2011 Nissan 370 GT Edition
Nissan is celebrating its global success in the GT series endurance racing by launching the 370 GT Edition in UK. It also pays homage to the Nissan Z cars which have been present in the British market since 1970s.
The GT Edition features some exclusive features that set it apart from standard models including special body colours, unique GT stripes, darkened 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels and a number of significant suspension and equipment changes. The performance sadly remains the same as other models. The stripes and graphics on the body of the car are a reminder of Z Cars’ history. That gives it a character.
The GT is priced at £35,000 in the UK market and is currently available to order from participating 370Z dealers with first deliveries expected from 1 June 2011.
Nissan press release:
The GT Edition recognises its heritage with a nod to the 1970s and the birth of the original Z car: special side stripes.
Grey ‘GT’ stripes running along the flanks of the car contrast with each of the special edition’s three body colours – Pearl White, Kuro (metallic) black and Black Rose, the latter shade is exclusive to GT Edition. The exterior is set off by the standard 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels finished in a dramatic dark anthracite colour.
In deference to the higher average speeds routinely enjoyed in Europe, changes to the GT chassis have been engineered by technicians from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The principal modification has been to retune the dampers to provide the ideal balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling.
Equipment changes include the arrival of a rear view parking camera as part of the Premium Connect satellite navigation system and the fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system. The advanced seven-speed automatic option now has a snow mode which, when applied, sets the car off in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow. Refinement is enhanced by revisions to underbody insulation to reduce road noise.
“The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere,” said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning, Nissan International SA. “The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree.”
As the name implies, the GT Edition celebrates Nissan’s presence in GT racing on the world stage. As well as its continuing commitment to Super GT in Japan, Nissan has been one of the leading lights in the new GT1 World Championship, winning the prestigious Tourist Trophy in 2010 with the fearsome GT-R. The Nissan Z family has been a race winner in the FIA GT4 European Cup since its inception and competes annually in various 24 hour races – the highlight being the Nürburgring 24 hours.
The Nissan 370Z GT4 Cup race car has raced toe to toe against competition from Aston Martin, Porsche and BMW across Europe in the real world while it is also the racing gamers’ vehicle of choice in the virtual world.
An innovative link with Gran Turismo 5 game for PlayStation® 3 has seen cyber racers compete against each other to win a drive in a real 370Z GT4 cup car. The 2011 GT Academy series, already underway, with on-line gamers ready to swap the virtual world for the real thing.
The best will become part of the Nissan GT Academy, a motor racing ladder that could take top drivers from local series through the European Blancpain Endurance series right the way to international GT1 World Championship.
