0 2013 Nissan GT-R: elevated performance

Improved response, better stability and sharper handling - those are the highlights of the 2013 model year Nissan GT-R.

On sale next spring, the four-wheel drive supercar has received a round of enhancements aimed at subtly boosting the responsiveness of its 550PS 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine while improving ride and handling at the same time.

Applying lessons learned from this year's Nürburgring 24-Hour race to the roadgoing GT-R, engineers have improved response in both the mid- and upper-rpm rev ranges, increased body rigidity and made changes to the dampers, springs and front anti-roll bar.

As a result, the GT-R is more responsive, has better high-speed stability and a more refined ride.

Nissan will reveal full prices and exact performance details closer to the car's launch, but in the meantime the technical changes are outlined below:

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.