2011 Nissan GT-R Facelift: European-Spec Model Announced

Shortly after the launch of the subtly revised 2011 GT-R (click here for details and a mega gallery) in Japan, Nissan has announced the release of the European-spec version of the car that boasts a bevy of minor updates, chiefly under the skin. Starting with the suspension, Nissan's engineers changed the front spring and damper rates for better ride comfort, and increased the stiffness of the suspension radius rod bushings at the rear to improve feel and responsiveness during cornering.

Nissan said that it has also altered the logic controlling torque distribution between the front and rear axles when the GT-R is maneuvering at low speeds to reduce rear-axle 'binding'.

The logic in the gearbox has been changed to give a later downshift from 6th to 5th when the car is being driven in automatic mode, but a more aggressive downshift pattern is adopted when the driver changes from 4th to 3rd, and from 3rd to 2nd gear.

Another improvement for the 2011 MY GT-R is the addition of two NACA cooling ducts to the carbon fibre underfloor diffuser for extra cooling to the exhaust and gearbox while a new, larger diameter pipe connecting the oil cooler promises to reduce gearbox temperatures.

The list of changes also includes a stiffened front transmission mount to reduce vibration through the driveline under high-load conditions.

Furthermore, the balance of the electonic brakeforce distribution bias has been moved slightly rearwards which Nissan says gives greater braking stability in dry conditions. A change in design of the rear brake cross spring is said to reduce noise while a modified air deflector increases rear brake cooling.

Nissan also claims that changes to the emissions system now ensure that the GT-R is Euro 5 compliant, without any loss of output or performance, with CO2 emissions having dropped by 3g to 295g/km.

The Japanese automaker has also fitted uprated insulation to the rear seats to improve improving cabin refinement.

The only visual upgrades for the 2011MY GT-R concern the front and rear bumpers that benefit from a double coat, giving a deeper color finish, while inside, the speedometer and rev counter now sport gun metallic finish surrounds. Finally, the new model year GT-Rs are equipped with Nissan's next generation audio and navigation system that features 40GB of memory space.