That's why tons of ink has been spilled and countless keyboards have been broken. He has humiliated half the universe in the streets. He has made the turns of the Green Hell to look like a playground. It has maybe, the largest fan audience on the planet (and maybe off it).
The reason, for which Godzilla. The ferocious GT-R, the descendant of the dreaded and terrible Skyline, the car that put Nissan (for good) on the Nissan club of the powerful. The machine with which the Japanese they mockingly stick out their tongues to all manufacturers.
The presentation, at the New York Auto Show, an updated version of the Japanese supercar, could only be news. Nissan, tells us that in addition to the exciting looks both inside and out, the refresh comes with significant improvements in the area of ride and performance, with new key features. These specific changes and improvements, considered both the most important made to the legendary model since its launch in 2007.
On the outside, the new GT-R carries an all-new new chrome mask with its characteristic V-shape, which is one of the latest signatures in Nissan's design. In addition to the appearance, the new enlarged grille also provides better cooling to the engine and features a new mesh design. The changes continue with the new bonnet, which in addition to flowing seamlessly from the grille has been significantly reinforced, thus contributing to the vehicle's stability at high speeds. The set of changes to the front end are complemented by the redesigned spoiler, as well as the bumper apron (under the headlights), which on the one hand give the new GT-R the look of... Godzilla. That is to say, a thoroughbred racer. Among other things, they contribute to the creation of high levels of vertical strength in front.
In addition to the above, the familiar aerodynamic shape of the GT-R has also been enhanced with new sills that now extend outwards to improve airflow. At back of the car the changes are extensive and detailed, with the trademark four light rings remaining, along with a new shape that contributes to the car's improvement of air flow, but also with the addition of air vents on the rear side and next to the exhaust tips. Also, the new midline which separates the lower black bumper section from the body of the car, has given a more aggressive look to the rear of the car. These exterior changes not only result in a sportier look, but also better aerodynamics with less drag, while maintaining the same amount of vertical force as the current GT-R and aiming for ultimate vehicle stability at high speeds.
At Inside, the dashboard and the instrument panel are new and are lined with leather of high quality, artfully crafted by the guaranteed hands of FACT. The shape of the dashboard adopts a 'horizontal flow' that offers a sense of increased stability for occupants, while the line running from the instrument panel to the centre console gives the cabin a distinctive, yet subtle, driver-centric environment.
In the centre of the console, functionality and appearance find the perfect balance. The integrated navigation and sound system unit now carries only eleven switches from 27 that the previous model had.
The enlarged8-inch touch screen features large icons for even better functionality, while the new look control panel allows easy multi-function operation in the middle of the carbon-fibre console.
The gear shift controls (shift paddles) have been placed in a new steering wheel, allowing the driver to change gears instantaneouslywithout having to take his hands off it. The shift paddles, like the vent controls, have improved feel and sound in handling and adjustment.
The "heart" of Godzilla, of the renewed GT-R, the award-winning 3.8 litre, V6, 24-valve twin-turbo engine, assembled in hand from a TAKUMI, now yields 570PS at 6,800rpm and 633Nm of torque. The GT-R engine is the definition of TAKUMI's expertise and philosophy. The improved performance in the new model, which is the result of the more precise ignition-timing control of the cylinders and the extra pressure from the turbochargers, allow the supercar to achieve superior acceleration in the mid and upper engine speed range (3,200 rpm and above). The mechanical set-up complements a perfectly tuned six-speed dual-clutch transmission, characterised by smoother changes and less noise. Ο familiar sound of the GT-R's engine has also been upgraded, providing a perfect hearing aid result. This is supported by both the new finally titanium exhaust tips and the Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system that provide a unique driving experience.
The GT-R has always been seen as a supercar that gives its driver the ability to handle with "surgical" precision. In this direction, the new model has undergone further improvements, with a more rigid body structure and new suspension resulting in even better stability and higher speeds in fast corners. The necessary traction is also achieved with new 20-inch tyres on new forged "Y-spoke" alloy wheels.
Despite all these performance enhancements, the new GT-R is the most comfortable model in the range to date, with a 'civilised' and elegant character rarely found in a high-performance supercar. With even better ride quality and a cabin that remains quiet at high speeds, the new GT-R creates a new school of thought in the class.
The new model will be available from next summer, with fresh new colours and a wide range of equipment.
