GT-R devotees across the world have something new to look forward to this year. Well, when we say new, we mean something more of a mid-life update. Introduced as the 2017 Nissan GT-R, this latest iteration brings in yet another set of yearly upgrades to make it more sophisticated, powerful and easier to live with, compared to the old model.
Nissan themselves are saying that the 2017 GT-R has the most of number of upgrades since the model’s launch back in 2007. All said, we have lots to look forward to in this new model despite its familiar appearance. Speaking of which, the aerodynamically perfected bodywork mostly remains the same though in keeping with their tradition, Nissan has tinkered with the details. Details such as the front intake which is now larger than before (for better engine cooling), pronounced character lines across the bonnet (for better high-speed stability) and a new lip spoiler. At the sides, the sills have been pushed out to direct air flow around the familiar wind-cutting profile. All in all, these tweaks combine to lower the drag efficiency slightly without hampering the high downforce levels the GT-R is known for.
Those familiar with the interior of the old GT-R would be quick to point out that the cabin hardly felt luxurious. Sporty? Yes but the GT-R’s cabin has never had the same level of sophistication or quality as similarly priced European sports cars. For the 2017 GT-R, Nissan has thoroughly worked on improving the overall look and feel of the cabin.
Visually, the cabin already looks whole lot better thanks to an entirely new dashboard design and an 8-inch touchscreen display. The latter has reduced the number of switches from 27 in the previous car to just 11 in the 2017 model for a less cluttered look. Also, the shift paddles for the 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox are now mounted to the steering wheel rather than the steering column.
No GT-R update is complete without a power hike and the 2017 model is no different. The familiar 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine has been worked on, in interest of ever more power. Thanks to revised ignition-timing and extra boost from the turbochargers, the V6 motor now develops 570bhp of power and 637Nm of torque. That familiar GT-R growl is also amplified with a new titanium exhaust system.
Now that it’s out and ready to pounce on the European sports car scene, the 2017 GT-R will hit the showrooms later this year and continue to compete with established names such as the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracan. We recently had a go in the old GT-R on the Buddh International Circuit and up until now, were anticipating it to arrive here in the Indian market. However, now that the 2017 model is out, it makes more sense for Nissan India to import the latter and treat their elite customer base.
