Nissan today announced the completion of an 8.1 km high-speed test track at its Hokkaido Proving Ground in Rikubetsu, Ashoro, making it the company’s longest high-speed circuit. The track, which was built at a cost of 3.2 billion yen ($27.52 million), is designed to allow speeds of more than 300 kilometers per hour (about 187.5 miles per hour). “With this new high-speed track, Nissan will be able to conduct comprehensive vehicle testing, from ordinary road driving to ultra high-speed driving. This will allow us to further improve on the quality and performance of our vehicles,” said Mitsuhiko Yamashita, executive vice president and head of research and development at Nissan. The high-speed track is modeled after the German Autobahn with continuous slopes and curves, as well as various road surfaces. In addition to research into vehicle behavior at high and ultra-high speeds, Nissan will use the track to research driver behavior, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and other driver support systems. Full photo after the jump…
09/11, 4:00 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
So this means they’re going to try to build less-****ty cars? We shall see…
09/11, 4:03 PM
posted by:
1952 MG TD
$28mil and only capable of 180mph?
I would expect the investment to return more than that for capability…
09/11, 4:53 PM
posted by:
maverick
Um… ok, sounds like a waste of money to me. I understand they need to test their cars but seems like a little much for the kind of cars they are currently building, maybe 1c3d0g is onto somethin.
09/11, 5:04 PM
posted by:
Alex Dillon
I LIKE!!! IS NIIIICE!!!
09/11, 5:39 PM
posted by:
Jameson
I think that they are acknowledging reality. Driver speeds have increased by about 1/2 mph per to date since 1940. Despite increasing levels of traffic congestion, speed limits are also higher today in most countries. The trend to more expensive fuel has not stopped that trend. The Equropeans, the Japanese and many others have dealt with high fuel preices for decades, and their driving speeds continue to rise. The test track looks like a good idea.
09/11, 5:42 PM
posted by:
C-Hole
Who cares if you think it’s a waste of money? Nissan sure doesn’t, and it’s probably going to stay that way.
1952 MG TD, it’s not about the track’s max speed. 180mph is more than enough for common testing purposes. They’ve got those longer, straighter tracks for higher speeds.
09/11, 8:21 PM
posted by:
Nuevo circuÃto de alta velocidad de Nissan — Diariomotor
[...] Vía: LeftLaneNews Archivado en: Competición, Nissan [...]
09/11, 8:55 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Nissan bashers are pretty funny AND pretty stupid.
09/11, 10:23 PM
posted by:
LSCMKVII
Can’t wait for a Skyline/Z06 Matchup on that ‘track’………
09/11, 11:40 PM
posted by:
Veda
Honda builds a dome for safety testing and Nissan builds a track for increasing the speed of their vehicles. Interesting points of investments… certainly tells us where they’re heading.
09/12, 2:34 AM
posted by:
John Landers
This is sweet. Improving Highspeed stability does a lot for the ride of the car at any speed.
Japan needs a local one, instead of the occassional project that goes to the autobahn or the nurburgring.
09/12, 2:58 AM
posted by:
James
I smell GTR testing grounds.
09/12, 4:01 AM
posted by:
Veda
Nissan certainly won’t be able to beat both Honda and Toyota on their quality mythical ground, so they really should go the far end of the road and focus on performance. If they can provide the same performance as BMW for less, they can build a long term positive image on that.
09/12, 9:54 AM
posted by:
BrokenCadillac...
Let’s see Nissan take on the domestic muscle once and for all! FWIW, the 4.5 V8 in the M and FX is a kickass motor and the venerable VQ puts Nissan at the tops for engines imo. Maybe the Skyline will join the future ranks with the Mustang, Challanger and Vette? I’m all for it.
09/12, 3:34 PM
posted by:
Veda
Not a bad idea actually BrokenCadillac, have them make the power cars even if handling isn’t on par with BMW. But that may not be good in the long term given gasoline prices lately.
09/12, 9:42 PM
posted by:
James
Veda in my opinion Nissan has always been better than Honda and Toyota. They always will be too. The only reason why Honduh and Toyota are around is because there are alot of chicken**** panty waist dumb****s who believe global warming is humanity’s fault. If you want economy go to Toyota since they are gutless now, no Supra or any fast car. At least Nissan still has the balls for speed. So does Mazda.
09/13, 8:15 AM
posted by:
Ethan GT
I agree with James. I’m not the biggest fan of the 350Z, but at least Nissan still has it.
09/13, 10:38 AM
posted by:
Veda
James, that’s a very subjective comment which can’t be proven either way. I’d comment based on the sales numbers, safety ratings of their vehicles, and performance tests. Just because a manufacturer decides to make performance models since they can’t really make more through their regular models doesn’t make them “better” in my book. And the buying public doesn’t agree either.
09/13, 1:21 PM
posted by:
BrokenCadillac...
Check out an S2000 James and then get back to us.
09/13, 1:26 PM
posted by:
James
An S2000 huh caddie? Ok I’ll borrow a 350Z and look at the Slow2000 in the rearview. I like the Z but only if its a certain look.
09/14, 9:52 AM
posted by:
Aston_
Calm down, this aint a S2000 vs 350Z thread. Sure these cars are pieces of work but u dont need to compare them. Its personal choice for who wants what.
but damn, as a fan of the Skyline. The new GTR being tested on that track is gonna make it a perfect monster once its four paws hit the streets~!