Nissan GT-R

Nissan reveals the 2012 model year GT-R

7 November 2011 - Nissan 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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).