Skip to main content

Nissan updates the GT-R for the 2013 model year

2013 Nissan GT-R
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There appears to be some confusion on the web about the 2013 GT-R upgrades that were just announced and the long anticipated 2014 GT-R. Nissan has in fact updated the GT-R for 2013 for both the Japanese and world markets. However, according to the Japanese automaker, further changes will also be announced for the US-bound 2014 version

Recommended Videos

Regardless, we thought these updates exciting enough to report on. We figure any GT-R news is good news.

Still not willing to divulge exact details performance figures, Nissan has laid out the follow details about the roundly improved 2013 GT-R: The hand-built engine has been improved, giving the GT-R more mid and upper-range responsiveness. The chassis and body has been made more stable, improving steering. The interior is offered with three updated trim levels. And Nissan also now offers a few new special equipment options.

In the way of performance, the engine upgrades are fourfold. Firstly, Nissan has incorporated high-output fuel injectors that control fuel injection more precisely. Secondly, the turbocharger has been given specially developed orifice to the relief valve that allows the GT-R to sustain acceleration at higher RPMs. Next, engineers have re-worked the oil pan, including a baffle plate that improves oil pressure. Lastly, Motul Competition Oil is now offered as a factory engine option at  Nissan dealerships due to the large number of requests company received from buyers who race their GT-Rs on the track.

As for the body and chassis, Nissan designers went back to the drawing board and concluded that body roll could be improved upon and lowered the vehicle’s center of gravity by modifying the shock absorbers and front stabilizer bar. To improve alignment, designers added cam bolts to the front suspension. Additionally, the torque to the hub bearings from the driveshaft was increased, which improves reliability during track driving. The body, too, has been improved with two new reinforcement spots beneath the dash and instrument panels.

On the interior three-updated trim levels are now available (Pure Edition, Black Edition, and Premium Edition) with updated stitching, colors, and optional RECARO bucket seats. Last on the upgraded order sheet is a carbon-fiber rear spoiler and lightweight aluminum-alloy forged wheels. For 2013 Nissan now includes a rearview mirror as standard on the Black and Premium additions as well as “side knobs” on the left and right side of both front seats.

Sadly, Nissan hasn’t given any specifics as to how these upgrades improve performance but we’re willing to wager that the 545 horsepower of the 2012 has been improved a bit with the engine tweaks. As for updated Nürburgring track times, we’ll have to wait and see.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Waymo lays groundwork for robotaxi revolution
A Waymo car production line.

In recent years, Waymo has been edging toward its long-held goal of revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service. 

The Alphabet-owned company has just taken another step in that direction with the opening of a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with automaker Magna.

Read more
Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option
ram 1500 express return affordable 2026

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Read more
Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?
jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii  4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

Read more