Nissan unveiled the new 2017 GT-R at the New York International Auto Show; highlights include an exciting new look both inside and out, as well as major driving-performance enhancements and key new features. They represent the most significant changes made to the model since it was introduced in 2007. Here’s the news from Nissan:
The new GT-R’s exterior gets a complete makeover across the front end. The new chrome matte finish “V-motion” grille represents one of Nissan’s latest design signatures. It has been enlarged to provide better engine cooling and features an updated mesh pattern. A new bonnet, which flows flawlessly from the grille, has been significantly reinforced, contributing to stability during high-speed driving. A freshly-designed front spoiler lip and front bumpers with finishers situated immediately below the headlights give the new GT-R the look of a pure-bred racecar, while generating high levels of front downforce.
The GT-R’s familiar wind-cutting shape defines its profile, but the side sills have been pushed out to improve air flow. The rear of the car also received a thorough makeover. While the GT-R’s hallmark four-ring rear lights remain, look closely and you’ll notice new bodywork to help improve air flow, as well as side air vents next to the quad exit exhaust pipes. Also, the belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened to give the car a wider and more aggressive look from the rear. These exterior changes don’t just result in a sportier-looking car; they create an aerodynamically efficient vehicle, with less drag but retaining the same amount of downforce as the current GT-R to keep the car stable at high speeds.
Step into the cabin, and you’re greeted by a premium interior that is befitting a high-performance sports car of this caliber. The entire dashboard and instrument panel are new and covered with high-quality leather artfully stitched together with TAKUMI precision. 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 centre console provides a distinct driver-oriented environment for those behind the steering wheel.
The centre dashboard layout has also been improved and simplified. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 in the previous model to only 11 in the MY17 model. An enlarged 8-inch touchscreen monitor features large icons on the display screen to make it easy to operate. A new display command control on the carbon-fibre centre console allows easy operation.
The paddle shifts are now mounted to the new steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears in mid-turn without having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles themselves, along with the ventilation controls, have improved feel and better sound when engaged or adjusted.
“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 Nissan’s Executive Design Director, Mamoru Aoki.
The GT-R’s award-winning 3.8-litre 24-valve twin-turbocharged V6 engine – each unit handcrafted by its own TAKUMI technician – now delivers 570 PS at 6,800 rpm and 637Nm of torque. The engines are the definition of TAKUMI expertise. The improved output, which is the result of individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers gives acceleration in the mid- to high-ranges (3,200 rpm and above). It comes mated to a thoroughly refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that features smoother shifts and less noise. That familiar GT-R tone also has been upgraded with an engine that has never sounded better. The resonance of the new titanium exhaust and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enhance the driving experience.
The GT-R has always been regarded as one of the world’s best handling machines, and for MY17, its cornering abilities have become even better. A more rigid body structure and new suspension result in better stability through quick lateral transitions and higher overall cornering speed. Providing the grip are sticky 20 inch tyres, wrapped around new “Y-spoke” machine-finished forged aluminum wheels.
Despite all the performance enhancements, the MY17 GT-R is the most comfortable model to date, with a new sense of elegance and civility that one would rarely find in such a high-performance supercar. The new GT-R exhibits a smoother ride quality than the outgoing model, and its cabin remains much quieter at all speeds helped by new sound absorption materials.
“The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times and on any road for whoever sits in the driver’s seat. We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the outer limits – 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,” Hiroshi Tamura, the Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R.
New for the MY17 GT-R are fresh colours inside and out that complement the car’s sophisticated character. A “Katsura Orange” with multi layered painting has been added to the exterior paint palate, while the interior of the Prestige Edition, which features high quality leather, offers customers four different options: the newly added Tan, as well as Red, Ivory and all over Black. The always popular Recaro® Edition will also still be available on the MY17 GT-R.
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