- 2017 Nissan GT-R – on track and static
- Latest version of supercar for Jozi show
- Keep your cash – they’re all sold…
JOHANNESBURG – Nissan SA will officially debut its 2017 GT-R supercar at the SA Festival of Motoring at Kyalami – static and on the track.
The festival at the racing circuit in northern Johannesburg will run from August 31- September 4 and the GT-R showing will be the first – possibly only – public viewing of the new 408kW GT-R .
The first GT-R shipment is expected in South Africa mid-September but even if you have the cash or the credit you can’t have one – every unit scheduled for South Africa has been sold. You’d have needed R1 620 000 for the base car…
Nissan SA’s sales boss Xavier Gobille told The Corner in a media release: “We could not think of a more perfect setting to launch the GT-R. Festival-goers will be able to view the car on the Nissan stand but can also try for a hot lap in one.”
The car was officially launched at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, and features a comprehensive redesign, upgraded engine and new interior – whilst keeping true to its GT-R roots.
READ MORE Nissan GT-R features on Carman’s Corner
Highlights of the uprated version of the hand-built, 3.8-litre, V6, 408kW/632Nm, engine are two redesigned turbos and fine-tuned individual ignition timing for each cylinder and a wider torque spread (3300-5800rpm) and more power at high revolutions.
A refined six-speed dual-clutch transmission sends torque to all wheels with gearchanges controlled by paddle-shifters behind the steering-wheel. Acceleration to 100km/h is faster than previous models: 2.6sec.
Gobile added: “Every dynamic element of this vehicle has been tweaked, improved or re-engineered. The bonnet creases are deeper for better air flow, the car rides on 20″ forged alloy wheels and the rear has been redesigned for more downforce.
“It’s a faster and even more sure-footed supercar.”
Gobille will assign a group of GT-R specialists to drive the 2016 model around the track during the festival and throughout the festival a number of supercars will set track lap times. “Though not an official competition, it will certainly be a drawcard and the new Nissan GT-R will be right there to show its mettle..
“We are talking to several of our GT-R owner-drivers who have performed well in the annual Knysna Hill Climb (Nissan was fourth overall and first in the Supercar class). With so many skilled owners, we will have our hands full to select the drivers for the festival.”
Also on the Nissan stand will be a selection of previous-generation GT-R units from the 1971 2000 GT-R, through the birth of Godzilla in 1988 with the R32 GT-R to the newly unveiled MY17 GT-R.
Read more about the GT-R on Nissan SA’s website.
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