2013 Nissan GT-R: performance excellence redefined

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (20 November, 2012) Nissan GT-R, the legendary supercar, has been further enhanced for the 2013 model year, offering more performance, stability, refinement, and greater customization. While continuing to be available in VVIP grade, further levels of customization have been introduced with more to follow including a unique example for Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and champion Olympic sprinter, brand ambassador for the 315km/h GT-R and honorary “Director of Excitement”.

“Nissan’s brand philosophy of innovation and excitement for everyone is expressed nowhere more clearly than in the legendary GT-R,” said Samir Cherfan, Sales & Marketing Director, Nissan Middle East. “Its ferocious power, incredible handling and unmistakable styling are unmatched by all but the most expensive hyper cars while offering a degree of everyday usability which they cannot come close to competing with. GT-R is unique in the performance car world and the enhancements for this model year underline our commitment to tirelessly enhance this truly iconic nameplate.”

The 2013 model year Nissan GT-R 2013 received evolutionary design and engineering enhancements based on feedback acquired from competing in the 24-Hours of Nürburgring race earlier this year. Subsequent time spent testing the road car on the world’s most demanding circuit also fully tested GT-R’s durability and reliability. “When we go to Nürburgring, we test drive the car over 3000km - about the same as driving 400,000km on public roads twice a year,” said Nissan GT-R Chief Vehicle Engineer, and the ‘Godfather’ of GT-R, Kazutoshi Mizuno. “We work on specific issues such as heat or the forces acting on the car, aiming to make a car road-capable in all global conditions.”

The 2013 model year is the fifth iteration from Mizuno, and features improved engine response in the mid- and upper-rpm rev range, increased body rigidity, and specification changes to the shock absorbers, springs and front stabilizer. As a result, the vehicle’s overall performance is dramatically increased, high-speed stability improved and ride quality is more refined. Additionally, a Premium Edition version will be offered that features rich Semiarinin leather and custom-colored interior as fashionable interior package, further enhancing the sense of quality within the cabin. 

It’s this combination of staggering performance and style which led Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and champion Olympic sprinter, to buy a Nissan GT-R. The relationship between the multi-gold medal winning athlete and Nissan has led to the recent announcement of Bolt becoming brand ambassador for the 315km/h GT-R and honorary “Director of Excitement” for the Nissan brand. 

The teaming of world’s fastest man and superfast supercar is set to continue with a unique gold-painted GT-R, signed by the man himself, soon be auctioned to benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation. However, this isn’t the only GT-R he will inspire: a special “Bolt GT-R” for his personal use is in the pipeline while Bolt will also start work with Nissan product specialists on a limited-edition version which can be ordered in markets where GT-R is available (details will be announced at a later stage). 

Bolt and Nissan GT-R are central to the company’s ambitious “WHAT IF_” global brand campaign. Featuring Nissan’s iconic products and breakthrough technologies in billboards at airports around the world, it forms part of the company’s Power 88 mid-term business plan – aimed at capturing 8 per cent market share and 8 per cent operating margins. 

2013 Nissan GT-R goes on sale across the Middle East from February 2013 onwards.

2013 MY NISSAN GT-R technical overview

1. Mechanical Features

Engine

Sharper mid-range engine response and improved high-end acceleration.
• The incorporation of high-output injectors that more precisely control fuel injection improve mid-range engine response and acceleration at higher rpms
• Specially-developed openings to the relief valve have been added to the turbocharger bypass; these suppress the rapid decrease of the forced injection pressure, helping to sustain acceleration at high rpms
• By adding a specially-designed baffle plate to the oil pan, oil pressure is better stabilized while rotational friction within the oil pan is reduced, especially during high-performance driving
• Motul Competition Oil is offered as an engine oil option at Nissan dealers due to the many requests from GT-R customers who frequently drive their cars at circuit
• Power: Maximum Engine Power 550 hp (440 KW) @ 6,400 rpm
•Torque:  Maximum Torque 628 Kg-m (640 Nm) 3200 – 5800 rpm

Chassis

Glued-to-the-ground handling and rock-solid stability at super high speeds
• After meticulously measuring the roll center of a GT-R while in motion, Nissan engineers lowered the vehicle’s center of gravity in accordance with the deflection of the suspension bushings and tires. The specifications of the shock absorbers and front stabilizer have also been modified
• Cam bolts have been installed on the front suspension to improve camber accuracy and maintainability of alignment settings
• The torque from the driveshaft to the hub bearings was increased to improve reliability in high-stress situations, such as when track driving

Body

Improved driving stability and steering response
• Reinforcements were added at two locations in the dash panel bar and instrument panel member resulting in improved suspension performance and increased body rigidity

2. Interior

Pure Edition
• The quality level of the interior has been improved by changing the color of the stitching and adopting a thicker seam on the instrument panel and door trim

Black Edition
• An attractive red-and-black color combination steering wheel increases the car’s sporty flair
• Premium Edition
• A new two-tone interior color of Amber Red and Black adds style to the interior as option for fashionable interior package
• Hand-stitched genuine Semiarinin leather front seats have been added

Track Pack Edition
• RECARO carbon bucket seats are available as a factory installed option. For reducing the car's weight, this edition is made in a two-seat configuration (without rear seats, with quilted fabric mats). Also adopted are combination seats made with genuine leather and high-grip fabric, newly developed for the "For TRACK PACK" edition, which firmly holds the driver through the grip of the seat cloth
• Brake cooling ducts (front and rear)
• Rays Aluminum-alloy wheels (with black quartz chrome color coating)
• The front spoiler with carbon air duct has been exclusively made for this edition.
• GT-R Track Pack Plus options – Titanium Muffler and Carbon rear spoiler.

GT-R VVIP Model highlights
Exterior
• Black dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and 24 karat gold plated side panels, grille and exclusive VVIP badge

Interior
• 12 interior color combinations, leather trimmed components created in Germany, tailored Bose® sound system, Wajima Maki-e centre steering wheel ‘GT-R’ emblem with deep coloring and glaze created by Mr. Sakae Kubota, an accredited traditional craftsman of Japanese lacquer 

3. Specifications/ equipment 
• Carbon-fiber rear spoiler and lightweight aluminum-alloy forged RAYS® wheels are available as a factory installed option (Track Pack Edition as optional).
• Rear View Monitor comes as standard equipment on the all models.