Engine (NPK)
From NAGTROC
Nissan's VR38DETT is a brand new engine specially developed for the Nissan GT-R. The 3.8-liter unit uses twin IHI turbochargers. Its maximum power is 480 PS (353 kW) at 6400rpm. This makes the Nissan GT-R one of the world's most powerful road cars and the most powerful production car ever built by Nissan.
'More important than the absolute power, is the manner in which it is delivered,' says chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno. 'The engine's very tractable and that means it's very easy to drive, a key quality of the Nissan GT-R.' Maximum torque of 60kg/m (588 Nm) is delivered seamlessly from 3200-5200rpm.
It is also a very efficient engine, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The Nissan GT-R is the world's most efficient supercar in balancing speed, acceleration and fuel consumption. Environmental performance is further reinforced by its satisfying Japan's U-LEV (ultra low emission vehicle) standards.
The engine's high environmental standard is partly due to the innovative plasma-coating bores, which improves cooling, boosting fuel efficiency and power. The plasma sprayed cylinder liner bores are just 0.15mm thick, compared with conventional cast iron liners of 2.6mm. Not only are they much better at dissipating heat, improving efficiency, they're also lighter - saving about 3 kg in a V6 engine. To ensure sufficient lubrication of this sprayed-on cylinder liner in the aluminum block, special synthetic engine oil is used (Mobil-1 RP OW-40).
In addition, the fully independent intake and exhaust systems produce a higher output and a faster response. These fully symmetrical intake and exhaust systems increase air intake and reduce exhaust resistance, producing a smooth and fast gas flow. The twin IHI turbochargers are highly responsive.
Emissions are improved by a secondary air system, featuring an air pump, which promotes faster catalyst reaction, better to cleanse the exhaust.
The Nissan GT-R's advanced electronic controls respond quickly to climate and altitude changes, ensuring maximum performance at all times. Precise monitoring of the air-fuel ratio further improves fuel efficiency and emissions. This precise control improves high-performance fuel consumption by five percent. During ordinary low-rev driving, the Nissan GT-R will typically generate about 40 kg/m (392 Nm) of torque - sufficient for excellent pick-up and acceleration - and this high output allows for an optimum air-fuel ratio, significantly improving fuel efficiency and exhaust cleanliness. 'When driving on moderate throttle openings - in other words, in normal everyday driving - the Nissan GT-R proves to be especially ecologically friendly,' says Mizuno. 'Its fuel economy advantages over rivals is magnified in such normal everyday driving situations.' In automatic mode, the transmission quickly chooses high gear ratios, allowing the engine to ride along on a wave of low-rev torque.
Other technical innovations include a thermostatically controlled air-cooled type oil cooler system, for greater cooling efficiency. The engine oil is cooled by oil cooler system and in extreme cornering - of which the Nissan GT-R is easily capable - a scavenger pump maintains turbocharger oil flow. A collector tank inside the fuel tank always stores enough fuel to maintain fuel flow even under strong g forces. The oil collecting structure inside the engine is optimized by a lateral wet and dry sump system, which helps secure stable oil collecting and oil pressure in various driving scenes.The engines, like the transmissions, are all hand made. One craftsman hand-assembles the entire engine. The dedicated engine builders work in a special Nissan GT-R 'clean room' area of Nissan's Yokohama plant.