Production of the European specification
Nissan GT-R has begun. We had our first taste of Nissan's giant killer in the USA, but for Europe power has been increased and suspension modifications promise to make it even better to drive.
Changes to the engine management system have increased power to 478bhp while torque is unchanged at 434lb.ft. To improve grip and response special Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres will be fitted as standard. These tyres were developed for the GT-R and were fitted to the car that completed the infamous 7 minute 29 second lap of the Nurburgring. To further sharpen things up the spring rates have been fine tuned.
Three GT-R variants will be offered. The standard model now costs £56,795 and includes leather trim and gunmetal seven-spoke alloy wheels. For an additional £1,300 the Premium edition adds a Bose stereo system and automatic headlamps. Top of the range is the Black Edition at £59,395 with black paint, black alloys and black leather seats with red piping.
Ten Nissan High Performance Centres will be dealing with deliveries of the GT-R in the UK. The first customer cars will arrive in April although it will take time to satisfy the 1,200 customers who have already placed orders. For the moment customers will have to wait until summer 2010 for cars ordered right now.
John Lambert - 9 Dec 2008