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VIDEOS: Nissan GT-R chief engineer spills the beans

Posted by Hootan Mahallati | October 27, 2009 | In nissan videos

kazutoshi mizuno

In a rare, deep glimpse into the engineering thought-process behind one of the most capable cars in the world, PistonHeads has interviewed Kazutoshi Mizuno, program manager and chief engineer of the Nissan GT-R. Be warned that these videos are for the hardest of hard-core gearheads, as Mr. Mizuno delves into such things as optimum weight targets per wheel, effects on tire patch, engine and transaxel packaging, and torque curves. Mizuno makes an interesting and debatable case against low weight in car design.

After designing the Nissan Primera, Mr. Mizuno spent many years leading Nissan's racing efforts, and as he shares with a wry smile, he always won the championships. You see, it is not a coincidence that the GT-R trounces most challengers.

The seriously in-depth interview is divided into 12 parts, so bookmark this post in case you can't watch it all in one sitting. Enjoy!

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

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

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?

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

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

Q6) The R34 had the HICAS rear wheel steering system. Why didnt that make it onto the latest GT-R?

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

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?

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

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

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?

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?

[Source: PistonHeads]

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