2013 Nissan GT-R for $172,000

Faster and more nimble than before, the 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium Edition has been confirmed for sale in Australia from February 1, 2013.

Priced $1200 higher than the 2012 model at $172,000 excluding on-road costs, several adjustments have been made to the MY13 GT-R to improve its dynamics and pace. This includes suspension tweaks that enhance at-the-limit handling, and new high-output injectors that sharpen engine response, particularly at higher revs.

As we previously reported, the 2013 Nissan GTR's 3.8-litre biturbo V6 outputs the same 404kW/628Nm as the 2012 model, but a handful of engine tweaks -- the new injectors, new turbo bypass relief valve and oil pan baffle -- have seen the car's acceleration improve.

The hard-charging Japanese super coupe now dispatches 0-100km/h sprint in 2.7 seconds, down one tenth from 2.8 seconds.

All model year 2013 Nissan GT-R engines now feature a special plate, engraved with the name of the ‘Takumi’ or artisan who hand-assembled the engine.

Nissan talks about "increased body rigidity" that includes tweaks to the car's damping rates, springs and front anti-roll bar, which effectively lowers the car's centre of gravity. It backs up that assertion with a slightly faster lap time of 7:19.1 at the famous Nurburgring road circuit, down from 7:21.

Despite all the tightening and stiffening, Nissan says the MY13 GT-R's ride quality is now "more refined".

Other chassis revisions include new cam bolts fixed to the front suspension, which are supposed to improve cornering stability and camber accuracy, while the instrument panel and dash panel bar have been reinforced which contribute slightly to the car's improved handling.

Nissan is introducing a new luxury interior option that adds hand-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery (finished in an amber red colour) to the seats, centre console and door trims. This is a $5000 option taking the asking price to $177,000.