Nissan R383
Encyclopedia
The Nissan R383 was a race car built in 1970 by Nissan Motors
that was planned for use in the 1970 Japanese Grand Prix
. Replacing the Nissan R382
, it would be the final racing sportscar built by Nissan until the mid-1980s.
from the R382, yet would see power improved to 700hp.
Nissan concentrated on the aerodynamics however, with concentration on the downforce the car would be able to create. The venting on the nose of the R382 was removed, leaving the entire frontal area of the R383 flattened. This meant that the car's radiators were now moved to the sides of the car, with large vents placed in the car's doors. The air intake for the V12 engine was also aerodynamically redesigned, now being placed below the rollbar in order to allow more air to the rear wing, as well as slightly off center of the cockpit in order to avoid the driver's helmet blocking the intake.
The R383 was also tested with a turbocharger added to the V12 engine, allowing for an increase of output to 900hp.
, against heavy competition from Porsche
, Toyota, Isuzu
, and others. However the race would be canceled by the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF), leaving the R383 without anywhere to race. Nissan would cancel the R380 program soon after, meaning the R383 never raced.
In 2006, Nismo
took up the task of restoring an R383 to working condition. The car currently runs at exhibition events alongside other cars in the R380 series.
Nissan Motors
, usually shortened to Nissan , is a multinational automaker headquartered in Japan. It was a core member of the Nissan Group, but has become more independent after its restructuring under Carlos Ghosn ....
that was planned for use in the 1970 Japanese Grand Prix
Japanese Grand Prix
The is a race in the calendar of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Traditionally one of the last, if not the last race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix has been the venue for many title-deciding races, with 13 World Champions being crowned over the 27 World Championship Japanese...
. Replacing the Nissan R382
Nissan R382
The Nissan R382 was a racing car built in 1969 by Nissan Motors for competition in the Japanese Grand Prix. Built to the Group 7 motorsports formula, the car featured Nissan's first V12 engine...
, it would be the final racing sportscar built by Nissan until the mid-1980s.
Development
Wishing to expand on the R382's winning formula even further, the R383 borrowed heavily from Can-Am cars running the Group 7 formula in North America. The R383 would retain the GRX-3 5954cc V12 engineV12 engine
A V12 engine is a V engine with 12 cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of six cylinders, usually but not always at a 60° angle to each other, with all 12 pistons driving a common crankshaft....
from the R382, yet would see power improved to 700hp.
Nissan concentrated on the aerodynamics however, with concentration on the downforce the car would be able to create. The venting on the nose of the R382 was removed, leaving the entire frontal area of the R383 flattened. This meant that the car's radiators were now moved to the sides of the car, with large vents placed in the car's doors. The air intake for the V12 engine was also aerodynamically redesigned, now being placed below the rollbar in order to allow more air to the rear wing, as well as slightly off center of the cockpit in order to avoid the driver's helmet blocking the intake.
The R383 was also tested with a turbocharger added to the V12 engine, allowing for an increase of output to 900hp.
Racing history
The R383s were planned to be entered at the 1970 Japanese Grand PrixJapanese Grand Prix
The is a race in the calendar of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Traditionally one of the last, if not the last race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix has been the venue for many title-deciding races, with 13 World Champions being crowned over the 27 World Championship Japanese...
, against heavy competition from Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
, Toyota, Isuzu
Isuzu
, is a Japanese car, commercial vehicle and heavy truck manufacturing company, headquartered in Tokyo. In 2005, Isuzu became the world's largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks. It has assembly and manufacturing plants in the Japanese city of Fujisawa, as well as in the prefectures...
, and others. However the race would be canceled by the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF), leaving the R383 without anywhere to race. Nissan would cancel the R380 program soon after, meaning the R383 never raced.
In 2006, Nismo
Nismo
Nismo is the motorsports and performance division of Nissan Motor Company. Formed in 1984 as a result of a merger of two motorsport departments, Nismo cars have participated in JSPC, Formula Nippon, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona...
took up the task of restoring an R383 to working condition. The car currently runs at exhibition events alongside other cars in the R380 series.