Nissan Ups Power and Tweaks Handling for 2010 GT-R

by
Canadian Auto Press

The formidable GT-R is at or near the top of most automotive enthusiasts’ wish lists, and Nissan wants to make sure it stays that way. That’s why, for 2010,

More power and a tweaked suspension make the 2010 GT-R even more formidable. (Photo: Nissan)

the GT-R gets a few factory upgrades that’ll keep the love affair alive and kicking.

New for next year is a slight bump of 5-horsepower for a total of 485, while a retuned suspension setup featuring Bilstein shock absorbers should improve performance even beyond its impressive 2009 configuration.

Along with the extra zoot, the 2010 model gets Transmission Control Module programming, which not only is said to increase durability but also reduce acceleration times when the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is turned on.

The brakes have been enhanced too, with beefier brake lines, and front seat- and roof-mounted airbags are now standard south of the line (they were already part of the fully-loaded one-size-fits-all Canadian package).

The GT-R’s new wheels get a darker finish while the Premium model (Canada’s package) gets a set of “near-black” alloy rims, and Pearl White is now on the colour palette.

So what’s the bad news? In the US, anyway, the base price will jump to $80,790 while a Premium model will go for $83,040, plus $1,000 destination. The current 2009 model year Canadian-spec GT-R is only available in Premium trim at $89,900, with the Cold Weather Package included, making it an especially good deal when factoring in the current exchange rate. The only option is Super Silver paint at $3,000, the same price as in the US, again giving Canadian customers a significant 25-percent savings over their friends to the south.

Nevertheless, Nissan Canada has not announced a price for the updated 2010 GT-R, although, like in the US, a small price increase would maintain Nissan’s supercar as one of the best performance values available.