Nissan unveiled the new version of its legendary GT-R Monday, the latest evolution of its signature model, offering even more power and advanced performance.

“This is a car everybody can enjoy,” Mizuno says. “As well as the performance, you can get enough clothes in the trunk for a week-long trip, or you can pick up groceries at the local store. It’s a different category of supercar.”

 

The 2012 GT-R, revealed to journalists at the Sugo International Race Circuit in Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture, builds on the success of the current model, increasing horsepower, torque and fuel economy.

The new GT-R also features an innovative asymmetric suspension system** that improves steering responsiveness and enhances cornering stability, says Chief Vehicle Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno.

“We have a car that has the potential to go from 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in under 3 seconds, lap the Nurburgring in less than 7 minutes 20 seconds, and cruise at speeds of 300 kilometers per hour,” he said, speaking trackside at Sugo. “But what marks out the GT-R today is that you can drive it on the autobahn at speeds like that with a degree of comfort.”

The 2012 edition retains the “multi-performance supercar” characteristics that set it apart from rivals when it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.

Toshio Suzuki, Nissan’s chief GT-R test driver, put the car through its paces at Sugo last week, after a successful stint testing the new model at Germany’s Nurburgring recently.

“For 2012, the lap time on the track has improved and the speed through corners is better, yet for the driver it feels more comfortable and easier to control. I think we’re getting close to making the ideal car,” he says.

Toshio Suzuki, Nissan’s chief GT-R test driver, put the car through its paces at Sugo last week, after a successful stint testing the new model at Germany’s Nurburgring recently.

 

“For 2012, the lap time on the track has improved and the speed through corners is better, yet for the driver it feels more comfortable and easier to control. I think we’re getting close to making the ideal car,” he says.

In terms of even stronger performance, the “for Track Pack”** custom option offers a lighter, two-seat GT-R, including new high-friction seats, stiffer suspension and lighter wheels.

But CVE Mizuno insists the GT-R is focusing on connecting with people’s emotions just as much as blazing new performance times.

“There’s two kinds of vehicles. Some, like electric vehicles, can be enjoyed because they contribute to society, but the GT-R is more a treat for yourself,” he says. “At Nissan, because we have cars like the LEAF EV, we can also make the GT-R.”

Whether it’s revving up enthusiasm for the Nissan brand, or breaking records on the track, very few models can keep pace with the GT-R.