Nissan South Africa has announced pricing and specification for the 2012 model year GT-R, which is due to go on sale from February. Not only will the new car gain a bit more power, but aspects of the transmission, suspension and spec also receive a bump up for the new year.
Power still comes from Nissan’s twin-turbo 3,9-litre V6 engine, but thanks to improvements in intake efficiency, exhaust valve cooling and airflow resistance the power output climbs from 390 kW to 397 kW while fuel economy drops from 12 to 11,8 L/100 km.
The transmission, which has come in for criticism of its abrupt action and mechanical soundtrack, has also undergone changes to improve shift feel and suppress excess noise. The changes take the shape of a strengthened shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel. This is supplemented by the use of R35 COMPETITION Type 2189E (75W140) oil for the differential.
The GT-R’s body has also been reinforced around the rear of the engine compartment and facia panel to improve torsional rigidity and further hone overall handling feel. Nissan has also set the GT-R’s suspension asymmetrically for RHD cars to compensate for the weight of both the prop shaft and driver being borne on the right-hand side of the vehicle. There’s a harder spring rate on the front-left side while the rear the suspension arm has been installed upwards on the left side and downwards on the right – it’s a set-up that Nissan claims will enhance both comfort and cornering characteristics.
In the cabin the 2012 GT-R features blue lighting for the tachometer and a rear-view parking camera is now standard on all models. The Bose audio system also receives an upgrade with the standard woofers making way for Bose Precision Sound system woofers.
Pricing:
2012 GT-R Premium Edition R1 347 000 (incl. VAT)
2012 GT-R Black Edition R1 397 000 (incl. VAT)
