With the Nissan GT-R confirmed for a 2016 arrival in the Philippines, Nissan Motor Corporation has given “Godzilla” a timely update with a fresh new look and more power. The company calls it “the most significant change” to its exotic-eating sports car since its market introduction almost a decade ago; it becomes the most solid indicator to what the Philippine-spec would most likely be like.

Outside, the 2017 GT-R gains a larger and more prominent “V-motion” grille with a matte chrome finish and new mesh pattern. More than just done for aesthetics, the larger grille contributes to better engine cooling. Along with the new grille, the hood has been reinforced for better high-speed stability and the front bumpers re-sculpted. At the side, the sills have been pushed out for better airflow. This continues over to the backside where new air vents complete the revised aerodynamics package. All the changes contribute to a more stable car while keeping its co-efficient of drag at just 0.26.



Inside, the cabin features a single-piece Nappa-leather wrapped instrument panel stitched “Takumi-style” while thinner cushioning on the panel and seats reduces the weight without any detriment to comfort. The new dashboard also cuts down the number of physical buttons from 27 to just 11 and this includes an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The paddle shifters are now mounted directly onto the steering wheel as opposed to the steering column allowing drivers to change gears mid-turn easily.

Under the hood, the 2017 GT-R packs the familiar 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine painstakingly handcrafted by its own Takumi technician. It now packs 20 more horsepower and 5 more Nm of torque—565 horsepower and 633 Nm of torque in total. The increase is due to the individual ignition-timing control of each individual cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers. The 6-speed dual clutch automatic is also updated smoother shifts and less noise. Shooting out the back is the new lightweight exhaust system with Active Sound Enhancement (ASE). Controlling all the newfound power, the GT-R’s chassis has been tweaked with a more rigid body structure and new suspension tweaks.



“The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times, on any road, for whoever sits in the driver's seat. We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the limit – it's even more potent than before. At the same time, refinement has been added to take the driving experience to an entirely new level. We're proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT-R that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist, GT-R, Z and NISMO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.