Revamped 2017 Nissan GT-R is fast, flirts with luxurious
Godzilla has gone to finishing school. Nissan’s GT-R earned that nickname by going clawto-claw with max-speed versions of Porsche 911s, Corvettes, Ferraris and other supercars. On race circuits, drag strips, Germany’s famed Nürburgring and other venues — including tracks in the Houston region — Nissan’s monster performance car commands respect, but for 2017, along with a hike in horsepower, some of the GT-R’s rougher edges have been polished.
The GT-R had a built-in fan base when it debuted in the U.S. in the summer of 2008. Legions of its admirers were driving video games long before they had learner permits. The image of the all-conquering Skyline GT-R, as it was then known, was driven by starring roles in Japanese car magazines and videos and sealed when it got plenty of facetime in Hollywood’s “Fast and Furious” franchise. Being banned in the U.S. only fanned the desire for earlier versions of the right-hand-drive Skyline coupe, even if bringing them into the country was both expensive and risky, as hard-core (and wellheeled) owners discovered.
Since the 2009 GT-R arrived, horsepower has steadily climbed and lap times have dropped. Despite 20 more horsepower and more aggressive new bodywork for 2017, the big news is that the GT-R’s major refresh includes touches of luxury. That’s a fine thing, considering that the hyperactive coupe starts at $111,585 with destination. (But, hey, at least there’s no gas-guzzler tax.)
While we still had a blast launching the athletic overachiever through the corners and letting the twin-turbocharged V6 wind out, in normal operation our test loaner was significantly more refined than the 2015 GT-R we reported on: http://bit.ly/2qAlAR8. We marveled at the quieter cabin, more comfortable ride and — unless you like the “switch city” look of a Gulfstream instrument panel — the simplified layout which not only cuts the number of switches from 27 to 11, but boasts a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Though the GT-R Premium hustles to the tune of 565 horsepower, thanks to more turbocharging boost for its hand-built engine, Nissan’s 2017 supercar is clear evidence that luxury is creeping into the equation. Our tester even came with the $4,000 interior upgrade, consisting of scrumptious semi-aniline leather that could have been plucked from an Infiniti.
One night we made a quick run to San Antonio and back that had us in the GT-R for nearly eight straight hours. The front sport seats proved supportive and comfy and a third adult (admittedly 5-2 and maybe 110 pounds, wet) survived the smallish accommodations in the rear seating area. Here’s where you appreciate the Bilstein DampTronic driver-adjustable shocks. The 2017’s active noise cancelation and acoustic windshield made for a serene environment as long as you resist the exhilaration of random acts of acceleration — made more difficult by the GT-R’s new, lighter titanium exhaust system and active sound enhancement.
Our last GT-R exhibited a litany of mechanical noises and whirring. But it was easy to forgive because the GT-R is, after all, an all-wheel-drive apex predator tailored for the track with aggressive gearing, suspension and steamroller tires. See what we mean with Michael Krumm’s record-setting lap with an older GT-R NISMO: http://bit.ly/2pOtiWV.
For 2017, the GT-R’s grille gets a new mesh pattern and is enlarged to improve engine cooling. The redesigned hood has been reinforced for stability at high velocities and there’s a new front spoiler that helps the car cut through the air with a respectable 0.26 drag coefficient. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, smoother and less noisy, can be now operated with shift paddles that are now mounted on the steering wheel.
The refreshed GT-R Premium is a solid move in the right direction. We hope the next generation has a bigger greenhouse for better sight lines. Meanwhile, die-hard (and well-heeled) GT-R fans that are products of the University of Texas should warm to Nissan’s new “blaze metallic,” a four-stage, extra-cost orange added to the GT-R’s paint palette for 2017.
There are two other versions of the GT-R this year. The returning GT-R NISMO is joined by the new Track Edition.
The Track Edition, available later this summer, will retain the same engine as the Premium but sports additional adhesive bonding for body rigidity, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, NISMO front fenders and suspension tuning, weighs a bit less and rolls on 20-inch NISMO forged alloy wheels. The Track Edition also has its own red-and-black cabin with Recaro sport seats. The Track Edition starts at $127,990 before destination.
The $174,990 GT-R NISMO is perched squarely atop the heap with 600 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 481 lb.ft. of torque between 3,200 and 5,800 rpm. The limited edition GT-R runs six-spoke RAYS aluminum forged wheels. Handling is improved thanks to specific shock, spring and stabilizer tuning and added down force from NISMO’s own side skirts.
Run-flat tires are standard on all GT-Rs. The usual rubber consists of Dunlop Sport Maxx GT600 255/40ZRF20 ultra high performance tires in front on 20 x 9.5-inch RAYS wheels and 285/35ZRF20 in the rear on 20 x 10.5s. If all-seasons are your preference, Dunlop SP 7010 tires are an option.