Nissan GT-R gets Higher Specs, Higher Price in 2010MY

Nissan GT-R

An increase in horsepower for the 3.8 liter, twin-turbo V6 takes the GT-R from 480 to 485 hp

By Alex Ricciuti
March 17, 2009 4:00 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Nissan, Pricing

Nissan has done a little tweaking of the GT-R for the upcoming 2010 model and hopes that buyers in the North American market will come rushing to the selected showrooms where it will be sold.

First off is a little increase in horsepower for the 3.8 liter, twin-turbo V6 that propels the GT-R. It goes from 480 to 485 hp, not much of a bump but the 480 figures was already zesty enough.

Also new is the Transmission Control Module (TCM) that helps smooth out the gear shifts while the suspension has been re-tuned with new shocks and different spring and damper rates. Tougher brake lines have been put in to improve durability too.

Cosmetics include Brembo and Nissan logos on the brake calipers. But there is more than that. The new 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum alloy wheels now come in a darker, more lustered "smoke" finish with a near-black metallic finish for the Premium model. A new color is also on offer, Pearl White, while the Super Silver model now also has a spiffy-polished front bumper to better compliment the color.

Nissan has certainly upped the value quotient on the GT-R with these upgrades. In these tough times things have gotten especially bad for sports models such as the GT-R but it's a win for consumers.

The new 2010 GT-R will be available from selected Nissan dealers. For a list of the roughly 700 certified dealers, visit NissanUSA.com.

Source: NissanUSA

Press Release (Click to expand)

March may be the month known for madness, lions and lambs, but at Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), the biggest roar is coming from the early introduction of the new 2010 Nissan GT-R supercar, including a number of important enhancements. Specifically, five additional horsepower, a revised suspension, updated wheel finishes and standard front seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

First introduced in the United States in July 2008, the Nissan GT-R earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend "2009 Car of the Year," Automobile magazine's 2009 "Automobile of the Year", and winning Kelly Blue Book's "2009 Best Resale Value Award."

For 2010, the horsepower rating of the GT-R's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine has increased to 485 hp (from 480 hp) and the car's high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission receives new Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming designed to optimize clutch engagement for improved drivability, and improve vehicle acceleration with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on (activated). In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R's state-of-the-art suspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilsteinâ shocks with a new valve body design and revised spring and damper rates.

The base GT-R model is now equipped with slightly darker, high-luster, smoke finish for the 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while a new "near-black" metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model. For 2010, one new color - Pearl White - is offered, while the Super Silver exterior color has been enhanced to include a polished front bumper.

For 2010, the Nissan GT-R will again be offered in two models - GT-R and GT-R Premium. All 2010 Nissan GT-Rs are equipped with a standard 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 backed by an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* is $80,790 for the GT-R, and $83,040 for the GT-R Premium model. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000.

Two options and two accessories are available for the 2010 GT-R: The Cold Weather Package (no charge); Special Super Silver Paint ($3,000); iPodâ Converter ($400); and carpeted GT-R floor mats ($280). Complete pricing information is available on the attached sheet.

The 2010 GT-R will be available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, on March 21, 2009. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.