Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motorsports International Co., LTD (hereafter NISMO) announced their global motorsports activities for the 2007 season.
Nissan’s factory Fairlady Zs (350Z) will now be powered by a stronger 4.5 L V8 engine aiming at victory in this years SUPER GT championship in Japan. Complimented by changes to the chassis and other key components, the competitiveness of the machines that won championships twice in the past three years has now been significantly improved.
The main focus of the factory-backed team this year will be their entry in the GT 500 Class of the SUPER GT Series, the premium racing championship in Japan. Further, support of national and international privateer teams will be provided as Nissan maintains its longstanding commitment to grassroots racing activities.
SUPER GT
Entry in SUPER GT with the Z33 type Fairlady Z. Continuing from last year, Mr. Kunihiko Kakimoto will lead as General Manager of all the Nissan teams, while Mr. Yoshitaka Iijima continues as Team Manager of NISMO.
NISMO will technically support and develop cars for teams entering SUPER GT with the Fairlady Z. A total of five Fairlady Zs from HASEMI MOTOR SPORT, TEAM IMPUL and KONDO RACING as well as NISMO will enter the GT 500 class.
The 2007 model Fairlady Z has been developed with a focus on the following areas:
- Countermeasures to regulations changes (recovery of lower downforce and higher center of gravity)
- Taking maximum advantage of the normally-aspirated V8 engine
- Reduction of drag
- Improvement of body stiffness
- Weight-reduction