Nissan GT-R specs improved for Oz

Two years and 260 sales later, Nissan has celebrated the continued success of its GT-R supercar in Australia with the announcement of a series of refinements to the current R35 version.

The 2010 Australian specification Nissan GT-R will be further enhanced from this month with the addition of a revised satellite navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and, according to Nissan, "an improved-flow catalyst".

"The Nissan GT-R continues to appeal to perfection-seeking motoring enthusiasts in Australia," said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Australia.

"We are delighted with the high level of interest and sales the GT-R has enjoyed since launch. This is a very exciting car to drive and is packed with innovative technology that enables the driver to get the most from its scintillating performance," added Thompson.

Now HDD-based (Hard-Disc Drive), the satnav system uses a seven-inch digital display that incorporates a new data logging function, while revised infotainment functionality adds Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and iPod integration (via a USB port). GT-R also picks up dusk-sensing headlamps and speed-sensing automatic wipers as standard equipment.

A suspension re-tune has further enhanced GT-R's highly acclaimed road feel while also improving ride quality and steering stability. Rebound stroke and spring rates have been tweaked and radius rod bushings strengthened for a stiffer rear-end. Wheel alignment settings have also been fine-tuned.

GT-R SpecV rear diffusers with cooling ducts have also been extended to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area, though engine output figures from Nissan's fire breathing twin-turbo V6 remain unchanged at 357kW/588Nm.

Performance hasn't been completely overlooked however, as the 2010 Nissan GT-R gains improved low- and mid-range engine response thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that improve the flow of exhaust gases through the twin-pipe system.

Transmission cooling has also been improved thanks to a larger-diametre coolant pipe that increases the system's heat exchanger efficiency.

"Nissan reinforced the performance credentials of the new GT-R at the world's toughest and best-known test track, the Nurburgring Nordschleife, where last year it clocked a record lap-time of 7 minutes 26.70 seconds," stated Dan Thompson.

"The fact that the Nissan GT-R has already been successful in the new FIA GT1 World Championship series against far more exotic machinery will make every GT-R fan proud.

"And the arrival of the finessed 2010-11 model GT-R makes this amazing motor car even more desirable. It truly is a modern classic."

The added gear has seen a modest increase in this year's GT-R price, less than two per cent more than the out-going model. The entry-level GT-R now retails for $158,800 while the up-spec GT-R Premium is available from $162,800.

Joining Nissan for a high-speed track day at Victoria's world-famous Phillip Island circuit today, the Carsales Network will have the good oil on the new GT-R shortly. Stay tuned.

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