Vehicle Overview
The GT-R is a racetrack-bred sports car with four seats. Rivals include the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, but unlike that car, the GT-R has all-wheel drive.
New for 2013
Nissan continues to increase the output of the GT-R’s engine; for 2013, it’s rated at 545 horsepower and 463 pounds-feet of torque, an increase of 15 hp and 15 pounds-feet of torque. Other changes include a newly standard backup camera and revised suspension tuning. The Black Edition gains a handmade carbon fiber rear spoiler.
Exterior
Unlikely to be mistaken for any other car, the audacious-looking GT-R is shaped to cheat the wind, route cooling air where it’s needed and maintain aerodynamic downforce in the front and rear. Exterior features include:
- Lightweight 20-inch wheels
- Steel, aluminum and carbon fiber construction to save weight and help handling balance
- “Super wide beam” headlights
Interior
The GT-R has the driver-oriented cockpit expected of a performance car, with a large tachometer front and center. The seats hug their occupants tightly — a necessity on the track — but the floor space is unrestrictive. Technically a four-seater, the GT-R could handle two adults in front and two kids in back. Nissan says the trunk can accommodate two golf bags or suitcases. Interior features include:
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Multifunction display records data such as mileage, cornering force and acceleration
- Steering-column paddles for manual shifting
- Bose stereo
Under the Hood
The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 produces 545 hp and 463 pounds-feet of torque. Mechanical features include:
- Rear-mounted six-speed transmission with auto and manual modes
- Rear-biased all-wheel drive
- Summer performance tires standard; all-season tires available
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Front-seat side-impact airbags
- Front side curtain airbags
- Antilock disc brakes
- Electronic stability system
