Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R
By Scott Willfred Carroll

 

The Nissan GT-R is something of a giant killer, a sports car

that offers six-figure performance for a five-digit price.

Packed with electronic handling and launch control aids, the GT

-R is able to use advanced technology to overcome its

substantial curb weight and offer agile responses along with

truly breathtaking acceleration figures.

Originally introduced in America in 2008, the last few model

years have seen the GT-R receive a host of power, handling and

aesthetic upgrades. The biggest news for the latest iteration is

an even more potent engine. Better air intake efficiency,

reduced airflow resistance and improved exhaust emissions

efficiency have allowed Nissan to wring an additional 15

horsepower and 15 lb-ft from the GT-R's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6

for totals of 545 ponies and 463 lb-ft of twist. All that power

coupled with the GT-R's all-wheel-drive system allows the car to

sprint from zero-to-60 mph in under 3 seconds while the quarter

mile is said to be dealt with in under 11 seconds.

Japanese-spec models are unique in cardom in that they get an

asymmetrical suspension set-up. To offset the added weight of

the driver and the transfer case along with its drive shaft

mounted on the right side of the car, the setup has a front left

spring rate that is higher than the right one. At the same time,

the diagonally-opposite right rear is reduced for a more

balanced ride.

The GT-R is already widely considered as one of the best

handling vehicles on the market, and the latest version only

promises to build on that reputation. Engineers managed to

further reinforce the GT-R's body structure for the latest model

year, which Nissan says delivers more responsive handling. The

revisions come on top of a host of recent changes including an

entirely reworked suspension complete with new spring rates and

dampers, revised geometry and a new leverage ratio. These

changes helped to improve the efficiency of both the shock

absorbers and the stabilizer, giving the GT-R an overall more

confident driving feel.

Top of Form

Nissan also worked on the GT-R's six-speed dual-clutch

transmission, improving both shift feel and quietness. The

automaker attributes those improvements to a strengthened design

of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the

flywheel housing.

Other recent handling improvements include strengthened strut

towers with carbon and aluminum materials for improved joint

stiffness and a reinforced dashboard.

Aesthetic Changes

The front and rear exterior fascias were restyled for the

previous model year to give the GT-R a fresh look. The front

fascia now includes integrated LEDs in the bumper, and design

changes added 10 percent additional downforce from the front of

the car.

Interestingly, Nissan even went back and modified the paint

across the board - claiming higher quality. In particular, the

white colors are said to be a much better match now when

comparing the plastic and metal panels which had unacceptable

levels of variation before. Six exterior colors are on offer:

Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White

and a four-stage metallic Super Silver.

The other notable recent change to the exterior of the vehicle

comes in the form of 10-spoke Rays forged aluminum wheels - as

captured in our spy photos. The wheels not only offer a new

look, but they also drop 28.6lbs which results in a welcomed

6.6lb drop in unsprung weight at each corner.

Trim Level Breakdown

The Nissan GT-R is available in Premium or Black Edition trim.

The GT-R Black Edition features a number of aesthetic upgrades,

including custom red and black Recaro heated and leather-

appointed seats, red and black interior trim and a dark

headliner. There is a handmade, dry-carbon fiber rear wing on

this model as well, which is sure to please JDM and tuner car

fans. Special metallic black six-spoke RAYS lightweight wheels

round out the upgrades.

The Premium model comes packed with standard features including

leather seating with synthetic suede inserts, an 11-speaker Bose

Audio system, a navigation system with XM NavTraffic, NavWeather

and Zagat survey functionality, an iPod input jack, a multi-

function display and Bluetooth phone connectivity that supports

audio streaming

Interior Upgrades

Other changes include real carbon fiber for center stack along

with HVAC controls that receive a new style of knobs.

There are several other very subtle changes, including the use

of a softer material for the seat belts, variations to the

tensioner, a modified steering wheel logo and new metal trim

texture for the A/C vents and paddle shifters.

Recent interior changes are minimal, with the most significant

items being a tachometer that now glows blue and a rearview

camera as standard equipment. Nissan has also made the switch

from Bose's standard woofers to the company's latest Precision

Sound System woofers, which should help overall sound quality.

A change that will likely be much appreciated by all, every GT-R

model enjoys upgraded seating options. The Premium Edition

receives a total redesign aimed at bolstering comfortable and

stability while reducing incoming vibration during extreme

driving or while traversing rough roads. All variants now get

Nissan's RearView Monitor as standard fare for making parking

the supercar much easier thanks to a video camera as well as

backing out of parking spots easier.

Showing just how dedicated Nissan is to the GT-R, they even went

as far as to work on the doors - claiming even further reduced

NVH as well as improved fit and finish.

Key Competitors

In terms of price, form and function, the Porsche 911 Carrera

Coupe in one form or another, along with the Audi R8 are

probably the most similar competitors to the GT-R, but in terms

of all-out performance or image, the list of competitors becomes

all kinds of crazy and ranges in price to several times that of

the GT-R - somewhat of a value in the supercar world.

BASIC SPECS

Base Price - $96,820

Drivetrain - All Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs) - 3829

Horsepower - 530 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft) - 448 @ 3200

City (MPG) - 16

Length (in.) - 183.1

Width (in.) - 74.9

Height (in.) - 54.0

Hwy (MPG) - 23

Wheelbase - 109.4