2013 Nissan GT-R: elevated performance

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 MY13 GT-R is more responsive, has better high-speed stability and a more refined ride. The 0-62mph time has dropped to 2.7 seconds (from 2.8 seconds for the MY12) while the car is even faster around the Nürburgring, lapping the famous German circuit in 7min 19.1 seconds when undergoing testing in May this year. Kazutoshi Mizuno, creator of the GT-R, has revealed that 0.5 seconds were lost to traffic on that hot lap, indicating that the MY13 GT-R is capable of a 7min 18.6 seconds lap. That compares to 7min 21 seconds for the MY12 GT-R. Nissan will reveal full prices 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. From Motorin News