Nissan has given their ageing GT-R supercar an extensive mid-life refresh, unveiling the updated vehicle at the New York International motor show. Included is a swag of exterior updates to help keep the car looking fresh, a brand new interior and an extra 15kW (20hp) power increase – or put simply the most extensive round of updates that car has received since it was launched in 2007.
Up front, the GT-R now has a larger grille opening to help aid cooling, plus a newly designed bonnet and front bar complete the look. This helps give the GT-R a new and more aggressive face, whilst also contributing to aerodynamic downforce.
Nissan has pushed the side sills out in an effort to direct air flow around the vehicle, while the updated rear end with the trademark ‘stove top’ tail lamps are paired with new rear bodywork, along with functional side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips. The beltline between the lower black section and the body panel has been heightened to make the car look wider and more aggressive from the rear. These exterior changes result in a sportier and sharper looking car – as well as an aerodynamically efficient one with more stability at high speeds, while keeping a 0.26 drag coefficient.
Its on the inside though where the most noticeable changes have been made. The 2017 GT-R features a brand new two-tone ‘horizontal flow’ dashboard, which contains a driver oriented centre-stack and a more modern and simplified instrument array. There’s a new 8″ touch screen which is controlled by a console-mounted control device, while the paddle shifters now turn with the steering wheel, rather than being mounted to the steering column.
Under the bonnet, the GT-R’s 3.8L twin-turbo V6 now has an additional 15kW (20hp) of power and 4Nm (3ft-lb) of torque, for a total of 419kW (562hp) and 632Nm (466lb-ft). The improvements in power output are all down to increasing boost pressure and changes to the ignition timing control. The GT-R retains the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, although it has been revised to provide faster gear shifts while being less noisy in the process.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R will come standard with a new titanium mufflers and a sound-simulation system to help make it sound as angry as it looks. Nissan has also made changes to the GT-R’s suspension, improved chassis rigidity and given it a brand new set of 20″ Y-spoke alloy wheels.
“We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the outer limits”, says Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R. “It’s even more potent than before. At the same time, more refinement has been added to take the entire driving experience to an entirely new level.
“We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history.”