If you’ve ever played Gran Turismo (or GT Sport, as it’s now called), the Nissan Skyline GT-R will be etched into your memory. Some people call it a game-breaker, because, despite its cost, it delivered supercar-slaying performance that left most of the game’s other cars for dust.
It turns out that’s exactly what the Skyline is like in real life, too, and the 2017 Nissan GT-R goes one step further. It’s available in three classes – Pure, Recaro and Prestige – and starts at £79,995, rising to £83,495 for the Prestige model. However, the maniac’s choice would be the Nismo-prepared Track Edition Skyline GT-R, which will set you back £91,995.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R is more advanced than ever
The 2016 Nissan GT-R was hardly the softest-looking car, but somehow the 2017 GT-R manages to look even more mean. Nissan says there’s a new bumper, daytime running lights and a new matt-chrome grill design that increases airflow without drag, but the overall result is a car that looks even faster. In fact, the Nissan GT-R’s aggressive looks come in the name of science, with Nissan’s three main goals being downforce generation, drag reduction and improved cooling of vital vehicle systems. To that end, Nissan has tweaked almost every area of the car to improve airflow.
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The interior of the 2017 Nissan GT-R is just as technical, although Nissan says it has reduced the amount of clutter from 27 switches to just 11. The 2017 GT-R uses a carbon-fibre centre console and features an 8in enlarged touch panel, to show the driver everything from sat-nav instructions to G-force readings. I actually got to drive the 2016 Nissan GT-R recently, and the rather shaky Vine below gives you an idea of just how much information you can get while driving.
Of course, the main focus of the GT-R is its stunning performance, and that comes mainly from its ridiculously tuned engine. Nissan uses a 3.8-litre, V6, 24-valve, twin-turbocharged engine in the 2017 GT-R, and this year power is up from 550PS to a ridiculous 570PS (562hp). As you’d expect from Nissan, this is made possible by a range of innovative technologies, including more precise ignition timing. Add in a titanium exhaust system that’s better prepared for working in high temperatures and the 2017 Nissan GT-R will sound as good as it looks.
As for handling? When I drove the 2016 Nissan GT-R, I was surprised by just how nimble it felt. The 2017 GT-R should be even more agile, thanks in part to customisable Bilstein DampTronic shock-absorbers that adapt to your driving style.
I usually end these articles by saying just how great it would be to drive the car in question, but this time I get to say something else: I’ll be driving and reviewing the 2017 Nissan GT-R for Alphr later this year – so watch this space…
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