IMPROVED response, better stability and sharper handling – those are the highlights of the 2013 model year Nissan GT-R.
On sale next spring, the four-wheel drive supercar has received a round of enhancements aimed at subtly boosting the responsiveness of its 550PS 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine while improving ride and handling at the same time.
Applying lessons learned from this year’s Nürburgring 24-Hour race to the roadgoing GT-R, engineers have improved response in both the mid- and upper-rpm rev ranges, increased body rigidity and made changes to the dampers, springs and front anti-roll bar.
As a result, the GT-R is more responsive, has better high-speed stability and a more refined ride.
Nissan will reveal full prices and exact performance details closer to the car’s launch, but in the meantime the technical changes are outlined below:
Engine
- New high-output injectors more concisely control fuel injection to improve mid-range and high-rpm response.
- A new relief valve for the turbocharger bypass suppresses the rapid decrease of forced injection pressure, again helping to sustain response.
- A new oil pan baffle helps maintain more stable oil pressure and reduces rotational friction especially during high-performance driving.
Chassis
After measuring the roll centre of the GT-R when cornering and taking deflection of the bushes and tyres into account, engineers have updated the suspension set-up with revisions to the dampers, springs and front anti-roll bar to lower the centre of gravity.
New cam bolts have been installed on the front suspension to improve camber accuracy and stability when cornering.
The torque carrying capacity of the driveshafts to the hub bearings has been increased to improve reliability in high-stress situations, such as track driving.
Body
Reinforcements have been added to the dash panel bar and instrument panel member resulting in increased body rigidity and better suspension control.