Nissan GT-R Prestige review
Sharper exterior still has impact
July 2016
Likes:
- Sharper exterior still has impact
- Engine remains deeply impressive
- Handling is engaging as well as secure
- Remains inexpensive compared to key rivals
Gripes:
- Improved ride still uncomfortable on poor surfaces
- Cabin is better finished though still feels cheap in places
- Standard seats are quite narrow across the middle
- Badge will put off some potential buyers
The GT-R may be the most senior car in the Nissan range but it has benefitted from the most number of updates. Now for the 2017 model year the GT-R has had its most significant changes, designed to improve comfort and luxury as a part of its 'GT' credentials as well as inheriting some of the upgrades from the Nismo model.
Few manufacturers outside the established European performance marques can trace a lineage right back to the 1960s, but with Nissan it was in 1969 that the first GT-R appeared. Ever since it has stuck to a familiar recipe of a six-cylinder engine and a coupe design, with increasing sophistication with each generation.
Despite its age the GT-R is a crucial model for Nissan and its appeal extends beyond mainstream car enthusiasts into gamers and gadget geeks. With a new GT-R some years away it is therefore understandable that Nissan would go to the trouble of a major revamp at this stage in the car's lifespan.
On the outside the 2017 MY GT-R gets a new nose treatment, revised aerodynamic aids including rear wing and side skirts, whilst on the inside there is a revised centre console with new air vents and climate controls as well as upgraded materials. A new steering wheel has additional controls for operating the upgraded infotainment system too.
Mechanically there are just as many significant changes. The 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine has an additional 20bhp and increased torque, but more importantly more torque is available over a wider rev band. The bodyshell has increased stiffness and the suspension has been overhauled with retuned dampers and altered spring rates for improved control.
Few manufacturers outside the established European performance marques can trace a lineage right back to the 1960s, but with Nissan it was in 1969 that the first GT-R appeared. Ever since it has stuck to a familiar recipe of a six-cylinder engine and a coupe design, with increasing sophistication with each generation.
Despite its age the GT-R is a crucial model for Nissan and its appeal extends beyond mainstream car enthusiasts into gamers and gadget geeks. With a new GT-R some years away it is therefore understandable that Nissan would go to the trouble of a major revamp at this stage in the car's lifespan.
On the outside the 2017 MY GT-R gets a new nose treatment, revised aerodynamic aids including rear wing and side skirts, whilst on the inside there is a revised centre console with new air vents and climate controls as well as upgraded materials. A new steering wheel has additional controls for operating the upgraded infotainment system too.
Mechanically there are just as many significant changes. The 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine has an additional 20bhp and increased torque, but more importantly more torque is available over a wider rev band. The bodyshell has increased stiffness and the suspension has been overhauled with retuned dampers and altered spring rates for improved control.