The 2017 Nissan GTR
WHEN Nissan created the Skyline GT-R in the early 20th century, this highperformance sedan quickly earned the nickname “Godzilla”—after the literally larger-than-life powerful beast originating from Japan. This nickname was inherited by the Nissan GT-R, the Skyline’s iconic successor.
This month, Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) unveiled for the first time in the Philippines the 2017 edition of the Nissan GTR. As with the recent Godzilla movies where we see a more high-tech, more sophisticated version of the Japanese beast, the Nissan GT-R is a more exciting and enhanced version of the model since it was introduced in 2007.
No less than Hiroshi Tamura, Nissan GT- R’s Chief Product Specialist, was present in Clark, Pampanga to introduce the 2017 GT-R to members of the Philippine media. Tamura describes the new GT-R as being “more potent” yet “more refined.” “We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history,” says Tamura.
The 2017 Nissan GT- R features the award-winning VR38DETT engine, a 3.8- liter V6 24- valve twinturbocharged, handcrafted and overseen by a Takumi technician, delivering 570ps at 6800 RPM, with torque at 637Nm. The improved output allows the new GT-R to possess superior acceleration in the mid- to high-ranges (3200 rpm and above).
I personally experienced driving the 2017 GT-R during Nissan’s Track Day in Clark International Speedway. During the two-day event, I drove the GT-R on Philippine roads and in the Speedway. Whether it’s on normal road conditions or on the racetrack, the 2017 Nissan GT-R is the most comfortable model to date. Putting the GT- R on “normal mode” gives the driver a closer feel of the road conditions, without sacrificing comfort.
The 2017 GT-R’s refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission allows for effortless gearshifts and a (Seated L-R): The author, Nissan GT-R Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura, and STAR Motoring Editor Manny de los Reyes; (standing L-R): NPI Senior Marketing Manager Dax Avenido, NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan, and C! Magazine’s Georges Ramirez quieter, smoother ride. New titanium mufflers and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) makes the new GT-R sound better than ever.
As I drove through the sharp curves of Clark Speedway at high- speed, the GT-R proved why it is regarded as one of the world’s best handling machines. While I reached 200 km/h on the main straight, I constantly felt in control of the GT-R. Its superior stability and grip are attributable to the new GT-R’s more rigid body structure, improved suspension, and the new “Y-spoke” machinefinished forged aluminum wheels with 20-inch tires.
The monstrosity of the 2017 GT- R’s mechanical capabilities makes it deserving of the nickname Godzilla. It is one of the most powerful beasts unleashed by the automotive industry. But while Godzilla’s physical appearance complies with the stereotypical image of a “monster,” the GT-R, in contrast, is unquestionably beautiful.
The 2017 GT- R has an elegant, sleek look. Its beauty is harmonized with utility. The hood flows flawlessly from the grille, reinforced to enhance stability during highspeed driving. The freshly designed front spoiler lip and front bumpers with finishers situated immediately below the headlamps give the new GT-R the look of a pure-bred racecar, while generating high levels of front downforce. The new “V-motion” grille was enlarged to provide better engine cooling, and features an updated mesh pattern. The GT-R’s familiar wind-cutting shape defines its profile, but the side sills have been pushed out to improve airflow.
The GT-R’s rear has been revamped to make it a sportier-looking, more aerodynamically efficient car. The beltline that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened, making the GT-R’s rear look wider and more aggressive.
The GT- R is just as beautiful inside. The seats are of rich, luxurious leather with refined stitching. The GT-R’s redesigned dashboard has been simplified with an integrated cluster of audio controls and switches. The instrument panel is wrapped in a single, seamless piece of highquality leather artfully stitched with Takumi precision. A large 8-inch touch-panel monitor features large icons making it user-friendly.
While the GT- R is comparable ( and some argue even superior) to most European or American sports and super cars, it is competitively priced at around P7 million. In the Philippines, the 2017 GT-R is available exclusively at the Nissan High Performance Center in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and comes in Katsura Orange, Vibrant Red, Pearl Black, Ultimate Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Pearl Blue.
Price, performance, look— the 2017 Nissan GT-R is what I would call a “Beautiful Beast.”
No wonder NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan said they are “very excited to introduce the iconic Nissan GT- R to the Philippine automotive market.”