Nissan Gt-r

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Last month PistonHeads was invited to visit Nissan's Nurburgring Technical Centre for an exclusive interview with the 'father of the GT-R', the car's program manager and chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno.

PH Editor Chris-R posed questions based on suggestions from the PH forums, and we captured Mizuno san's answers on camera. Check out the film clips below, for some fascinating insights into the mind of this famously single-minded chief engineer, and his philosophy about the GT-R project.

The fount of all GT-R knowledge very kindly answered all our questions in English, making frequent use of the office whiteboard to illustrate various points.

Without blowing the PH trumpet too loudly, we're forced to say that GT-R 'geekery' doesn't get much better than this. So pay attention class, and take it away Mizuno san..

Source : http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=20819

Edited October 21, 2009 by Devinda_Z

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q1) For such a high performance machine, the GT-R is a big car and heavy one. Tell us why that is?

Edited October 21, 2009 by Devinda_Z

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q2) So what is the best way to reduce weight from the R35 to make it perform better?

Edited October 21, 2009 by Devinda_Z

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q3) In your previous answer, you seemed to be telling us the parameters of 1700kgs weight and 485hp were set from the beginning of the project, is that correct?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q4) Why did you opt for a V6 engine, instead of an engine with more cylinders?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q5) What about the transaxle - some competitors have seven or eight speeds, so why does the GT-R have only six?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q6) The R34 had the HICAS rear wheel steering system. Why didn't that make it onto the latest GT-R?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q7) Is the increasing use of electronic control systems in performance cars a welcome trend, or does it reduce the enjoyment for the driver?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q8) When you develop a car from scratch, there have to be compromises. What was the biggest compromise that affected the development of the GT-R?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q9) Can diesels ever be a good thing in motorsports, and can electric road cars ever be fun to drive?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q10) What are your thoughts about the need to reduce the environmental impact of motoring and motorsport?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q11) There have been lots of rumours about future GT-R developments, including the Spec M version with more comfort. What can you tell us about that?

Devinda_Z · October 21, 2009

Q12) We know about your personal commitment and passion for the GT-R, but where does this passion come from. Were you inspired by cars as a boy, and which cars inspire you now?