Old against new: 2020 vs. 2016 Nissan GT-R

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If you love fast cars, then you probably know the Nissan GT-R all too well. Boasting of more tech and features than ever that complements the model’s renowned performance and unmistakable shape that's designed to slice through the air like hot knife on butter, Nissan Cars distinguished coupe immediately tells you—it’s geared to satisfy your need for speed at every turn.

Going through a major facelift in 2018, the Nissan GT-R enjoys plenty of changes inside, out, and under the hood. Thanks to enhancements done all over, the latest Nissan GT-R continues to offer the high level of performance people come to expect from it. On the track, it even manages to beat a lot of its newer and more expensive peers. So how has this popular speedster changed between versions? We count the ways.

Exterior

Though the changes between the old and new GT-R exterior are subtle, they are numerous. The front grille of the old model has a more squared appearance, and doesn’t have the V-Motion design theme yet. The headlights are unchanged, but the daytime running lights in the new model are now installed with new air intakes and moved closer to the headlights.

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Though the new Nissan GT-R is directly inspired by the Skyline’s signature look, the design of the new model manages marry the old and new design cues synergistically. With the swept-back super wide beam LED headlamps, well-defined mesh pattern hexagonal grille, and ultra-stylish slit-type fog lights, the 2020 new Nissan GT-R looks ready to get down and dirty with the best-looking fast cars in and beyond its class.

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The side vents behind the front fender makes an unforgettable statement for the new GT-R, as does the flush mounted aluminum door handles and carbon diffusers at the front and rear. And the Katsura Orange hue suits the car now more than ever. The new titanium exhaust system boasts what Nissan describes an ‘active sound enhancement system’ to beef up the engine’s aural qualities.

Interior

The 2020 Nissan GT-R features a retooled interior, and the primary reason for the tweaks is to allow the dash to accommodate a larger infotainment system, while using fewer control buttons (the new Nissan GT-R has 11 total buttons and switches, compared to 27 in the old Nissan GT-R). The surfaces are covered in either upscale plastic or genuine leather, and while the styling can't be called innovative, it does give the new GT-R a plushier feel. Worth noting, the paddle shifters have been relocated from the steering column onto the steering wheel itself, allowing drivers to shift gears without taking their hands off the wheel, no matter how hard they’re hugging the curve.

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Standard interior features include three-spoke steering wheel, leather seats with power adjust, cruise control, and lap timer switches, and a stick-type leather parking brake. A rotary controller mounted on the carbon fiber center console makes navigating through the infotainment system simpler and more intuitive. Multiple cup and bottle holders plus cargo hooks give the GT-R a touch of practicality. A Bose audio system links to 11 speakers and dual subwoofers, complete with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) for a truly hi-definition audio experience.

Powertrain

Powered by a 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V6 engine rated at 565hp and 633Nm of torque, the 2020 GT-R comes with an all-wheel-drive system that sends power to all four wheels equally without vectoring. A double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension ensures the GT-R glides through moderately rough surfaces, giving you a smoother ride in the process. It’s the same engine in the old model, but tweaked for more power, as the old power mill is only capable of producing 545hp max.

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Meanwhile, the GR6 six-speed dual clutch transmission comes with three driver selectable modes to suit personal driving style. Drivers can also choose between fully automatic shifting and sequential manual control via paddle shifters, which as mentioned, are now steering wheel-mounted. Like the engine, it’s the same transmission as the old one, slightly revised for improved shifting and reduced noise.

The GT-R chassis has also been tweaked for added stiffness, giving the new Nissan GT-R improved stability and responsiveness on corners.

Space

The GT-R undercarriage carries over between old and new, so there’s really no improvement in the cabin in terms of space. That said, well-bolstered bucket seats come with generous adjustment capabilities, so you'll have no problem finding the most comfortable seating position. As expected of a coupe, although front seat section is quite spacious, legroom is basically non-existent at the rear, so don't go inviting more than one passenger into the car with you. That said, if you don’t mind the cramped rear seats, you should definitely count the 2020 GT-R as a coupe worthy of your hard-earned millions.

Safety

Japanese car manufacturers are known to be meticulous about safety, so the 2020 Nissan GT-R is as safe as a fast car can be. Active safety systems such as multiple airbags (dual, side, curtain), Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and Proximity Radar with Obstacle Detection are complemented nicely by passive safety features, ensuring utmost safety and protection for the vehicle’s occupants.

Pricing and options

The Nissan GT-R in 2 variants including the old and new version of Premium and Nismo variants were locally available. The Premium was formerly priced at PHP7.35 million, with Nissan PH raising the price last year to PHP8.9 million. Pricing for the Nismo is only made available upon request. With regards to colors, the Nissan GT-R can be had in Katsura Orange, Vibrant Red, Pearl Black, Ultimate Silver, Gun Metallic Gray, Pearl White, and Pearl Blue. Buyers also have the option to choose interior colors, which range from Rakuda Tan, Ivory, and Red Amber.

nissan gt-r

Shopping for a Nissan GT-R? Check out what’s available on Carmudi today!

Photos from Nissan

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