Nissan SA releases new GT-R

NISSAN South Africa announced the launch of the 2012 model year Nissan GT-R. Significant improvements to the engine, chassis and transmission are the key changes to the flagship model for the 2012 model. When it was launched, the iconic GT-R created a new type of super car. Performance and handling were exceptional, of course, but more importantly the car’s potential was accessible to all drivers under all conditions. It was greeted with universal praise but Nissan’s policy of constant development means the GT-R continues to evolve.

The latest version, of which the first orders will be delivered in Southern Africa this month, 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 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.

Engine
By improving the GT-R’s engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been decreased from 12 liters to 11.8L/100 km, while engine output rises significantly from 390kW to 397kW (6,400rpm) with maximum torque from 612 to 628Nm from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm. Engine response and torque at mid- and low speeds, and power at high revolutions, have been significantly improved, mainly due to improved intake efficiency, better air flow resistance, improved exhaust emission efficiency, reduced air flow resistance, and improved exhaust valve cooling performance.

Transmission
Shift feel and quietness has been refined thanks to a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing.

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.

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 equalized during driving, providing improved responsiveness, smoothness and steering feel, as well as enhanced cornering stability and riding comfort.

Interior
The quality feel of the instruments placed in front of the driver has 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. A Rear View Camera device is standard on all models. With the latest version, the legend that is the Nissan GT-R continues to evolve. Words and images: www.quickpic.co.za