» Get the best price on a new Nissan Such is the depth of information supplied on Nissan's all-new GT-R (and the interest in those details) we've taken the step of publishing a series of Technical Features spotlighting the GT-R. Here's the final instalment in our series -- Nissan's own overview of the GT-R's suspension and brakes
According to Nissan: The GT-R has "a new type of suspension offering excellent straight-line stability, even over 300km/h, plus top-class handling and braking in all situations -- from urban commutes, to snowy and slushy roads, to the racetrack."
According to the carmaker, the suspension is designed around the new Premium Midship platform (more here) and takes advantage of the claimed "perfect load balance of all four wheels".
The structures of the front and rear suspension are illustrated (with notes) hereabouts. Front double-wishbone, rear multi-link set-up features extensive use of forged alloy components and aluminum subframes. Front and rear anti-roll bars are large hollow sections to reduce weight.
Progressive rates springs are used and the dampers are electronically-controlled variable-rate Bilstein DampTronic.
A console-mounted set-up switch (more here) allows the driver to access three different suspension modes: R (high performance), Sports (the normal setting) and Comfort (for city driving to absorb road bumps). The switch changes the settings on the GT-R's bespoke Bilstein DampTronic dampersIn R mode, Nissan says the Bilsteins ensure "flat, hard cornering for high-speed and maximum feedback."
In Sport and Comfort modes the dampers are electronically controlled to produce "the best possible handling/ride balance".
Nissan says sensors monitor 11 vehicle elements including speed, lateral acceleration speed, steering angle speed, demand torque, estimate torque, engine rpm, brake oil pressure, normal acceleration (front axle and rear axle), ABS anti-lock braking behavior and vehicle stop information in assessing the correct suspension settings.
Steering is rack-and-pinion with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist. Gearing is relatively quick at 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. Nissan does not quote a turning circle for the car.
WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?
Given the GT-R's claimed 300km/h performance, it's reassuring to note Nissan has employed top-notch brake components.
Brembo equipment is specified all 'round. The fronts rotors are 380mm diameter (34mm thick) vented units gripped by six-piston one-piece Brembo Monobloc calipers. The rears are also 380mm, but 30mm thick and feature four-piston Monoblocs.
Like race-spec equipment, the rotors are fully floating and are cross-drilled.
The hardware is matched to a fully-specified Antilock Braking System (ABS) featuring Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and what Nissan calls, Preview Braking. Like comparable systems fitted to European performance cars, the system also incorporates Hill Start Assist.
Mounted on lightweight forged-alloy 20-inch rims, the GT-R's runflat tyres have been specially developed by Bridgestone and Dunlop. According to Nissan: "Normally, runflat tyres have very hard sidewalls -- essential for maintaining tyre shape after a puncture. The Nissan GT-R's tyres have unusually pliant sidewalls, improving steering, agility and ride comfort."
Nissan pre-charges the tyres with nitrogen rather than conventional air to minimize "pressure change during high speed driving". A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted.
The Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST and Bridgestone Potenza RE070R tyres are asymmetric with 255/40ZRF20 fronts and larger 285/35ZRF20 rears. They are mounted on 9.5-inch (front) and 10.5-inch (rear) rims which Nissan explains have special knurling to better secure the rubber during especially hard acceleration or braking.
GT-R Technical Features
Introduction (more here)
Design (more here)
Packaging (more here)
Engine (more here)
Transmission and all-wheel-drive system (more here)
Suspension and brakes (see above)
Visit the Carsales Network again for our GT-R launch review and drive impression early next month
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