Nissan GT-R LM Nismo Project at Le Mans 2015

In 2015, Nissan decided to compete in the LMP1 category of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a completely different technical approach from its rivals. The GT-R LM Nismo, a prototype with a front engine and front-wheel drive, broke with the conventional design of endurance prototypes, which generally opted for a mid-rear engine layout. The expectations were high, but the results on the track were disappointing.

The project was first unveiled to the public during the Super Bowl in February 2015, where Nissan sought to capture public attention through one of the most important advertising platforms. The initial impact was significant, as they presented a vehicle designed with innovations that had not been seen in other LMP1 models.

A Radical Design

The GT-R LM Nismo stood out for its radical design. Unlike typical Le Mans prototypes, this model had its engine mounted in the front, which was unusual in endurance racing at the time. Nissan opted for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that generated 550 horsepower, complemented by a hybrid system that, in theory, was supposed to add up to 1,250 total horsepower. This approach not only aimed for greater aerodynamic efficiency but also sought to reduce drag on Le Mans' long straights, allowing the vehicle to reach higher speeds.

The prototype's aerodynamics were designed to concentrate downforce on the front, allowing Nissan to reduce the size of the rear wing. The team also collaborated with Michelin to develop tires that could handle the unique characteristics of the GT-R LM, with a significant difference in the width of the front and rear wheels. However, these experiments did not prove effective in practice.

Development Issues

The development of the GT-R LM Nismo was not without challenges. The prototype failed the FIA crash tests twice, delaying its debut in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Problems with the integration of the hybrid system were also persistent. Despite the engineering team's efforts, they could not fully resolve the technical difficulties, which affected its performance from the early tests.

The prototype finally debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015, where Nissan entered three cars with numbers #21, #22, and #23. Each vehicle had a unique livery, with #21 being a tribute to the Nissan R90CK, which raced at Le Mans in 1990. However, mechanical and performance problems became evident from the start of the race.

Performance at Le Mans: Three Attempts, Three Failures

Despite high expectations, Nissan's three prototypes performed far below expectations at Le Mans 2015. Car #21, driven by Lucas Ordóñez, Tsugio Matsuda, and Mark Shulzhitskiy, had to retire after only ten hours due to mechanical issues. Meanwhile, #23, driven by Jann Mardenborough, withdrew from the race an hour before the finish due to suspension failures caused by the vehicle's stiff handling in the corners.

Car #22, the only one to cross the finish line, did not meet the minimum number of laps required to be officially classified. The drivers complained of severe understeer and lack of traction, which compromised their performance throughout the race. Nissan could not compete with its main rivals, such as Porsche, Audi, and Toyota, who dominated the category.

Project Cancellation

After the disappointing performance at Le Mans, Nissan attempted additional tests with the GT-R LM Nismo in December 2015. However, the technical issues persisted, and on December 22 of that year, Nissan announced the project's cancellation. Although an improved model for 2016 had been developed, which included a more advanced hybrid system and modifications to the suspension and aerodynamics, the prototype never raced again.

A Change of Course: Nissan in Formula E

After the setbacks at Le Mans, Nissan decided to redirect its efforts towards Formula E, a category more aligned with its future vision and electrification goals. The brand entered this competition in 2018, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to participate in the electric single-seater category. Unlike the GT-R LM Nismo project, Nissan has established itself in Formula E, achieving success over several seasons.

In the 2023/24 season, Nissan achieved good results, with several podiums and a solid performance in the teams' championship. Through Formula E, the brand has been able to apply technological advances developed in racing to its electric production vehicles, a key area of its strategy for the coming years. This approach has allowed Nissan to advance its commitment to sustainable mobility, using competition as a platform for development and learning for its commercial models.