The new GT-R made its appearance at the New York International Auto Show with what Nissan claims to be the most significant changes since it was introduced in 2007.
The MY17 Nissan GT-R has broken open its shell and the most loved monster in motordom has put its serpentine head out. That is all that matters for mad hatters who wear racing helmets instead of hats on tracks. The crazy car born to feed them with happiness like a breakfast cereal has assumed even more power and increased ability to push a corner.
The new design…
… is not so new after all, until you take a second look at least. The new design language of Nissan has found elegant expression in the new chrome matte finish V-motion grille – way better than its in-your-face introduction in the Maxima grille that is almost an overkill! It has been enlarged for better engine cooling and features an updated mesh pattern. The rest of the changes except the finishers on the bumpers below the headlights, are subtle – like the new reinforced hood that adds to high-speed stability or the front spoiler lip. The finishers do resonate with the pure-bred racecar look of the GT-R, while the new changes increase the front downforce.
So as to improve air flow, side air vents have been introduced next to the quad exhaust tips and the side sills have been pushed out. While the GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights remain, the belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been raised to give the feeling of a wider and more aggressive stance from the rear. The drag is reduced while the current down force has been maintained. The new Nissan language seems to have flowed backwards from the lines of this vehicle. Hence it has been seamlessly integrated and looks at its best here.
Improved ease and comfort
While the GT-R has earned its reputation largely for the raw, ego-rattling power, the interiors are surprisingly premium and Nissan claims this edition is the most comfortable till date.
Takumi is a term Nissan profusely used in their handout – it means artisan and is the most desirable definition that Nissan gives the craftsmen of GT-R. The entire dashboard and instrument panel are new and covered with high-quality leather. The shape of the dashboard adopts a “horizontal flow” that delivers a sense of increased stability for the car’s front-seat occupants, while the line from the instrument cluster to the center console provides a distinct driver-oriented environment.
The center dashboard layout has also been improved and simplified. Navigation and audio control functions have been integrated – drastically in the number of switches, which moves to 11 from 27 in the previous model!
An enlarged 8-inch touch-panel monitor, new Display command control on the carbon-fiber center console, and shift paddles that are now mounted to the steering, allows for easier and more efficient cabin control. Now you can change gears in mid-turn without having to take your hands off the wheel!
Under the hood and on the road
The GT-R’s award-winning 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine now delivers 565 HP at 6800 rpm and 633 Nm of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with gentle manners. Each unit is handcrafted by its own TAKUMI technician and the improved output results from individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers that enhances mid-drive acceleration.
So what about the sound; famously heard from the end of the street? GT The resonance of the new titanium mufflers and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) boost the driving experience.
For 2017, the GT-R has built a more rigid frame and new suspensions that translate to better stability through quick sideways movement and quicker, sharper cornering. Sticking to the ground are its 20 inch tires, wrapped around new “Y-spoke” machine-finished forged aluminum wheels.
The new GT-R exhibits a smoother ride, which is seen in the quieter cabin with new sound absorption materials. The interior of the Premium edition which makes use of semi-aniline leather, offers customers four colour choices – new Black/Rakuda and Samurai Black, the popular Black/Amber Red and Black/Ivory. The exterior paint palate also gets a refresh with the “Blaze Metallic” colour with multi layered painting.
“We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history,” Hiroshi Tamura, the Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R, sums up the 2017 Nissan GT-R.
Those are powerful words that make one look forward to the arrival of the speedster. It is coming this summer.
