What’s new about the new Nissan GT-R?
The new 2017 Nissan GT-R will go on sale at Nissan dealers across Japan on July 27, 2016, and with significant changes made to the model since it was introduced in 2007, Nissan boasts this to be the ultimate ‘GT’ (Grand Tourer) yet.
On the outside
Changes across the front end include the new chrome matte finish ‘v-motion’ grille, with an updated mesh pattern, has been enlarged to provide better engine cooling. Bumper sides have been reshaped to retain the car’s air drag and downforce. The new hood flows from the grille and has been reinforced to assist stability during high-speed driving. The front spoiler lip and front bumpers have been redesigned while finishers are situated immediately below the headlamps to give it the new GT-R look.
Side sills have also been pushed out to help improve airflow. From the back, things have also changed. The GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights remain but new bodywork and side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips are there to further improve air flow. To give it more of an aggressive look, the belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened.
On the inside
Covered in high-quality leather the entire dashboard and instrument panel have been recreated. The shape of the dashboard is more horizontal and the line from the instrument cluster to the centre console gives more attention to a driver-oriented environment.
Shift paddles have been mounted to the new steering wheel for easier gear-changing while turning corners. Dial controls of audio and heater machined from an aluminum block deliver craftsmanship and a quality clicking feel. Air conditioner outlets have a more iconic design to suit the new Nissan GT-R.
New colours!
Nissan has added an ‘Ultimate Shiny Orange’ to the GT-R’s exterior paint palette. Four-layer top coat and semi-translucent colour has been applied to the upper base to highlight the intensity and depth of the new colour. To add to that, a vapor-deposited coloured aluminum used for the lower base and the semi-aniline leather-appointed interior comes in four different options: Tan, Urban Black, Amber Red and Ivory.
Performance
The 3.8-litre V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine now delivers 419 kw (570 PS) at 6800 rpm and 637 Nm (65.0kg fm) of torque at 3300-5800 rpm without compromising fuel economy.
“The improved output, which is the result of individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders developed for the GT-R NISMO and extra boost from the turbochargers, allows the new GT-R to possess superior acceleration in the mid-to-high-ranges. The revised engine comes mated to a thoroughly refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that features smoother shift and reduced noise levels,” says Nissan South Africa.
Since better settings of shock absorber, spring and stabiliser rates, improved road-handling capability, agility and precision of the suspension are featured, a better grip of the tyres and responsiveness when driving at high speeds is easily attained.
“The new GT-R’s enhanced straight-line stability which reduces steering corrections and fluctuations of the yaw rate by about 30 percent and about 20 percent, respectively, compared to those of the 2015 Nissan GT-R, gives drivers a more poised and confident ride.”
Pricing
Suggested retail price (consumption tax included) | (JPY) | |||||
Drive | Powertrain | Grade | Transmission | Price | ||
4WD | VR38DETT | GT-R Pure edition | GR6 dual-clutch transmission | 9,960,840 | ||
GT-R Black edition | 11,869,200 | |||||
GT-R Premium edition | 11,705,040 |
Source: Nissan South Africa