10 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Nissan GT-R

2017 Nissan GT-R-exterior-by-Omar-Rana ・ Photo by Omar Rana

The 2017 Nissan GT-R is one of the most legendary sports cars in the world. Since its return in 2007 as the successor to the Nissan Skyline GT-R, the new generation GT-R has taken on some of the world's most expensive and extreme sports cars and supercars. Now, since this is Nissan some may say that the starting price tag of over $100,000 might be a bit extreme and unconventional. However, once you realize that the Nissan GT-R can run circles around Ferraris and Lamborghinis that cost more than a quarter-million dollars, you'll realize that you're getting your money's worth.

The Nissan GTR has gathered a cult-like following. Seeing one of these on the roads is an event within itself. But this is more than just a car with a lot of horsepower. This is a handcrafted work of art that is developed by those who care about precision, uniqueness, and engineering.

We recently had the chance to spend some quality time with the new 2017 Nissan GT-R and decided to list the top 10 things you need to know about the new model year Godzilla. We also decided to do a deeper dive into what goes into making a car that has the nicknamed “Godzilla.” Let's have a look.

1) It's more of an upgrade than an evolution.

Nissan is calling the 2017 GT-R a seventh-generation model, but a lot of the previous model's design and components have been carried over - so this is more of a makeover than a full generation upgrade.

Design-wise, it may be a bit difficult to tell the 2017 GT-R apart from the 2016 model, and the same can be said about the core of the new model. Yes, there are slight changes to the design and there are a couple of more horses under the hood -- but this isn't an evolution of the outgoing model.

Photo by Omar Rana

2) Familiar looks, but the design is more functional.

The exterior design of the Nissan GT-R has always been about finding the perfect balance between good looks and function. There is a new grille on the front end that delivers additional cooling to the engine and the hood is 30-percent stiffer to allow for additional stability. Furthermore, the area around the C-pillar has been redesigned to help increase the speed of air flow to the rear of the body. You'll also get the addition of newly designed 20-inch wheels. Even though these changes are minor, GT-R is still one of the most aggressive looking sportscars on the road.

Photo by Omar Rana

3) High-quality and handcrafted materials make it simply beautiful.

The interior of the 2017 Nissan GT-R has definitely been updated over the outgoing model. You'll notice the use of high-quality and handcrafted materials and a new 8-inch touchscreen display that houses all the vehicle, audio, navigation, and other information. Other than that, you'll recognize the video-game-inspired interior with a bunch of buttons, switches, and vehicle performance displays.

Overall, you can tell that Nissan really spent time trying to upgrade the interior to compete with higher end sports cars and supercars.

Photo by Omar Rana

4) There are "GT-R" logos on everything.

There are "GT-R" logos on everything. For example, traditional cars and sports cars have just a standard jack in the trunk that you pull out once in a while to change your flat tire. Well, the new 2017 Nissan GT-R makes using the jack an event, as it comes with a special chrome jack that features a GT-R logo.

Why use a standard jack when you're driving a car that is anything but standard? To take things a step further, you can get a 7-piece Standard Tool Kit that features tools that have the GT-R logo printed on them, and come in a stylish leather case.

Photo by Omar Rana

5) One-man, one engine and precise inspection for each model.

Nissan's designers and engineers put the GT-R under strict inspection once it comes off of the assembly line. Technicians use fluorescent, halogen, and other types of lighting to check for any imperfections in the paint job of the GT-R. The lights help technicians imitate different times of the day and night. Nissan also follows the "one man, one engine" philosophy. Each engine is hand-assembled by a single builder, and each engine bears a plaque carrying the builder's signature.

Photo by Omar Rana

6) It's developed with racing and race car drivers in mind.

It's literally tested and proven by race-car drivers. Since the Nissan GT-R is all about performance, the company brought all of its AS Class drivers to the racetrack to develop its capabilities. The goal was to create a car that would excel at any track, weather, and daily driving conditions. Each aspect of the Nissan GT-R was assigned a specific driver.

For example, an Autobahn expert would focus his efforts on the everyday real-world challenges for the car. The so-called "Ringmeisters" are focused on making sure that the Nissan GT-R can tackle the tough and unforgiving racetracks like the Nurburgring. The Nissan GT-R is taking on some of the world's most exclusive sports cars.

Photo by Omar Rana

7) The engine is simply a work of art.

The 2017 Nissan GT-R makes a total of 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. That's 20 more horses and four lb-ft of torque over the outgoing model. How was that extra power achieved? In the simplest terms, Nissan added additional boost pressure.

Nissan also added a new titanium exhaust that takes off 12 pounds allowing it to run from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 191 mph. The engine is simply a work of art. Each side of the engine features its own turbocharger, intercooler, and catalyst. That allows for increased intake airflow which leads to smooth and quick acceleration. There are some unique things that you should experience in life, and the acceleration of the Nissan GT-R is one of them.

Photo by Omar Rana

8) Rain, snow, or sunshine - the GT-R is great for all weather forecasts.

GT-R's all-wheel-drive system is one of the most advanced in the world. While most supercars go away for the winter, the Nissan GT-R comes out to play with its all-wheel drive and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The all-wheel-drive system provides 100 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels and, when needed, can send up to 50 percent of the torque to the front wheels for better traction. It's the perfect daily driver for all weather conditions. Of course, you may not need all that power on a daily basis -- but who's complaining?

Photo by Omar Rana

9) Three trim levels are available, each with the ability to be customized to your liking.

The 2017 Nissan GT-R is available in three trim levels: Premium; Track; and NISMO. The Premium model starts at $109,990 and comes with all the performance, and also includes navigation, a rearview camera, push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, and much more. The Track model, which starts at $127,990, gets a NISMO-tuned suspension, dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler, black/red Recaro leather seats, NISMO 20-wheels, and more. The NISMO model starts at $174,990 and gets a total of 600 hp, NISMO aerodynamic body design, carbon-fiber front and rear fascia, side sills and rear spoiler.

Yes, those price tags are a bit high, but you're buying a car that's competing with some of the most exclusive and expensive supercars on the road.

Photo by Omar Rana

10) Design and functionality have the perfect balance.

When building the Nissan GT-R, the engineers and designers focus on precision. The car goes through extreme testing while checking for vibration, and lasers are used to make sure the measurements are precise. All this is done to ensure long-term drivability and functionality.

Even the headlights of the 2017 Nissan GT-R are works of art. The headlights replicate daylight by featuring four LED units to create natural light. The super wide area covered by the headlights allow for extra visibility for the driver on the sides of the car. The taillights of the 2017 Nissan GT-R are very iconic. The design pays homage to GT-Rs of the past, making the latest generation GT-R instantly recognizable as the latest version of the legendary "Godzilla."

Photo by Omar Rana