2013 Nissan GT-R Honed from Within, Gains 550HP and Upgraded Chassis [78 Photos]

Like clockwork, ever since the presentation of the GT-R in late 2007, Nissan introduces a new model year version of its highly praised all-wheel drive sports car towards the end of fall or the beginning of winter.

This year’s version carries the 2012MY designation in Japan and Europe, and the 2013MY moniker for the North American market.

If you’re looking to find any styling differences from last year’s model, don’t waste your time as the only visible change concerns the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light.

Underneath the skin, however, it’s a different story as Nissan’s engineers have honed the new GT-R in every possible way. Starting with the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a raft of upgrades that include but are not limited to, revised heads, intercooler and exhaust system, push output from 530PS at 6,400rpm and 612Nm (451 lb-ft) from 3,200 to 6,400 rpm, to 550PS at 6,400rpm and 632Nm (466 lb-ft) from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm.

Nissan says that these changes not only result to better engine response and torque at mid- and low-speeds, and power at high revolutions, but also help to improve the car’s fuel economy from 12lt to 11.8L/100km (equal to: 24mpg UK, 20mpg US and 8.7km/L in Japan’s JC08 mode).

On the transmission front, the Japanese firm claims to have refined shift feel and quietness thanks to a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing.

The 2013MY also brings a more rigid body, a ceramic brake system option on certain models and unique asymmetric suspension settings on left- and right-hand drive cars.

Equipment changes include a new Rear View Camera device that will be standard on all models plus an upgraded Bose sound system.

Last, but certainly not least, Nissan announced that it has developed a new track focused model designed exclusively for right hand drive markets such as Japan and the UK.

The hardcore version of the GT-R was jointly developed with NordRing Company in Japan, and features a two-seat configuration to lower the car’s weight, revised suspension settings, extra brake cooling, Ray alloy wheels from the Spec-V model and a different front spoiler with a carbon air duct.

Nissan said that it will reveal more details on both the standard and Track Pack models at the car’s world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The updated GT-R is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on November 24 and arrives in European showrooms from early 2012. The company has not yet announced a sales date for the North American version.

At a glance:

More power (550PS), improved economy and lower emissions

Unique asymmetric suspension settings on RHD cars

Enhanced transmission shift feel

Special race tuned oils used in differential

Body strengthened for even greater handling finesse

Ceramic brakes option according to model

New Bose Precision Sound System woofers

Rear view camera now standard

New version ‘For TRACK PACK’ enhances GT-R’s pure performance (RHD only)

Engine Upgrades:

Improved intake efficiency

Better air flow resistance, which has been reduced by the addition of an intake manifold fitted to the head of each unit and the use of resin in the enlarged air intake duct for the intercooler.

Improved exhaust emissions efficiency and enhanced control.

Reduced air flow resistance thanks to a more compact under floor catalyser which improves emissions efficiency and reduces weight.

Improved exhaust valve cooling performance by the adoption of a newly-designed metallic sodium-filled valve. At the same time, valve control timing, the air mixture ratio and ignition timing have been improved.