Finally, Nissan->ke62 has lifted the veil of secrecy from the GT-R->ke1592 Nismo, and all we can say is "when do we get one?"

The Nismo version is based on the 2015 GT-R and it gained a series of updates that transformed the GT-R into a real track machine, while keeping it perfectly suitable for the road. This is a delicate balance for any automaker, let alone Nissan, who does not have tons of experience in developing high-end supercars->ke177.

On the exterior, Nismo worked on improving the car's aerodynamics, giving it lower front and rear bumpers that were revised for aerodynamic efficiency, sill side skirts and a huge wing on the rear. On the inside, the Nismo GT-R gets special suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching, plus a redesigned steering wheel, pedals, gauges and gear knob.

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine is tricked to deliver an extra 35 ponies, putting it in line with some of the best supercars in the world.

The new Nissan GT-R Nismo will hit dealerships in 2014, following its release in Japan.

Updated 05/08/2014: Nissan unveiled a new video featuring Hiroyoshi Kato, Technical Meister at Nissan and a veteran test driver, who explains everything you wanted to know about the GT-R Nismo.

Click past the jump to read about the 2015 GT-R Nismo

2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 600
  • Torque: 481
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Update History

Update 5/1/2013: Nissan executive vice president, Andy Palmer, had a conversation with Autocar and revealed a few snippets of information on the 2015 GT-R Nismo. On the exterior, the majority of the changes will be limited to aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. Additionally, he stated that Nismo will also tune the GT-R's 3.8-liter engine beyond its base horsepower, stating that "there will be an extra kick" and that they are aiming for the production car record around the Nurburgring.

Update 6/18/2013: In a conversation with the folks at Top Gear, Nissan let slip that the Nismo GT-R would pack “more than 570 horsepower,” plus include improved handling and looks. We figure we’ll see around 575 horsepower by time it is all said and done. (Motor Authority)

Update 7/31/2013: An engineer working on the GT-R Nismo reportedly told AutoExpress that the 2015 GT-R Nismo will hit 60 mph in an astonishing 2 seconds, making it quicker than the Bugatti Veyron->ke1112 and the track-tuned Ariel Atom V8. We will find out whether this report is correct or not in November, as we expect Nissan to unveil the new GT-R Nismo at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show->ke1834. (AutoExpress)

Updated 10/10/2013: An official press release announcing 22 world debuts for the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show confirms that a concept version of the upcoming GT-R Nismo will be unveiled on November 19, 2013 at the L.A. Auto Show->ke211.

Updated 11/12/13: With just a few days before its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan unveiled a first teaser video (above) for the upcoming GT-R Nismo. It's no surprise that the video shows reveals nothing about the car, but the description backhandedly suggest that the new GT-R Nismo has set a new world record around the Nurburgring: "Somewhere in the world, speed just got a new look. Raw speed, raw power, #zerocompetition. Something big is coming."

Updated 11/18/2013: With just a few hours before the car's official debut in Los Angeles, the first official images and details on the new GT-R Nismo have hit the Internet. Click past the jump to learn new details on the most powerful GT-R ever. (CarAndDriver)

Updated 11/18/2013: Nissan has officially unveiled the Nismo GT-R, and it is even more astounding than the initial information led us to believe. See more after the jump.

Updated 01/02/2014: Nissan unveiled a new video showing the new GT-R Nismo in action at the Sodegaura Forest Raceway in Chiba, Japan. Enjoy!

Updated 02/11/2014: The new GT-R Nismo will be making its official European debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and with the occasion Nissan unveiled a new set of images. Check the picture gallery to see them!

Updated 02/28/2014: Nissan announced today prices for the 2015 GT-R Nismo set to be put on sale later this spring. Prices will start from $149,990.

Updated 03/06/2014: Nissan unveiled a new video featuring Executive Vice President Andy Palmer driving the new GT-R Nismo at the Tochigi. Enjoy!

Exterior

When compared to a base GT-R, the new Nismo version will gain a distinct look, thanks to a series of carbon-fiber elements -- front fenders, hood and trunk lid -- and a body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers and skirts. The carbon-fiber bits, according to Nissan, help reduce the car's total weight by about 143 pounds.

Also distinguishing the Nismo model form the other GT-Rs of the world is a new front fascia that is widened and a tapered rear bumper help reduce the total drag back down to the 0.26 Cd of the base GT-R, despite all of the additions.

As seen from the first photos, it looks like there will be a new front splitter and a massive rear spoiler that will improve downforce. Speaking of downforce, the GT-R Nismo has plenty of it, as it creates a total of 220 pounds of it at 186 mph

The GT-R Nismo is available in five hues: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver and Vibrant Red and Dark Matte Grey (exclusive to the Nismo GT-R).

Side Skirt Detail

Rear End Detail

Rendering Versus Reality

If we may say so ourselves, we did a pretty decent job in our TopSpeed Rendering of the GT-R Nismo (top left) that we created back in February 2013. We missed a few things here and there, like the red line across the bottom of the body kit, the black side-view mirrors, the style of wing, the lack of air intakes on the outer edges of the front fascia and the gills in front of the front wheels. We did, however, get the body kit styling, front splitter and even the rims correct.

Overall, we love what Nissan did here, keeping the modifications subtle and functional. We do miss the red mirrors, which we saw on the Juke Nismo, but we understand Nissan's choice to leave them off in favor of a less drastic look.

Interior

The 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo's interior is also laid out perfectly for a track-tuned, road-legal racer. Nissan started by adding in ergonomically shaped Recaro seats made from carbon fiber -- available in Europe and Japan only. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped up in lightweight Alcantara, and it features a red center mark, making bring the car back to center a little easier, and red contrast stitching for a little added flair. This red stitching continues onto the seats, center console and the door trim.

The gauge cluster also received the Nismo treatment, by way of a red tachometer, a carbon-fiber-like finish and a hood wrapped up in Alcantara.

Drivetrain

The new GT-R Nismo rolls in boasting an updated 3.8-liter, twin-boosted V-6 engine delivers a total of 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque, which is an awesome upward swing from the standard 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet. This spike is thanks to high-flow, larger-diameter turbochargers, optimized ignition timing and an upgraded fuel pump to feed the beast. Reports claim that Nissan also increased the redline from the standard 6,400 rpm to 6,800 rpm, but this is not included in the official release.

Though Nissan decided to hold the performance numbers for now, it did announce that the GT-R Nismo equipped with the optional Track Package lapped the Nurburgring in 7:08.68 with Michael Krumm, an ex FIA GT1 champion, at the helm.

Suspension and Brakes

The GT-R Nismo comes equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels that are a half-inch wider that the base GT-R and wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST tires, sized 255/40R20 up front and 285/25ZRF20 out back. It also features larger anti-roll bars and electronically adjustable, custom Bilstein dampers with three different settings: Track, Race, and Race Plus.

The double-wishbone suspension system features high-rigidity bolts for extra stiffness when tackling the turns.

The optional Track Package adds in a set of manually adjustable Öhlins dampers, and reduced spring rates. This will lead to serious track performance, but a ride that will likely be intolerable on imperfect roads.

Prices and Availability

It looks like even though the new GT-R Nismo was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, but American customers will still have to wait until later in 2014 before getting their hands on it -- Japan gets it in February. The 2015 GT-R Nismo will be priced from $149,990.

Spy Shots

The latest spy photos did not reveal much, except that the GT-R Nismo will feature a revised front bumper and a large rear wing, both of which will help improve downforce.

Competition

Porsche 911 Turbo S

The latest rendition of the 911 Turbo S packs a mean punch. Its 3.8-liter H-6 engine pushes out 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which allows it to hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph.

The 2014 911 Turbo S checks in at $181,100, which is about where we expect to see the GT-R Nismo.

Jaguar F-Type R-S

Though there is no official confirmation of it, we have caught what we think is an R-S version of the F-Type Coupe testing several times. We expect to see it check in at around 550 horsepower with a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of about 3 seconds. We are still waiting for the F-Type Coupe to debut, so we may be a little ahead of ourselves here.

Conclusion

It's been long in the making, but we finally have an even hotter version of the legendary GT-R. We are a little concerned the Nissan may price itself out of the market with this one, but we are sure that affluent Nissan buyers will still lineup to empty their checkbooks on this one.