2017 Nissan GT-R Gets Exterior Revisions, More Cowbell

Perhaps a final round of upgrades before a new model arrives.

Since its introduction in 2007 and arrival on our shores for the 2009 model year, Nissan has incrementally improved its R35 GT-R. For 2017, Gojira’s current incarnation gets its most extensive once-over yet, featuring exterior-design revisions, control-interface simplification, and, naturally, more city-stomping power. Think of it as continued tyranny via subtle mutation.

Outside, the 2017 model’s front fascia is revamped with a larger, restyled grille to improve engine cooling. Over the twin-turbo V-6 engine, a reinforced hood features new character lines designed to improve high-speed stability. The side sills swell farther out to move air around the car, while the redesigned rear end enhances the visual impression of width. Nissan claims the GT-R retains its 0.26 drag coefficient.

The power to punt this refined shape through the air comes from a revised version of the R35’s VR38DETT twin-turbo V-6. Peak output is now up to 565 horsepower—a 20-hp increase over last year’s non-NISMO car—while tree-felling grunt is up 4 lb-ft to 467. Nissan says the power boost comes courtesy of revised ignition timing and more boost from the turbochargers. For reduced weight and increased auditory delight, the engine now exhales through a new titanium exhaust system. The power hit largely comes into effect above 3200 rpm, making freeway humiliation of lesser chumps even more of a breeze. Nissan claims the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is now quieter and smoother in action than in previous models.

To make use of all that juice, Nissan increased the body’s rigidity and revised the suspension, suggesting these changes offer benefits through quick lateral transitions and pay dividends when it comes to cornering speeds. On top of that, Nissan claims to have smoothed out the ride, while reducing extraneous cabin noise at all speeds, thanks to an acoustic glass windshield, active noise cancellation, and new sound-damping materials. The dashboard shape has been revised, adopting what Nissan refers to as a “horizontal flow,” while the weight of the dash’s cushion has been reduced. The company claims that the new, lighter front seats offer greater comfort and support during long stints behind the wheel.

Elsewhere in the interior, the GT-R’s new control interface cuts the switch count from 27 down to 11, while adding an inch to the size of the touchscreen (now a legit 8.0 inches) and moving the shift paddles from the column to the wheel itself. NissanConnect is new, too, and allows the owner to lock and unlock the automobile, arm the alarm, alert emergency services, or track the vehicle in case of theft, all using a smartphone.

Finally, new colors are on the slate for ’17. Outside, Blaze Metallic (orange) is the new option, while the Premium Edition trim level offers a new Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather option, while Amber Red and Ivory continue.

Nissan seems to have pulled a page out of the niche exotic playbook with the GT-R, offering continual refinements and legitimate power increases over a protracted life cycle. Even Porsche has moved away from such long intervals between complete redesigns. We’re still a couple of years away from seeing an entirely new, likely-to-be-hybrid-powered GT-R, but for fans of the R35, the 2017 models should be among the most desirable examples from this run. Undoubtedly, Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom are already placing their orders, although we still think it’s a shame that poor Gene Frenkle didn’t live long enough to drive one.