Introduction
Since debuting in the United States in 2009, the GT-R has elevated the Nissan brand into supercar territory, where it rubs elbows with the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, and even models wearing Ferrari's prancing horse badge. For 2013, the 4-passenger Nissan GT-R is available in Premium and Black Edition trim levels, features a new standard rearview camera, and offers notable gains in horsepower and torque.
An updated GT-R arrives for 2014 and will include new trims and packages, as well as chassis and engine changes.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Nissan GT-R's sleek body--constructed of steel, carbon fiber, and aluminum--is accented by automatic HID headlights, LED taillights, functional fender vents, and a rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics. All models feature a rear spoiler, but the Black Edition's part is made of lightweight carbon fiber. Heated power-folding outside mirrors are also standard, along with aluminum door handles, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance run-flat tires.
Interior Features
Inside, the 2013 Nissan GT-R features a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, heated power front seats with 8-way driver adjustment and 4-way passenger adjustment, combination of leather and leatherette upholstery, push-button start, and an 11-speaker sound system offering satellite radio service, USB port, and a hard drive for music storage. Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system with a 7-inch touch screen, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a multi-function display showing steering position, turbo boost, transmission oil temperature, and torque distribution. For 2013, a rearview camera and a blue-lit tachometer have been added to the GT-R's list of standard features.
Items found only on the GT-R Black Edition include red and black interior trim, and deeply bolstered front bucket seats.
Optional Features
Options for the 2013 Nissan GT-R are limited to Super Silver paint, which adds $3,000 to the base price, and the Premium model's Cold Weather package that includes engine coolant rated for low temperatures, all-season high-performance tires, and unique alloy wheels.
Under the Hood
Nissan has equipped the 2013 GT-R with a twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-6 engine that delivers 545 horsepower and 463 lb.-ft. of torque, a gain of 15 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the 2012 model. A 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission offers a downshift rev matching feature, hill-start assist, paddle shifters, and a yaw rate feedback control system engineered to provide superior handling in corners, according to Nissan. Aiding in that effort is a full-time all-wheel-drive system capable of delivering 100% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, and up to 50% to the front wheels.
The 2013 Nissan GT-R's powertrain also includes a carbon composite driveshaft and a limited-slip differential, while the car's chassis features a fully independent suspension with hollow stabilizer bars. R, Normal and Special settings allow the driver to control shock stiffness, as well as shift points and the car's vehicle dynamic control system.
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2013 Nissan GT-R is 16/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
The 2013 Nissan GT-R's standard safety features include 6 air bags, traction control, rearview camera, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.
As this preview is written, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Nissan GT-R.
