2012 Nissan GT-R: Godzilla Gets An Upgrade

The 2012 GT-R (2011 JDM) is in the final stages of pre-launch preparation and we’ve received tips from sources close to Nissan regarding the final look of the new GT-R. Above you can see many of the GT-Rs new cosmetic external updates that we’ve already noticed while pouring over spy shots from Nurburgring. It’s finally confirmed though that the new GT-R will feature LED driving lights/daytime running lights integrated into the front fascia. Yes these are not photoshops.

Along with the driving lights you can see the shape of the canards themselves is different to previous model years this change plus other changes from a reworking and restyling of the front bumper have improved the GT-R’s already stunning aerodynamic performance. By the numbers, the GT-R’s coefficient of drag (Cd) drops from 0.272 to 0.268. Combine that with a rear downforce improvement of 10% thanks to a redesigned rear diffuser and the GT-R continues to redefine what is possible for today’s supercar.

Most noticible on the photos though is the new blue. The official (tentative still) name for the blue is Aurora Flare Blue Pearl (color code RAY) but what you can’t tell from this photo is that the GT-R gets a new black too. The updated black is officially (but again, tentatively) calledNebula Opal Black (color code GAG). These two colors represent the only body color changes for the 2012 GT-R base and premium models.

Speaking of base and premium models, earlier speculation that the base model goes away was partly true, the base model GT-R is now named the Pure Edition, but the features remain the same. To go with the changes comes a small increase in pricing. Starting with the Pure edition which is hit with a 80,000 yen bump to 8,694,000 yen. The Premium edition receives a larger bump of 210,000 yen to 9,450,000 yen in Japan.

Let’s try not to get too distracted by those minor negatives though because there’s a wealth of positives going on here. Take the new wheels for example, each new Rays forged aluminium wheel cuts 3 kg (6.6lbs) off the GT-R’s unsprung weight – a total of 12 kg (26.4 lbs) around the car. So they’re lighter but they also manage to be stiffer too to improve steering response and feedback. Lastly, the wheels are available in two colors starting next year, an attractive 3 layer ultra deep paint process known as Hyper Blue Black and a Hyper Titanium color (which looks bronze to me).

On the inside GT-R owners will get treated to a couple of updates too as well as some engine bay goodness. For more information on that stay tuned for part II of the GT-R Blog 2012 Nissan R35 GT-R info dump!