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.
All sorts of weird things have accompanied a new Godzilla in the past -- terrible CGI, terrible Puff Daddy songs, you name it.
But this is something different. This is the refreshed-for-2017 Nissan GT-R.
The front end's been more heavily sculpted in the name of fighting a single element: air.
The "V-Motion" grille seen on other Nissan models finally makes an appearance.
Modifications to the grille help push more air through to the engine.
Did you think there wouldn't be a gargantuan wing?
Rear-end air vents and enlarged side skirts help channel air around the vehicle for better aerodynamics.
Can we stop for a second and discuss how beautiful this paint job is?
The hood and lower splitter have also been adjusted to provide for better front-end downforce.
Front-end downforce keeps the car stuck to the ground, aiding its handling capabilities.
Under the hood lies a tweaked version of the same 3.8-liter V-6 as before.
Inside, the entire dashboard's been replaced.
With adjustments to turbocharger boost and ignition timing, power is up to 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque.
The steering wheel's flappy paddles have been moved to the wheel from the column, making midturn shifting easier.
The six-speed, dual-clutch transmission remains.
Even though this isn't a new generation of GT-R, it's still a very impressive machine.
Giant wheels don't do much to hide the obviously giant brakes.
The headlights, sadly, are mostly the same. Remember -- it's a refresh, not a whole new generation.
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.
The front-end tweaks also add some sharpness to the area surrounding the LED fog lights.
Don't expect these fender badges to go anywhere, probably ever.
Nissan's trick little door handles are present and accounted for, as well.
Seriously, though -- that orange paint, my goodness.
Nissan didn't dare touch the GT-R's signature quad taillamps.
The exhaust tips are as big as ever, but they're attached to a new titanium exhaust system.
Gratuitous wing shot!
Those rear air vents we were talking about? Here they are.
Once you get used to 'em, the door handles are pretty easy to use.
The handle on the inside, though, shouldn't be worthy of a single question. It's just, you know, a handle.
You can't have a high-end car these days without a honkin' stereo system in it.
You also can't have a car without HVAC vents, because that would be terrible.
Infotainment inputs come by way of this twee little knob, surrounded by carbon fiber.
While the GT-R is all about performance, it's certainly not lacking in creature comforts.
It's hard to find a car without steering wheel controls these days.
The infotainment screen's size is up to 8 inches from 7.
The seats look as plush and supportive as ever.
In fact, the whole package just flows.
Who needs a fifth person in the car anyway?
Hop on in, why don't you?
The 2017 GT-R hits dealerships this summer.
There's no word yet on pricing.