New Nissan GT-R, Japanese art arrives in Europe in the form of a car

New Nissan GT-R

Since the first generation was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 1968, the Nissan Skyline GT-R became a cult vehicle for lovers and enthusiasts of sports cars, and played a leading role in numerous video games and action films.

The new generation, which since 2007 has been called simply GT-R, dropping the Skyline name, was presented last March at the New York International Auto Show. It features a significant aesthetic redesign focused above all on aerodynamic efficiency. Work has been carried out specifically in three key areas: downforce generation, reduction of drag, and improved cooling of the vehicle’s most important mechanical components.

The front features a new, larger grille to increase the airflow reaching the engine. The bonnet has been redesigned and there are also new bumpers, LED daytime running lights, lightweight alloy wheels with Y-shaped spokes by RAYS, and a rear bumper that now adopts the same design as the one used on the GT-R NISMO, a new diffuser finished in silver and new air outlets located near the titanium exhaust outlets. At the rear, the characteristic round tail lights are retained, representing an unmistakable identity signal for this model.

New Nissan GT-R

Changes from the new generation are also evident inside. Higher quality finishes can be seen. An example is the single-piece Nappa leather upholstery that has been carefully hand-stitched, and rear seats that are more comfortable than those of the Premium and Pure versions, which now feature new urethane foam for greater support in the torso area. The new dashboard has a more horizontal design and the gear-change paddles are now mounted on the steering wheel rather than the steering column, allowing the driver to select any of the six gears without taking their hands off the wheel during cornering.

The buttons have been reduced from 27 to 11, simplifying the integrated audio and navigation controls. The navigation touchscreen has been positioned slightly lower and its size enlarged to 8″. It now features large icons that make it easier to operate the audio system, navigation, telephone and infotainment. A new single controller for the screen located on the carbon-fibre centre console allows easy operation of the system without touching the screen, which is very useful when driving at high speed.

Information on various vehicle parameters can be displayed, such as: coolant temperature, engine oil temperature, oil pressure, gearbox oil temperature or turbocharger boost pressure, among others.

Interior of the New Nissan GT-R

The powerplant driving this special vehicle is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 with 24 valves producing 570 CV, 20 CV more than the previous version, thanks partly to higher boost pressure and an electronic ignition system that controls each cylinder individually. Technology until now reserved for the GT-R NISMO. It is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Power from the engine is delivered to all four wheels of the GT-R through an independent rear transaxle called the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. Under normal conditions it behaves as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, but it can automatically shift up to a 50:50 split depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, tyre slip, surface type and body inclination.

New Nissan GT-R

Thanks to the redesigned suspension system, it features a special system of electronically adjustable Bilstein DampTronic dampers, and the greater body rigidity gives the new Nissan GT-R better handling and performance. The DampTronic system lets the driver choose between three driving modes: Normal, Comfort or R. These modify the response of the gearbox, throttle and steering, and also alter the behaviour of the VDC stability control system.

The first units of the new 2017 Nissan GT-R will arrive in Spain from next August. The four NISMO High Performance Centre dealerships authorised to sell it, located in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Marbella, are already taking orders.

Source | Nissan