When launched the Nissan R35 GT-R covered 13-odd miles of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:38 and according the Japanese automaker the 2013 model can do it in just 7:20. The supercar is a testament to the hard work of GT-R chief Kazutoshi Mizuno and his team of engineers. However, Mizuno sees plenty of room for improvement and believes that the GT-R will continue to evolve over the next
five years.

At last year’s event the GT-R fielded by Schulze Motorsport won the SP8T class and finished 36th overall. Nissan will be using one of its production GT-Rs, albeit a  ready-to-race Club Track Edition.  The Club Track Edition comes with a stripped interior, some minor aero mods and a roll cage but its engine, transmission and suspension are all completely stock. Some changes such as tires with a width of 10 inches, up from 9.5 inches on the stock version, as well as slightly more rigid suspension, bigger brakes, a bigger fuel tank and a fixed rear wing will be made to ensure the car can survive racing around the grueling Nürburgring for an entire day.

The Nurburgring is known to be one of the toughest tracks in the world which is one of the reasons why automakers flock there to test their upcoming cars. The Nürburgring’s friction force is quite low and it also has many corners, significant temperature variations and extreme elevation changes when compared to other tracks. Competing in such a race will allow the GT-R design team to subject the car to much harsher conditions than they could at their own track to identify any areas in need of improvement. The 2012 Nürburgring 24 Hours takes place from May 17 to 20.

via motorauthority