Vehicle Overview
Though it hasn’t been completely redesigned since its 2009 U.S. debut, Nissan’s GT-R supercar has enjoyed incremental upgrades, mostly in engine output. For 2014, Nissan turned its attention to the GT-R’s chassis and suspension and added a new Premium Interior Package option that includes a hand-stitched red interior.
The GT-R’s price and performance put it in competition with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Porsche 911, BMW M6 and many other high-performance models with two to five seats.
Exterior
The aggressively styled GT-R comes standard with 20-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. There are two trim levels, Premium and Black Edition, the latter of which adds black-aluminum forged wheels and a dry-carbon-fiber rear spoiler. The Premium’s wheels are described as near-black. Ultra-high-performance summer run-flat tires are standard, but all-season tires are optional.
Interior
The “2+2” GT-R has sculpted bucket seats, including two rear seats good for occasional use, but best left for children. The standard upholstery combines leather with imitation suede. Heated power front seats are standard. The Black Edition adds Recaro-brand leather racing seats. The new limited-edition Premium Interior Package dresses up the cabin with hand-stitched red leather for the front seats as well as red trim on the instrument panel, steering wheel, doors, armrests and shifter.
Standard features include auto on/off headlights, speed-sensitive windshield wipers and a navigation system with backup camera. The standard Bose stereo has a USB port, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free phone capability, and DVD video playback. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is included but requires a subscription.
Under the Hood
After many increases over the past few years, the output of the GT-R’s twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 holds steady at 545 horsepower and 463 pounds-feet of torque for 2014, but the engine gets new fuel injectors that Nissan says enhance torque response in the engine’s upper rpm range and improve throttle feel. The engine is hand-assembled, and it’s now fitted with a plaque that bears the engine builder’s name. As before, the engine powers all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
The front suspension sees the biggest changes with updated geometry and a new stabilizer bar that lowers the car’s front roll-center. Revised springs and shocks lower the center of gravity, too. Combined with increased body rigidity, Nissan says the changes improve high-speed handling and ride comfort. Adaptive shock absorbers remain standard.
Dashboard switches allow the driver to adjust the shock absorbers, transmission, stability system and all-wheel drive. The brakes comprise Brembo-brand floating cross-drilled rotors with monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.
Safety
Standard safety features include the federally required antilock brakes and electronic stability system. There are six airbags, including side-impact torso airbags for the front seats and curtains for the front and rear.
