Nissan To Launch GT-R LM NISMO For Le Mans Challenge

By Ajinkya

Updated: Saturday, May 24, 2014, 14:46 [IST]

In 2015 Nissan will compete in the LM P1 category of FIA World Endurance Championship. To compete in the event they will be launching a new vehicle called the GT-R LM NISMO. The Japanese manufacturer is the latest entrant to join the competition. It will have to compete with the likes of Audi, Toyota as well as Porsche.

The 24 Hours Le Mans championship is the most gruelling race in a racer's career. The objective of the race is endurance, both of the driver and the vehicle. The competition tests the manufacturers and drivers to the maximum. It is the most prestigious endurance on planet Earth.

Nissan has explained they are not using the competition as a marketing gimmick and have full intention to win the Endurance challenge. They will enter two prototypes into the competition. Both the cars will run under GT-R LM NISMO badge - the Japanese have chosen the name after their popular street car.

Andy Palmer, Nissan's Chief Planning Office & Executive Vice-President expressed, "Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, there is no better place to demonstrate innovation than here in Europe's new hot-bed of digital marketing and, from next year, on track at Le Mans."

He further added, "We have chosen this venue - and made it a celebration, rather than yet another press conference - to reflect the fact that when we go racing, we do so differently."

Nissan has so far not announced their driver line-up for the 24 Hour Le Mans challenge. The Japanese manufacturer however, has hinted that drivers could be selected from both inside as well as outside Nissan's race fraternity.

Shoichi Miyatani, NISMO President explained, "The design and build of the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO is a global project with its DNA firmly rooted in Japan, the team comprises engineers and technical crew from Japan, the US and Europe."

He also said, "We know that LM P1 competition is very tough and with serious manufacturer competition, but we are absolutely determined to make our cars competitive and to operate strongly against those competitors."

Video: Nissan's GT-R LM NISMO Explained!