Nissan GT-R – the latest 2013 Godzilla revealed

Nissan has announced a range of minor upgrades to its 2013 GT-R. Although Godzilla still develops an identical 543bhp to the 2012 model year GT-R, next year's model is said to have sharper responses and improved ride and handling.

How so? Because Nissan's engineers have modified the electronics governing the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 sledgehammer for crisper throttle response. Unlike the GT-R's brain cells, we find that quite hard to compute – since the GT-R is already one of the most visceral, fastest-accelerating cars we've ever tested.

Cult petrolhead hero Mr GT-R, aka Mizuno-san, announced the new GT-R today and you can watch a video below. Headline stats are a minuscule drop in the 0-62mph time from 2.8 to 2.7sec while the 2013 GT-R is apparently three seconds quicker around the Nordschleife, down to a vomit-inducing 7min 18sec.

Power and torque have been confirmed as 543bhp and 465lb ft - but perhaps the GT-R's cleverest trick is how it deploys that grunt through its sophisticated four-wheel drive system. The headline figures are no longer surprising in this turbocharged era, but the way in which the super-Nissan has put that power down is its secret.

The bi-turbo V6 has new injectors, with improved precision to meter out fuel flow – resulting in improved responses in the mid-range and top end. The turbocharger also has new valves to cope with the high forces of puff being generated, while new oil pan baffles help keep the oil pressure more stable while hurtling around on track. All detailed stuff for anoraks.

Indeed. But Nissan points out: 'After measuring the roll centre of the GT-R when cornering and taking deflection of the bushes and tyres into account, engineers have updated the suspension set-up with revisions to the dampers, springs and front anti-roll bar to lower the centre of gravity.'

Combined with new camber geometry at the front end, stronger reinforcements to stiffen up the body and stronger driveshafts, we're told the GT-R will corner even flatter and more responsively. The mind boggles.

Although there are no external or interior design changes to mark out the latest GT-R iteration, you'll be able to spot the newcomer by the 13-reg adorning UK models when the new 2013 Nissan GT-R when it goes on sale in spring 2013.

By Tim Pollard