Overview
The 2017 Nissan GT-R continues to prove that supercar levels of performance can wear the same automotive nameplate as family-friendly sedans, minivans, or compact SUVs. True, the Nissan badge on the front grille doesn’t have the gravitas of certain performance machines from Germany, Italy, or England. That suits fans of Nissan’s beloved “Godzilla” just fine, because the GT-R is brutally fast and proudly has a muscular shape that only the mother of a gigantic, city-destroying lizard could love.
What's New for 2017?
For a sports car that doesn’t seem to change much over the years, Nissan has packed many improvements into the 2017 GT-R. First, the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine gets a notable bump in horsepower, from 545 to 565. Nissan has also subtly revised the front and rear ends to give the GT-R a fresher look—though only diehard fans are likely to spot the changes. Inside, it’s the same story, with upgraded materials and a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen taking up residency in the middle of the dash.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Premium: $111,585
- Track Edition: $129,585
- NISMO: $176,585
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The primary draw of the Nissan GT-R remains its performance hardware. If you think a sports car should be pared down to the bare minimum, then you’ll want to move on to another vehicle. That’s because the GT-R is bristling with technology that gives it leech-like grip and makes even average drivers look like heroes behind the wheel. The standard model’s 565-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to all four wheels courtesy of standard all-wheel drive. This drive system does a supernatural job of getting power to the pavement, not to mention giving the GT-R levels of grip that rival supercars costing hundreds of thousands more. For even more power, consider the Nismo variant that boasts a 600-hp version of the same engine and features chassis and suspension tuning that magically increases performance and adds a higher degree of comfort, too. There's also a GT-R Track Edition that gets the chassis and suspension upgrades from the Nismo but retains the base model's engine.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GT-R does many things, but it doesn’t exactly spoil you with an interior filled with fine leather and the highest-quality trim. The Nissan lineage shows through when it comes to various mainstream plastic bits found here and there, but the dashboard is well-designed to keep the driver informed about a bewildering array of performance parameters. The front seats are heavily bolstered, even more so in the Nismo model. Space in the back is best considered an extension of the trunk. Even kids wouldn’t be happy seated there for any length of time. As for cargo space, it’s okay at 8.8 cubic feet in capacity, though you need to lift high to get anything up and into the trunk.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The GT-R's new standard 8.0-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and responds quickly to inputs. It’s not the best system we’ve used, though it's far from the worst. Standard tech features include navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio. The GT-R also comes with active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement which, admittedly, sound like they’d be constantly working against each other (but we assure you, they aren’t).
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Nissan GT-R’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.