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 both driver and passenger.
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; 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.
By improving the GT-R’s engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been improved to 9.8L/100km (previously 10.1L/100km), while engine output rises significantly to 542bhp (+20bhp) 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), and last but not least, improved exhaust valve cooling performance by adopting a newly-designed metallic sodium-filled valve.
At the same time, valve control timing, air mixture ratio and ignition timing have also been improved.
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. A special differential oil, R35 COMPETITION Type 2189E (75W140) – developed for competition – will be used in every version of GT-R.
As well as greater power and torque, the reinforcement 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.
Source: Newspress