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2017 Nissan GT-R: Meet the faster, more refined Godzilla

Nissan has announced the 2017 GT-R and with it a bucketload of changes that promise to make it an even more potent supercar killer.

The most obvious place to start would be the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, which now has 570PS at 6,800rpm – an increase of 20PS on its predecessor. Torque, meanwhile, has been marginally upped to 637Nm.

Increased boost pressure and an ignition-timing system that is controlled at each individual cylinder play a role in the healthier power output and greatly improve torque from 3,200rpm upwards, allowing the new GT-R to pull harder more of the time.

In terms of how the new GT-R looks, it has a redesigned bumper that houses daytime running lights and a new ‘V-motion’ grille finished in matte chrome but otherwise it is business as usual from the front.

The rear bumper has also been adjusted, with a new silver diffuser, new side air vents and titanium exhaust tips designed to compliment the GTR-R’s trademark circular rear lights inherited, of course, from its Skyline predecessors.

Nissan says the exterior tweaks all stem from a focus on improving aerodynamics and cooling while reducing drag and vehicle lift, the latter of which has the knock-on effect of improving stability. In short, it promises to handle even better.

As for the interior, that has also been given a makeover, too. For starters, it now has 11 buttons instead of the overpowering 27 on its predecessor. Meanwhile the display has been shifted down to improve visibility and there’s an optional Nappa leather dashboard for a touch of luxury,

One of the GT-R’s few negatives was the boomy noise at higher speeds – an issue most noticeable during long stints on the motorway. While the six-speed dual-clutch auto remains, Nissan has added Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to make the cabin quieter.

In fact, not only does the GT-R try to cancel out unwanted noise for a slightly quieter drive, there is a button that closes an electric valve in the exhaust, deadening the engine note of the car at start-up by 10dB.

Another welcome change is the fact Nissan has moved the paddle shifters from the steering column to the redesigned steering wheel, which means you can keep your hands on the wheel at all times.

Pure, Recaro, Prestige and Track Edition by Nismo make up the trim levels available. 20-inch alloys, carbon fibre interior trim and the titanium exhaust are standard throughout the range, with the Recaro version benefitting from Recaro seats.

Prices start from £79,995 for the Pure, £81,995 for the Recaro, £82,495 for the Prestige with Black Touring leather seats and £83,495 if you want Tan, Ivory or Red Touring leather seats. As for the Track Edition, expect to pay from £91,995.

We spent the day driving the new GT-R from Germany to Belgium for a blast around the legendary Spa Formula One circuit. Expect our first impressions soon.

2017 Nissan GT-R pictures

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