2017 Nissan GT-R: Overview

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2017 Nissan GT-R Overview

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NEW YORK – Nissan unveiled the new 2017 GT-R at the New York International Auto Show today, highlighted by a fresh look inside and out, as well as major driving performance enhancements and key new features. All told, this is the most significant change to Nissan's flagship super sports car since it was introduced in 2007.

The 2017 GT-R's exterior receives a thorough makeover. The new "V-motion" grille, one of Nissan's latest design signatures, has been slightly enlarged to provide better engine cooling and now features a matte chrome finish and an updated mesh pattern. A new hood, featuring pronounced character lines flowing flawlessly from the grille, has been reinforced to enhance stability during high-speed driving. A 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 GT-R's familiar wind-cutting shape defines its profile, but the side sills have been pushed out to direct air flow around the vehicle. Styling and air flow enhancements continue in the rear, where GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights are paired with new rear bodywork, along with functional side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips. The beltline between the lower black section and the body panel has been heightened to make the car look wider and more aggressive from the rear.

These exterior changes result in a sportier and sharper looking car – as well as an aerodynamically efficient one with more stability at high speeds, while keeping a 0.26 drag coefficient.

In the cabin is a redesigned, premium interior befitting a high-performance super sports car. The entire dashboard is new, including an instrument panel wrapped in a single, seamless piece of hand-selected Nappa leather artfully stitched with Takumi-style precision. The shape of the dashboard adopts a "horizontal flow" to deliver a sense of high stability for front seat occupants, while the line from the instrument cluster to the center console provides a distinct driver-oriented environment for the driver. The cushion layer of the instrument panel leather has been updated with a new, thinner material to reduce weight, and the front seats themselves are also lighter, thanks to a new side-support construction method that provides greater comfort and support on long drives.

The center dashboard layout is improved and simplified. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 in the previous car to just 11 in the 2017 model. An 8-inch capacitive touch-panel monitor replaces the 7-inch one and now features large icons on the display screen, while a new Display Command control on the carbon-fiber center console also allows easy operation.

The shift paddles are now mounted to the new steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears in mid-turn without having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles, paired with reengineered ventilator controls, feature improved feel and sound when engaged or adjusted.

"As the icon of Nissan's driving performance, the GT-R continues to evolve. With the signature V-motion grille, the GT-R now possesses the latest Nissan design language. Its exceptional aerodynamic performance and upgraded interior have given the GT-R a more mature character, which will continue into the future," said Mamoru Aoki, executive design director, Global Design Center, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The GT-R's award-winning 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine – each unit handcrafted by its own Takumi technician – now delivers 565 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 467 lb-ft of torque, representing an increase of 20 HP and 4 lb-ft, respectively, from last year's model.

The increases, which are the result of individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers, allow the new GT-R to possess superior acceleration in the mid- to high-ranges (3200 rpm and above). It comes mated to a thoroughly refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that features smoother shifts and less noise. The aggressive GT-R engine sound has never sounded better. The resonance of the new lightweight titanium exhaust system and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enhance the driving experience, especially during acceleration.

The GT-R has always been regarded as one of the world's best handling machines and for 2017 its cornering abilities have become even better. A more rigid body structure and new suspension allow the GT-R's tires, wrapped around new 20-inch 15-spoke forged aluminum wheels, to hold the road surface better, giving it better stability through quick lateral transitions and higher overall cornering speed.

Along with all the performance enhancements, the 2017 GT-R is the most comfortable example to date, with a new sense of elegance and civility rare in such a high-performance supercar. The new GT-R exhibits a smoother ride quality than the outgoing model, and its cabin remains much quieter at all speeds thanks to Active Noise Cancellation technology and new sound absorption materials, including an acoustic glass windshield.

"The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times, on any road, for whoever sits in the driver's seat. We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the limit – it's even more potent than before. At the same time, refinement has been added to take the driving experience to an entirely new level. We're proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT-R that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist, GT-R, Z and NISMO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

New for the 2017 GT-R are fresh colors inside and out that complement the car's sophisticated character. A "Blaze Metallic" orange color, applied with a special four stage process, has been added to the exterior paint palette. The interior of the Premium Edition, featuring semi-aniline leather, offers three different options: the newly added Rakuda Tan, as well as Amber Red and Ivory.

In select markets, the new GT-R comes with NissanConnect^SM with Navigation, Mobile Apps and Services that allows users to use a smartphone to remotely lock or unlock the car doors, activate the alarm, summon emergency services or track the car if it is stolen.
 
The 2017 Nissan GT-R will be available this summer.

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About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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Contact

Dan Passe
Product Communications, Nissan North America
615-725-5264
dan.passe@nissan-usa.com

Kevin Raftery
Nissan Car Communications
615-981-9870
kevin.raftery@nissan-usa.com

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2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO Overview

Now in its third year of availability, the race-oriented 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO delivers factory-tuned supercar dynamics with advanced aerodynamics and ultra-precise handling.

Key changes for 2017 include:

• New front end, featuring an aggressive new fascia with a dark chrome "V-motion" grille (enlarged to collect more air, without diminishing the car's aerodynamic performance); a new significantly reinforced hood to help reduce deformation at extremely high speeds
• The front bumper of the GT-R NISMO features layers of carbon-fiber sheets carefully overlapped to achieve the ideal amount of stiffness; the side skirts have been designed to improve airflow around the vehicle and generate a high level of downforce, while at the same time, direct air around the wheelhouse to enhance aerodynamics
• The new GT-R NISMO also benefits from the 2017 GT-R Premium's refreshed interior; the redesigned dashboard and steering wheel are covered with high-quality Alcantara® suede
• The center stack layout has been improved and simplified, with the number of integrated navigation and audio controls reduced from 27 switches in the previous model to only 11 in the 2017 version
• An enlarged 8-inch touch-panel monitor featuring large icons on the display screen make it simple to use, while a new Display Command control on the carbon fiber center console allows easy operation without having to touch the monitor
• Unique to GT-R NISMO are leather-appointed Recaro® seats with red synthetic suede inserts
• Upgraded performance thanks in part to the stiffened body structure, which allowed engineers to further refine the GT-R NISMO's shock absorbers, springs and stabilizers, which, when combined with the car's added downforce, result in a better handling car than the previous model

On sale fall 2016 at select GT-R certified Nissan dealerships nationwide.

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2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Overview

Following the extensive changes to the 2017 Nissan GT-R Premium and GT-R NISMO models – which represent the most significant makeover to the iconic GT-R since its launch in the U.S. as a 2009 model – a new GT-R Track Edition joins the lineup in spring 2017. The GT-R Track Edition was previously offered for just one model year in the U.S., 2014.

The limited production GT-R Track Edition is designed to deliver a higher level of performance than the GT-R Premium and features elements of the flagship GT-R NISMO. The GT-R Track Edition retains the GT-R Premium model's 565-horsepower engine rating (versus the GT-R NISMO's 600-horsepower rating).

The Track Edition's performance features start under the skin with additional adhesive bonding (in addition to spot welding), which helps increase body shell rigidity versus the GT-R Premium model. The NISMO-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension receives unique NISMO tuning, with reduced weight and additional roll stiffness (versus GT-R Premium). Other standard equipment includes GT-R NISMO front fenders, wide 20-inch NISMO forged aluminum-alloy wheels with NISMO-spec tires and dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler¹. Inside, the Track Edition interior includes a unique red and black color treatment with high-grip, motorsports-inspired Recaro® seats.

Aggressive Design
The fresh look inside and out of 2017 GT-R Premium and GT-R NISMO models is present in the new GT-R Track Edition. Highlights include the redesigned hood and front bumper, Daytime Running Lights, and matte chrome finish "V-motion" grille, one of Nissan's prominent design signatures.

The new GT-R's exterior gets a complete makeover across the front end. The distinctive grille has been enlarged to increase airflow to cool the engine without creating additional drag, and the refined shape blends smoothly with the more structurally rigid hood. By essentially eliminating hood deformation, testing has shown that the new hood design greatly improves aerodynamic performance at the front of the vehicle at high speeds. The GT-R Track Edition departs from the Premium model by incorporating the GT-R NISMO's wide front fenders. 

Nearly all of the visual changes made to the GT-R's exterior were intended to improve aerodynamic performance; more specifically, aerodynamic efficiency was enhanced in three key areas: downforce generation, drag reduction and improved cooling of vital vehicle systems. The goal was to maximize cooling airflow, while at the same time keeping aerodynamic drag in check (for example, not increasing drag in one area of the vehicle as a result of improving cooling performance/airflow in another). 

In the rear, all 2017 GT-R models continue to be defined by the iconic round taillights, but a new silver-finish diffuser and new side air vents have been incorporated next to the quad titanium exhaust tips to improve the car's aerodynamics. Also, the character line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened to make the car look wider and more aggressive.

The rear bumper section incorporates the same design featured on the GT-R NISMO for better routing of air at the lower portion of the rear of the vehicle. This leads to less interference between the exhaust gases exiting the tailpipes and airflow along the rear side portions of the bumper for improved heat evacuation. The coefficient of drag is 0.26. NISMO 20-inch 6-spoke forged alloy wheels with black finish offer light weight (0.5-inch wider in front than Premium models), strength and rigidity and are finished off with NISMO-spec nitrogen-filled Dunlop® Sports Maxx GT600 ultra high performance run-flat tires.  

The 2017 GT-R Track Edition is available in five exterior colors: Solid Red, Jet Black, 4-stage metallic Super Silver, Pearl White and Blaze Metallic.

The GT-R Track Edition's sporty red and black interior treatment delivers an unparalleled degree of comfort, luxury and everyday usability. The dashboard adopts a "horizontal flow" to deliver a sense of high stability for the car's front-seat occupants, while the line from the instrument cluster to the center console provides a distinct driver-oriented environment for those behind the steering wheel. Ergonomically sculpted, heated, reclining and leather-appointed RECARO® front seats are standard on the Track Edition.

The center stack layout has been improved and simplified, with the number of integrated navigation and audio controls reduced from 27 switches in the previous model to only 11 in the 2017 version. The navigation system controls and display have been placed slightly lower on the instrument panel for easier use and better forward visibility for both the driver and front passenger. Also, the redesigned navigation system layout has been improved and the dials are now machined from real aluminum alloy for better feel and operation.

An enlarged 8-inch touch panel monitor features large icons on the display screen to allow the user to easily manage the audio system, navigation system, telephone controls and other infotainment functions.

Every 2017 GT-R comes with standard NissanConnectSM with Navigation, Mobile Apps and Services Navigation system featuring 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, SiriusXM® Traffic, SiriusXM® Travel Link^TM (weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info and sports) (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, NissanConnect Mobile Apps and NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). A Display Command control on the carbon-fiber center console allows easy operation without having to touch the monitor.

Other convenient information features include an innovative multi-function meter that allows the driver to customize the layout of important vehicle-specific performance parameters/information, such as coolant temperature, engine oil temperature, engine oil pressure, transmission oil temperature, transmission oil pressure and turbocharger boost pressure.

The GT-R Track Edition's standard shift paddles are mounted to the steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears mid-turn without taking their hands off the wheel.

565-Horsepower Twin-Turbo 3.8-liter V6
The 2017 GT-R Track Edition utilizes Nissan's award-winning 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine – each unit handcrafted by its own specially trained technician known as Takumi. The engine delivers 565 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 467 lb-ft of torque, representing an increase of 20 HP and 4 lb-ft, respectively (versus the 2016 GT-R). Power increases are due in part to an increase in boost pressure and an ignition-timing system controlled at each individual cylinder – technology previously reserved for the GT-R NISMO.

The changes result in improved acceleration in the mid-range (3200 rpm and above) with maximum torque output available across a wider range of the powerband. Also like the GT-R NISMO, by more precisely controlling ignition timing at each cylinder, engine knock has been significantly reduced while concurrently enhancing environmental performance through a cleaner, more efficient fuel burn.

Dubbed the "VR38DETT," the engine features plasma-sprayed bores (versus cast iron liners) for reduced friction and weight, enhanced cooling, superior power output and increased fuel efficiency. It also boasts a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system with twin high-performance turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system.

Each engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by highly skilled technicians. An aluminum plate is added to the front of each engine showing the name of the Takumi engine craftsman.

The GT-R Track Edition features a standard titanium exhaust system that better manages the high temperatures of the exhaust gases from the engine versus a non-titanium design. The system includes a duct on the vehicle's undertray just forward of the muffler, which guides air into the rear diffuser section to help cool the muffler and evacuate hot air.

Engine power is transferred to all four of the GT-R's wheels via the world's first independent rear transaxle, the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. During normal driving, the GT-R behaves like a rear-drive vehicle, with the torque split set at 0:100, but it can be automatically diverted up to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. A special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from the steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor, and adjusts the torque bias accordingly.

The GT-R's Premium Midship Platform layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently while optimizing weight distribution and maximizing tire grip at each corner.

The GT-R Track Edition's NISMO-tuned suspension provides stunning agility, road holding and handling finesse, without compromising refinement. The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications. Specially developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability.

Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area. To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the GT-R Track Edition features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar (versus 15.9 mm for Premium model), which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Like the GT-R NISMO, the new GT-R Track Edition offers additional rigidity in the body shell (versus the GT-R Premium) – achieved through using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding, leading to precise suspension response under extreme load – another NISMO "factory tuned" enhancement.

Like all GT-R models, the GT-R Track Edition's DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings: Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or R. The same three-stage adjustability is also available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation.

Stopping power is provided by Brembo® monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with 15.35-inch front and 15.0-inch rear Brembo® full-floating, cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel, high-stiffness brake pads that minimize fade and help provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.

The 2017 GT-R also offers improved sound quality with reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). By removing unwanted noise while concurrently augmenting the welcome sounds that please the ear – specifically the pulse-quickening sounds coming from the GT-R's free-flowing quad-exhaust – the GT-R Track Edition invigorates the senses while maintaining a quiet cabin at cruising speeds.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system identifies and reduces unwanted low-frequency sounds by using strategically placed microphones within the cabin and using a sound wave at the same amplitude through noise cancellation speakers to offset unwanted sounds. Improved sound absorption material behind the instrument panel, an acoustic windshield, a dashboard insulator and noise insulators housed within the rear fenders have been engineered to act as countermeasures to remove undesirable noise from both the engine compartment as well as the rear tires.

Additionally, the electronic control valve housed within the new titanium exhaust helps to control muffler resonance, which could otherwise create an unwanted "booming" sound from the exhaust system; ANC and the exhaust's electronic control valve essentially eliminate this issue by controlling such unwanted low frequency sound.

Also, thanks to the fitment of titanium mufflers with an electronic control valve, Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) brings the engine's power directly into the cabin. ASE defines the sound frequency and volume of specific targets (such as the exhaust note) while simultaneously comparing it to pertinent information including engine speed and other key vehicle parameters. It processes the sound signal through the audio system's amplifier, and then releases it into the passenger compartment through the speakers.

The driver can vary the sound control capability through the different vehicle mode settings – Normal, Comfort and R. Also, an exhaust sound control switch allows for a quieter engine start. By pressing the exhaust sound control switch prior to engine start, this will close the electronic valve within the exhaust system for more quiet operation at engine startup and continue for a brief time while the vehicle is driven with the engine running at low rpms. There is a 10 dB difference between having the electronic valve within the exhaust system closed and opened – a substantial difference in volumetric sound quality to the human ear.

Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.

Other standard safety and convenience technologies include Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability control system with three driver-selectable modes (Normal, R-Mode, Off), Electronic Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), RearView Monitor, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and automatic on/off headlights. 

The 2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition is available in one fully equipped model – no option packages are offered. The Nissan GT-R is also available in Premium and NISMO models (for details, please visit NissanNews.com).

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^1. Dry carbon fiber requires specific maintenance. Please see Owner's Manual for details.

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