Nissan Takes Wraps Off New, More Powerful GT-R
The Japanese automaker’s sportiest sports car gains 20 hp, better high-speed stability and reworked user interfaces.
March 23, 2016
NEW YORK – Showing off the biggest revision to the sports car since its 2007 debut, Nissan takes the wraps off the new GT-R this morning at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
“We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the limit – it’s even more potent than before. At the same time, refinement has been added to take the driving experience to an entirely new level,” Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist-Nissan GT-R, Z and Nismo, says in a pre-show statement.
The GT-R retains its 3.8L twin-turbo V-6 engine but now churns out 565 hp at 6,800 rpm and 467 lb.-ft. (633 Nm) from 3,300-5,800 rpm, up 20 hp and 4 lb.-ft. (5 Nm), respectively, from the current-generation GT-R.
The performance increases are achieved by individual ignition timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from turbochargers, Nissan says.
Smoother shifts and less noise are promised from the car’s 6-speed DCT.
Cornering ability is improved by a more rigid body structure and new suspension, Nissan says, adding new 20-in. wheels provide better stability through quick lateral transitions and allow higher cornering speeds.
A smoother, quieter ride is promised in the ’17 GT-R, with active noise cancellation and increased usage of sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic windshield glass playing key roles.
Nissan’s signature V-motion grille is one of the many styling elements tweaked for ’17. The grille is enlarged for improved engine cooling, while the hood adds pronounced character lines and is reinforced for high-speed-driving stability.
Other styling changes meant to improve aerodynamics and high-speed stability include a downforce-generating front spoiler lip and front bumpers with finishers, side sills pushed out to direct airflow around the car and new rear bodywork surrounding the 4-ring taillights.
Nissan says the car’s coefficient of drag remains 0.26.
The car’s reworked dashboard is wrapped with a seamless piece of hand-stitched Nappa leather. A thinner cushion layer beneath the leather reduces weight, while the center stack is simpler and less cluttered, having 11 switches instead of 27 in the outgoing model.
For improved ease of use, the GT-R’s capacitive touchscreen is larger and boasts bigger on-screen icons.
Shift paddles are moved from the steering column to the steering wheel, meaning drivers now can change gears in mid-turn without removing their hands from the wheel.
New paint colors will be available, including a blaze metallic orange applied using a 4-stage process. The interior of the premium-edition GT-R can be had in a new tan shade, as well as carryover red and ivory.
In some markets, the GT-R will offer Nissan’s telematics service with mobile apps and navigation.
WardsAuto data shows U.S. GT-R sales fell 23.1% last year from 2014’s 1,436, the car’s third-best annual volume. GT-R sales in the U.S. hit a record of 1,730 in 2008.
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