The Inside Line on the Radically-Designed Nian GT-R LM NISMO LMP

The Inside Line on the Radically-Designed Nissan GT-R LM NISMO LMP1

The amount of research and development implemented in racing, whether its motorcycles, cars, or something in between, has to rival that of space exploration or medical discovery. The constant drive to beat the clock--and the competition never falters, and it has pushed the limits of what is considered possible.

And while Nissan is built upon the foundation of research and development, their official presence in the racing world has been calculated. In fact, not since 1999 has the manufacturer ventured into the top class of the 24 hours of Le Mans. However, they will return in 2015, and it would appear the hiatus was well worth the wait.

Nissan recently unveiled its barrier-demolishing hybrid GT-R LM NISMO that will spearhead LMP1 at Le Mans, where it will take on the hybrid likes of Audi, Porsche, and Toyota. But the similarities to its competition are few and far between. To start, unlike its competition, the GT-R LM NISMO features a front-wheel-driven chassis powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that works in harmony with an electric drive system said to push more than 1,250 horsepower. Under braking, the GT-R LM NISMO actually coverts the kinetic energy generated and stores it, where it can be accessed again instantly, such as when exiting the same corner where the braking initially generated the energy. The wheel/tire package up front is wider than the rear, so the power from front-mounted engine can be immediately and efficiently transferred to the ground. From front to back, top to bottom, the GT-R LM NISMO is unlike anything else on the circuit.

Perhaps less outwardly groundbreaking than the radical design, but equally revolutionary, is Nissan's transparency on its race car. Racing as a whole, is a closed-book, eyes-on-your-own-paper sport, because the competition is so fierce. Any advancement, discovery, new technology implemented can be, and is, a leg-up on the rest of the field. For Nissan to virtually open their playbook to their design is not only confident and unprecedented, it's also refreshing and progressive.

And it was that progressive spirit of Nissan that ushered in the opportunity for GoPro to capture the GT-R LM NISMO in action. Check out Nissan's return to Le Mans from the unique perspective only GoPro can capture in the video above, and stay tuned as GoPro joins the team on their journey back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

LINK:	http://gopro.com/news/the-inside-line-on-the-radically-designed-nissan...
	See more stories from gopro

Most recent headlines