Japanese R35 GT-R and GT-R SpecV owners in Japan now have the opportunity to improve the performance credentials of their rides via an ECU and TCM (transmission control module) upgrade from Nismo.

Available only on a lease basis, the upgraded electronic modules will not cause any issues with the factory warranty during their time in the car. Factory-sanctioned ECU fiddling? Who woulda thunk it?

It’s probably not a bad idea, really. Considering the somewhat draconian restrictions, clauses and conditions that Nissan places upon the R35’s warranty, opting for the Nismo ECUs will allow you to satisfy your urge to modify while still keeping your car protected by the factory warranty.

However, the added security won’t be cheap. Renting a Nismo ECU and TCU will set R35 owners back ¥294,000 (AU$3960), with both modules to be returned to Nismo at the end of the 24 month lease period.

If you want to hang on to them for longer, an additional ¥31,500 (AU$425) per yer is required to keep the upgrades installed.

The ECU and TCM package provides the following benefits:

• Improved low end torque and response from modified ECU maps
• Increased maximum boost pressure (0.1 bar) and increased low end boost
• Improved, quicker, downshifts
• Street speed limiter raised to 320km/h (not sure what the Japanese Police will think of that one)

Pre-orders will begin on June 1 this year, with deliveries set for later in the month. The upgrades are provided independently of previous Nismo offerings such as the GT-R Clubsport package.

[GT-R Blog]