2012 Nissan GT-R

What better way to bring in the new week than the debut of the all-new 2012 Nissan GT-R, which will make its North American debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show next month. Nissan has yet to release stateside details so for now we’ll have to make do with the press release for Japan (which shouldn’t be that far off anyway). In Japan, the new Nissan GT-R will be sold as a 2011 model year and will go on sale Nov. 17 in three different trim levels including base, SpecV and the much-anticipated Egoist version, which we’ll discuss in a separate post.

Nissan says that every area of the GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for new model. Changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance. There are some minor changes to the design as well that increase downforce by about 10%, while the coefficient of drag is reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.

Power has been upgraded to 523-hp with a maximum torque of 451 lb-ft of torque available from 3,200 to 6,000 rpm. Oh, and “a new red color engine cover is used to demonstrate its greater performance.” Nissan also introduced something called a SAVE mode, which optimizes driving torque and modifies the shift schedule to improve actual fuel economy when driving highways or open roads. Off-the line performance is also improved with an upgraded “R mode” for the transmission and to control tight corner braking, 2WD mode is added to temporarily shift to 2WD driving. The hardcore going SpecV version gets improved torque from 451 lb-ft to 466 b-ft available from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm. To enhance spirited track drive rear brake pad material is changed and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) balance under braking is modified. Nissan also added Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tires around Special Rays lightweight aluminum forging wheels.

The third, and most expensive, Nissan GT-R trim level to be offered will be the Egoist, which we’ll discuss in another post in a couple of minutes.

The 2012 Nissan GT-R will go in the United States sometime in February 2011. Prices and market details will be announced closer to launch date.

Hit the jump for the high-res gallery and the press release.

2012 Nissan GT-R:

Press Release:

Nissan Releases the 11MY Nissan GT-R

YOKOHAMA (October 18, 2010) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of the 11MY Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale November 17th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan.

For 11MY, GT-R features improved engine output and torque, greater fuel efficiency, revised handling, a refreshed exterior with improved aerodynamics, revised interior treatment and new wheels and tires. The large number of enhancements for the new model year is part of the continuous advancement of the GT-R design, technology and performance since its debut in December 2007. Nissan has also enhanced the level of after-sales support for GT-R owners, providing even greater value for customers.

The “World of GT-R” expands again this year with the addition of a racing circuit use-only “Club Track” edition and an ultra-exclusive “EGOIST” version that can be custom-ordered according to the precise desires of each individual customer. The complete 11MY Nissan GT-R model lineup now includes six versions – the “Pure edition,” “Black edition,” “Premium edition,” “SpecV,” “Club Track” and “EGOIST” – allowing customers to choose the exact level of dynamic performance and style to meet their various needs.

The 11MY Nissan GT-R will also be released in North America, Europe and other regions after February 2011. Nissan is considering introducing EGOIST in Europe and the Middle East, and the Club Track edition in Europe as well.

11MY Nissan GT-R Overview

Developed under the theme of offering the “world’s best multi-performance and responsive driving pleasure,” every area of the GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for 11MY. The changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance. Following are the key enhancements of the creative GT-R design.

1. Mechanism

Engine and Transmission Enhancements

• By modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio, reducing intake air resistance by enlarging the inlet pipe diameter, and reducing exhaust air resistance through use of an enlarged section of exhaust pipe, fuel economy is improved to 8.5km/L (10-15 mode) or 8.6km/L (JC08 mode).
• At the same time, the engine output is significantly improved to 390kW(530ps)/6,400rpm with maximum torque of 612N・m(62.5kgf・m) from 3,200 to 6,000 rpm. A new red color engine cover is used to demonstrate its greater performance.
• Cleaner emissions are realized through adopting an ultra-low precious metal catalyst and ECM with high-capacity microprocessor – achieving SU-LEV certification levels (emitting 75% fewer emissions than Japan’s 2005 exhaust emission standards).
• A new SAVE mode is adopted, which optimizes driving torque and modifies the shift schedule to improve actual fuel economy when driving highways or open roads. This mode also helps reduce ankle fatigue.
• Starting performance while selecting “R mode” for the transmission and VDC-R is improved.
• To control tight corner braking phenomenon, which can occur when starting the vehicle while turning the steering wheel, 2WD mode is added to temporarily shift to 2WD driving.
  * When the vehicle speed is below 10km/h and the steering wheel is turned more than halfway.

Body Strengthening

• A highly rigid, lightweight strut supporting bar, made of carbon composite with aluminum honeycomb material, is installed in the partition wall of the engine compartment. By linking the right and left struts to quickly receive suspension input, the vehicle body’s responsiveness to driving operation is enhanced.
• An additional support member is installed in the passenger side of the instrument panel. Responsiveness of the vehicle body is further improved by enhanced rigidity for connection with the engine compartment.
• For further production accuracy, the fitting precision of the body panels is enhanced and a higher-precision G sensor is utilized in checking the instrument panel during the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

Suspension and Braking Modifications

• For the front suspension, the lever ratio of the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is modified to improve the vertical load response of the tires. Front caster angle is increased from 5°35 to 6°00 to improve tire road holding ability when turning and stability while driving straight.
• For the rear suspension, toe performance is modified by changing the roll center height to a lower position in order to improve tire grip while making turns and to better communicate driving feel.
• An aluminum free-piston shock absorber design is newly developed which generates more precise damping force to constantly provide stable road holding and a load shift that quickly responds to driver’s intention. Reduced friction in the shock absorbers provides high quality, smooth ride comfort.
• A thin, large-diameter rotor (Φ390) developed uniquely by Nissan is adopted to improve braking force, fade resistance, pedal control ability and extend brake rotor life for sporty driving.

Wheels and Tires

• The 11MY GT-R also features newly designed, lighter weight and more rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Made by Rays, the wheels help improve tire responsiveness to vertical load. Knurling inside the wheel is modified to avoid deviation of tire rotation direction caused by the higher engine output. On the wheel surface, a new Hyper Blue Black Chrome color is adopted, which expresses high quality and high-performance feel. The wheels’ deep gloss is created by utilization of a five-layer coating process.
• The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tires have a new compound to improve tire grip. With renewed structure and improved tread and sidewall rigidity, straight-line stability in rutted roads is enhanced.

2. Design

Exterior and aerodynamics

• Even with GT-R’s already intense and stable form, its world-leading aerodynamics performance is further improved through a number of significant enhancements. Downforce is increased by about 10%, while the coefficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.
• Stability is improved by enlarged bumper and grille openings
• The front bumper is newly designed with double rectifier fins and Hyper Daylight with a large-diameter reflecting surface and high intensity white-color LED lights. The design increases front downforce by about 10%, while also reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment. The volume of air that passes through the radiator and cools down the front brakes is also increased.
• Additional plated parts are used for headlight inner panels, enhancing the car’s strong presence.
• The redesigned rear bumper features a lower center of gravity than the previous design, created by a sculptured lower portion and extended length. Underfloor cooling performance is enhanced with air resistance reduced by extending a rear diffuser.
• Cooling performance for the muffler is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% through use of a new rear bumper air outlet, which helps remove air in the rear wheelhouses.
• A newly designed tailpipe finisher with enlarged diameter is adopted. Rear high-intensity LED fog lamps are provided as standard equipment to help improve visibility from vehicles behind in rainy or snowy conditions.
• Six exterior colors are available, including two new colors: Meteo Flake Black Pearl (2P) and Aurora Flare Blue Pearl (2P). (Both are special colors.)

Interior

• A newly shaped instrument panel pad and navigation system display finisher are adopted, with stitch lines changed to express an enhanced quality feel.
• Real carbon center cluster finisher is used, along with matte black finished switches.
• The GT-R emblem at the center of the steering wheel has a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture. For the paddle shift, a coating exposing the magnesium base material is applied.
• Chrome-plated rings in the console and air-conditioner outlets are finished with a new black smoky coating, expressing greater sportiness.

Seat

• Seats for Pure edition and Premium edition provide an improved level of comfort and safety while cornering. In addition, fatigue levels are reduced for the thighs and lower back by changing the shape, extending the length of seating surface and refurbishing the cushion stroke. A new seatback design seatback is adopted to improve fit.
• The Black edition has leather-appointed bucket seats using a Recaro design based on the structure of Pure edition and Premium edition seats.

SpecV

Modifications applicable only to the SpecV are as follows:

• Engine modifications are the same as the base model with improved maximum power output and torque, as well as enhanced fuel economy, except maximum torque is improved to 612N・m(62.5kgf・m)/ 3,200～6,000rpm (632N・m(64.5kgf・m)/ 3,600～5,600rpm). (Figures in parenthesis are when high geared boost is used.)
• To improve abrasion resistance and stability in racing circuit driving, rear brake pad material is changed and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) balance under braking is modified.
• Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tire is adopted as a standard feature.
• Special Rays lightweight aluminum forging wheels for the SpecV are adopted from the previous model with the color changed to Metallic Black.

Club Track edition

The Club Track edition, developed exclusively for racing circuit use, allows drivers to experience the full performance potential of the Nissan GT-R. Special parts for racing circuit driving are installed by the Authorised Servicefactory Association, which is also in charge of the distribution. A wide range of events and activities for Club Track edition owners will be held as well, including one-on-one competition training sessions given by professional drivers and special races organized mainly by the Nissan GT-R Authorised Servicefactory Association.

For inquiries about distribution and events for Club Track edition:
Nissan GT-R Authorised Servicefactory

- By: Omar Rana

We’ve been hearing about the Nissan GT-R SpecM for some time now. The car was rumored to debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show last month but instead we saw an upgraded 2011 Nissan GT-R with some minor enhancements. Nonetheless, Nissan says that the SpecM is still in the works.

The man behind the R34 M-Spec, Kazutoshi Mizuno, told Inside Line that Nissan always planned on doing a GT-R SpecM after it released the SpecV. Like the first SpecM, the new one will also have a smoother ride, which will make the supercar more comfortable on everyday roads. Basically, it will focus on being a road car first and a track car second.

Prices of the Nissan GT-R SpecM are expected to be more than the hardcore GT-R SpecV. The release is reported to be scheduled for early next year.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

When your company owns a legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time, it’s only right that you own a shop at “Green Hell.” Nissan announced today that it is opening a new 500 square meter facility at the Nurburgring where fans can experience the company’s history of fascinating sports car.

Fans can visit the facility from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. and browse Nissan’s sports cars and lifestyle products or relax in the Nissan lounge. Nissan also has its GT-R, 370Z Nurburgring Edition (limited to 80 units) and the GT-R SpecV on hand.

Visitors can visit the Sportscar Shop to purchase Nissan and NISMO merchandise.

Sales of the Nissan GT-R SpecV will start later this year with pricing and availability details to be announced at a later date.

2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow Edition (Nurburgring Edition):

Press Release:

THE WORLD OF NISSAN AT THE NEW NÃRBURGRING PROMENADE
DOORS OPEN AT THE NISSAN SPORTSCARS SHOP

- Opened on 09 July 2009, during the celebrations for the dedication of the new Nürburgring
- 500 square metres of exhibition space
- Unique merchandise from Nissan and NISMO

When you go looking for mystical motor sports sites, you are sure to wind up in the volcanic landscape of the Eifel mountain range sooner or later. This is where you find the Nürburgring Nordschleife, still the ultimate when it comes to putting those who participate in the different races held here as well as the materials they use to the test. It is also where the design of many new cars undergoes the ultimate test of strength and endurance, in the “Green Hell”.

Nissan has been among those fascinated with the Nürburgring for some time now. And so, the Japanese company has become involved in more than just the legendary 24-hour race. Nissan has also tried to create a permanent place for itself at the Eifel track and, in March 2007, the company opened its test centre in Troisdorf, a city near Bonn, where it can test out its new models on the Nordschleife. Last April, during its tuning runs with its new sports car, the GT-R, Nissan was able to attain a legendary time on the 20.8-kilometre stretch. The latest version of the mega sports car with 356 kW/486 HP clocked in at a new record time of 7:26.7 minutes.

The Japanese car manufacturer is now getting ready to present a thrilling look into its world: the Nissan Sportscars Shop, on the Nürburgring’s new ring°boulevard, where visitors can experience Nissan. The company hopes to share its own love of racing with fans from all over the world and to let visitors experience its expertise as a longstanding manufacturer of fascinating sports cars. The Nissan Sportscars Shop, which occupies about 500 square metres of space, opened as part of the celebrations surrounding the dedication of the new Nürburgring on 09 July.

Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nissan shop, visitors can browse among fascinating sports cars and lifestyle products or relax in the Nissan lounge. In addition to the GT-R and the 370Z NÃRBURGRING EDITION, which is limited to 80 cars, highlights include the GT-R SpecV version, the only place in Europe where customers and enthusiasts will be able to see this hyper-exclusive model.

This high-performance version of Nissan’s supercar offers numerous modifications compared to the production model, such as additional carbon fibre parts, carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust system and a button-operated, short-time torque booster. Trained personnel are available to answer all your questions about the cars and can get you in touch with a Nissan sales representative at the dealership upon request. Sales of GT-R SpecV will begin later this year, with prices to be confirmed in the coming months.

Visitors to the Sportscar Shop can also purchase high-quality Nissan merchandise and its motor sports department NISMO, including rare items imported from Japan as well as scale models of cars.

The Nissan Sportscars Shop is also slated to take on a more central role in many of the company’s marketing and sales activities. At the end of October 2009, for example, the company has planned an entire week full of action. The schedule includes a drift event at the Nürburgring, track days with the Nissan GT-R on the Nordschleife and a “tour of the senses”, a journey through the picturesque Eifel countryside surrounding the racetrack.

The Nürburgring’s expansion into a year-round recreation and business centre is an important milestone in the history of the Nordschleife, which was first built in 1927. In addition to a new main stand with 5,000 covered seats, the new grounds feature presentation and event areas as well as additional accommodations in the track’s immediate vicinity, an expanded range of services for corporate customers, and indoor attractions. The ring°boulevard forms the central axis of the Nürburgring. On it, leading car manufacturers and accessory experts have set up themed stores and exhibition spaces along the Grand Prix track’s start and finish straightaways. The covered promenade is directly connected to other new attractions such as the ring°arena for public events and the ring°werk (motor sports museum).

- By: Kap Shah

As reported last month, Nissan was to head back to the Nurburgring with the 2010 GT-R and the GT-R SpecV to break its own and other records at the famous German track.

According to EVO, the Nissan GT-R has allegedly broken its previous record of 7:29. Piloted by Toshio Suzuki, former F1 driver and Nissan’s Chief Test Driver, the 2010 model year lapped the Nordschleife in 7:27.56.

However that time is still slower than the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1′s 7:26.40 so Suzuki will be giving it another shot in a few days. We’re guessing Nissan will officially release all the figures once it’s satisfied with its lap times. Can’t wait to see the GT-R SpecV’s numbers.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: EVO

The 2010 Nissan GT-R will be getting a whole 5 more horsepower than its 2009 sibling. Of course, more powerful than that is the Nissan GT-R SpecV which will be hitting up the Nurburgring next month to set a record lap at Green Hell.

But Nissan has more up its sleeve for Godzilla. According to Nissan’s chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno, a more powerful Nissan GT-R is on the way.

“The SpecV, in contrast to what you might be thinking, is not the high-performance version of the GT-R,” Mizuno told Inside Line.

No word on when this ultra high-performance GT-R will hit the dealerships.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor.

Source: Inside Line (via AutoBlog)

We’re not sure why but there is apparently a market for Nissan GT-Rs with a smoother and more refined ride. If the Nissan GT-R is considered a high-performance supercar, the Nissan GT-R SpecV is an even more hard-going, rough version that allows for increased performance.

In come the violins and some Mozart and you get the Nissan GT-R SpecM. Unlike the GT-R SpecV’s firm suspension, the GT-R SpecM will get a softer, more refined setup and will also include ripple control shock to absorb the bumps.

Nissan will also offer a wider, more luxurious choice of interior trims to go after a more upmarket shopper. That means you’ll see wood grain trim finishes and such. Pricing is expected to start around 13 million Yen ($132,228 USD) – which is significantly less than the 16 million Yen ($162,742 USD) price tag of the Nissan GT-R SpecV.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

- By: Kah Shah

Source: PistonHeads

The 2008 Nissan GT-R reported a Nurburgring time of 7:29. The 2009 model is now here and “it”s definitely faster” says Toshio Suzuki, Nissan Chief Test Driver. Recently it was reported that Nissan has officially confirmed a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds with the 2009 GT-R – the 2008 model was clocked in at 3.5 seconds.

What’s better and faster is the Nissan GT-R SpecV. While there is no power upgrades the SpecV uses a lot of weight saving methods including carbon fiber body parts, Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats. The GT-R SpecV also has a new high-gear boost control device which increases the boost of the engine”s twin turbochargers for increased torque and a more powerful acceleration.

Nissan is now ready to head back to Nurburgring to break its own and other records at Green Hell. Toshio Suzuki confirmed with GTRBlog that he and his team will be heading back to Germany in April with both – the 2009 GT-R and the GT-R SpecV.

When asked which of the two GT-Rs he thinks will post a better time, Suzuki said: “Well the SpecV is lighter, has more power, better braking. It will set a faster time”¦”

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

Source: GTR-Blog

The Nissan GT-R SpecV made its debut on Jan. 8th for the Japanese market. At the time Nissan had said nothing about a U.S. spec version or even versions for other markets. For those of you unfamiliar on what side of the road the Japanese drive on, all of their cars are right-hand-drive.

Much to our surprise, folks at GTRBlog spotted a left-hand-drive version of the GT-R SpecV on the Best Motoring DVD.

Don’t get too excited because so far Nissan has no plans to offer the GT-R SpecV in the U.S. So that leaves Europe, parts of Asia and the Middle East as the top three left-hand-drive markets.

Make the jump for more pictures.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

Source: GTRBlog

After all the spy shots and leaked details Nissan today has finally dropped the info on the new Nissan GT-R SpecV which goes on sale at seven Nissan dealers in Japan on February 2. Nissan says that the GT-R SpecV is designed for drivers “who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.” Nissan wasn’t very technical about the details but the Japanese automaker did say how it used a lot of weight-saving elements with new unique body modifications, interior upgrades and performance enhancing equipment.

The new Nissan GT-R SpecV includes a new carbon fiber rear-spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. It will be available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal body color. The inside of the car gets a two-seat interior with Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats and carbon fiber insets in the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas. The performance upgrades include a new high-gear boost control device which increases the boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for increased torque to provide a more powerful acceleration. Other performance upgrades include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.

The special-edition GT-R SpecV rides on 20-inch lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed by Nissan Motorsports International – aka NISMO.

Nissan did not say how many SpecV models it will produce or whether it will be offered in other markets besides Japan – but if you live in Japan get ready to cash out 15,750,000 yen ($170,178 USD).

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Nissan GT-R SpecV:

Dealer outlets selling the SpecV:

Ibaraki Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Mito Sennami Outlet
Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales Co., Ltd. Kamedo Outlet
Nissan Prince Nagoya Sales Co., Ltd. Fukiage Outlet
Nissan Prince Osaka Sales Co., Ltd. Horie Kawaguchi Outlet
Nissan Prince Hyogo Sales Co., Ltd. Nada Outlet
Nissan Prince Kagawa Sales Co., Ltd. Takamatsu Outlet
Yamaguchi Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Ogori Interchange Outlet