First Look: 2011 Nissan GT-R 'Enhanced'

Since its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, the Nissan GT-R has enthralled its customers as the definitive accessible supercar. The 2011 Nissan GT-R has been developed under the theme of the ‘World’s best multi-performance and pleasure of responsive driving’. The exterior features more strength and stability, while the traditional creative flair associated with the GT-R’s striking appearance has also been updated, to offer improved aerodynamics. A sportier interior complements the enhanced design.

Engine output is significantly improved to 530PS (390KW)/6,400rpm, with the maximum torque of 612Nm from 3,200 to 6,000rpm. The engine cover is, enigmatically, painted red to illustrate its enhanced performance.

By adopting an ultra-low precious metal catalyst and an engine control module fitted with high-capacity microprocessors, cleaner emissions have been achieved. Fuel economy has also been improved by modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio along with larger diameter inlet pipes and a modified exhaust system.

SAVE mode is a newly-adopted system, replacing ‘snow Mode’, which optimises driving torque and modifies the gearshift schedule to improve fuel economy when driving on motorways or open roads. The features of Snow Mode are also retained.

Standing start performance can now be maximised through the use of R mode. To activate, the driver must select R mode, depress the brake whilst in gear, apply full throttle and release the brake as soon as possible. The system will monitor oil temperatures to ensure reliability is maintained and prevent further use if the temperatures rise above the maximum allowance.

To help control tight turning at slow speeds a new 2-Wheel drive mode will temporarily shift the car to 2-Wheel drive as long as the speed is below 6MPH and the steering wheel is turned more than half way.

For the front suspension the spring, shock absorber and stabiliser has been modified to improve the vertical load response of the tyre. The front caster angle is increased from 5°35 to 6°00 to improve tyre road-holding ability when steering and stability in a straight line.

The rear suspension toe performance has been modified by changing the roll centre height to a lower position. This gives an improvement to the grip of the inside edge of the tyres while conducting turning manoeuvres.

An aluminium free-piston shock absorber has been newly-developed, which generates more precise damping force to constantly provide stable road-holding and a load shift that quickly responds to the driver’s input. Reduced shock absorber friction provides a quality and smoother ride.

To help lengthen the life span of the front brake discs a larger diameter disc is fitted (Φ390+10mm). Developed uniquely by Nissan offering more resistance to fade at high temperatures when driven hard.

Even with a more intense and stable chassis, the GT-R’s world-beating aerodynamic performance has been further improved. Downforce has been increased by around 10%, while a co-efficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.

Stability is improved by an enlarged bumper and grille openings, with increased three-dimensional effects.

The front bumper has been redesigned, with double rectifier fins which increases front downforce by around 10%, while reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment and also increases the air flow through a radiator which cools the front brakes. Each side incorporates an LED daytime running light fitted with a large-diameter reflecting surface emitting a high-intensity white light.

A newly-designed rear bumper with a low centre of gravity has been created and features a sculptured lower part with an extended rear end. By extending the rear diffuser, underfloor cooling performance is enhanced, with reduced air resistance.

Cooling performance for the rear exhaust silencer is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% by introducing a rear bumper air outlet, which removes air in the rear wheel housing.

The four tailpipe finishers have also been enlarged.

A high-intensity LED rear fog lamp is now incorporated within the extended rear diffuser.

Six exterior colours are available, including two new colours - Metallic Black, replacing solid Kuro Black and Daytona Blue replacing Titanium Grey.

GT-R still represents outstanding performance at a competitive price. The standard ‘no extra cost’ specification list remains as strong as always with Premium Connect HDD satellite navigation, Bose stereo system, iPod™ connectivity, hard drive music storage, Bluetooth phone connection, 20” alloy wheels, runflat tyres, and individual climate control air conditioning. Add that to the performance delivered from the V6 twin turbo through the GR6 twin clutch system, with the aid of the 4 wheel drive system, and the on the road price, the GT-R remains untouchable.

Credits: wilswong