GT-R sharpened for 2012

Nissan has sharpened its GT-R flagship for model year 2012 with a claim of "more of everything".

Power and torque are up, and the company is also claiming improved fuel economy and emissions. Gearbox operation and amenities have also been improved, Nissan Australia states.

On sale officially this week, the new GT-R has had its power increased to 404kW, with torque now peaking at 628Nm. Peak power is up 14kW at the same engine revs as the outgoing model (6400rpm). Top torque is spread over a substantial rev brand -- 3200-5800rpm. In the process Nissan has decreased combined fuel consumption from 12L/100km to 11.7.

Changes to the 3.8-litre twin turbo petrol V6, says Nissan, have centered on improving intake and exhaust efficiency. The new car scores a composite intake system and intake ports and runners have been reshaped and optimised. Other tweaks include new sodium filled exhaust valves, valve and ignition timing changes and a redesigned exhaust catalyst.
 
In addition to the engine changes, Nissan has also upgraded the GT-R's transmission. In conjunction with stiffer shift forks and other internal tweaks, the rear-mounted twin-clutch six-speeder gets a new race derived oil, which it's claimed plays a significant role in reducing friction and improving the refinement of the transmission.

There have been mild styling changes front and rear and under the skin the body-in-white has been strengthened (in the area of the firewall). Nissan claims this has positive benefits for steering feel and precision.

Though wheel and tyre sizes are unchanged, the 2012 GT-R still rolls on specially developed rubber -- for MY2012, Dunlop Sport Maxx rubber.

One of the key changes touted for the model year update is a new asymmetric suspension setting on right-hand drive GT-R. It is claimed to be a world first.

Essentially because the four-wheel drive mechanicals stack additional mass to the right-hand side of the GT-R, right hand drive versions have to date had a lateral weight imbalance of around 50kg. New suspension settings and a rejigg of components at the rear of the car addresses this imbalance, says Nissan. The benefits, it claims, are improved steering response and enhance stability.

Cabin changes for the new model year include an upgrade in cockpit materials, instrument panels changes and changes to the 11-speaker BOSE sound system. A reversing camera is also now standard.

Pricing has been announced, with the single grade of GT-R now on sale from $170,800. This is a $2000 increase on the outgoing model.

Look out for our drive impressions on the MY2012 Nissan GT-R soon.

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