First Look: 2017 Nissan GT-R
Nissan's 2017 GT-R is the most significantly changed model of its flagship sports car since it was introduced in 2007. At the front, a new “V-motion” grille, one of Nissan’s latest design signatures, has been slightly enlarged to provide better engine cooling, and now features a matte chrome finish and updated mesh pattern. A new hood, featuring pronounced character lines, seamlessly sweeps down to a redesigned front spoiler lip and front bumpers to give the GT-R that race car look, and frontal downforce.
In its profile, the GT-R’s sides have been pushed out to direct air flow around the vehicle. In the rear, the iconic four-ring taillights are now paired with new rear bodywork, along with functional side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips. Heightening the beltline between the lower black section and the body panel, meanwhile, projects a wider and more aggressive haunch. In the cabin is a redesigned, more premium interior befitting a super sports car of this caliber and expected price.
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The entire dashboard is new, including a simplified instrument panel wrapped in a single, seamless piece of hand-selected Nappa leather stitched with Takumi-style precision. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 in the previous car to just 11 in the 2017 model. The front seats are also lighter, thanks to a new side-support construction method that provides greater comfort and support on long drives. Oddly enough, the shift paddles, paired with reengineered ventilator controls, are only now mounted to the new steering wheel. The GT-R’s much-loved 3.8-liter V-6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine now delivers 565 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 467 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 20 hp and 4 lb-ft, respectively from last year’s model.
The increases equate to superior acceleration in the mid- to high-ranges (3200 rpm and above). Mated to a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the aggressive GT-R engine has never sounded better thanks to a new lightweight titanium exhaust system and Active Sound Enhancement. Plus, new sound absorption materials and an acoustic glass windshield make for a smoother ride and quieter cabin.
A more rigid body structure and new suspension allow the GT-R’s tires, wrapped around new 20-inch 15-spoke forged aluminum wheels, to hold the road surface better, giving it better stability through quick lateral transitions and higher overall cornering speed.
And new colors abound for the GT-R inside and out. A Blaze Metallic orange color, applied with a special four-stage process, has been added to the exterior paint palette. The interior of the Premium Edition, featuring semi-aniline leather, offers three different options: the newly added Rakuda Tan, as well as Amber Red and Ivory.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R will be available this summer.