During 2009, Nissan sold 1,534 GT-R models in the U.S., off 11% when compared with 2008.
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) has announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan GT-R sports car, which is on sale now at about 700 Nissan dealers.
The previously available GT-R base model is eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model, starting at $84,060.
For that, a buyer gets a 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine linked to a 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system.
GTR is a relatively high-strung car since the horsepower peaks at 6,400 rpm and the maximum 434 lb-ft of torque appears 3,200 rpm.
The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1, 3, 5) and even (2, 4, 6) gears, and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for immediate shifts. It also has a “Hill Start Assist” for launch on uphill inclines.
An electronically-controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system was specifically developed for GT-R. The rear drive-biased system can vary the percentage of torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate.
A “yaw-rate feedback control” measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate, as detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor. It then adjusts torque bias in an attempt to help the driver get the turn her or she wants.
Sayonara to the "base" GT-R model.
Only three options and one accessory are available for the 2011 GT-R: Cold Weather Package (no charge); special Super Silver paint ($3,000); Ultra-High Performance Tire Package (no charge); and carpeted GT-R logo floor mats ($280).
Other cosmetic changes include darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area.
Nissan says that the suspension is retuned, and the rear bushing strengthened to “enhance ride comfort.” Automatic on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with an USB iPod interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capacity.
The 2011 GT-R is available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that meet a number of sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.