Nissan GT-R still quick after neutered launch control update

February 5th, 2009

Nissan recently started rolling out a transmission control unit update to all GT-Rs in inventory to modify the car’s launch control programming in order to reduce stresses to the drivetrain. The new software affects the vehicle in two ways. It increases the maximum rpm the vehicle will allow at launch with the VDC on from the present 2,000 rpm to 3,000 RPM. It also decreases the maximum RPM the vehicle will allow at launch with the VDC off from the present 4,500 rpm to between 3,000 RPM and 3,500 RPM.

The update is optional for existing GT-R owners, and some of them are already going in for the update. One owner has already updated his bone stock car and quickly went out to the drag strip running an astounding 11.34 @ 120.85 MPH at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana. With the updated launch control programming his GT-R was still able to blast off the line with a 1.69 60′ time, and we estimate his 0-60 MPH was probably in the low 3’s. It should be noted that the weather was optimal for this run, 38 degrees and low humidity, with a DA (Density Altitude) of negative 2145 feet, so don’t expect Nissan GT-Rs drag racing everywhere to perform this well.

Overall we think this is a good update for the GT-R, launching at 4,500 RPM in the GT-R produces a good amount of spin and wheel hop which can be detrimental to any drivetrain. While lowering the launch RPM to 3,500 probably induces a little bog from the start, the lack of spinning and wheel hop can make up for most of the lost time, while greatly reducing the stress and driveline shock.

Click on the link and picture below to view the timeslip data and picture. We have also included a video demonstrating a launch done without launch control using the new software and VDC on.


2009 Nissan GT-R runs 11.3 @ 120.8 MPH with updated launch control
2009 Nissan GT-R Updated Launch Control

Additional Nissan GT-R Resources:
Nissan GT-R Drag Racing Timeslips
Nissan GT-R Dyno Results and Graphs
Nissan GT-R for Sale

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