Racing

Nissan Ditches The GT-R LM NISMO For 2016

by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
Nissan GT-R LM NISMO
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Photo: Nissan

Nissan had high hopes for its LMP1 racing program: not only did they enter the fray without a pedigree as glorious as its competitors, but they also brought along a very unique vehicle: the GT-R LM NISMO was the only front-wheel-drive vehicle in its class, and the fact that it had 1,250 horsepower on tap from a twin-turbo V6 surprised a lot of people.

Sadly, all those innovations did not translate into success for the endurance car. During its first 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car was around 20 seconds slower per lap than the leaders and was plagued by transmission and brake problems. Finally, a transmission woe ultimately stopped the car.

That seemed enough for Nissan to throw in the towel; after careful deliberation, it was decided that the Japanese manufacturer would abandon the 2016 WEC season, meaning that the futuristic front-wheel drive vehicle won’t be seen on a track this year.

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