The 2016 Nissan GT-R with a touch of friendliness

Incremental improvements have characterised the R35 Nissan GT-R over the last nine years. The Japanese carmaker regularly tweaked a software map here, an exhaust system there or devised better turbo charger efficiency to lure customers behind the wheel. A slightly higher price now means Nissan has had to hold up their end of the deal with a sizeable makeover.

For 2016 Nissan has revamped the recipe and no aspect has been overlooked. New bumpers, grille scalloped side sills, new bonnet and diffuser have been wind tunnel tested for optimised improve cooling and downforce. The bodyshell, predominantly around the pillars, is stiffer too. It’s not smart or sleek but doesn’t look as blunt as its predecessor and the shape is beginning to find its second wind.

At 1752 kilograms, weight saving isn’t quite as vigilant as say on a Ferrari 488 but for the 2016 model Nissan has sourced lighter alloys to balance out the extra cabin amenities.  The adaptive dampers from Bilstein now operate over a broader variety of surfaces but they’re still firm enough for flat cornering.

The twin turbo 3.8-litre V6 gains 15kW for an output of 419kW and 673Nm. Nissan says there’s no change to the 0-100km/h time, possibly because it still holds pretty strong odds of beating anything over that distance. Throaty titanium exhausts interlace with the chorus of whistling turbos and violent induction.

The car’s weak point has always been the interior and with many of its competitors yielding to modern demands, Nissan has had to ditch the cheap plastics and cluttered interface for a neater layout. There’s more leather, a thinner steering wheel and the touchscreen’s basic menu system and graphics can be operated via a rotary dial.

Owners of the previous GT-R will immediately praise the car’s quieter cabin and smooth shifting gearbox which no longer clunks or whines at low speed. Using it for long distances or day to day isn’t the chore it used to be and with decent luggage space and shallow rear seats, it possesses a modicum of practicality.

We’ll bring you more information and pricing when the 2016 Nissan GT-R arrives in South Africa.