Nissan unveiled its long-awaited 2017 GT-R model at the 2016 New York Auto Show and to celebrate we are going to look back at the history to see how this car was given its legendary name.
Where did the GT-R name originate from?
The GT-R name came to be during 1969 – 1974 and 1989 – 2002 when Nissan produced a high performance version of its Skyline model. This was the well-known Nissan Skyline GT-R which became to be very successful both on the road and track.
Godzilla is the nickname originally given to the Skyline but has been passed on through the generations to the modern Nissan GT-R model.
First Nissan GT-R Concepts
There were two concepts of the Nissan GT-R before the production model was released, the first was at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 some 15 years ago. This concept represented what a 21st century GT-R would look like.
Later in 2005 a second concept was revealed at the same show, but this time it was named the GT-R Proto, which stated that the production model would be 80-90% based on this concept.
When was the first production Nissan GT-R released?
Nissan announced the production version of the GT-R at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and first launched in the Japanese market in December 2007. The car was later released in the U.S. during 2008 and this legendary GT-R finally reached our shores in the UK in March 2009.
Its design was inspired by Japanese science fiction franchise, Gundam Series and combines European Sports Car elements with Japanese culture.
The GT-R was the only model in Nissan’s range to boast their new Premium Midship Platform. This was Nissan’snew architecture for ultimate balance. It achieved a crisp turn-in, quick steering response and overall balance as the engine sits well back in the chassis behind the front axle.
2013 Nissan GT-R Facelift
In 2013 a revised version of the GT-R went on sale in the UK with some nifty features including:
• Two wheel drive mode enables the driver to activate temporary 2wd to manoeuvre more easily at low speeds.
• Improvements were made to the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT tyre with a new compound to improve grip. These were combined with lighter and more rigid alloy wheels to improve tyre responsiveness to vertical load.
• Downforce was increased by around 10% and an enlarged bumper and grille openingsimprovedstability.
A Closer Look at the New 2017 Nissan GT-R
This 2017 model Nissan GT-R is more of a facelifted model rather than a completely new car, the next-generation version named “R36” won’t be seen until 2018 and may be delayed until 2020. But until then we can gaze upon the glory of this powerful Godzilla.
Let us take you on a tour of the new 2017 Nissan GT-R:
Aggressive Exterior
A distinctive “V-motion” front grille is complemented by sharpened headlights, while the GT-R’s side profile has a more aggressive edge with a raised beltline. The rear has been virtually unchanged and still boasts the GT-R trademark quad-round tail lights and quad exhausts.
Nissan design director Mamoru Aoki said in a statement ahead of its launch; "As the iconic GT-R continues to evolve with the signature V-motion grille, it now possesses the latest Nissan design language." He further stated "Its exceptional aerodynamic performance and upgraded interior have given the GT-R a more mature character, which will continue into the future."
Mature Interior
As Mamoru describes, Nissan have completely revamped the GT-R’s cabin adopting their so called “horizontal flow” design. Owners will enjoy more comfortable seats and a de-cluttered central console. A large 8-inch touch screen infotainment display placed in the centre console has reduced the number of buttons from 27 to 11.
More Horsepower
Inside this refreshed model, 20 additional horsepower has been added to its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V-6 for a total of 565bhp along with 467 lb-ft of torque. Performance specifications are to be revealed at a later date but the outgoing model can hit 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds!
The
2017 Nissan GT-R will hit showrooms later this summer. You’ll also find the Nissan Skyline GT-R in our Movie Cars Infographic, take a look
here!