Nissan Shows 2012 GT-R Facelift in Paris but won't Release Details Until October 18th

Tucked away in a glassed corner of Nissan's Paris Motor Show booth was the 2012 GT-R facelift. So, did the updated GT-R make its world premiere in Paris or not? Yes and no. See, while the car made its first public appearance in Paris, oddly enough, Nissan said it wouldn't release any information until mid October.

Here's the official statement from the Japanese automaker: "The GT-R engineering team are currently at the Nordschliefe, the legendary circuit in Germany, where they are in the process of signing-off the final updates on the forthcoming enhanced GT-R. Full details of the enhanced GT-R will be announced on 18th October 2010,"

From what we can see, the 2012 model year version of the Godzilla boasts a new front bumper with LED running lights, a revised rear diffuser and new alloy wheels.

According to documents leaked back in August, the changes are said to help drop the GT-R's drag coefficient from 0.272 to 0.268 while also improving rear downforce by 10%. The car is also expected to benefit from chassis and engine modifications.

We'll update this story as soon as Nissan comes out with all the juicy details.

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Nissan Announces 2012 GT-R's 0-100km/h Sprint Time, Half a Second Faster than 2011MY

When we reported on the 2012MY Nissan GT-R, we were wondering how the added power would affect the Japanese sports car's acceleration times. Well, the wait is over as Nissan announced today that the facelifted GT-R with the tweaked 530HP twin-turbocharged V6 completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 3.0 seconds, or a whopping 0.5 seconds faster than the 485 hp version.

Measurements were carried out at the Sendai Race Way on November 12th-13th, in Sunny/Cloudy weather during the media test event. Temperature ranged between 15-19 degrees Celsius (59-66.2 F).

The company used a standard specification model – including tires and wheels –, without any optional parts. The car was set to “R” mode for the suspension and VDC-R (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system.

Given that few (if any) series-production sports cars priced under the $100k mark (in the U.S.) achieve these kind of numbers, the GT-R definitely returns an incredible bang for your buck.

By Csaba Daradics

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LA Show Debut for 2012 U.S.-Spec Nissan GT-R, New “Black Edition” Added to Range

Boasting more power, subtle interior and exterior styling tweaks as well as chassis updates and a new "Black Edition" model, the U.S.-spec 2012 Nissan GT-R made its North American debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

As far as street-cred goes, few cars can equal the Nissan GT-R. So, it's only normal that every new version finds the fans holding their breath, wondering what are those crazy Japanese going to do next. Add more power, that's what.

The 2012 U.S.-spec model squeezes 530 ponies out of the 3.8-liter twin turbo V6, also known as the VR38DETT, and 488 lb-ft (662 Nm) of asphalt shredding torque – all without any heavy modifications. Engineers fiddled a bit with the boost pressure, gave the valve timing a mild makeover and optimized the air mixture ratio. That sounds like half of a Japanese workday. OK, one full day, if we acknowledge the improved aerodynamics as well.

The front fascia was modestly refreshed and now features double rectifier fins, which optimize the airflow around the supercar's nose. The air intakes are bigger, too, and more efficient in cooling the engine and the front brakes.

We don't know yet how these changes are going to affect performance, 'cause Nissan is all too secretive about official figures, but you really don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that this car will be very, very fast, given its history.

Visually , the new LED running lights deserve a mention, accompanied by the plated inner headlight panels, which according to Nissan, enhance the GT-R's presence. In total, six exterior colors are available, including two brand-spanking new: the Deep Blue Pearl and Jet Black.

Inside we find minor appointments in the form of new carbon fiber trim and updated materials.

The 10-spoke 20-inch RAYS alloys represent the finishing touch, featuring a near black finish and some innovative solutions. For instance, the knurling inside the wheels was modified to prevent the tires from slipping around them under heavy acceleration or braking.

As for the "Black Edition", it features some unique treats such as the red-trimmed Recaro seats, a dark headliner plus a different set of new RAYS rims, with a 6-spoke design.

When sales will begin early next year, the starting MSRPs will be $89,950 for the Premium and $95,100 for the Black Edition.

By Csaba Daradics

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