Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the launch of the 2012 Nissan GT-R. The new model goes on sale November 24, 2011 in Japan and arrives in European showrooms in January 2012.
Significant improvements to the engine, chassis and transmission, plus a new lightweight "For TRACK PACK" version (currently available in some market such as Japan, UK), which accentuates the pure performance potential of the Nissan GT-R are the key changes to Nissan's flagship model for the 2012 model year.
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, which is due on sale in Europe in January 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 Nissan 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.
2012 Nissan GT-R
There's also the arrival of a new "For TRACK PACK" version (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK) which inherits the DNA of the Spec-V model and turns the Nissan GT-R into a light-weight two seater for the ultimate in trackday performance.
Engine
By improving the Nissan GT-R's engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been decreased from 12L to 11.8L/100 Kms, while engine output rises significantly from 390kW to 404kW (550PS) from 6,400rpm with maximum torque of from 612 to 632Nm (64.5kgfm) 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 catalyzer 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 Nissan 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 Nissan 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 (for RHD only).
NCCB (Nissan Carbon Ceramic Brakes) are available as a factory-installed option for the Nissan GT-R Premium Edition and EGOIST grade. These brakes accentuate the car's agile road hold and supple ride feel thanks to a dramatically-reduced spring weight and refined, sharp braking performance unique to carbon ceramics. (In addition, service parts prices for the rotors and pads have been reduced.)
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.
"For TRACK PACK" (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK)
"For TRACK PACK" (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK) is a new version in the Nissan GT-R line up, designed for customers who want to enjoy a more visceral driving experience in their Nissan GT-R.
Jointly developed with NordRing Company in Japan, it features revised suspension settings, extra brake cooling (front and rear), and aluminum-alloy wheels from Spec-V made by Rays (with black quartz chrome color coating). The front spoiler with carbon air duct has been exclusively made for this edition and is installed as a set.
To reduce the car's weight, this edition is a two-seat configuration with quilted fabric mats in place of the rear seats. The front seats are covered with leather and high-grip fabric, newly developed for the "For TRACK PACK" version and which firmly holds the driver in place during even the most spirited of trackday action (RHD only).