By: Dave Abrahams
Rosslyn - Nissan's flagship GT-R performance coupé has been upgraded for 2015 in terms of handling and refinement, mostly focused on running gear rather than drivetrain, although that's come in for some attention as well.
The GT-R's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension has been refined, and its action smoothed out for improved ride comfort without sacrificing handling or stability. Nissan calls it a more mature set-up; what we see is the GT-R moving towards the GT end of the supercar spectrum, leaving the track-day intensity to more specialised Nismo derivatives.
Improved driveline damping has reduced transmission noise and shock transfer for a more refined ambience in the cabin; the noise and vibration generated by the Brembo four-disc braking system with two-piece floating rotors has also been damped down to make it less intrusive, while increasing braking power.
A LITTLE BIT MORE SPECIAL
And, just to make it that little bit more special, a new multi-spoke rim design is now available for the GT-R Premium Edition.
For the rest, it's the mixture as before, with the 3.8-litre turbo V6 engine, rated at 397kW and 628Nm, driving all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission linked to an Attessa E-TS transaxle and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, taking the GT-R from 0-100 in 2.9 seconds and on to 315km/h flat out.
But, best of all, Nissan has kept its price increase for the 2015 GT-R down to R15 000 for each of the three derivatives - about one percent.
PRICES
GT-R Premium Edition - R1 490 000
GT-R Premium Edition with red interior trim - R1 541 000
GT-R Black Edition - R1 542 000