Nissan GT-R NISMO 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
Take the already bonkers GT-R formula and turn it up to 11. That’s the GT-R NISMO in a nutshell.

This track-focussed supercar is the first of several NISMO models destined for the local market, bringing additional power and torque, stiffer chassis and suspension componentry, and more aero downforce than any production Nissan yet.

Inheriting a high-flow, larger-diameter turbocharger from NISMO’s GT3 race car and a titanium exhaust, the GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 receives an additional 22kW/20Nm over its donor.

In all, that’s an impressive 441kW at 6800rpm and 652Nm over 3600-5600rpm – or enough to launch the 1739kg all-wheel drive coupe to 100km/h in “less than 2.7 seconds”, Nissan says.

The GT-R NISMO is unashamedly track-focussed, a point colleague Sam Charlwood can attest to following the model’s launch at Mount Panorama. On the road, however, Godzilla’s steroid-infused sibling shows it’s not to be treated with disdain.

How much will it cost?
A frag under $300K is the short answer. That’s $299,000 plus on-road costs, and between $1750 and $5000 for any colour that isn’t solid red.

It’s a figure that places the NISMO-enhanced GT-R at a rather hefty $110,000 premium over its entry-level donor model, and within striking distance of Jaguar’s fastest-ever series production car, the F-TYPE SVR ($289,305 plus ORCs) and Porsche’s likewise track-oriented 911 GT3 ($293,200 plus ORCs).

Like regular GT-R variants, the NISMO is sold with a three-year/100,000km warranty that includes break-down assistance. Owing to its high-performance tune, service intervals are set at an understandably short six months or 5000km, whichever comes first.

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
If you’re keen on taking the next step in your motorsport career, enjoy the esteem of a top-shelf badge, or simply want bragging rights at the bar, the GT-R NISMO won’t disappoint. It’s a ferociously fast and unflinchingly focussed machine that is – dare we say it again – entirely aimed at screwing down lap times.

It’s aggressive and uncomfortable, even in its softest settings, responding instantly to steering and braking inputs, charging relentlessly to redline, and sucking your face off through the back of your skull under full-throttle starts.

Even on the road its cornering prowess is unwavering, the traction light flickering at speeds even hardened track warriors would pucker at. Gear changes are fast, blisteringly fast, and the feedback immense. There’s virtually no body roll, only a little pitch under brakes and no understeer whatsoever.

But – and it is a huge BUT – it’s clearly a pain in the proverbial when it comes to anything less than warp threshold. Driven as a daily, or on a meandering country road, the GT-R NISMO jolts and jives from one imperfection to the next.

Its gearbox grinds and thuds from cog to cog in ‘automatic’ mode, and the sense of ‘aural occasion’ is soon lost under a drone of road, wind, mechanical noise after even short highway stints.

There’s also a lot of trim and plastic rattles in the cab, defeating any chance the BOSE 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment array might have at breaking the monotony.

When is it available in Australia?
Nissan Australia introduced the GT-R NISMO to coincide with the Bathurst 12 Hour race in February this year (2017).

Available to order now, the model tops the three-strong GT-R line-up Down Under, and is the first NISMO model to be officially sold here.
Who will it appeal to?
The GT-R NISMO clearly positions itself at the well-heeled track-day enthusiast. It’s a car for serious drivers. And only experienced ones should apply.

Tuned to deliver big aero at big speeds, the GT-R NISMO is not to be trifled with. In spite of its immense all-wheel drive traction, multi-stage stability control, epic Brembo brakes and super-sticky run-flat Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 hoops, it has the propensity to bite anyone whose ambition might outweigh their talent (thanks, Casey Stoner).

Where does it fit?
It might be one of the most track-focussed cars of its kind on the Australian market – and it certainly tops even the GT-R portfolio by a margin – but the GT-R NISMO is not without its competitors.

In addition to the F-TYPE SVR and 911 GT3, the wildest ever GT-R production car is priced alongside the Mercedes-AMG GT S, but undercuts the dealer GT3-spec AMG GT R .

Considering its performance and track credentials, the GT-R NISMO does offer a lot of car for the coin, and though it’s arguably a handful to live with on the road, we’re certain truly cognisant buyers will be prepared to make the sacrifice.

So, what do we think?
Nissan has clearly saved the best until last. The GT-R NISMO took a decade to materialise, and depending on where and when you plan on driving it, it has been worth the wait.

But just how anyone can live with this car without needing – or wanting – to drive it on the track is beyond me. It’s a race car with seats and a stereo, and one even the most dedicated owner should admit is a chore to live with on a daily basis.

Maybe the volume would have best been left at 10…

2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO pricing and specifications:
Price: $299,000 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.8-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-petrol
Output: 441kW/652Nm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 11.7L/100km (ADR Combined), 13.4L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 278g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A