The new 2012 Nissan GT-R is not only more powerful--and therefore faster--than the outgoing 2011 model, it also handles better, consumes less fuel and some might say even looks better thanks to the addition of a new diffuser and daytime running lights.

First shown at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the updated car is expected to land in dealers this month. Not surprisingly, few people are buying the remaining 2011 models and the car’s sales reflect this. In the month of February Nissan managed to sell just 38 GT-R.

Despite Nissan’s overall sales in the U.S. increasing 31.6 percent last month, GT-R sales managed to drop by 46.5 percent during the same period.

However, there is a premium to pay in opting for the newer model. The aptly named 2012 Nissan GT-R ‘Premium’ will start at $89,950, while the 2012 Nissan GT-R ‘Black Edition’ will start at $95,100. That's a very significant price hike--more than $6,000 for the GT-R Premium.

For more details and images on the 2012 Nissan GT-R, check out our preview story by clicking here.

[Inside Line]