Nissan has updated its beastly GT-R for MY 2017 and the new model boasts improved styling inside and out, as well as more grunt under its bonnet…

Godzilla, as the Nissan GT-R is affectionately known, has been improved to not only be more menacing in the performance department, but prettier to look at too. The latest GT-R has undergone major surgery to improve its driving performance and power from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine has been bumped up to offer even more thrills. The new Nissan GT-R can be expected in South Africa later this year or early in 2017.

Let’s see what’s changed…

Improved exterior design

From the outside, you will notice that Nissan has gone to work on the bonnet, front bumpers and daytime running lights, all of which have been redesigned. The larger ‘V-motion’ grille is new too, and it’s finished in matte chrome. Aerodynamic performance was top-of-mind for Nissan and nearly all the changes to this GT-R aid aerodynamic performance by reducing drag, generating downforce and cooling the vehicles systems.

The front spoiler has been extended and lowered to improve airflow while the overall ground clearance remains unchanged compared to the outgoing model. The side sills and C-pillars also take on a new shape to improve aerodynamics. A diffuser finished in silver along with new side air vents are seen at the rear while the round taillights that are synonymous with the GT-R, have been retained. A raised belt line gives the GT-R a wider stance and the rear bumpers feature the same design found on the GT-R NISMO. The 2017 Nissan GT-R rides on new 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels developed by RAYS.

More comfort inside

This latest GT-R is said to offer higher levels of comfort and luxury. A new ‘horizontal flow’ dashboard is fully wrapped in Nappa leather as an option while the layout is oriented towards the driver. The number of buttons found in the new GT-R have also been reduced from 27 switches to only 11, while the revised navigation controls and 8-inch touchscreen display are now positioned lower in the instrument panel.

The layout of the infotainment system has been enhanced with larger, customisable icons as well as a display command control on the centre console to allow for easier control of audio and navigation functions.

The shift paddles are now located directly on the steering wheel (not on the steering column) and the sport seats have been redesigned to offer better support while reducing weight at the same time.

More power for Nissan GT-R

Powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged engine that offers 15 kW more than before, total power output totals a whopping 419 kW with 637 Nm of torque. Those numbers are transferred to all four wheels using an updated 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The GT-R can reach a top speed of 315 kph and Nissan claims a fuel consumption figure of 12 L/100km.

The GT-R features the world’s first independent rear transaxle known as the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. Under normal driving conditions, the GT-R is fully rear-wheel bias but torque can be split up to 50:50 depending on factors such as speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, tyre slip, road surface and yaw rate. The GT-R’s suspension has also been improved and its body structure is more rigid, improving the vehicle’s overall stability and handling performance.

Safety features on the new Nissan GT-R include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), electronic traction control system, ABS with EBD, rear view camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

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