© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Godzilla Redux
When the Nissan GT-R hit U.S. shores in 2009 it completely shook up the sports car world with insane performance typically reserved for exotics costing considerably more. At this year’s New York Auto Show, Nissan is turning up the performance dial once again with a refreshed 2017 GT-R.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Form & Function
The updated GT-R gets fresh styling, most noticeable being the incorporation of Nissan’s signature “V-Motion” grille, made larger to improve engine cooling. Other updates — including the new reinforced hood, front lip spoiler and front bumpers — not only give the GT-R a new look, they are functional as well.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
More Aggressive
New rear bodywork still features the GT-R’s trademark four-ring taillights, while new airflow enhancements and other updates give the sports car a wider, more aggressive stance. Overall styling changes give the GT-R sharper lines while maintaining a slippery 0.26 coefficient of drag.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Evolving Icon
“As the icon of Nissan’s driving performance, the GT-R continues to evolve. With the signature V-motion grille, the GT-R now possesses the latest Nissan design language. Its exceptional aerodynamic performance and upgraded interior have given the GT-R a more mature character, which will continue into the future,” said Mamoru Aoki, executive design director of Nissan’s Global Design Center.
© Nissan North America
Sophistication & Simplification
The GT-R’s new interior is decidedly more upscale with lighter sport seats and an updated instrument panel that has been wrapped in a single piece of Nappa leather. A new 8-inch touchscreen display with larger icons simplifies controls.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Sound & Fury
The 2017 GT-R gets more than a new look — there’s a healthy power boost under the hood. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 now puts out 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of 20 horses over the 2016 model. Engine updates give the GT-R better acceleration in the mid- to high-range rpm, and it will sound better at spool-up via a new titanium exhaust system.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Improved Cornering, Shifting
With a more rigid body structure and new suspension, the GT-R claims even better cornering abilities — an impressive feat given the outstanding handling of the previous version. Further improvements include shift paddles that are now mounted to the steering wheel rather than the steering column, allowing easier shifts in the middle of a turn.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Smoother, Stealthier
The new GT-R is expected to offer a more comfortable, smoother and quieter ride — qualities not often associated with improved handling — through Active Noise Cancellation technology and new sound-absorption materials, including an acoustic glass windshield.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Performance & Civility
“The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times, on any road, for whoever sits in the driver’s seat. We have continued to push its performance boundaries . . . to an entirely new level. We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT-R that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for GT-R, Z and NISMO.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
