Nissan reveals its GT-R LM Nismo

Nissan’s new GT-R LM Nismo completely ignores conventional race car design norms. Due to compete in the top-flight LMP1 class of this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship, its appearance alone bespeaks avant-garde thinking.

Unlike mid-engine rivals from Toyota, Audi and Porsche, the Nissan features a front-mounted 3.0 litre twin-turbo petrol V6 joined to a five-speed sequential transmission.

Nissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 2015 Front Side 1

But here’s the really peculiar thing: that powertrain drives the front wheels. As if to visually emphasise the configuration, the front tyres are fourteen inches wide, while those at the rear are a comparatively narrow nine inches.

Boosting the GT-R’s acceleration is a kinetic energy recovery system which is being engineered to release the maximum permissible eight megajoules around the Le Mans circuit. The downside of such an approach is a much stricter fuel-flow limit for the V6 internal combustion engine, so its efficiency will be crucial.

Although power and torque figures have yet to be released, Nissan has admitted that getting as close as possible to the minimum 880 kg (1,940 lbs) weight restriction presented the team with a big challenge.

The maverick GT-R LM Nismo is certainly going to be an intriguing addition to the 2015 WEC, which begins in April with the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

Nissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 2015 FrontNissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 2015 Rear Side

Nissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 2015 SideNissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 2015 Front Side 2


Related posts:
2015 FIA WEC calendar confirmed
Nissan Pulsar Nismo Concept unveiled
Nissan updates the 370Z Nismo for 2015

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