The engine of the Nissan GT-R, a hand-built precision part

After ten years on the market without interruption, the Nissan GT-R has carved out an indispensable place among the supercars. We have now had the opportunity to see a redesign of the latest generation of this Japanese sports car at the New York Auto Show 2016. Yet, despite all the changes it has undergone over the years, one thing that has remained unchanged is the engine. Or more specifically, the way the block that gives it life is manufactured.

When it first appeared on the market, Nissan asserted that the engine was the key component of the model, which is why a hand-built manufacturing system was used. A team of five highly qualified professionals from the company is responsible for assembling all the parts of each of the Nissan GT-R’s engines, so everything is artisanal work, extremely carefully done.

A high-tech engine built by hand

The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine fitted to each Nissan GT-R is built by one of the Takumi, the name given to the craftsmen who work on them. Each engine takes about six hours to assemble, and once the process is complete, a plaque bearing the name of the person responsible for the assembly is attached. It is not a mark for quality control purposes; rather, it is an artist’s signature on a finished work.

Joining this team of Takumi is no easy task. First you have to have long experience in determining which parts are of sufficient quality to be part of a car’s manufacturing process, and from there, climb the ranks within the company as your eye becomes capable of spotting the slightest imperfection in a part.

Together, the five Takumi have more than 100 years of experience in their work, which guarantees the extreme specialisation of these engine craftsmen. In the video below, you can see how they work and the assembly process of one of these engines, craftsmen down to their final adjustments.