Adios, Launch Control: Nissan Announces Running Change to 2009, 2010 GT-R

Marty Hussey, GT-R model-line manager for Nissan North America Inc., explains the update as a "running change to the software which alters shift points to improve acceleration by reducing transaxle stress."

Nissan says that the change is part of "incremental improvements" planned to "improve the car and improve customer satisfaction." The change could be interpreted, however, as largely a result of warranty claims against the GT-R's transaxle, which is subject to added stress when drivers accelerate from a standing start with the car's VDC system turned off, an action that is commonly referred to as "launch control."

Although Nissan says less than 1 percent of GT-Rs sold in the U.S. have reported damage to the transaxle (that's fewer than 18 cars, including one that was reportedly launched dozens of times in its first 100 miles off the lot), the change is affecting all 2009 and 2010 cars immediately, as cars that are currently being readied for shipment at importation points into the U.S. are awaiting the update before moving to dealer lots. In fact, as many as 50 GT-Rs have been sitting at the Port of Long Beach in California waiting for the programming change.

In a letter to its dealers today, Nissan says it will "provide this MY [model year] 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."

Inside Line has learned that 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. It will also decrease 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.

Nissan has also confirmed that launching the car with VDC off still voids the car's warranty. "Repairs for damage caused by driving with VDC OFF are expressly excluded under the terms of the Nissan GT-R New Car Limited Warranty," states the document to the dealers.

Current 2009 GT-R owners will be asked to voluntarily opt for the running change, which will be performed by their local dealer.

Inside Line says: Did they just neuter the GT-R? Maybe. We'll test one with the new software ASAP to find out. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor