TAS2009: Blitz R35 GT-R Goes Rear Wheel Drive, Manual Gearbox

Tokyo AutoSalon is here today. One of the biggest surprises of the show for many is the Blitz Nissan GT-R. Blitz are developing the Nissan GT-R for the D1 drift series in Japan.

Speaking with a Blitz representative, Kawabata-san, today we have learnt that Blitz have a desire to have Nomuken drive this car in an upcoming D1 season. While they wont commit to a definite date, 2010 was not out of the question.

Blitz have not yet completed the car but the removal of a significant amount of AWD drivetrain has lightened the car considerably. The job’s not completed however so they cannot give a definitive answer on exactly how much.

New on the exterior of the Blitz GT-R for TAS09 is Blitz ZRR suspension, Blitz Carbon Infusion carbon hood, BRW09MAG forged magnesium wheels. The carbon hood is top quality looking item. When we asked if it was dry or wet carbon we were told it was a “carbon infusion". We’ll have to translate the text on their explanation for exactly what that process means.

On the interior we see a custom carbon panel for the gear shifter, the gearbox is a Hollinger sequential unit so no need for a H-Pattern. The A/C is also removed and the controls replaced with a trio of Blitz gauges. The seats remain standard but perhaps a set of Bride seats will find there way to this car, Blitz said.

When asked about engine modifications, Blitz were confident that the standard motor with the full Blitz exhaust would be suitable for the development of the drift car and that no hard core power modifications are planned at this time.

Notice the three pedals in the photo below. This is a first for the R35 GT-R and something many people wanted to see. Dont forget to follow the jump to see the rest of the photos from the Blitz R35 GT-R.

Words/Photos: GTRBlog.com © Usage requires a link to GTRBlog.com

GT-R SpecV: It's Finally Here! Official Press Launch Photos and Details

The official media launch of the latest evolution of the Nissan GT-R, The R35 GT-R SpecV was held today at Nissan headquarters in Ginza, Tokyo Japan.

The SpecV had finally arrived for Japanese media to get a look at and photograph. GTRBlog was in town for the launch and now our readers can get their first look at the Spec-V in final production trim. There were three Ultimate Opal Black SpecV GT-Rs and one Brilliant White SpecV GT-R at the launch.

The Nissan GT-R SpecV contains quite a number of improvements over the base model GT-R. Most of which we covered in previous posts on the subject but today Nissan GT-R Chief Engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno cleared up the details in a detailed talk on the new car.

Carbon Ceramic Brakes

The SpecV is the first Nissan production car to be offered with carbon ceramic brakes. The Brembo 6 piston aluminium calipers are delineated from the standard GT-R by their aluminium colouring and “Brembo Carbon Ceramic” markings. The calipers are physically the same as their standard GT-R cousins but they are fitted with special SpecV brake pads.

The carbon ceramic rotors themselves save significant amounts of unsprung weight while they are also increased in size to 390mm. Both rotors were on hand to pickup and compare. The carbon rotors feeling featherweight compared to the standard items.

Overboost Button

The SpecV features a steering wheel mounted overboost button which shares a switch with the cruise control function. An electronic circuit designed to provide more than standard boost for a short period of time to increase power for overtaking maneuvers for example. When used, the dashboard overboost green light illuminates and the SpecV’s midrange torque is increased for the next 80 seconds.

Ultimate Opal Black Color

A second new color is added to the Nissan GT-R lineup this year (after the new Brilliant White was added on the MY09 GT-R series II) called Ultimate Black Pearl. This color is very similar to the Midnight Purple colours on previous GT-R generations. Under some lights it can appear as anything from purple to bronze.

Engine Bay

The engine bay features a new engine cover specific to the SpecV.

Rear Spoiler
The rear spoiler is changed from the standard GT-R. It is slightly higher and is designed to increase rear downforce for sports driving. The wing element section is made from dry carbon fibre with a matte clear coat to protect it from the elements.

One of these new SpecV GT-Rs will set you back 15,750,000 yen including Japanese consumption tax Nissan say. The online SpecV configurator now available however says you can pay up to 17,835,450 yen for the optioned out model including tax.