2012 Nissan GT-R Preview

The Nissan GT-R rightly earned the nickname "Godzilla" as a fire-breathing supercar, capable of some of the most expensive and extreme sports cars in the world at a fraction of the price. For 2012, Nissan's engineers took what they had learned from the previous three model years were sold to North American soil and improved every aspect, making the latest GT-R downright scary how its features have become extreme.

Power and torque are up while drag coefficient down. Handling has been sharper acceleration becomes faster. Top speed of the GT-R is faster. Now with 530 horsepower, the all-wheel drive GT-R seems to hit the laws of physics and accelerated a 3900-pound car to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds - faster than any other production car ever made under $ 100,000. With computers constantly monitor wheel torque to all four wheels, transmission shifts through its six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the vital vehicle functions through an interface designed by the creators of the Gran Turismo games, it is really the most realistic video game ever.

With updated styling, more features and amenities, and 2 +2 seating, the GT-R is not a one-trick pony, either. Sure, it may be able to more than hold his own on a track against the best in the world, but what makes the GT-R is a truly unique package that is a strong viable daily driver too.

Body style: Two-door coupe

Engines: Twin-turbocharged 3.8L, V-6

Transmission: six-speed dual-clutch transmission

Models: Nissan GT-R Premium, Nissan GT-R Black Edition

For 2012, the GT-R receives extensive exterior refresh that lowers its resistance to the wind and integrates LED taillights in the bumper. Under the hood, the engine benefits from a better breathing at high output of 530 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque over last year, 485 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the interior was upgraded with new materials, and the Black Edition, a deluxe model also includes the standard GT-R Premium with special RAYS wheels and a two-tone red and black leather interior, joins the lineup for 2012 . Deep Blue Pearl and Jet Black member of the GT-R's color palette.

Substantial and aggressive, the GT-R is hard to miss on the road. With revised styling that two aerodynamic fins and integrated running lamps, the details seem minute, but they add to the drag reduction and give it a clear view of the function over form. At the rear, the GT-R continues his trademark quad tail design, but now sports a revised wing on the fuselage and "aero-blades" on the rear fenders to ward off wind resistance. While the revisions subtle appearance, they help the GT-R is a completely effective animal in the task of smiting the laws of physics.

The Nissan GT-R's interior is from a practical with all its instruments and meters in front of the driver down. The instruments, there is a center-mounted monitors designed by Gran Turismo video game powerhouse that Polyphony navigation, stereo, display or performance, such as bends or lap Gs can display. New in 2012 improved the interior materials and carbon fiber inserts. On Black Edition models, the interior is covered with red and black leather.

A car the size of the GT-R and the weight should not perform as well as it does. But with a hand-built twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6, the GT-R can rocket to supra-legal speeds in less than five seconds all the way to a 196 mph top speed. By turns, the Nissan uses its ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system to get anywhere in a hurry. In fact, the angles so aggressive that Nissan had a roughening into each of the wheels to keep the tires from sliding in hard cornering. To stop the car, the GT-R uses large Brembo monoblock six-piston calipers to the right.

The 2012 GT-R features enhanced "wide-beam headlights and Nissan advanced front airbags, front-mounted side airbags and curtain side-impact standard roof additional head protection airbags for front passenger. Traction and stability control are standard.

GT-R Premium Edition and Black: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway