It’s been awhile since we’ve featured a GT-R on the NWAS blog. Now, that’s not to say we aren’t fans the GT-R, no — more so, we just don’t see them come through as often as we might like. Sure, our next door neighbors usually have one in stock from time to time, but it typically takes the latest or the greatest to really get us excited.
Cue the Godzilla roar, because the 2016 Nissan GT-R Nismo that arrived at the shop last month is just the kind of factory spec monster that has enough jimmy rustling potential to scare some of the quickest Corvettes around.
The regiment for the Nismo included a robust New Car Detail package including customized Full Frontal XPEL paint protection, and Prestige Film Technologies PhotoSync 75 window tint. Once Ben had completed the Nismo’s 24-step hand wash & clay barred away any remaining surface contaminants, it was time for Tomas and Josh to begin polishing out the bodywork.
Unfortunately, as is the case with many new cars, even one of Nissan’s strongest offerings was subject to some improper handling prior to delivery at NWAS. Most of the painted surfaces exhibited quite a few holograms, which was a bit disconcerting for a limited edition vehicle, let alone a brand new GT-R.
There were also some larger scratches & a few swirls present in the paint and carbon trims, but fortunately enough everything would be easily corrected out with a little bit of extra elbow grease.
When detailing & protecting a car of this color range, proper correction is paramount. Nissan’s Jet Black has quite a bit of heavy flake in it to begin with, so even the slightest amount of damage to the clear coat can seriously detract from its appearance in any sort of direct lighting.
As you can see, the single stage provided by our standard New Car Detail was aggressive enough to polish everything up beautifully. With a majority of the scratches alleviated, this GT-R Nismo was finally ready for a customized Full Frontal XPEL ULTIMATE paint protection package.
Leaving a car as capable as a brand new Jet Black GT-R Nismo completely void of any surface protection is just asking for trouble, so we were glad to hear this particular client even wanted to go above & beyond Full Frontal protection.
On top of our standard Full Frontal package, we also installed XPEL ULTIMATE on the rockers, on the carbon behind the rear wheels, and rock guards directly above. While it was far from Total Coverage, every essential area of exposed paintwork on the GT-R Nismo is now wrapped up tight, safe from whatever the road or track may throw its way.
Sometimes when you’ve got a dark paint color paired with an equally dark interior, the last thing you want is a tint that throws way too much shade. To combat the blackout, we opted for Prestige Film Technologies PhotoSync 75, giving the GT-R full-spectrum protection against IR, UV A/B, maximum heat rejection, and great visibility all around.
Of course, we couldn’t let the Nissan GT-R Nismo make a run for the border without getting in a quick photo shoot in the cyclorama. Whether you’re a fan of the GT-R or not, there’s no denying the Nismo is every bit as eye catching as it is dangerously quick. If the stats ring true, this thing is throwing down 600hp from its twin turbo V6. It also helps that the turbos are the same as those found on the GT-R GT3 & and it’s sporting a unique Nismo tune,
To keep everything glued, the Nissan GT-R Nismo is equipped with Bilstein DampTronic shocks, stiffer springs than its siblings, extra sticky Dunlops, and some other unlisted “Nismo-tuned” suspension components.
Couple all that with massive 20” forged RAYS alloys & functional air ducts for better brake cooling, and it becomes clear that Nismo means business.
The Nissan’s interior remains relatively similar to past Nismo editions, with Alcantara appointed Recaros & plenty chunky bolstering to keep you penned in. The tach readout has been changed to show a sportier bright red backing, and both the steering wheel & gauge hood also receive the Alcantara treatment.
Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without some minimal Nismo branding stitched into the headrests.
Beyond power & performance, what really separates the GT-R Nismo apart from the rest is the re-shaped aerodynamics and carbon fiber components. The front & rear fascias have been replaced with lighter, more aggressively styled carbon fiber variants, capped with red trimming. Of course, it’s not all good looks, the redesign has done a great job of ensuring airflow is equally spread from front to rear.
A full carbon trunk lightens things up even more, and to top it off Nismo has added a dry carbon spoiler for improved stability and downforce. Reportedly, the spoiler helps the Nissan generate more than 220 lbs. at 186mph. Better to have it & not need it than get caught slipping, right?
In closing, the Nissan GT-R Nismo is quite a feat of modern automotive engineering mixed with a perfect amount of computer controlled trickery, and we’re glad we got to work with one of the first 2016 models in the upper left coast. Taking delivery of your very own Nissan GT-R Nismo? Hit us up for more details on our New Car Detail and XPEL PPF options to ensure your latest acquisition stays looking as nice as it did the day it rolled off the assembly line.