Front-engine, front-wheel drive, necessarily different aerodynamics: Nissan was looking to be innovative for its return to the head endurance class. But innovation inevitably requires time to get it right; this is why the Japanese manufacturer has decided to focus on conducting test sessions, mainly in the U.S., and to pull its two GT-R LM NISMOs from the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) until further notice.

For its first foray into competition, Nissan had to content itself with using the GT-R LM NISMO's conventional engine: though the energy recovery and return system was installed in the car as required by the technical regulations, it was not utilized. To find a solution to the problems that have arisen, Nissas has increased its test sessions - like this week at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

"We know people will be disappointed but be assured that nobody is more disappointed than us,” said Shoichi Miyatani, President of NISMO. “We are racers and we want to compete but we also want to be competitive. That is why we have chosen to continue our test programme and prepare the GT-R LM NISMO for the strong competition we face in the World Endurance Championship. When you innovate you don’t give up at the first hurdle. We are committed to overcoming this challenge."

Down the road, Nissan will communicate the date of its return to the FIA WEC LM P1 class, but has every intention - as confirmed by Darren Fox, Global Head of Brand, Marketing & Sales, NISMO - of continuing to fulfill the GT-R LM NISMO's potential.

Cécile Bonardel / ACO (quotation from Nissan press release)

Photo: Copyright - Nismo