Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) once again brings Innovation that Excites to the local automotive market as it unveils for the first time in the Philippines the 2017 edition of the Nissan GT-R. The legendary super sports car, which was officially launched last September 14, 2016 during the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, showcased an exciting new look both inside and out, as well as major driving-performance enhancements and key new features. These represented the most significant changes made to the model since it was introduced in 2007.
“We are very excited introduce the iconic Nissan GT-R to the Philippine automotive market, as we continue on our quest to deliver innovation and excitement for everyone” said NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan. “These are certainly exciting times for Nissan. We have experienced phenomenal growth in the past few months, achieving record breaking sales two months in a row and a market share increase to 4.1%, growing faster than the automotive industry as a whole. And with the addition of this highly anticipated vehicle into our expanding product line-up, we are looking forward to saying that Nissan truly is back and better than ever.”
Introduced in 2007 as a successor to the famous Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Nissan GT-R soon attracted the attention and loyalty of racing aficionados, who were drawn by the vehicle’s vaunted speed and driving performance. The vehicle’s legendary performance on and off the race track soon earned its reputation as a machine that can hold its own versus the European super cars pitted against it.
Hiroshi Tamura, Nissan’s Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R, explains. “The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times and on any road for whoever sits in the driver’s seat. We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the outer limits—it’s even more potent than before. At the same time, more refinement has been added to take the entire driving experience to an entirely new level. We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history.”
A BEAUTIFUL BEAST, INSIDE AND OUT
The new Nissan GT-R’s exterior has revamped across the front end as well as most of the rear end undergoing a total redesign. The new “V-motion” grille, one of Nissan’s latest design signatures, has been enlarged to provide better engine cooling and features an updated mesh pattern. A new hood, which flows flawlessly from the grille, has been reinforced to enhance stability during high-speed driving. The 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 improve air flow. The rear of the car also received a thorough makeover. While the GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights remain, the new bodywork, together with the side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips, help improved air flow. Also, the belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened making the car look wider and more aggressive from the rear. These changes results to a sportier-looking, more aerodynamically efficient car.
Inside, a redesigned dashboard, along with an instrument panel wrapped in a single, seamless piece of high-quality leather artfully stitched with Takumi precision, immediately catches the eye. The shape of the dashboard adopts a “horizontal flow” that delivers 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.
The center dashboard layout has been simplified with an integrated cluster of the audio controls, reducing the number of switches from 27 in the previous model to just 11. An 8-inch touch-panel monitor replaces the previous 7-inch one and now features large icons on the display screen to make it easy to operate. Also new is a Display Command control on the carbon fiber center console for greater convenience.
The shift paddles are now mounted to the new steering wheel, allowing for easier gear shifting. The paddles, along with the ventilation controls, have improved feel and better sound when engaged or adjusted.
THE HEART OF THE BEAST
The 2017 Nissan GT-R features the award-winning VR38DETT engine, a 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged, handcrafted and overseen by a Takumi technician, delivering 570PS at 6800 RPM, with torque at 637Nm. The engines are the definition of TAKUMI expertise.
The improved output, 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.
That familiar GT-R tone also has been upgraded with an engine that has never sounded better. The resonance of the new titanium mufflers and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enhance the driving experience 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 result in better stability through quick lateral transitions and higher overall cornering speed. Providing the grip are sticky 20 inch tires, wrapped around new “Y-spoke” machine-finished forged aluminum wheels.
Despite all the performance enhancements, the 2017 Nissan GT-R is the most comfortable model to date. The new Nissan GT-R exhibits a smoother ride quality, and its cabin remains much quieter at all speeds with new sound absorption materials.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R will be available exclusively at the Nissan High Performance Center in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and comes in Katsura Orange, Vibrant Red, Pearl Black, Ultimate Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Pearl Blue.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R is available at a drive away price of Php 7,350,000. The drive away price includes the vehicle’s price and government taxes, plus miscellaneous cost including handling charges and accessories, ensuring the unit is ready for use upon release.
For more details, visit www.nissan.ph.
Photos by Neil Pagulayan