Post by KIEN_ on Apr 6, 2009 18:07:19 GMT 7
FIA GT1 Spec: 600hp R35 GTR | Nissan's Global Motorsports Activities for 2009
For 2009, Nissan continues to participate in the SUPER GT series, GT500 class, which is the highest level in Japanese domestic motorsports, with the Nissan GT-R. Nissan will also support grassroots activities in select countries outside of Japan to help nurture the motorsports culture, which has millions of fans throughout the world.
R35 NISSAN GT-R to the 2010 FIA GT1 Regulation
Type of engine: VK56DE
Displacement: 5552 cc
Max. horsepower: 600hp according to the 2010 regulation
Max. torque: > 650Nm
Clutch: 5.5¡åcarbon triple plate
Type of gearbox: Ricardo 6 speed transaxle Overall length: 4730 mm
Overall width: 2040 mm
Wheelbase: 2780 mm
Track (front): 1670 mm
Track (Rear): 1710 mm
Weight: 1250kg according to the 2010 regulation
Brake (front): 6 piston caliper with carbon disc and pad
Brake (rear): 6 piston caliper with carbon disc and pad
Type of suspension (front): Double wishbone suspension
Type of suspension (rear): Multi-link suspension
Drive system: RWD
Wheel (front): 13.0J¡Á18
Wheel (rear): 13.0J¡Á18
Tire (front): 31/71-18
Tire (rear): 31/71-18
The R35 model Nissan GT-R¡¡will be entered in the GT500 class of SUPER GT.
This year¡¯s entries will incorporate changes that include an improved air-cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission. The vehicles also conform to the racing body¡¯s latest regulation changes to decrease down force through shortened vehicle overhang. NISMO provides technical assistance and vehicle development to all participating teams.
Team Composition This year¡¯s line-up of NISMO, HASEMI MOTORSPORT, TEAM IMPUL and KONDO RACING will deploy 1 car each for a total of 4 Nissan GT-Rs that will race in the GT500 class series. Kunihiko Kakimoto remains as general manager in charge of Nissan related teams with the NISMO team managed by Yutaka Suzuki. HASEMI MOTOR SPORT team welcomes to its roster Hironobu Yasuda, who trained in the rigorous Nissan Driver Development Program (NDDP).
¡°Motorsports is an important part of Nissan¡¯s strategy for building a strong brand with consumers who share our passion for high-performance driving,¡± said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
¡°In addition to being an important touch-point for consumers, motorsports serve as a dynamic proving ground for automotive innovation.¡±
2. Private racers category
1) March Cup series
Providing amateur racers a chance to experience the thrill of auto racing, Nissan holds the March Cup races (East Japan Series, West Japan Series, Nissan March Championship Cup). This pits private racers with actual racing conditions, with each car equipped with a data logger and GPS to record the racing lines taken by drivers. As previously announced, 2009 is the final run for the March Cup series.
2) Japanese domestic private teams
1. SUPER GT¡¡GT300 class
Technical assistance will be given to private teams competing in Fairlady Zs.
2. Super Taikyu series
Technical assistance will be given to private teams competing in Fairlady Zs in both ST1 and ST3 classes.
3) Global Race activities
China
Aiming for a 3rd championship win, Nissan and NISMO will provide technical assistance to its China partner Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., which enters its Nissan Tiidas in the 1600cc Class of the China Circuit Championship (CCC). The event is the country¡¯s premier domestic racing event, where locally manufactured production-based race cars compete. Nissan Tiida won the title in 2006 and 2008.
South Africa
With 8 consecutive Driver¡¯s championship wins, Nissan seeks to retain its title in the South Africa Off-Road Championship. Dominating the event will be the Nissan Navara, well known for its controlled performance and rugged reliability.
Europe
To check the performance of cars to be sold to racing teams competing in the FIA-GT1 class, a NISMO-developed car will run as a non-championship entry in 4 races in 2009, entered in a team partnership with Gigawave MotorSport. It is expected that the car is to be driven by Michael Krumm (NISMO) and Darren Turner (Gigawave).
Gigawave MotorSport, a racing team based in county Essex, England, has been competing in the FIA GT Championship since 2007. The team¡¯s parent company Gigawave Ltd., as an official partner of the FIA GT Championship, provides on-board cameras for real-time coverage of the races. www.gigawavemotorsport.com/
SUPER GT
Q: What is the reason for reducing the number of GT-Rs from 5 in ¡¯08 season to 4 this season in the GT500 class?
A: Due to recent economic situation, we carefully studied effective use of Nissan¡¯s budget from various angles and reached the decision.
Q: Will there be any negative impact by reducing the number of GT-Rs in the GT500 class?
A: Some NISMO staff are sent to each satellite team to reinforce performance of the teams so as to keep our performance as a team Nissan as a whole.
Q: Why did you decide to use Michelin tyres for one of the GT-Rs?
A: Michelin gave us strong proposal and we tested their tyres and reaslised their tyres¡¯ competitiveness in the test.
Q: What are the advantages & disadvantages of running 4 GT-Rs with 3 different tyres, i.e. Bridgestone, Yokohama & Michelin?
A: Amount of data for one tyre brand may reduce. But each tyre has its own advantages, e.g. favourable circuits, and GT-Rs could see more chances due to the variety of the tyres.
Q: How has been the GT-Rs for the ¡¯09 season improved compared w/ 08 model?
A: Due to the change in the technical regulations, the new GT-Rs have shorter overhang which reduces downforce. The 09 GT-Rs have better aerodynamics to minimise downforce reduction. Also, we use paddle shift and AC to provide comfort to drivers. FIA GT Q: Why did you choose the FIA GT series? A: Since Nissan GT-R production model is to be marketed globally as a Nissan¡¯s flagship model, we studied MS programme which is globa,l and we have reached a conclusion that the series is the best choice. The series is planned to be a world championship in 2010 and we think we can use this series globally.
Q: We heard that the GT-R is participating in 4 races in 2009. Which races?
A: Mainly in Europe but details are not decided.
Q: We heard that the GT1 version of the GT-R has tested in Fuji Speedway and Sepang. How was the performance?
A: Because we have carried out only two tests so far, it is premature to talk about the performance of the vehicle.
Q: What is the specification of the car?
A: Body dimension and max. engine power are in accordance with the regulations. Engine is the VK56DE w/ less than 600 ps. Total weight is more than 1250kg. Use Michelin tyres.
Q: Why did you choose those 2 drivers?
A: Michael Krumm has an abundant racing experiences in Europe and good capability to develop a race car. Darren Turner has lot of experiences of GT races in Europe and won GT1 class in the last year¡¯s Le Mans 24h/finished in the 3rd in the Spa 24h. He is under GWMS contract.
Q: Why did you choose Gigawave MotorSport (GWMS) as a partner?
A: We studied more than 15 teams last year. GWMS has been in the FIA GT series since 2007 and was on the podium at Silverstone, Monza and Spa last year. Their parent company, Gigawave, is in a business of live broadcasting of on-board movie, which could be advantageous in our marketing activities as well. They are a young team with lot of energy and very experienced personnel at key posts. They also well understand objectives and target of our programme.
Q: What is your target for this 2009 season?
A: We concentrate on development of the race car preparing for 2010 season w/o worrying lap time and race results. The purpose of this season¡¯s participation is to make sure the basic performance of the GT-R race car which will be sold to privateers for the season of 2010.
Q: How may units will you sell in 2010 and after? And how much?
A: Due to the regulation, we have to sell at least 4 GT-Rs. Price is TBD.
Q: Is there any objections inside Nissan against the programme under current economic situation?
A: No. It is true that current business environment is a very tough one but motorsports is important part of our core business for Nissan particularly as a marketing toll to deliver Nissan¡¯s brand messages. Through our motorsports activities, we aim at providing sense of driving pleasure with our customers. Also, because of such tough situation, we¡¯d like to provide positive news with our employees and fans. We have long been in motorsports in a frugal way and will be in that way while always reviewing contents of programme and the budget based on market needs and environment.
Q: Many car manufacturers have withdrawn from MS. Does Nissan plan to reduce the scale of MS activities?
A: We have reduced one GT-R from the GT500 class of the Japan¡¯s SUPER GT series due to current tough business situation, we continue our motorsports programme since it is important part of our core business. We have long been in motorsports in a frugal way and will be in that way while always reviewing contents of programme and the budget based on market needs and environment.
source: www.zerotohundred.com