Nissan believes U.S. customers lucky enough to score a new GT-R may also be brave enough to drive it during winter months. According to a recent Automotive News report, Nissan engineers outfitted the new GT-R with a center console "snow button" that, when engaged, reduces the car's low-end torque. This should help rush-hour racers keep control of their 480-hp machine on slick, icy roadways - particularly in the Northeast.
But what pushed Nissan to make a snow-going GT-R?
Peter Bedrosian, Nissan North America's sports car product planning manager, said research indicated that in Canadian and Northeast markets, 80 percent of Porsche 911 and Carrera owners continue to drive their cars year-round, in the snow.
"Our car has to be able to do that," Bedrosian said.
Nissan will also offer a no-cost all-weather package with its GT-R, which includes Dunlop all-season tires, different wheels and an adjusted engine coolant mix.
Source: Automotive News (subscription required)