Want to know what invincibility feels like? Strap yourself into the seat of the 2012 Nissan GT-R and then press the start button.
The engine has more power, the suspension has been revised, the wheels are lighter, the seats have been re-designed, the breaks are bigger, the chassis is stiffer and the aerodynamics have be reconfigured to improve cooling and provide more downforce. These are changes which improve the over all driveability and performance of the GT-R so significantly that most will be inclined to consider it nothing short of a second generation birth.
To further demonstrate this point, how does 0-60 in 2.88 seconds sound?
The 2012 Nissan GT-R's performance is mind boggling, with a twin-turbocharged 3.8 litre V6 engine, which delivers 530 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque, coupled with sophisticated electronic 4 wheel drive and dual-clutch transmission. The torque curve has also been widened , with peak twist now available from 3200 rpm all the way up to 6000 rpm.
Reaching a top speed of 196mph and engine speed of 7000rpm, this is definately one to watch out for!
Added to this, the GT-R is not highly priced, unlike some less impressive cars in the market such as the Audi R8 with a starting price of £86,935 and a mere 420 horsepower in comparisson. It is said that the R8 can reach 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative. Add to this the R8's top speed of 187mph and the GT-R becomes even more appealing with it's starting price of around £69,950.
That's 110 more horsepower, 1.7 seconds quicker doing 0-60mph and a top speed difference of 9 mph, and for £16985 less!
Also the GT-R has identical horse power rating to a Porche 911 turbo which is priced up at £97,840, nearly £28,000 more than the GT-R.
Another plus is that fuel economy for the 2012 model is up to 16mpg city and 23mpg highway compared to the 2011 which was rated 15mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
The engineering team has also tweaked and massaged the GT-R's dual-clutch, six-speed transmission. Most of the work was focused on eliminating the brutal shock of engagement during periods of maximum stress, leaving more than a few previous owners with shattered gearboxes! According to Mizuno, software remapping upgraded the vehicles so called "clutch control" to deliever launches that were quicker but less traumatic to the mechanicals. That said, owners of the 2012 model are offered "launch control" with a 4000 rpm launch with one caveat, the software will only allow four sequential runs back to back. After that the car must be driven 1 and a half miles to reset the system, also giving the system time to cool down.
When driven with temper and patience, the powertrain quickly shifts through its gears to maximise fuel economy. No worries from the drivers seat as instant acceleration is only a quarter-throw of the accelerator pedal away. The GT-R is far, far more enjoyable when driven hard!
Now in its fourth year, the GT-R has matured and aged well with the 2012 model leading the way. Emerging after an extensive list of focused upgrades and refinements, the sports car demonstrates poise, confidence, authority and shows no signs of fear.
It feels good to find such an interesting topic on the internet like this one nowadays.
Posted by: Coach Canada | 05/05/2011 at 01:27 AM
The Nissan GT-R is truly a super car; so much speed and power. It can compete on the same level as some of the much more expensive exotic cars.
Posted by: Nissan Cars Hollywood | 17/05/2011 at 12:02 AM