Nissan R390 GT1

R390 GT1

The Nissan R390 GT1 was a sports prototype racer that raced at Le Mans in 1997 and 1998. A modified version, sold in small batches, was a road version in the model's two years.

       With the failure of the earlier Nissan R89C and R90CK racers, and the ban placed on Group C cars, the company set out to create an all-new racecar that would bring home laurels for the manufacturer. Remembering their early 1960s prototype racer that had excited motoring enthusiasts everywhere, the Prince R380, Nissan named their prototype R390 GT1, paying homage to their first foray into prototype racing. The GT1 signalled the class that the car would compete in. The prototype also borrowed an engine from the raced R89C, also used in the other R92CP prototype, though it was detuned to a still awe-inspiring 641 hp from 788 hp in Group C regulations. Styled by Tony Southgate, designer of the 1988 Le Mans winning Jaguar XJR-9, the car was ready in a relatively short amount of time, just ready for the 1997 Le Mans. Before the event, Nissan had built a small batch of road cars, bearing heliotrope colour schemes, for homogolation for Nissan's most discerning customers. In the race, though, all three cars entered had retired, and Nissan was forced to take a better look at their racer. 

       The changes then applied to the R390 GT1 improved the car. One major change was the application of a longer tail to improve aerodynamics to the early Manx-tailed racecar. A narrower rear wing was also introduced, which was set slightly lower to reduce drag, a styling point also present in the R390 GT1's predecessors. The car came in at a ready-to-roll weight of 1000 kg, however it was notably heavier than the GT1/GTP cars in its heyday and even in present racecars of today. It still had the same power output and torque figures, though it was undeniably more economical. Again, a road car was made, but with the new tail and an ultramarine paint scheme. The results showed the car's changes in the 1998 Le Mans, as the #32 Calsonic/Xanavi car took 3rd overall behind two Porsches. The car was eventually superseded by the less successful Nissan R391 LMP, but it did take victory in the Fuji 1000 km race. The R390 GT1, however, will remain the car that gave hope to Nissan and its born-again racing career at Le Mans. 

Specifications:

Race Car '98: Drive: Mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, unsynchronized Engine: V8: DOHC Displacement: 3495 cc Power: 641HP/6800 rpm Torque: 520.76lb.ft/4400rpm Dimensions: 4720mm by 2000mm by 1090mm Weight: 1000 kg

Road Cars '97+'98: Drive: Mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, unsynchronized Engine: V8: DOHC Displacement: 3495 cc Power: 345HP/5200 rpm Torque: 361.64lb.ft/4000 rpm Dimensions: 4720mm by 2000mm by 1140mm Weight: 1180 kg