2017 Nissan GT-R shown – more premium, more power

Nine years after making its world premiere at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan GT-R has been given a significant facelift at the 2016 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Billed as the most thorough revamp since the car’s launch, the new Godzilla gets both a more premium look and feel and even more performance, going on sale beginning this summer as a 2017 model.

The exterior gets its first complete makeover since the 2010 facelift, with a new front end receiving Nissan’s new V-Motion grille design in a matte chrome finish. The grille itself is slightly larger than before for better cooling, and also gets a new mesh pattern, while the front spoiler lip has been reshaped for a racier look. Faux air intakes have now sprouted underneath the headlights, carrying the new LED daytime running lights.

Moving back, the bonnet is also new, with added contours continuing the lines of the grille towards the body. The side sills have also been pushed out to direct air flow around the vehicle, while new 20-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels have been fitted.

At the rear, the bumper has also been reprofiled, while the beltline between the black bottom section and the body panel has been raised for a wider, more aggressive look. All in all, the aerodynamic revisions produce a sharper, sportier look as well as improved high-speed stability, all while retaining a 0.26 Cd drag coefficient.

The revamp continues inside, with a completely new dashboard (only the instrument cluster remains identical to the previous model) that now has a wraparound design for a cockpit-like feel. The cushion layer for the dashboard is now made from a thinner material for reduced weight; the front seats are also lighter thanks to a new side support construction that provide greater long-distance comfort.

Providing a more premium touch is the single-piece stitched Nappa leather covering the dashboard, along with shift paddles that are now mounted on the new three-spoke steering wheel instead of on the column (so they now move together with the wheel when the latter is turned), with improved engagement sound and feel.

Twin rectangular centre air vents replace the round ones of old, and now sit under the new infotainment system with an eight-inch capacitative touchscreen. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the button count from 27 on the previous model to just 11, while a new Display Command knob on the redesigned carbon fibre transmission tunnel make controlling the system even easier.

Under the bonnet, the venerable VR38DETT 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 has now been given individual cylinder ignition-timing control and extra turbo boost to produce a heady 565 hp at 6,800 rpm and 633 Nm from 3,300 to 5,800 rpm. That’s an increase of 15 hp and 3 Nm over the 2016 model – and nearly 90 hp more than what the GT-R was originally launched with.

All this power provides the 2017 GT-R with superior acceleration in the mid to high rev ranges (above 3,200 rpm). Drive is transferred to all four wheels via a revamped six-speed dual clutch transmission with smoother shifts and less noise. The experience of added acceleration is further enhanced thanks to the resonance from the new lightweight titanium exhaust system.

The GT-R was never a slouch in the corners, but the upgrades for the 2017 model year has made it even better at tackling the twisties. The entire body structure is now more rigid, and the new suspension provides improved roadholding and better stability along quick lateral transitions, as well as enabling the car to go even faster through the corners.

However, refinement has not been neglected – the 2017 GT-R now provides a smoother ride quality and reduced cabin noise at all speeds. The latter is thanks to an Active Noise Cancellation system and new sound absorption materials, including an acoustic glass windscreen. To make up for the drop in engine noise, the car adds Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) – as seen on the 370Z and Maxima – that pipes synthesised exhaust notes through the speakers.

New options include Blaze Metallic orange exterior paint – applied with a special four stage process – and Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather upholstery (only on the Premium Edition) shown on the car you see here, along with Amber Red and Ivory leather on Premium Edition models. Certain markets also receive NissanConnect with navigation, mobile apps and emergency services.

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