Recently InsideLine reported that Nissan begun implementing a software change on new GT-R’s awaiting delivery and delivering a message to current owners to bring their vehicles in for reprogramming. The new reprogram modification would have “acceleration similar to that with the current launch control,” and will do this without disabling the VDC – Vehicle Dynamic Control. It will have a “launch mode” that reduces the launch rev to around 3,000 to 3,500 rpm. This will supposedly reduce stress on the drivetrain where the new program mapping will engage the clutch in “softer” manor. Also stated by Nissan is that all GT-R’s sold from now and into the future will have this new programming.
The situation, “…had been blown way out of proportion” says Scott Vazin, Nissan North America’s chief of product public relations. That’s pretty obvious by the famous Hitler Broke His GT-R video that we posted a few weeks ago.
Nissan is committed to the warranty claim when VDC is disabled. Simply put, it will still void your warranty unless it is being used to free the vehicle from being stuck in mud or snow. Yea, I’m going to jump in my GT-R today and go mudding and while I am at it I’m going to watch Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift to learn how to drift and then… I will hit the snow fields with VDC off so I can show these clowns how you drift and hold a deep conversation at the same time.
[source: InsideLine]
Below is the dealer directive in regards to the new programming: What a Load!
Nissan has enhanced the Model Year (MY) 2009 GT-R by incorporating new MY 2010 programming that will optimize clutch engagement control for improved drivability. This upgrade also improves vehicle acceleration with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) ON/activated.
Nissan will provide this MY 2010 specification upgrade to MY 2009 GT-R owners at no additional cost. Nissan has already incorporated this programming into the GT-R vehicles in its U.S. inventory and will resume shipping of those vehicles to dealers. We will advise you soon on how to install this new program into all MY 2009 GT-Rs (see below).
The GT-R will continue to offer supercar characteristics of exceptional handling, maneuvering and overall driving experience. This upgrade provides the consumer improved drivability and enhanced acceleration performance with VDC ON (as required by the warranty). Standing acceleration capability with VDC ON (VDC-R mode) will improve compared to the original model year 2009 performance while such acceleration with VDC OFF will be moderated. Customers should be reminded to drive safely and obey all traffic laws. [Please note independent media reports of 0-60 drive times with VDC OFF (or what the media call “Launch Control”) on closed courses with professional drivers will likely increase after this change.]
The GT-R Owner’s Manual expressly warns against driving with the VDC OFF (except to free the vehicle when stuck in mud or snow) to avoid damage. Repeated acceleration launches with VDC OFF have resulted in some reported instances of damage to the transaxle. Repairs for damage caused by driving with VDC OFF are expressly excluded under the terms of the Nissan GT-R New Car Limited Warranty. Except when stuck, there is no reason to drive with VDC OFF.
This change was initially implemented with the start of MY 2010 GT-R production and has been completed for all 2009 GT-Rs still in NNA inventory… In a few weeks, you will receive the Technical Service Bulletin explaining how to implement this specification change for all remaining 2009 GT-Rs…
Attached is a REVISED Customer Disclosure Form With Modification Notice, which must be used with all customers who buy or take delivery of a MY 2009 GT-R.
I just had to post this video again! Enjoy!
