Nissan launched the mighty GT-R just over three years ago, but now the company has released full details of the updated 2011 model. The good news is that the improvements are not just cosmetic, but include important mechanical, suspension, cooling and aerodynamic changes.
In terms of power, the 3,8-litre V6 biturbo engine now develops 390 kW and 612 N.m – impovements of 33 kW and 24 N.m over the outputs of the current model. This has been achieved by changing the boost pressure, valve timing and air mixture ratio. To help with air flow the inlet pipes have been enlarged while the exhaust system has been modified.
According to Nissan, all these modifications have resulted in the benchmark 0-100 km/h acceleration time dropping to only 3,0 seconds. Nissan’s next aim is to break the 3,0 second barrier. The top speed has also increased to 315 km/h. Despite the increases in performance and power, fuel consumption has dropped to 12 litres/100 km on the combined cycle.
To assist the engine in achieving this level of efficiency, the cylinder bores get a plasma coating of only 0,15 mm. This helps to dissipate heat which in turns helps with power levels and fuel economy.
As on the previous model the GR6-type gearbox sends power to all four wheels and has different settings, of which the “R” is the fastest and most aggressive.
Under normal conditions the all-wheel drive system sends all of the torque to the rear axle, but when the system detects a change in conditions or driving attitude (slippery conditions or to improve cornering performance) up to 50 per cent of the torque can be send to the front axle.
Nissan has also modified the GT-R’s suspension. The front springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bar have been changed to improve the vertical load response of the tyres. At the rear the roll centre has been lowered to optimise grip on the inside edge of the tyres under hard cornering.
In line with the increase in performance the brake set-up has also been improved by increasing the size of the front discs by 10 mm to 390 mm. The wheels, which are forged aluminium items, are redesigned and are also lighter than those on the current car.
From the outside the 2011 GT-R will be recognisable by the added jewellery in the form of the LED headlamps. Even though the car might otherwise look exactly the same, Nissan was able to increase frontal downforce by up to 10 percent. Still, the GT-R’s drag coefficient is only 0,26 Cd. The rear also sports a longer diffuser to further aid under floor cooling, performance and reduced aerodynamics.
Expect the 2011 Nissan GT-R in South Africa within the next couple of months.