Next GT-R Engine to Be Based on Le Mans Racer
The next-generation Nissan GT-R will likely be powered by a race-developed engine.
Rumors have been circulating about what will power the next GT-R, but the latest report from Top Gear says that the GT-R will turn to a version of the twin-turbo V6 that Nissan uses for its LMP1 race car. The confirmation comes from Ben Bowlby, the mastermind behind the Japanese automaker’s Le Mans prototype that features a hybrid powertrain with 1,250 HP.
Bowlby pointed to the engine’s 6,500 RPM red line, which is the same as the current production car, saying that the current race engine “is truly an early ancestor of what will be a future Nissan GT-R engine.”
SEE ALSO: Next-Gen Nissan GT-R Hybrid Coming in 2018 ‘at the Earliest’
The engine is proving to be reliable in the LMP1 race car and motorsports has helped expedite the development of the powertrain. Nissan’s chief creative officer, Shiro Nakamura, has already confirmed that the next GT-R, which isn’t due to arrive until sometime in 2018 at the earliest, will be a hybrid. While we’re just receiving bits and pieces of the puzzle still, it appears that the next-generation GT-R will be a hybrid featuring a powertrain from a race car and will likely have styling from the 2020 Concept seen above
[Source: Top Gear]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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