The Nissan GT-R Just Set the Drifting World Record

Apr 14, 2016

Nissan is known for making vehicles that test physical limits, and they’ve brought out another wild success. Recently, a specially tuned Nissan GT-R Nismo broke the Guinness World Record for fastest drift. In fact, it did it three times. The old record of 135 miles per hour was smashed in three attempts, for a final drift of nearly 190 mph at 30 degrees. During the test, it reached a top speed of 218 mph.

The Nismo

Anyone fond of speedy cars knows the GT-R Nismo, a model Nissan frequently improves upon to express the peaks of their engineering. This amazing 2016 model really brings to the forefront a new question: Just how much power can four cylinders give? That’s right, the GT-R Nismo that ran the test was packing a 4.0-liter I-4, but with 1,380 horsepower, and all of it is delivered to the rear tires to encourage a long, fast, but smooth drift from the rear.

Most GT-R Nismo models have had 3.8-liter V6 engines that get up to 600 horsepower. The Nismo versions have upgraded for further horsepower and lower drag coefficient compared to the ordinary GT-R, which has 545 horsepower in its 2016 model. This intense 4.0-liter engine is an intriguing departure from the norm but is perfect for achieving the incredible speed needed for the long, straight drift.

The Background

This special 2016 GT-R Nismo was delivered to Fujairah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates and tested at its track. Before that, it was tested and prepared in Japan at Fuji Speedway. Despite its name, the Fujairah International Airport did not receive regularly scheduled service, which made its 1.86-mile long runway a perfect place to run the test. The actual record was made by Japanese drifting champion Kawabata Masato.

The test was a collaboration between Nissan and GReddy Trust, a Japanese auto performance parts company known for having some of the most advanced and powerful equipment on the market.

Want a GT-R?

Ordinary GT-R Nismo models are all-wheel drive, but this model focused its massive horsepower entirely on the rear wheels. It was also made as light as possible with a design made of firm composite in as many places as the automaker could choose. While it’s an amazing result, driving without a secure metal body and all the modern, top-tier features wouldn’t do for the everyday driver.

While a 2016 GT-R Nismo from a dealer won’t be as fast, it’ll have all the stuff Nissan removed to set the highest record, like leather-appointed front seats with suede inserts, a touchscreen navigation system, and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive with a secure 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles. There’s even the optional N-Attack packages, which customize your Nismo to perform even better on the track and give it a stylish rear wing with many adjustment options.

If this has gotten you interested in driving a 2016 GT-R Nismo with 600 horsepower or an ordinary 2016 GT-R with a still-supreme 545 horsepower, check out our inventory and options, and feel free to contact us.