The 2012 Nissan GT-R. Image: Nissan
Just in case the current GT-R isn’t fast enough for you, Nissan is reportedly working on a horsepower upgrade for the next GT-R, due in 2012 as a 2013 model. If Japan’s Best Car magazine is correct, that could take the GT-R from its current 530 horsepower all the way up to 560 horsepower, which would make the car “noticeably faster” than the already improved 2012 version. Inside Line’s sources say that power bump may be exaggerated, but it’s clear that Nissan doesn’t want to be slower around the Nürburgring than a Corvette ZR1. As it stands today, the latest GT-R lapped the ‘Ring in 7:24.22, giving up two and a half seconds to the Corvette’s 7:19.63. No matter how much horsepower the next model makes, expect it to turn in a lap below 7:19.5.
Inside Line also reports that the Japanese-market-only Spec V version will disappear at the end of 2011. To no one’s surprise, there’s been little demand for a car that costs twice as much as a base GT-R, yet produces only marginal performance gains. Nissan is reportedly working on a lightweight version of the next GT-R to replace the Spec V, at a significantly lower price.
Source: Inside Line
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
