do we have any more details/timing for such a vehicle?

Also +1 for the obligatory "where's the S16" question.

[lumiester123]

I recall reading about a sizzling Nismo Juke RC with around 270hp, but haven't heard anything lately about that. Do we have any more details/timing for such a vehicle?

Also +1 for the obligatory "where's the S16" question.

Was already at the Chicago Auto show...

[frapjap]

What is the difference between a "track edition" and a "Nismo edition?"
When I think of Nismo, I tend to think of a performance driving track. Is there a reason this particular GT-R isn't a "Nismo" or the 370Z isn't a "track edition?" Having trouble understanding the distinction.

Will there be a signifigant boost in horsepower in the Nismo Z vs the standard model Z like the last few years of the 350Z? Will high performance tires be standard on this new model?
Also, my hat goes off to Nissan for the development of the rev matching downshifting in the manual transmission. While I don't use it very often when I drive a 370Z, the option is phenomenal tech and a true achievement in terms of how flawlessly it operates. I hope we see it integrated into more models equipped with manual transmissions.

[Liuspeed08]

We hear that the Z car may be shrinking in size, are there future plans to add Nismo to the newer platforms?

When is the release date for the Juke Nismo RC? What is the final power rating?

[AZhitman]

OK, let's do this - We're now LIVE with Carl from Nissan!

Let's see those questions...

[NissanCarlPhillips]

Hello, Carl Phillips here. I'm the Chief Marketing Manager for GT-R, 370Z, Maxima and NISMO. Happy to talk with you guys today.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to NICO Mr. Carl!

I'm curious to know if the GTR will ever get a rev matching manual gear box similar to the one in the 370z?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Was already at the Chicago Auto show...

I thought that was just the regular Juke Nismo, not the RC model.

I guess my question for specs/performance figures/timing still looms for that vehicle though.
Also, are there any plans to put it in the WRC?

[NissanCarlPhillips]

Is there a chance we could see a streaming bluetooth audio option make it into the Bose Package for the 370Z Nismo? Will there be any NISMO parts that may be dealer-optioned as well?

What was the objective with the GT-R Track Edition? Was it simply to lose weight and include only necessities for the true track-driver buyers?

Thanks for the questions, we are looking at some ongoing enhancement for the Z/s audio systems since technology always marches-on. And Bluetooth is certainly one of them.

As for the Track Edition, this car was inspired by all the testing our engineering team does at the Nurburgring. It's been optimized for those drivers who might want to do track days with their cars. The main focus was upgrading the suspension and brake cooling.

Reducing weight was not a priority, since as our engineering leader Mizuno-san says, the weight plus significant downforce equals traction and is one of the reasons for the car's outstanding performance.

[AZhitman]

Here's one from one of our Facebook followers:

Aside from minor tweaks, the GT-R has been sold in its present form since 2008, which is a bit long for a "halo" vehicle. Any plans for a new generation GT-R?

[RicerX]

Welcome, Mr. Phillips!

I have lots of questions, but first I want to start with the Maxima.

Currently, the vehicle seems to be very overshadowed by the Altima in terms of amenities, performance, fuel economy, and overall bang-for-the-buck.

What is the plan for that car now that the Altima has become the elephant in the room, so to speak? Do you think there is room to make the vehicle more of a "4 Door Sports Car" and make it a more performance oriented vehicle?

[NissanCarlPhillips]

I recall reading about a sizzling Nismo Juke RC with around 270hp, but haven't heard anything lately about that. Do we have any more details/timing for such a vehicle?

Also +1 for the obligatory "where's the S16" question.

I think the "sizzling" Juke you're referring to is the Juke NISMO RS. This 'hotter' version of the Juke NISMO will be coming in another year or so. This one will be for those who are seeking the ultimate performance in this type of hot-crossover vehicle.

And the Juke NISMO we are launching this year will deliver much of the driving excitement and expressive design features but at a more attainable price.

[AZhitman]

Another series of questions from our Facebook followers:

Many of the GT-R's direct competitors, like the Corvette, Viper , Audi R8, Porsche all have traditional manual transmissions at least offered as options, if not standard. Nissan appears to be reducing transmission choices across its entire lineup, and the GT-R seems no different as it only has a flappy paddle sequential available. Since not all enthusiasts are interested in sacrificing the personal connection and simplicity of a clutch pedal to shave a few 10ths off of a lap time with technology, are there any plans to offer a version with a manual?

Perhaps offering the 370z's innovative auto-blip feature would help satisfy the GT-R's speed thru technical wizardry mission and keep the GT-R interesting.

[AZhitman]

Chris, our resident Maxima expert, wasn't able to be here today... but he sent this one in via email:

I want to know why the Maxima has been allowed to become completely irrelevant even as Nissan touts it as the new 4DSC. It seems so self-defeating. Why would you build a flagship car and pump up its reputation, but not do anything with it that your bulk-sales midsizer can't do? Isn't self-competition what nearly killed all 3 American brands on multiple occasions? Knock off the model overlap and make the car MATTER.

Which brings me to my next point:
When is Nissan going to update the FWD VQ to match the world-class ultramodern high-tech competition from the likes of GM and Chrysler. No VVEL, no direct injection, no 3.7 liter variant... Surely fuel economy would benefit from such tech, and even the stuffiest of businessmen can't deny the potential in that.

As much as I'd love to see a RWD Maxima, right now I'd just be happy to see one that has the slightest reason to exist AT ALL... and a clutch pedal would be a nice bonus.

As for the GTR Track Edition...I just find it impressive that Nissan manages to find YET MORE power hiding somewhere in the VR38 every year like clockwork.

[NissanCarlPhillips]

What is the difference between a "track edition" and a "Nismo edition?"
When I think of Nismo, I tend to think of a performance driving track. Is there a reason this particular GT-R isn't a "Nismo" or the 370Z isn't a "track edition?" Having trouble understanding the distinction.

Will there be a signifigant boost in horsepower in the Nismo Z vs the standard model Z like the last few years of the 350Z? Will high performance tires be standard on this new model?
Also, my hat goes off to Nissan for the development of the rev matching downshifting in the manual transmission. While I don't use it very often when I drive a 370Z, the option is phenomenal tech and a true achievement in terms of how flawlessly it operates. I hope we see it integrated into more models equipped with manual transmissions.

First, let me say thanks for the compliment on SynchroRev Match. For those who haven't yet learned to heel and toe, it really is a way to make shifting much smoother. And nice for those of us who enjoy blipping the throttle that we can turn it off if we want.

Now as for the GT-R NISMO, I can't officially comment since this is a future product and letting any info out at this time is strictly verboten. The kind of thing that would get me fired - and I really like my job All I will say at this time is it will be something really special inspired by the GT500 race cars and a notch above the Track Edition.

Oh, and the 2014 370Z NISMO will have the same 350hp at the 2013 model. The big change will be in the new NISMO design theme.

Cheers,

[Liuspeed08]

Will there be any hardware changes in the 2014 Nismo 370Z? (such as stiffer brake lines, brake pads, stickier tires etc?) or will changes be design and aesthetics only?

[AZhitman]

Carl, we read that the NISMO 370Z was getting a unique exhaust system and some ECU tweaks, good for an 18-hp difference over the standard 370Z.

Is this not true?

[NissanCarlPhillips]

Welcome to NICO Mr. Carl!

I'm curious to know if the GTR will ever get a rev matching manual gear box similar to the one in the 370z?

I saw there were a couple questions about a manual trans for GT-R and let me say it is not in the works and for a vey good reason. The gearbox, like everything else about the GT-R, was chosen to deliver the best possible performance and there is simply no way a person could change gears anywhere near as quickly as the 0.15 seconds GT-R's autmated 'box does.

And believe me, I love manual transmissions in just about everything but if you goal is to go fast, the automated gearbox in the GT-R can't be beat.

Oh, and I can assure the one person who mentioned something about it being 'flabby' that there is nothing 'flabbly' about this car. It bangs-off shifts in R-mode that leave you breathless

[WDRacing]

Woot, made it back home! Thanks for coming out, or on...whatever, Carl!

What is Nismo's mission statement? Where is it going?

[NissanCarlPhillips]

Here's one from one of our Facebook followers:

Aside from minor tweaks, the GT-R has been sold in its present form since 2008, which is a bit long for a "halo" vehicle. Any plans for a new generation GT-R?

Again, I can't comment on future product plans but the GT-R continues to benefit from ongoing changes and performance enhancements every year and there's still nothing that can touch it for anywhere near its price. Any our numbers at the track or during testing by the press show it.

As somebody told me the other day, "If you want to go faster, you better have a million bucks".

Cheers,

[AZhitman]

Another one coming in, this time via our Twitter account:

Given the well-documented issues with the 370Z's braking on the factory-supplied Akebono pads, will the Ferodo high-performance pads still be a $580 option on the NISMO Z?