Nissan in the UK has built a remote-controlled Nissan GT-R to celebrate the launch of Gran Turismo Sport later this month.

TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH of Gran Turismo Sport (October 18), Nissan GB has built a remote-controlled Nissan GT-R which was driven around Silverstone raceway in the UK.

The GT-R /C is fitted with four robots that operate the steering, transmission, brakes and throttle. Six computers mounted in the boot provide feedback at up to 100 times a second. The steering position is measured to one part in 65,000, Nissan said. The unmodified DualShock4 controller connects to a micro-computer which interprets the joystick and button signals and transmits them to the GT-R /C’s on-board systems. The wireless operation has a primary control range of one kilometre.

The GT-R /C was put through its paces by NISMO racing driver Jann Mardenborough (a GT Academy winner), around Silverstone’s famous National Circuit. Jann controlled the GT-R /C from the cockpit of a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, which had been given special permission to operate at a low altitude. 

On Mardenborough’s fastest lap (1:17:47), the GT-R /C averaged 76mph/122kph and reached a top speed of 131mph/211km/h – the ‘driven’ average for the 1.6mile/2.6km loop circuit is around 83mph/134km/h.

Jann Mardenborough said: “This was once-in-a-lifetime, truly epic stuff. The GT-R /C has brought my two worlds together – the virtual of gaming and the reality of motorsport – in a way I never thought possible. The response from the car when using the controller was far more engaging than I thought it would be. JLB Design has done an incredible job at making everything respond really well.

“Steering, acceleration and braking were all intelligently configured, allowing for controlled application so I could really get a feel through the corners and hold it steady down the fast straights. Driving a full-size, remote-control GT-R to 131mph at Silverstone whilst chasing it down in a helicopter was an unforgettable experience. Now that’s innovation that excites!”