2012 Nissan GT-R: A Quick Glimpse

To keep the GT-R ahead of the game, Nissan don't just give their supercar a midlife face lift. The car is updated with more technology and power every year. From the beginning the chief engineer or 'father' of the GT-R project, Kazutoshi Mizuno said to Auto Express, 'From the very outset the plan with the GT-R was to update it every year and keep improving it. The GT-R as you see it now still has four years left to go.'

So what have they done to it for 2012? Firstly, they've made changes to the 3.8L twin-turbo V6, again. More horses have been squeezed into the engine (20 to be specific) meaning a total power output of 543hp and torque is up as well from 612Nm to 632Nm. It's not just the power and torque that have improved so has the MPG. It's not risen dramatically but a 0.5 increase taking it to 24mpg would make a difference to long distance trips.

Secondly, in right hand drive models, the suspension has been tweaked. In the past all models had their propeller shaft on the right hand side but now the suspension for British and Japanese models will be asymmetric with a harder spring rate on the left and the rear suspension will have an upward arm on the left and a downward arm on the right. This means that the wheel load will be squint when it's standing still but once it's up to speed it straightens out meaning a better driving experience for the right hand drive market.

Lastly, Nissan promise a better quality feel inside with the next GT-R. Blue lighting will be added to the dials, a rear reversing camera will be fitted as standard and there will be new Bose Precision woofers instead of everyday Bose kit.

This won't be the only new GT-R though. A new track focused one is on the cards aimed at anyone wanting the ultimate track day GT-R instead of the usual car however it will only be available for the UK and Japan.

The next GT-R will be on sale in Japan from the 24th November and European showrooms won't get it until early 2012. Pricing will be announced early next month.