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AUTOS: Nissan Upgrades 2014 GT-R
The Japanese automaker previews the performance refinements for its supercar that launches in the U.S. early next year.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran  | http://motorauthority.com  |  Posted November 02, 2012   Tokyo (JAP)
Nissan has made a number of refinements to the 2014 GT-R supercar to improve performance, stability and handling. (Photo: Nissan)
Nissan’s practice of continually offering upgrades for its R35 GT-R shows no signs of slowing, with the Japanese automaker today announcing a new round of revisions for its giant-killing supercar.

Coming in for the 2014 model year, the latest version of the GT-R has been enhanced with increased performance, improved ride and handling, and greater customization, Nissan says.

The Japan-spec GT-R previews the changes coming in the U.S. version due to arrive next year. (Photo: Nissan)
Nissan entered a stock GT-R in the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year, an endurance race in which the car emerged a winner in its class and 30th overall. As the car’s chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno explained at the time, the purpose of competing was to test reliability and durability issues in order to refine the GT-R over the remainder of its lifecycle.

Nissan boasts the car's new Nürburgring lap time is 7:18:6 – more than 20 seconds faster than the lap time of the original R35 that debuted in 2007.

For the 2014 Nissan GT-R, the competition has led to improved engine response in both the mid- and upper-rev range, increased body rigidity and numerous changes to the shock absorbers, springs and front stabilizer. The vehicle's overall performance is said to have increased, with high-speed stability improved and ride quality made more refined

There’s been no increase in engine power, so peak output remains at 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque.

The GT-R's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 retains its 545-horsepower output but with enhancements designed to boost performance. (Photo: Nissan)
Engine refinements include high-output fuel injectors that more precisely control fuel injection to improve mid-range engine response and acceleration at higher revs, revised turbochargers that help maintain boost pressure for longer at high revs, and improved circulation of the engine oil to reduce internal friction.

Nissan engineers reduced the car’s center of gravity by adjusting the suspension bushings and tires. This is in addition to revising the shock absorbers and front stabilizer. Cam bolts have also been installed on the front suspension to improve camber accuracy and maintainability of alignment settings, and a number of bolts have had their torque increased to improve reliability in track situations.

Reinforcements were added at two locations in the dash panel bar and instrument panel member, which Nissan says results in improved suspension performance and increased body rigidity.

In the Japanese version, Nissan has launched a new Premium Edition trim, which adds Semi-Aniline leather and more options for customizing the cabin. The automaker is also offering carbon bucket seats from Recaro as a factory option.

Specifications and pricing for the 2014 Nissan GT-R in the U.S. should be announced closer to the car’s local launch early next year.

This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
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