Track Test – 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo

June 25th, 2017

A proper weapon of a car, lighter, more powerful, more exclusive, and faster are just a few of the adjectives being assigned to the new 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo.

The racing competition describes the GT-R in different terms. “Godzilla” comes to mind. That’s a pretty accurate representation since the GT-R (like Godzilla) is from Japan and is very scary. Oh – by the way – it also has been known to terrorize big cities and small villages alike.

The Nissan GT-R is an all-wheel drive supercar that can be had for around $110K – $175K. Make no mistake, it is a full-on race car (complete with launch control) yet it is refined enough to drive every day. Mix in the top-tier Nismo package and you have a slightly more aggressive daily driver with more performance accents and a very menacing aura.

The 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine is capable of producing 600hp and 525 lb.-ft. of torque. The Nismo package also includes the GT500 turbochargers which are used in various forms of Japanese racing. They are easily upgraded and the possibilities for modification are endless. A new set of carbon-fiber wings give the GT-R Nismo less drag while increasing (+100kg) downforce. It (Nismo) actually uses a racing inspired suspension and aerodynamic package that is entirely different than the street version. That translates into faster lap times.

A set of Recaro racing seats cradle the driver (and front passenger) in as much comfort as can be had in the cockpit of a rocket. Alcantara suede envelopes the heavily padded steering wheel. It helps to dampen the spirited handling of this track beast.

Once again, Steve Sutcliffe is our pro driver for this clip. He is putting the Nismo badged GT-R through her paces at Silverstone, in the dreary old U.K. Despite the moistening weather conditions, Steve managed to give the GT-R a great workout – although he may have felt his backside beginning to eat the seat a few times.

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