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Nissan refreshes the GT-R in the Big Apple (pictures)

With a fresh face, tweaked aerodynamics and -- naturally -- more power, Godzilla comes roaring to life at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2017 Nissan GT-R
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All sorts of weird things have accompanied a new Godzilla in the past -- terrible CGI, terrible Puff Daddy songs, you name it.

2017 Nissan GT-R
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But this is something different. This is the refreshed-for-2017 Nissan GT-R.

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The front end's been more heavily sculpted in the name of fighting a single element: air.

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The "V-Motion" grille seen on other Nissan models finally makes an appearance.

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Modifications to the grille help push more air through to the engine.

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Did you think there wouldn't be a gargantuan wing?

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Rear-end air vents and enlarged side skirts help channel air around the vehicle for better aerodynamics.

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Can we stop for a second and discuss how beautiful this paint job is?

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The hood and lower splitter have also been adjusted to provide for better front-end downforce.

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Front-end downforce keeps the car stuck to the ground, aiding its handling capabilities.

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Under the hood lies a tweaked version of the same 3.8-liter V-6 as before.

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Inside, the entire dashboard's been replaced.

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With adjustments to turbocharger boost and ignition timing, power is up to 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque.

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The steering wheel's flappy paddles have been moved to the wheel from the column, making midturn shifting easier.

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The six-speed, dual-clutch transmission remains.

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Even though this isn't a new generation of GT-R, it's still a very impressive machine.

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Giant wheels don't do much to hide the obviously giant brakes.

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The headlights, sadly, are mostly the same. Remember -- it's a refresh, not a whole new generation.

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That V-Motion grille isn't too out of place on the new GT-R, despite what some of our staff thought before seeing it.

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The front-end tweaks also add some sharpness to the area surrounding the LED fog lights.

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Don't expect these fender badges to go anywhere, probably ever.

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Nissan's trick little door handles are present and accounted for, as well.

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Seriously, though -- that orange paint, my goodness.

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Nissan didn't dare touch the GT-R's signature quad taillamps.

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The exhaust tips are as big as ever, but they're attached to a new titanium exhaust system.

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Those rear air vents we were talking about? Here they are.

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Once you get used to 'em, the door handles are pretty easy to use.

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The handle on the inside, though, shouldn't be worthy of a single question. It's just, you know, a handle.

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You can't have a high-end car these days without a honkin' stereo system in it.

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You also can't have a car without HVAC vents, because that would be terrible.

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Infotainment inputs come by way of this twee little knob, surrounded by carbon fiber.

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While the GT-R is all about performance, it's certainly not lacking in creature comforts.

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It's hard to find a car without steering wheel controls these days.

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The infotainment screen's size is up to 8 inches from 7.

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The seats look as plush and supportive as ever.

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In fact, the whole package just flows.

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Who needs a fifth person in the car anyway?

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Hop on in, why don't you?

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The 2017 GT-R hits dealerships this summer.

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There's no word yet on pricing.

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