ELEVATED PERFORMANCE - 2013 GT-R REDEFINES DRIVING EXCITEMENT
- The fastest Nissan gets even faster for 2013...
- 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds - 0.1 seconds quicker than 2012 GT-R
- Stiffer chassis with revised suspension set-up and lower centre of gravity
- Faster around the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit than 2012 GT-R
- Uprated driveshafts and oil management for track driving
Improving on perfection is no easy task, but that's exactly what Nissan has achieved with the 2013 model year GT-R. The latest evolution of Nissan's flagship coupe makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, showcasing a host of enhancements and innovative engineering improvements.
Delivering improved stability, sharper handling and even quicker responses, the latest GT-R takes high-performance motoring to a new level. Ride and comfort levels have also been improved, allowing drivers to enjoy maximum performance in the real world.
As with all Nissans, the 2013 GT-R has benefited significantly from the marque's sporting endeavours. Lessons learned during the 2012 Nürburgring 24hr race have been carefully applied to the roadgoing version, with the end result being improved engine response and high-speed stability.
Engine
The GT-R's acclaimed twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 features new high-output injectors that offer more precise control over fuelling. This has significantly improved mid- and high-range response, further boosting the GT-R's famed flexibility.
A new relief valve for the turbocharger has also been introduced. This limits the rapid decrease of forced injection pressure when the throttle is lifted, improving turbo response and maintaining throttle responsiveness.
Finally, a new oil pan baffle has been designed to help maintain constant oil pressure and reduce rotational friction during high-performance driving.
As a result of these improvements, the 2013 GT-R can sprint from 0-100km/h in incredible 2.7 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker than the 2012 mode).
Body and chassis
The GT-R's already stiff body structure has been strengthened further with the additional reinforcements to the dash panel bar and instrument panel member. These small improvements have resulted in increased body rigidity further and even better suspension control.
The suspension set-up itself has also been revised for the 2013 model year GT-R. After measuring the car's roll centre when cornering, engineers have been able to further improve handling balance. Revisions to the dampers, springs and front anti-roll bar have resulted in a lower centre of gravity.
Among other detail changes to the chassis and drivetrain are new front suspension cam bolts that improve camber accuracy and stability when cornering, and uprated driveshafts for improved reliability.
To validate the improvements to the 2013 model year GT-R, Nissan engineers put the car through an extensive testing programme at the Nürburgring. The famous German circuit was lapped in 7min 19.1 seconds when undergoing testing in May this year. However, Kazutoshi Mizuno, creator of the GT-R, has revealed that 0.5 seconds were lost to traffic on that hot lap, indicating that the 2013 GT-R is capable of a 7min 18.6 seconds lap. That compares to 7min 21 seconds for the 2012 model year GT-R.
