In today's episode dedicated to the Nissan GT-R we start presenting the design of the new Japanese sportscar.
We'll start with a few words from Hiroshi Hasegawa which is Product Chief Designer for the GT-R. The design of the new Nissan GT-R is based on two simple ideas: "design backed by function to realize exceptional performance," and "continuation of the original design heritage."
Having a close resemblance to the Nissan GT-R Proto showcased at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the new GT-R is one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world (Cd 0.27).
From Nissan's Press Release:
The born-in-Japan Nissan GT-R, now on the roads worldwide
Dedication to good design, functionality, and truly exceptional performance
The Nissan GT-R embodies Nissan's ultimate passion for the automobile. Based on original Nissan concepts nurtured in Japan, it carries forward a proud heritage.
This is the first globally marketed Nissan GT-R in the history of the line, which started with the PGC10 GT-R in 1969. Through the process of design I worked to give this car an overwhelming presence, persistently expressing the originality of Japanese car culture. This is why the body is not derived from a production sedan or coupe, but is one of a kind, the first in Nissan GT-R history. This is our ultimate, most faithful rendition of the Nissan GT-R redefined.
What makes a Nissan GT-R boils down to two ideas: "design backed by function to realize
exceptional performance," and "continuation of the original design heritage." In terms of high performance and function, the Nissan GT-R body was forged by its air stream. The cockpit offers the optimum layout for the driver. Landmark features from the Nissan GT-R design history that the new model maintains are the edgy box-shape of the PGC10 GT-R of 1969, the four round taillamps of the KPGC110 GT-R (1973 ), and the grille opening of the R34 GT-R (1999), a symbolic use of the cooling feature in the design.
Keeping in mind a global stage for this born-in-Japan car, I also designed it to express the flavor of modern Japanese culture.
We based the design of the new Nissan GT-R on these ideas and values.
The sense of true high performance and function, superb aerodynamic performance and ultimate dedication to good design make the new Nissan GT-R almost intimidating relative to other sports cars. It expresses an originality found in no other, stands out as one of a kind, breaks through established ideas of what a sports car should be, and rises to the challenge of creating a new world of sports cars.
The Exterior
The design bears a close resemblance to the Nissan GT-R Proto shown at the 2005 Tokyo Show and, in turn, has much in common stylistically with the 2001 Nissan GT-R Concept.
'We wanted to design a car that looked uniquely Japanese - it is very definitely not a European or American fast car,' says senior vice president of design Shiro Nakamura. 'We also wanted to highlight the functionality of the car - it is a car that is easy to use and easy to drive - and continue the proud heritage of the Nissan GT-R.'
The new Nissan GT-R is a muscular, distinctive looking car. Chunky, edgy, wide shouldered, ground-hugging and flat-sided, it is also one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world (Cd 0.27) as well as being one of the most distinctive.
The style is based closely on the Nissan GT-R Proto shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show to great critical acclaim. The only significant styling difference - apart from small details - is to the front styling, changed mostly to allow for superior crash test protection.
This is the first Nissan GT-R not based on a mass-volume Nissan vehicle (the last Nissan GT-R was based on the Skyline). That gave design director Shiro Nakamura, product chief designer Hiroshi Hasegawa and their team a great deal of freedom to create Japan's ultimate supercar.
'The mission was to achieve a distinctive car, a supercar, but not a normal fast car - it's chunkier, more practical and more muscular,' says Nakamura. 'The element of functionality is core to the Nissan GT-R. It's not too low; it's easy to get in and out of, has good visibility and is easy to drive. That functionality is reflected in the design. It is clearly not an Italian, German or American car - it is unmistakably Japanese. It is very mechanical, almost like an animated robot - it is obviously made from metal, has big shoulders and looks strong and muscular. The previous R34 Nissan GT-R had the same image. Almost like you could be playing this car on a video game.
'We didn't want a nice elegant shape - we wanted an original shape. Some people who buy this car will also have a Ferrari and a Porsche. This car must be different from all others. I see it as a car influenced not by feminine beauty, like Italian cars, but by masculine beauty - it is strong, well toned, well muscled. It has big deep flanks and is very toned - that's part of the muscled stance.'
Overt functional touches include the kink in the rear pillar - 'it is highly distinctive and helps rear airflow,' says Nakamura, 'and it also gives the Nissan GT-R a really unusual roof line, which I like.' The side front fender air scoops also improve the car's aero performance by improving airflow around the tires, are highly distinctive and almost animalistic. They also help cool the big-chested twin-turbo V6. Nakamura also feels those deep flat sides are highly functional. 'They're flat like a well toned stomach but they also help when judging the car's width and they're very aerodynamic.'
Good aerodynamics was a key requirement for the high-speed Nissan GT-R. 'Designing a car is always a balance between engineering and aesthetics. But with the Nissan GT-R we had very little conflict. We knew this car had to be Nissan's technological showcase. Our designers worked very closely with the aerodynamicists to ensure excellent air flow and good downforce essential for a car that has such a high top speed and such excellent high speed stability.'
The new car also continues the proud NISSAN GT-R design lineage. 'It's quite square and edgy at first glance although full of interesting curvatures and subtle shapes when you look closer. Like all great design, the closer you look, the more you see.'
The pillars are quite upright, emphasizing that this is not an impractical low-slung supercar. There are the four round tail lamps mirrored in the four chunky round exhausts directly below. Specific styling cues, borrowed from great Nissans of the past, include the edgy boxy shape of the PGC10 GT-R of 1969, the four round tail lamps of the KPGC110 GT-R of 1973 and the long thin slit grille opening of the R34 Nissan GT-R of 1999.
