Euro-spec GT-R gets power-up

Godzilla has been given a small dose of angry pills -- or at least the Euro-spec version has.

Nissan has revealed the first official details of its European-specification GT-R models, and it makes good reading for anyone living on the continent.

The key point of interest is a mild power hike that takes the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6's peak output from 353kW to 357kW. Peak torque remains unchanged at 588Nm.

The slight power-up was achieved by a few tweaks to the engine-management electronics, says Nissan.

Also worth noting is that Euro-spec cars will be shod as standard with Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres -- the same rubber used by Nissan engineers during the GT-R's 7min 29sec lap of the Nurburgring, even though Porsche has disputed the validity of this benchmark (more here).

Base-model Oz-spec GT-Rs will also wear the Dunlops, but Premium models will be equipped with run-flat Bridgestone Potenza RE070 boots.

Other tweaks to Euro-spec cars include modified suspension spring rate settings, which, according to Nissan, result in better ride quality.

Nissan has also fiddled with cosmetics for Euro-spec cars, which receive gunmetal grey Rays seven-spoke alloy wheels for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same hoops, but, er... in black.

Meanwhle, the colour chart gains a new pearl white called 'Storm', which is billed as "an eye-catching, deep white replacing the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade."

Given the bolstered spec levels, Nissan Europe has announced price increases for all GT-Rs ordered from December 8, but Oz prices remain unchanged -- starting at $148,800 for the base GT-R and $152,800 for the GT-R Premium.

The Australian allocation of 200 GT-Rs for 2009 has largely been spoken for, with 140 punters having signed up already. Deliveries start in April.

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