It didn’t take long for the folks at Nismo to get their hands on the new updated 2017 Nissan GT-R, and after some tinkering, they have revealed the new GT-R’s Nismo version at the Nurburgring. In brief, the GT-R Nismo gets more power, more carbon fiber bits and an altered suspension tuning over the standard model.
But a new Nismo warrants a detailed look, and here are the changes between it and the standard Godzilla. Visually, its the nose that has been subject to most of the alterations. Nismo versions are more track focused, so more than outright speed and power, most Nismo changes try to generate more downforce. To that end, the new carbon fibre splitter and canards on the side help in not only generating more downforce, but also directs the air better around the wheels and under the chassis. The hood has also seen some small redesigns to make it more aerodynamic at higher speeds and the v-shaped griller has been made bigger to improve airflow. All this has helped the Nismo GT-R produce more downforce than any other Nissan to date.
The venerable 3.8-litre twin turbo “VR38DETT” V6 has also got a small upgrade, with it producing now producing 591 bhp, up by around 30 bhp from the standard model. No changes have been made to the six-speed dual clutch transmission. The engine is still hand-assembled by a small group of engineers (or better, artisans) called Takumi, who individually put together one engine at a time. Nismo engineers have not replaced the standard Bilstien adjustable suspension system, but they have worked on shock absorbers and their tuning to allow for more road grip. This Nismo GT-R also benefits from the stronger re-inforced body which was introduced with the 2017 update, and shows its advantages in slalom courses where it is 2 percent faster.
For 2017, the standard GT-R had got an interior overhaul, with updated infotainment systems and larger display screens. To make the Nismo’s interior standout, there are red leather inserts on the gearlever and doors, leather covered recaro seats with red alcantara inserts and an alcantara covered steering wheel with a red insert at the 12′ o clock position.
While NISMO, which is short for NISsan MOtorsports and acts as Nissan’s performance brand is not responsible for assembling these cars, with the GT-R Nismo being assembled in Tochigi while the engines are hand assembled in Yokohama.
