Nissan GT-R enhanced for 2011

The 2011 Nissan GT-R will receive improved engine output figures, better fuel economy numbers, a revised handling package and refreshed looks when it goes on sale Down Under in March.

The list of enhancements is part of Nissan's continual development of its highly acclaimed sports coupe and comes under the performance marque's theme of offering the "world's best multi-performance and responsive driving pleasure".

Under the bonnet GT-R's turbocharger has been modified to deliver greater boost pressure with valve timing and air mixture ratio adjusted accordingly. A larger diameter air intake has helped lower inlet resistance while an enlarged exhaust pipe section has also improved respiration.

The changes have seen an increase in the 3.8-litre V6 engine's output to 390kW/612Nm (previously 357kW/588Nm) while also trimming the combined fuel consumption figure to 12.0L/100km (previously 12.5L/100km). An ultra-low precious metal catalyst and ECM with high-capacity microprocessor have further assisted in cleaner emissions.

A new SAVE mode has also been adopted on MY11 models, optimising torque and modifying shift points to further improve fuel efficiency, especially when cruising. Starting performance is also improved when selecting the transmission's "R mode".

The GT-R's body has been further reinforced by a highly rigid, lightweight strut brace made of carbon composite with aluminium honeycomb material. The brace also assists body response to steering input and to control tight-corner braking, 2WD mode is temporarily selected when the wheel is turned more than halfway.

An additional support member is installed in the passenger side of the instrument panel while the fitting precision of the body panels is enhanced and a higher-precision G sensor is utilised in checking the instrument panel during the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

The lever ratio of the front springs and shock absorbers have also been adjusted, while the caster angle has been increased (from 5.35 to 6.00-degrees) to further improve road-holding on turn-in, as well as on-centre feel. New all-aluminium piston-free shock absorbers allow more precise damping and at the rear, toe performance is modified by lowering the roll centre height, further improving traction.

Brake rotors (now 390mm) have been modified to improve braking force, fade resistance, pedal control ability and extend brake rotor life for "sporty driving".

Newly designed and lighter weight aluminium alloy wheels reduce unsprung weight and improve tyre response to vertical load. The new wheels are shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT tyres. As a whole, the MY11 Nissan GT-R is a total of 10 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

Exterior changes have not only improved the looks of the revised GT-R but also improved its aerodynamic performance. Downforce has increased by 10 per cent while the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.26Cd (previously 0.27Cd). The volume of air that passes through the radiator and cools down the front brakes is also increased.

The front bumper has been revised with larger grille openings and now includes double rectifier fins and high intensity LED daytime running lamps.
At the rear, a remoulded bumper features a newly sculptured lower portion and has increase in length. Underfloor cooling performance is enhanced with air resistance reduced by extending a rear diffuser. Newly fitted LED fog lamps are now included as standard.

The paint colour palette has been extended to six with the addition of Jet Black and GT Blue.

Inside, the GT-R scores a newly shaped instrument panel pad and navigation system surround. Real carbon fibre is now featured on the cluster, finished with matte black switch gear.

On the steering wheel, the GT-R logo has a new, velour-like coating while ventilation outlets adopt chrome-plated outer rings with a black smoky coating and finally, new seats improve comfort and support when cornering.

Local pricing for the new model will be announced early in the new year.

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