Sunday, November 8, 2015

Forza Motorsport 6: NIssan GT-R LM NISMO

On the recent monthly update for Forza Motorsport 6, which corrects most of the issues gamers faced during gameplay, we've been introduced by this month's free DLC car to drive in-game and I think I might spark some questions about this month's free car; it's the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO.

nismo

Nissan signalled the return in the world of LMP1 prototype racing at Le Mans after a 16-year hiatus with their brand-new GT-R LM NISMO. Unveiled minutes after the airing of Nissan's Big Game ad during the Super Bowl match between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, Nissan's new GT-R LM NISMO is revealed to be the world's first first front-engine/front-wheel drive LMP1 prototype, a drivetrain unheard of for this category.

According to LMP1 Team Principal/Technical Director, Ben Bowlby, the front-wheel drive layout benefits traction and packaging while its long bonnet accommodating its twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine, carrying 768HP of power and 889lb-ft of torque, providing better downforce and more efficient in the straights.

At the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, all three GT-R LM NISMO racing machines faced numerous setbacks. The #21 car retired late into the night after losing a rear tire, while the #23 stopped running with just an hour to go. Most of them operated with no or less hybrid assist, causing them lack of acceleration and more stress on the front brakes.

nismo (2)

Yes, this is highly questionable why the world's first FF Le Mans Prototype ever managed to secure a spot in the ever-growing FM6 car list but not as questionable as how it drives because at the first two gears, the wheelspin's giving me little traction at all, making it more difficult to get off the line quick when you're not careful, but if it's in the right speed at the right moment, it doesn't feel half bad to drive this front-wheel drive LMP.

When driving on the wet surface, well, I shall now demonstrate it by driving this one in Silverstone during a rainy weather because it's raining outside right away. I wanna see how this car survive a wet lap...



Well, it feels so technical to drive in this powertrain and even if you're a skilled driver, you need some improved concentration to find out where's the best place to accelerate or brake in the wet surface, even in this track I'm facing with. It maybe grippy but it's difficult to get around while stuck on its wheelspinning phase.

So, with its FF layout unheard for most LMPs, the GT-R LM NISMO has unique characteristics that may find it difficult to control but at the hands of a skilled driver, it can adapt through various situations.

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