2013 Nissan GT-R Gets Another Power-up

While most automakers would be satisfied with the 530 hp on tap in the 2012 Nissan GT-R, Nissan obviously isn’t like most automakers—which explains why the company once again upped the output of the GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 for the 2013 model year, and also made numerous other performance-enhancing changes as well.

Of course, that really shouldn’t be much of a surprise. In just the past three model years alone, the GT-R’s output has grown from 485 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque in 2011, to 530/448 in the 2012 model, and now 545/463 for the 2013 car. This latest power boost reflects a significant effort from Nissan engineers to improve the engine’s breathing, and they also worked to ensure drivers could make the most of that power by retuning the car’s suspension and improving the shift feel of its advanced six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Other new standard features for 2013 include a navigation system, high-performance differential oil, a rear-view monitor, enhanced interior lighting and, on the GT-R Black Edition, a handmade dry-carbon rear spoiler.

Among the things that don’t change for the new model year:

• The GT-R’s independent rear-transaxle all-wheel-drive system—an industry first—which optimizes weight distribution and handling by positioning the car’s transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle.

• A Bilstein Damptronic suspension system that allows drivers to tune the GT-R’s shift points, shock absorbers and vehicle dynamic control functionality for a range of different road conditions and driving scenarios.

• Brembo brakes, with full-floating drilled rotors, low-steel/high-stiffness brake pads, six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers.

• A full range of LED exterior lights, including LED running lamps, high-mounted stoplights and combination taillights.

• Sport bucket front seats, with Recaros for the GT-R Black Edition.

• An 11-speaker Bose sound system specifically designed for the GT-R and featuring speakers mounted in rigid aluminum die-cast panels.

• A drag coefficient of just .26

• The automaker’s Advanced Airbag System, with front seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants, along with roof-mounted side-impact curtain airbags.

• Six exterior colors—Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a four-stage metallic Super Silver.

In other words, as explained by Brian Carolin, senior vice president for Sales and Marketing for Nissan North America: “The 2013 Nissan GT-R once again sends a bold statement that it remains on the leading edge of international sports car design, technology and performance. It’s our desire to keep pushing the envelope, to never settle for second best or second place – a philosophy that makes Nissan GT-R one of the most coveted and affordable supercars in the world today.”

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is slated to begin reaching dealerships in January of 2012.