Just like the 2016 Nismo, this GT-R offers an impressive 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque, delivered via a powerful six-speed dual clutch automatic. We anticipate this car will be able to reach 60 mph in a mere 3 seconds, just like the current model. To improve handling and stability, the new GT-R Nismo has undergone some modifications.
For the 2017 model year, the body structure of the base GT-R has been reinforced, prompting Nissan to adjust the Nismo-specific shocks, springs, and stabilizers. In addition, the bodywork has been modified to generate more downforce at speed. A strengthened hood, a firmer carbon fiber front bumper, and newly-designed canards help create a sleeker shape and direct the wind. To ensure the engine is adequately supplied with cool air, the grille has been enlarged as much as possible without interfering with other aerodynamic components.
It's not the right thing to do to simply jump into a Nissan GT-R and try to take it for a spin. You have to take your time with it and earn its respect. This is exactly what I was thinking as I approached the intimidatingly impressive 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo for the first time. I mean, just look at those carbon-fibre front and rear bumpers and side skirts, and that huge rear wing! It's clear this car demands to be respected.
Yeah, the 'Nismo' badges on the front and back let you know this car's got some racing heritage, but that's not the only thing that gives it away. Especially when it's rolling on some sick, black, six-spoke, 20-inch Rays forged-alloy wheels and Dunlop NR1 tyres made just for this model.
Take one look at the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo and you can't help but admire the gold-painted six-piston front/four-piston rear Brembo calipers and the associated 390mm and 380mm fully-floating, cross-drilled two-piece rotors. It's certainly a sight to behold! But, is the GT-R Nismo still a powerful force to be reckoned with? Absolutely.
When it's your turn to take the wheel for the first time, a delightful combination of nerves and excitement will surely take over. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
As your eyes are graced with the red and black carbon-fibre-backed Recaro bucket seats, the neat Nismo instrument cluster, and an array of motorsport-centric Alcantara, press the GT-R's red engine start button and your ears will be treated to a unique experience.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo roadcar offers an unforgettable sound, thanks to a hand-built titanium exhaust system and two new high-flow, larger-diameter turbochargers – borrowed from the GT-R Nismo GT3 racecar.
When you fire up the GT-R, you’re met with a unique sound – a slightly intimidating whine and slightly concerning mechanical whir – that sets it apart from any other car on the market and leaves you in little doubt about its focus and potential.
You have three options to choose from: keep everything in 'Normal'; switch the transmission to 'Save' mode and the suspension to 'Comfort' mode; or go all out and switch both to their most aggressive 'R' modes. We decided to go with option two to get a better understanding of how this road-going racecar handles in everyday life.
Surprisingly, the Nismo isn't a track-only monster, despite its carbon-fibre and intimidating presence. Driving it around town is surprisingly manageable. The build quality is high, outside noise is blocked out, and everything feels solid and well-assembled. It doesn't feel like a stripped-out, caged-up, rattly, kit-car racer - it feels like a 'normal' car.
The Nismo-tuned springs and three-mode Bilstein 'DampTronic' dampers make for a smoother ride, and Comfort mode provides a more relaxed experience. Even so, passengers may be surprised at how firm the ride remains. To illustrate the difference, try switching to 'R' on a bumpy stretch of road - the contrast will soon be evident.
It's important to remember that the Nissan GT-R Nismo was designed to be firm, and that's exactly what it is. If you're looking for a soft, supple, and luxurious ride, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Despite its hefty price tag of $299,000 (before on-road costs) – $72,000 more than a Nismo-fettled GT-R Track Edition and $110,000 more than an ‘entry-level’ GT-R Premium Edition – the GT-R Nismo's performance still makes it worth considering. After all, it's only $80k off a McLaren 570S and $4000 up on the highly-limited BMW M4 GTS.
The 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo may be new, but it's still quite clear that you're in something based on a 10-year-old car. It's mechanically noisy and audibly clunky, the infotainment system isn’t the best, and the back seat door plastics are rough and low-cost. Additionally, it lacks features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and even an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The manual example that is present wouldn’t look or feel out of place in a Nissan Micra.
The Nismo-embroidered leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats with red stitching are incredibly comfortable and supportive even after long drives, though don't expect any heating or cooling extras - they're not there. The backrest, however, is adjustable electronically.
The hand-assembled twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine produces an impressive 441kW of power at 6800rpm and 652Nm of torque between 3600-5600rpm, making the 1762kg GT-R Nismo incredibly fast. While Nissan hasn't released the exact 0-100km/h time, this hi-po GT-R has 22kW more power, 20Nm more torque and 26kg less weight than a regular GT-R, with previous claims of 0-100km/h in as little as 2.7 seconds.
Activate 'Beast Mode' by illuminating all three red 'R' logos beneath the climate controls and you'll be astounded by the car's exceptional agility, even more so than its remarkable speed.
Noticeably more agile and responsive than a standard GT-R – especially in the front end – this is where you start to understand the real extent of the changes made to this incredibly capable car.
Curious about what changes have been made? Let us break it down for you. To increase body-shell rigidity, spot welding and adhesive bonding have been employed, plus an additional roll stiffness with a firmer, 1.4mm thicker, 17.3mm Nismo-tuned hollow rear anti-roll bar.
The result? A GT-R that's ready to turn, change direction, and be driven with a controlled aggression.
The Nismo-specific nitrogen-filled tyres are nothing short of remarkable. With the longest of official names, the GT-R rolls on 255/40 front and 285/35 rear Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT NR1s.
The GT-R Nismo is clearly built for the track, but it's also worth noting the amazing lateral and under-power grip these tyres provide, even in temperatures below five degrees Celsius while driving through wet mountain roads.
Even on wet roads, the GT-R Nismo offers superior grip and confidence, allowing you to get the most out of the car without unwanted sliding. But when you find some dry roads, it's truly impressive.
The GT-R's ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system makes the most of the tyres, allowing you to accelerate earlier and harder, and brake later in the dry. This complex system can distribute up to 100 per cent of torque to the rear wheels and up to 50 per cent to the front, depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, tyre slip, and road surface, with additional input coming from yaw-rate and g-force sensors.
The steering is heavy at first, but you quickly get used to it. Even in 'Save' mode, the GT-R isn't the most exciting or engaging car to drive, but you still get some feedback through the wheel.
It isn't unresponsive, but the GT-R Nismo is no match for a McLaren 570S.
The Nismo's brakes do an impressive job of bringing the car to a stop quickly and dependably, giving drivers a great sense of trust.
It's a good thing they do, because the Nismo's engine is more potent and responsive than the stock GT-R engine, feeling notably more eager and punchy, especially at higher revs.
There's still a bit of lag beneath 4000rpm, but from there to the engine's 7100rpm rev limiter, it doesn't hesitate to really start producing the power.
The power delivery of the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo is surprisingly smooth, and while it may not be as fast as BMW's, Mercedes-AMG's, and even McLaren's twin-turbo engines at low-end pickup, it still has enough flexible torque between 1000-2500rpm to make even the shortest trips around town effortless. Nissan claims an average fuel consumption figure of 11.7 litres per 100km, but we saw a highway low of 10.3L/100km and an overall average of 16.4L/100km.
For the 2017 model, Nissan moved the ultra-quick coupe's paddle-shifters from the steering column to the back of the steering wheel, which was a great move according to most paddle fans. Additionally, the model's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission received some mild revisions, though it is still noisier and more clunky than desired.
This is particularly noticeable at lower speeds and when parking, but the transmission noises are accompanied by shifts that Nissan claims can take as little as 0.15 of a second to complete (with the transmission in ‘R’ mode). Although the changes may not be as rapid or crisp as you’ll find in a McLaren 570S or BMW M4 GTS, they are still incredibly quick, with only the occasional jolt when decelerating.
At the end of the day, the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo is far from perfect, but few cars are. Its transmission may lack some speed, smoothness, and polish, and the engine and exhaust sound are somewhat underwhelming. The infotainment system and some interior elements could be improved. And of course, the price tag is simply enormous.
Despite all of that, the car still manages to feel complete. It doesn't feel like Nissan has just added a bunch of performance parts and a big wing to a standard GT-R and charged an exorbitant price. It's incredibly solid, incredibly responsive, and incredibly fast.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo is an impressive machine, with capabilities far beyond what you can legally explore on public roads. While it is the best R35 GT-R yet, it still doesn't quite compare to the R34, R32, or original KPGC10 Skyline GT-R in terms of the emotion it stirs. While I can certainly appreciate the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo, I don't find myself falling in love with it.
It could be improved with more engine and turbo noise, a better exhaust note, or even a manual gearbox. Sadly, none of these features are likely to appear in the next-generation – and possibly hybrid-assisted – Nissan GT-R. Until then, I’ll just have to keep dreaming of owning the ultimate Godzilla: a Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune.