Last month, Nissan->ke62 unveiled the Japanese specifications for the 2013 Nissan GT-R and announced that the 2014 U.S. model year will be making its world debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. As we expected, the 2014 U.S.-spec GT-R->ke1592 will be nearly identical to the 2013 JDM-spec GT-R, but American customers will enjoy a few more updates, thus avoiding completely disappointing us.

The updates are mostly limited to minor tweaks to the engine’s internals. Despite these minor adjustments, the 2014 GT-R will carry over the same output specifications as it had in 2013. AS we all know, horsepower is only a portion of the equation. You also need to reach the peak-output rpm in an efficient manner, and this is where Nissan made most of its changes – what most people simply refer to a “throttle response.”

So, are these improvements worthy of trading in your 2013 model year for?

Updated 01/24/2012: Nissan has just released the official prices for the 2014 GT-R, which is now on sale at the dealers nationwide. Bad news is that when compared last year’s model, the 2014 model year prices have been increased by $2,770. As a result, the 2014 GT-R Premium is priced at $99,590 and the GT-R Black Edition comes in at $109,300.

To find that out and more, hit the jump to read all about the 2014 Nissan GT-R.

2014 Nissan GT-R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Nissan GT-R
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 545
  • Torque: 463
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2014 model year, the GT-R's body remains unchanged. Its made from a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum and is carefully designed to ensure a super-low 0.26 coefficient of drag.

Up front, the GT-R is very easy to recognize due to its large hood bulge, enlarged central air intake, super-wide-beam headlights and its front fenders with the "aero-blades.” The sports coupe’s rear end gets the hallmark four-ring taillights, a functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear venting, rear spoiler and integrated quad exhaust tips.

Customers will have to choose from a rather wide color palette that includes: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

Interior

While the exterior remains pretty much unchanged, the interior brings a few updates for the 2014 model year. An all-new Premium Interior package makes its debut in 2014 and the Black Edition will get a redesigned steering wheel.

The new Premium Interior Package includes: exclusive Red Amber color semi-aniline leather appointments with hand-stitching on the front seats, plus Red Amber accents on the instrument panel, steering wheel, door trim, armrests and shift knob.

The instrument panel has been designed around the driver and it includes a large center-mounted tachometer and the easy-to-read graphics of the display.

All models will be offered with a carbon-fiber interior trim, while the Black Edition adds a unique red-and-black interior scheme along with leather-appointed Recaro seats.

The most amazing feature of the 2014 GT-R remains its game-inspired multi-function display, which Nissan created in collaboration with Polyphony Digital. It offers eleven pages of info, including: mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle, and a recording function with playback.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the 2014 Nissan GT-R keeps the usual 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers a total of 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque. However, the Nissan upgraded this 6-pot even further.

The engine has received new fuel injectors that help improve torque delivery at mid- to high-rpm ranges. Nissan also installed a new oil pan baffle to stabilize oil behavior and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions. As a final addition, an aluminum nameplate is added to each engine showing the name of the engine constructor. Wonder if Nisan had to pay AMG royalties for that idea…

Nissan then added in plasma-sprayed bores to reduce friction, a secondary air management system to avoid excessive CO2 emissions upon cold startup, a revised oil-scavenging system to keep the twin IHI turbochargers well lubricated and a lateral wet- and dry-sump oiling system to keep the engine properly slicked up under heavy load.

The engine will mate to an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 6-cylinder engine combined with this advanced transmission delivers an impressive 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine

3.8-Liter V-6 Twin-Turbocharged

Engine Output

545 Horsepower and 463 Pound-Feet of Torque

Transmission

6-Speed Automated Manual

Drive Style

All-Wheel Drive

Fuel Economy

16 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway

Acceleration (0-60 mph)

TBD

Top Speed

TBD


Chassis and Suspension

Along with the engine upgrades, Nissan also upgraded the GT-R’s chassis. The front suspension link bushing location has been changed and a new anti-roll bar helps reducing the front roll-center height. Maintenance of front suspension alignment has also been improved by way of revised cam bolts.

The car comes with a set of forged-aluminum 20-inch wheels. The brakes are powered by Brembo and feature full-floating, two-piece rotors, measuring in at 15.35 inches up front and 15 inches on the rear. Low-steel brake pads help dissipate heat quickly and reduce brake fade, helping the GT-R bring its flabby body to a halt with minimal effort.

Prices

The 2014 Nissan GT-R was released for sale as of January 23rd, making it likely the first 2014 model of the year to hit showrooms. The two models for the 2014 model year are the GT-R Premium and GT-R Black Edition. On top of the two models, Nissan will also offer up a pair of optional packages: Cold Weather Package and Premium Interior Package.

Model

MSRP

GT-R Premium

$99,590

GT-R Black Edition

$109,330


Competition

For the 2014 model year the GT-R’s biggest competitor remains the Porsche 911 Turbo which is just about to enter a new generation. The new 911 Turbo will be offered with a 3.8-liter flat-six engine pumping out about 550 horsepower and is set to be unveiled sometime next year.