We may have enjoyed a few shotgun laps in the new Porsche 911 around the Weissach test track (
read that story here), but have yet to drive the car and if the latest announcement from Nissan is anything to go by we could be waiting a little bit longer. For 2012 the supercar slaying GT-R will receive a raft of upgrades that could send Porsche scuttling back to the workshop.
The headline grabbing upgrade is a boost in output from 523bhp and 451lb.ft to 542bhp and 466lb.ft meaning a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds, although we suspect that would involve using the launch control system - and you won't want to do that too often. The extra power has come about through refinements and upgrades to the intercooler, exhaust system, improved heads and intake system. Amazingly, with the extra power comes better fuel economy, albeit only marginally, rising to 24- from 23.5mpg.
A new asymmetric suspension setup that takes into account the weight of the driver in right-hand drive cars has been fitted. While leading to an imbalance while stationary the changes, along with reinforcement around the rear cabin, are said to lead to enhanced cornering stability and ride comfort. The interior of the car has also gained a new Bose stereo system, a blue ring around the rev counter to match the shift indicator while all cars will benefit from the addition of a rear view camera.
A new track focused GT-R is also being planned for those who find the standard car a bit too soft. Further details of this version and pricing of the 2012 GT-R are expected in early December.
Paul Healy - 8 Nov 2011