Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today (7 November 2011) announced the launch of the 2012 model year Nissan GT-R. The new model goes on sale 24 November in Japan and arrives in European showrooms from early 2012.
At a glance
- More power (550PS), improved economy and lower emissions
- Unique asymmetric suspension settings on RHD cars
- Rear view camera now standard
- New track focused version to come to the UK
Significant improvements to the engine, chassis and transmission which accentuates the pure performance potential of the GT-R are the key changes to Nissan’s flagship model for the 2012 model year.
This latest version, which goes on sale from early December for the UK with deliveries expected in early 2012, is the most efficient yet. It offers even greater performance but this is allied to improved economy and lower emissions to provide further excitement to drivers and passengers.
As well as more power, the 2012 MY GT-R has a newly developed asymmetric suspension which compensates for greater weight on the driver’s side in RHD models, enhanced transmission ‘feel’ and a stronger body for extra rigidity and ever better handling.
2012MY Nissan GT-R Overview
1. Mechanical Features
Engine
By improving the GT-R’s engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been improved to 24mpg (from 23.5mpg), while engineoutput rises significantly to 550PS (+20PS) at 6,400rpm with maximum torque of 632Nm (+20Nm) from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm.
Engine response and torque at mid and low-speeds, and power at high revolutions, has been significantly improved, mainly due to:
- Improved intake efficiency
- Better air flow resistance, which has been reduced by the addition of an intake manifold fitted to the head of each unit and the use of resin in the enlarged air intake duct for the intercooler.
- Improved exhaust emissions efficiency and enhanced control.
- Reduced air flow resistance thanks to a more compact under floor catalyser which improves emissions efficiency and reduces weight.
- Improved exhaust valve cooling performance by the adoption of a newly-designed metallic sodium-filled valve. At the same time, valve control timing, the air mixture ratio and ignition timing have been improved.
Transmission
Shift feels and quietness has been refined thanks to a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing. A special differential oil R35 COMPETITION Type 2189E (75W140), which was developed for competition is now used in every version of GT-R.
Body
As well as greater power and torque, the reinforcing of certain areas around the rear part of the engine compartment and dash panel deliver more responsive handling while a greater sense of the vehicle’s grip on the road is transmitted to the driver.
At the same time, more precise production methods, accompanied by advancements made in the vehicle body, have improved the inter-vehicle detection capability. This was achieved by changes in the positioning of the sensor and more rigid, highly-damped vehicle body, and by adding a more accurate acceleration sensor in areas with higher sensitivity in the vibration testing of each vehicle body.
Suspension and brakes
Accounting for the added weight of the driver in a right-hand drive vehicle coupled to the fact that the propeller shaft for front wheels is located on the right side of the vehicle; the GT-R’s suspension in RHD versions has been set asymmetrically. For the front suspension, there’s a harder spring rate on the left side while at the rear the suspension arm has been installed upwards on the left side and downwards on the right. This means an imbalanced wheel load when the car is stationary, but which is equalised during driving, providing improved responsiveness, smoothness and steering feel, as well as enhanced cornering stability and riding comfort (for RHD only).
2. Interior
The quality feel of the instruments placed in front of the driver have been enhanced by the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light giving a more sophisticated atmosphere in the cockpit.
Rear View Camera device will be standard on all models.
The Bose® sound system woofers, have been changed to Bose® Precision Sound System woofers that were developed for the EGOIST grade to further enhance sound quality.
3. TRACK FOCUSED VERSION (developed only in right hand drive form for – Japan and UK)
A new version within the GT-R line up is currently being planned for the UK, designed for customers who want to enjoy a more track biased driving experience in their Nissan GT-R at a competitive price.
Further details of this version and pricing of the MY2012 GT-R is expected in early December.
With the latest 2012 MY version, the legend that is the Nissan GT-R continues to evolve.
