New GT-R on show at Geneva as Nissan responds quickly
to
blog reports of transmission issues
As Nissan unveils its new, even faster Spec-V version of the GT-R supercar at Geneva, it is at
the same time implementing a global software upgrade to deal with reported failures in the
innovative dual clutch transmission on models in service in the US.
The software upgrade concerns the transmissions of regular GT-R models, following blog reports that in a small number of cases the car's ground-breaking rear-mounted, six-speed dual clutch transmissions had failed.
The global transmission software upgrade recodes the launch-control protocols of the GT-R, say the reports.
The Nissan GT-R boasts a very powerful twin turbo engine with 588 Nm of torque, a level that was previously thought to be beyond the capability of a dual clutch transmission. Some owners, it appears, have been unable to resist the temptation to disengage the car's dynamic stability control, under which conditions a sub-four second 0-100 km/h acceleration time may be achieved. It is under such circumstances, it is thought, that a few gearboxes have failed – though the problem has affected less than one per cent of US-registered GT-Rs - or less than 20 cars.
Nissan says that the software upgrade is to improve driveability; reports say that all current GT-R owners will be encouraged to have their cars retrofitted. The new launch control protocol will lower the clutch engaging threshold from the present 4500r/min to a lower, as yet unconfirmed, engine speed.
Performance enhancers on the new Spec-V version include a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. This provides an even stronger sense of acceleration, says Nissan, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for better fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes. The GT-R Spec-V is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels.
The Spec-V model has previously been on sale only at selected dealers in Japan, and is targeted squarely at enthusiast drivers looking for racing levels of performance. Accordingly, pricing is set at ¥15,750,000 (over US$160,000).
Story Filed: 3/25/2009
By Tony Lewin, managing editor DCTfacts.com