Nissan GT-R Updated For 2010-2011, Australian Availability Announced

--
UPDATE: the 2011 model year GT-R launched in Australia on March 28, 2011. Click here for more details.
--

Nissan Australia has announced a number of detail changes for its flagship GT-R, following the updated model announced for Japan late last year.

At a glance,  the 2011 Nissan GT-R looks exactly the same as the current model. In fact, the only major external change is to the rear diffuser, which now features the same carbon-fibre panel used by the high-performance GT-R SpecV (not offered in Australia).

Instead, most of the upgrades are beneath the GT-R's steel and alloy skin.

The suspension now gets stiffer rear radius rod bushings and revised front spring and damper rates. The SpecV's suspension system also sees a few detail changes, further enhancing handling and responsiveness.

A hexagonal-mesh catalytic converter design reduces exhaust restriction and boosts low and mid-range throttle response.

Nissan doesn't make any claim about power increases and output from the GT-R's 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged at 357kW and 588Nm of torque. However, the powerband is said to be meatier, with more power and torque available at lower RPMs.

Changes to the transmission controller (TCU) have been made to improve traction during tight cornering, and the clutch failsafe temperature has been altered to improve gearbox longevity. An enlarged coolant pipe for the transmission cooler has been added to further protect the complex mid-mounted twin-clutch transaxle.

Inside, a new USB input with iPod integration has been added to the car's entertainment suite, along with a HDD-based satellite navigation system paired with the 7-inch display.

As with the Japanese model, the Australian-delivered GT-R now offers a data logging function, helping enthusiasts keep track of their performance.

Pricing And Availability

In line with the specification updates for 2010, the GT-R's price has increased by 1.9 percent. Manufacturer's List Price (which doesn't include dealer delivery or on-road costs) is now $158,800. 

The GT-R Premium, with a two-tone interior leather trim, Bose entertainment system and smoke grey 20-inch alloy wheels, starts at $162,800.