Nissan Outs GT-R LM NISMO Le Mans Racer

We got a brief glimpse at Nissan’s new Le Mans LMP1 racer during their Super Bowl commercial. Now we have more images, video and some specs for this impressive experimental sports car.

According to Nissan, the GT-R LM NISMO will feature a front-wheel drivetrain and a front engine, a seldom used configuration for performance cars, but one that can pay off when it comes to fuel efficiency and straight-line performance. Under its hood is a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine which uses a kinetic energy recovery system. It’s gearbox is a five-speed sequential with pneumatic paddle shifters, along with a hydraulic limited-slip diff.

Riding extremely low to the ground, the long and lean racer weighs just 1,940 pounds, thanks to its carbon composite body panels and composite windscreen. Suspension is provided by adjustable Penske dampers, while the Nissan’s active “brake-by-wire” system lets its driver fine-tune the car’s braking dynamics.

Prior Le Mans winner Marc Gene has been revealed as the first driver of the GT-R LM NISMO.

The GT-R LM NISMO will be on display at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, which happens to be in my home town, so I’m looking forward to seeing this beast in person.