2011 Nissan GT-R : First Look

Jay Williams - 20/October/2010

Yokohama, Japan - Nissan has announced the launch of the MY11 Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale in Australia next March.

The 2011 GT-R features improved engine output and torque, greater fuel efficiency, revised handling, a refreshed exterior with improved aerodynamics, revised interior treatment and new wheel and tyre package.

By modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio, reducing intake air resistance by enlarging the inlet pipe diameter, and reducing exhaust air resistance through use of an enlarged section of exhaust pipe, fuel economy is improved to 12.0-litres/100 kms (previously 12.5 litres/100kms).

At the same time, the engine output is significantly improved to 390kW at 6400rpm with maximum torque of 612Nm from 3200-6000 rpm.

The 2011 Nissan GT-R features a new SAVE mode, which optimises driving torque and modifies gear changes to improve fuel economy when driving highways or open roads.

While selecting "R mode" for the transmission and VDC-R improves overall performance.

Steering and handling responsiveness has been improved by using a highly rigid, lightweight strut supporting bar, made of carbon composite with aluminum honeycomb material, that is installed in the partition wall of the engine compartment.

An additional support member is installed in the passenger side of the instrument panel. Responsiveness of the vehicle body is further improved by enhanced rigidity for connection with the engine compartment.

For the front suspension, the lever ratio of the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is modified to improve the vertical load response of the tires. Front caster angle is increased to improve tire road holding ability when turning and stability while driving straight.

As for the rear suspension, toe performance is modified by changing the roll center height to a lower position in order to improve tire grip while making turns and to better communicate driving feel.

An aluminum free-piston shock absorber design is newly developed which generates more precise damping force to constantly provide stable road holding and a load shift for faster response.

A thin, large-diameter rotor (now 390mm) developed uniquely by Nissan is adopted to improve braking force, fade resistance, pedal control ability and extend brake rotor life for spirited driving.

The 2011 GT-R also features newly designed, lighter weight and more rigid forged aluminum-alloy wheels by Rays. The wheels are finished in a new Hyper Blue Black Chrome color scheme. The wheels’ deep gloss is created by utilization of a five-layer coating process.

The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tires have a new compound to improve tire grip. With renewed structure and improved tread and sidewall rigidity, straight-line stability in rutted roads is enhanced.

Aerodynamic performance is further improved through a number of significant enhancements to the body kit, resulting in a 10 per cent increase in downforce, while coefficient drag is reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.

The front bumper is newly designed with double "rectifier" fins and Hyper Daylight with a large-diameter reflecting surface and high intensity white LED lights. The new design contributes to the 10 per cent increase in downforce, while also reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment. The volume of air that passes through the radiator and cools down the front brakes is also increased.

Meanwhile, the redesigned rear bumper features a lower center of gravity than the previous design, created by a sculptured lower portion and extended length. Underfloor cooling performance is enhanced with air resistance reduced by extending a rear diffuser.

A newly designed tailpipe finisher with enlarged diameter is adopted. Rear high intensity LED fog lamps are provided as standard equipment to help improve visibility from vehicles behind in bad conditions.

Six exterior colors are available, including two new colors - Jet Black and GT Blue.

Inside, a newly shaped instrument panel pad and navigation system display finisher are adopted. While, the centre cluster is finished in carbon fibre, while matte black switches complete the look.

The GT-R emblem at the centre of the steering wheel has a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture. For the paddle shift, a coating exposing the magnesium base material is applied.

Chrome-plated rings in the console and air-conditioner outlets are finished with a new black smoky coating, expressing greater sportiness.
And, to complete the interior new seats provide an improved level of comfort and safety while cornering.

Related Links:
- Nissan At The Paris Motor Show (2010)
- Nissan 370Z Roadster (2010)
- Nissan GT-R Hybrid (2013)
- 2010 Nissan GT-R (Model Update)
- AVUS Performance - Nissan GT-R (2009)
- NISMO Nissan 370Z: Debuts in Japan (2009)
- Nissan GT-R (2009)
- Nissan 350Z (2007 Road Test)
- Nissan 350Z (2005 Road Test)
- Nissan 350Z (2003 Road Test)
- Nissan 350Z Nismo Type 380RS (2008)