Nissan Announces Tweaked GT-R

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

Nissan announced a refresh of its GT-R supercar today. Engine response in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges was improved using high-output injectors and changes in the turbocharger. The car’s center of gravity has been lowered, body rigidity has been enhanced, shock absorbers, springs and front stabilizer have been tweaked. Racers can now use Motul Competition Oil.

The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine is still rated at 542bhp, but contacts at Nissan threaten an even more ferocious acceleration.

For those who deem the Pure (8,757,000 yen, or $109,080) or Black Edition (9,639,000 yen, or $120,142) as too pedestrian, and the 15,168,300 yen ($188,942) Egoist Edition as too ostentatious, a Premium Edition has been slotted in. Its 9,786,000 yen ($121,898) price buys you a two-tone interior color and hand-stitched genuine Semi-Aniline leather front seats. (Prices for Japanese market only.)

The car goes on sale in Japan on November 19. It will be available in North America, Europe, and other regions from January 2013 onwards.

Being in Tokyo at the moment, I will attempt to get my hands on the car and the people who built it, and will report back ASAP.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • NMGOM NMGOM on Nov 02, 2012

    Tweaked? GT-R sales are flat, 6 model-years after its introduction into the US. Folks here who want fun would rather get a Corvette. The GT-R is a soulless, driving appliance, devoid of emotion. When Nissan finally gets the message, and "tweaks" the GT-R into rear drive only, with a 50/50 weight balance (or better), and a manual transmission, then we may be talking about something.... Until then, if I want exotic, I'll get a used Lambo Gallardo LP550-2 with RWD and a stick. ---------------

    • See 3 previous
    • ECurmudgeon ECurmudgeon on Nov 02, 2012

      "The GT-R is a soulless, driving appliance, devoid of emotion." And here it was my understanding that rather than having a soul, the GT-R *consumes* them.

  • GarbageMotorsCo. GarbageMotorsCo. on Nov 02, 2012

    IMO, the GT-R would be on a LOT more radars if they offered it with a stick.

    • See 3 previous
    • Danio3834 Danio3834 on Nov 02, 2012

      @stuki As far as I know, you can only get the GT-R with a DSG.

  • Lorenzo The Longshoreman/philosopher Eri Hoffer postulated "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and ends up as a racket." That pretty much describes the progression of the United Auto Workers since World War II, so if THEY are the union, the answer is 'no'.
  • Redapple2 I think I ve been in 100 plants. ~ 20 in Mexico. ~10 Europe. Balance usa. About 1/2 nonunion. I supervised UAW skilled trades guys at GM Powertrain for 6 years. I know the answer.PS- you do know GM products - sales weighted - average about 40% USA-Canada Content.
  • Jrhurren Unions and ownership need to work towards the common good together. Shawn Fain is a clown who would love to drive the companies out of business (or offshored) just to claim victory.
  • Redapple2 Tadge will be replaced with a girl. Even thought -today- only 13% of engineer -newly granted BS are female. So, a Tadge level job takes ~~ 25 yrs of experience, I d look at % in 2000. I d bet it was lower. Not higher. 10%. (You cannot believe what % of top jobs at gm are women. @ 10%. Jeez.)
  • Redapple2 .....styling has moved into [s]exotic car territory[/s] tortured over done origami land.&nbsp;&nbsp;There; I fixed it. C 7 is best looking.
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