Unless we’re very much mistaken, this is the sixth time Nissan has updated the R35 GT-R since its launch – and that’s discounting special editions.
Granted, it’s now nearly nine years old, having debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, though it didn’t make it to the US until 2008 and Europe in 2009.
This is the first time the Godzilla has been offered outside Japan and there’s not been a single soul that hasn’t named it a giant slayer. Also, it’s far from a visceral experience: it might have been made famous by Gran Turismo and sport more tech than a Space Shuttle, but don’t for one moment think it’s a PlayStation on wheels.
Nissan has arguably made some pretty noticeable changes for the 2017MY GT-R that was unveiled recently. In fact, its design has been sharpened up considerably, with a redesigned front end, and its interior has got its share of attention.
In light of that, upping the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 power by 20 horses, for a total of 565, is not that surprising, for a. we’ve got used to that practice over the year, b. the 2016 car was hardly lacking in power, and c. that’s not something most owners couldn’t do to the VR38DETT, no sweat at all.
Ah, but, the Japanese have taken a holistic approach to their icon and all those upgrades have been implemented after careful development to improve and keep it relevant until its replacement comes along in around two years’ time.
Nissan UK head of sports car department James Oliver has revealed to Autocar’s Matt Prior every detail about the heavily revamped GT-R. Let’s see what he has to say, shall we?