2012 Nissan GT-R
Nissan keeps adding more to its flagship GT-R sports car to help keep competing alongside its rivals. A new update for the 2012 model year in Europe pegs the engine output at an impressive 542-hp, over the previous year’s 530-hp number. Billed as a 2012 model year car overseas, this improvement, along with a slew of others, is expected to debut on a US-spec version for 2013.
Along with the improved engine output of 550 PS (542-hp) and 632 Nm (466 lb-ft), Nissan also claims improved efficiency and an enhanced transmission “feel” thanks to a new shift fork arm, a firmer flywheel housing bearing and a new differential oil.
A stiffer body structure now promises improved rigidity, while Nissan has also developed a new asymmetric suspension, with a stiffer spring rate on the left side and an imbalanced wheel load (when stationary), for right-hand drive versions. This new arrangement is designed to compensate for RHD models where the car is weighted to the right side thanks to both the location of the propeller shaft and the driver.
In addition, Nissan has announced a new track version of the GT-R for right-hand drive markets, like Japan and the UK.
