We first saw the 2017 Nissan GT-R as it made its debut back in March for the New York Auto Show, but the newly spruced up giant-killer is now making its entrance into the UK market and once again Nissan is talking up the four-wheel drive V6 monster.
It certainly gives us some perspective to plot the R35 GT-R’s now nine-year history. When it launched in 2007 it set the world on fire with its incredible performance and acceleration matched to driving dynamics that’s as unique (and functional) as its looks.
Nissan has given the GT-R minor upgrades each year to refine the formula: power bumps, transmission and ECU calibration tuning, suspension adjustments. But for 2017, we get some visible exterior and interior changes – the kind we can point to.
You’ll be forgiven for not noticing the new front end design. Yes, it is new, and is in fact the most it has changed over the past 9 years. The V-motion grille is now integrated to give it some resemblance to the rest of Nissan’s line-up, but the GT-R’s new revised fascia is also better in aiding high-speed aerodynamics and cooling.
Around the back, there’s new air vents that, again, are functional but also match the front’s more squared look. They work in tandem with the new front apron and underbody to channel air out from the rear diffuser while a more inward-tapering C-pillar reduces turbulence.
It’s a look that, on the whole, takes some cues from the track-focused GT-R Nismo models.
Inside is where the GT-R has taken some flack as not being as well-appointed compared to some key rivals. Nissan hopes to temper that with a cabin that’s dressed up with more leather and soft-touch surfaces. There’s also a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that’s got new software and a higher-res display.
Now we get to the engine and the 3.8-litre VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 is now punchier by 15kW and 4Nm but power is available over a wider spread of revs. Nissan is adamant that it has not just turned up the turbos but also (and as usual) opting to use more traditional methods to increase power such as new titanium exhaust system.
We’re expecting the 2017 Nissan GT-R to make landfall in Australia by September with pricing expected to hover around the figures that the current model is being sold at.
For more on Nissan vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
