2013 Nissan GT-R: now even more so
Godzilla's been to the gym and come back even fitter than before
Via his preferred method of Rolf Harris-style whiteboard doodlings, he outlined to us a step-by-step programme of updates for the GT-R after we drove out to the 'ring 24-hour race in the Track Pack equipped car to watch its racing brethren take on the world's toughest endurance race. They competed in that race as the 'GT-R Development Team' and the fruits of that labour have now been confirmed in a package of upgrades that'll feature on customer cars from spring next year.
There's no headline grabbing power boost or, indeed, another few seconds off the GT-R's 'ring lap to further annoy Porsche. Yet. What the lessons learned from the 'ring mean are, in Nissan's words, subtle - and that's not a word you often hear associated with the GT-R - enhancements to improve responsiveness in the drivetrain and composure in the chassis. The exact changes are listed below verbatim from the Nissan press release but it's clear that in the face of freshened up competition from Porsche and Audi the GT-R isn't standing still.
There aren't any numbers yet in terms of performance or indeed price alterations, Nissan promising more information in due course. Probably once they've bagged that all-important 'ring lap, at a guess...
2013 Nissan GT-R upgrades, as described in the press release:
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.
First info released suggests:
2013MY: 0-62 in 2.7, 7.18.6 Ring laptime
Video of the 2013 below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8twx9ksiCo&fea...
Nevertheless, I wonder how many GT-Rs have sold world wide each year since launch, and how long it will last. 7-8 years I guess.
The thing is, how much of all that can you actually enjoy on the road? 10%. My 996 is basically a snail compared to that and I feel it's already too fast for the road (in the UK)
I'm just pleased it doesn't carry an Audi badge. Not all cars go through this testing and development every year, just think where this car will be in 5 years time.
Nevertheless, I wonder how many GT-Rs have sold world wide each year since launch, and how long it will last. 7-8 years I guess.
Do you often get upset by car reviews on motoring websites or magazines?
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