Nissan supercar turns up the wick

Competition in the supercar segment is getting stiffer and stiffer. The demand for performance cars is growing at a rapid speed and so is the technology in these cars.

Since the introduction of the GT-R a few years ago, Nissan has been working on improving this model on an annual basis.

This year, the GT-R adopted a few more changes to its already supercool self.

Power has been improved for greater performance. Engine output rises significantly from 390kW to 404kW at 6400rpm, with maximum torque of 612 to 632Nm from 3200 to 5800rpm. The Japanese company claims fuel consumption has been decreased from 12l per 100km/h to 11.8l per 100 km/h.

Certain parts of the rear engine compartment and dash panel have been tweaked to enhance handling, according to Nissan SA.

At the same time, more precise production methods, accompanied by advancements made in the vehicle body, have improved the inter-vehicle detection capability.

This was achieved by changes in the positioning of the sensor and more rigid, highly-damped vehicle body, and by adding a more accurate acceleration sensor in areas with higher sensitivity in the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

Accounting for the added weight of the driver in a right-hand drive vehicle, coupled to the fact that the propeller shaft for front wheels is located on the right side of the vehicle, the GT-R's suspension in RHD versions has been set asymmetrically.

For the front suspension, there's a harder spring rate on the left side while, at the rear, the suspension arm has been installed upwards on the left and downwards on the right.

This means an imbalanced wheel load when the car is stationary, which is equalised during driving, providing improved responsiveness, smoothness and steering feel, as well as enhanced cornering stability and comfort.

The interior has been enhanced by the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light. This was done to give a more sophisticated atmosphere.

A rearview camera device will be standard on all models.

The Bose sound system woofers have been changed to Bose Precision Sound System woofers to further enhance sound quality.

The Premium Edition is priced at R1347000 and the Black Edition sells for R1397000.