More grunt, refinement for Nissan GT-R

Nissan has provided advance details of its 2012 GT-R due to be introduced locally in March next year.

The updated Nissan icon will bring more power accompanied by reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, as well as a new “asymmetrical” suspension tune specially developed for right hand drive versions.

Power jumps from the current version’s 390kW to 404kW (at 6400rpm), while torque is lifted from 612Nm to 632Nm on a flat line between 3200rpm and 5800rpm. This is mainly achieved through revisions to valve and ignition timing, as well as changes to the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine’s air-fuel ratio.

Other improvements include more efficient intake and exhaust systems, and cooler-running metallic sodium-filled exhaust valves.

Nissan says the upgraded engine has more torque at low and mid-range rpm, and more high-rpm power, translating to altogether more responsive performance. Given that the current model claims zero to 100km/h acceleration in 3.0 seconds, the 2012 version’s performance should be at least as shattering.

Fuel economy has improved from 12.0L/100km to 11.8L/100km. The company does not quantify the reductions in CO2 emissions.

The dual-clutch transmission is said to be quieter and more refined through the adoption of a stronger shift fork arm and a firmer-fixed bearing for the flywheel housing. Nissan says the GT-R also uses “race-tuned” differential oil.

Suspension in right hand drive models has been revised too, contrived to compensate for the driver’s weight, and the front driveshaft’s location on the right hand side of the car, by upping the front left spring rates. At the back, the suspension arms have been installed “upwards” on the left and “downwards” on the right. Nissan says the resultant imbalanced stationary wheel load is equalised once the GT-R is on the move, bringing “improved responsiveness, smoothness and steering feel, as well as enhanced cornering stability and riding comfort”.

Body rigidity is said to be improved as well, via extra reinforcement at the rear of the engine compartment and the dash panel. Nissan says again that this translates to a better on-road feel for the driver.

As far as equipment is concerned, the GT-R now gets a rearview camera as standard, while touchy-feely improvements include upgraded Bose Precision Sound System woofers and a blue-lit tachometer that matches the shift position indicator light.

The upgraded Nissan GT-R will go on sale in March 2012 at a manufacturer’s recommended retail price of $170,800, which is $2000 more than the current model.

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