2011 Nissan GT-R Makes Debut

YOKOHAMA, Japan — A slightly spiffed-up 2011 Nissan GT-R was rolled out on Wednesday, with sales set to start on December 7 in Japan and in other global markets beginning in spring 2010, said the Japanese automaker. The modest revision includes a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system.

U.S. pricing has not been announced, but the 2011 GT-R will start at the equivalent of $94,640 for the base model in Japan. The top-of-the-line 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecV will start at $173,100. The SpecV models get revised rear shock absorber settings and standard Dunlop tires. Nissan said the previously standard Bridgestone tires are now a factory-installed option.

Nissan notes that the latest changes to the GT-R include a new HDD-based Carwings navigation system and a USB port with iPod connectivity.

The GT-R's suspension has been retuned. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the GT-R SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models.

Inside Line says: No extreme makeover for the Nissan GT-R, just some modest improvements for 2011. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent