NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Godzilla gets yet more muscle

Nissan has unveiled what could be the last update to the R35 GT-R and is hailing it as the most significant change to the twin-turbo V6 all-wheel drive Japanese supercar since its 2007 launch.

While there are important exterior and interior updates, it’s the VR38DETT 3.8-litre engine that dominates the show with a power boost from 404kW to 419kW and a torque increase from 628Nm to 632Nm.

Nissan doesn’t state specifics, but it does say in the New York show press material that the output increases – the result of individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers – delivers superior acceleration from 3200rpm and above.

And that promise is made by Nissan knowing that Godzilla already has earth-shattering performance. Consider motoring.com.au’s own testing in 2015 produced an 11.57-second 0-400m pass at 198.6km/h!

Aussie GT-R fans will have the chance to test out the new GT-R for themselves when the revised range goes on sale in September.

While the Premium Edition will continue on, Nissan has decided to swap away from the Black Edition and take the even more focused ‘Track Edition engineered by NISMO’ for the first time in Australia, where the GT-R will be the first Nissan to bear the NISMO name. Prices will be announced closer to the launch.

The official line is that the change gives more separation between the two GT-R grades -- which were previously separated only by wheels, a rear spoiler and the like -- but it also gets us warmed up for the launch of the NISMO performance brand in Australia late in 2016, with the full-monte 441kW GT-R NISMO expected on the road here in early 2017.

Beyond that a new generation R36 GT-R is expected as soon as 2018 or as late as 2020 depending on who you listen to.

While Australian specifications are yet to be confirmed, both the MY16 GT-R Premium Edition and the 'NISMO-lite' will share the same powertrain, but the Track Edition will borrow elements from the GT-R NISMO, including chassis bonding, wheels, front guards and suspension.

According to the GT-R's Chief Product Specialist, Hiroshi Tamara, the GT-R name has two elements: GT for Grand Touring and R for race/track. In this case the Premium Edition could be said to represent the GT and the Track Edition represents the R.

"Many GT-R customers take their GT-R to track, so we believe that the 'Track Edition engineered by NISMO' will appeal to customers that take their cars to circuits and/or drive them in competition," said Nissan Australia spokesman Chris Jordan.

Outside the engine bay both MY16 GT-Rs' mechanical upgrades include refining the six-speed dual-clutch auto for smoother shifts and less noise, while the new titanium mufflers and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) are claimed to deliver a better noise.

A more rigid body structure and new suspension – no details provided – are claimed to improve stability through quick lateral transitions and provide higher overall cornering speed. Ride is also claimed to be improved, while new sound absorption materials quieten the cabin.

The new GT-R can be picked out by a makeover of the front-end. It includes one of Nissan’s latest design signatures, a chrome matte finish ‘V-motion’ grille, which has been enlarged to improve engine cooling. The reinforced bonnet is new, as is the front spoiler lip and bumpers.

The side profile remains unchanged apart from sills that have been pushed out to improve air flow.

At the rear the GT-R’s hallmark four-ring tail-lights remain but new bodywork is designed to improve air flow, as are side air-vents next to the quad exhaust tips. The belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened to give the car a wider and more aggressive look from the rear.

Nissan claims the changes cut aerodynamic drag without reducing downforce compared to the current GT-R, aiding high speed stability.

Inside, the dashboard and instrument panel are new and trimmed in leather. The instrument cluster is designed to be more driver-centric while integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 to only 11.

An enlarged 8.0-inch touch-panel monitor features large icons on the display screen designed to make it easy to operate. A new display command control on the carbon-fibre centre console is claimed to allow easier operation.

The shift paddles are now mounted to the new steering wheel, helping drivers change gears mid-turn without having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles themselves, along with the ventilation controls, are claimed to have improved feel and better sound when engaged or adjusted.

“The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times and on any road for whoever sits in the driver’s seat,” said Tamara-san in the press material.

“We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the outer limits — it’s even more potent than before. At the same time, more refinement has been added to take the entire driving experience to an entirely new level. We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the ultimate GT that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history.”