The GT-R draws on a heritage of performance from a long line of Japanese-market Nissan Skyline sport coupes, not all of which were top-shelf sports cars. Today, just a quick look at the GT-R's spec sheet is enough to see it's a supercar. It has a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6, now making 530 horsepower (up from 473 hp at its introduction), and it follows a unique layout, with the engine in front and transmission in back. All-wheel drive does its best to put all that power to the road.
In silhouette only, the GT-R isn't as exotic as some of those other fanboy dream cars. Some enthusiasts might be put off by its more minimalist, conservative look. But up close, the GT-R delivers on the details, with the rakish roofline, rear wing, and quad circular rear lights. And inside, the GT-R is quite the departure from any other current Nissan product—including an instrument panel design that angles its controls toward the driver.
Whether or not you're a fan of the look, the GT-R delivers with dizzying acceleration, including 0-60 times of about 3.0 seconds and a top speed upwards of 193 mph. Shifts are made through an automated manual gearbox. In normal driving, the GT-R's performance potential is hard to tap into, but push a little faster when you get the chance and the driving experience is a little more detached and video-game-like than it should be. That said, handling is excellent and the variable power-split all-wheel drive system helps make you both fast and safe.
A number of small changes were introduced on the GT-R for 2010. Brakes were upgraded, with more rigid lines, and the stability control system was updated. Also, smoke-finish RAYS forged-aluminum wheels were introduced, along with a Cold Weather Package and iPod interface. Base and Premium models were offered with the latter getting heated seats and a Bose audio upgrade.
Nissan discontinued the Launch Control feature due to excessive warranty claims. Since launch control helped yield the former GT-R its excellent acceleration times—with some testers saying the GT-R is a second or more slower to 60 mph without it—Nissan restored it in a limited way for the 2012 model year, while it also boosted total output to 530 hp. Those changes bring the supercar's 60-mph runs down to about 3.0 seconds, according to buff-book numbers. Other changes for the 2012 model year include a special "black" edition and revised interior trim.
For the 2013 model year, Nissan For more, see our full review of the 2013 Nissan GT-R; driving impressions can be had in this 2013 Nissan GT-R First Drive.
Nissan has already announced a more extensive round of improvements for 2014. In addition to some structural reinforcements, the new GT-R gets revised suspension mounts that lower its center of mass. Peak output for the engine remains at 545 hp and 463 lb-ft, although mid-range response has been improved with high-output fuel injectors and revised turbochargers.
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