Nissan GT-R Track Edition review
Spectacular exterior design still grabs attention
April 2016
Likes:
- Spectacular exterior design still grabs attention
- Incredible, relentless performance
- Sharp handling is improved further by detail improvements
- Even this more expensive version is a bargain
Gripes:
- Improved ride still uncomfortable on poor surfaces
- Cabin is better finished though still feels cheap in places
- Standard seats are quite narrow across the middle
- Badge will put off some potential buyers
The Nissan GT-R has achieved almost mythical status amongst performance car enthusiasts since the current generation R35 model appeared in 2007. Combining a wealth of high-tech systems to deliver supercar dynamics with dramatic looks and everyday usability, the GT-R has become a byword for usable performance. Now there's a Track Edition with some significant enhancements over the standard car with track driving in mind.
Few manufacturers outside the established European performance marques can trace a lineage right back to the 1960s, but with Nissan it was in 1969 that the first GT-R appeared. Ever since it has stuck to a familiar recipe of a six-cylinder engine and a coupe design, with increasing sophistication with each generation.
The GT-R Track Edition sits in the middle of the three-car range, with the standard version below it in price and the highly-specialised Nismo GT-R costing substantially more. The Track Edition gains some of the enhancements that debuted on the Nismo, but does without some of the more expensive elements such as the carbon-fibre bodywork.
The key changes for the Track Edition include a revised suspension set up, comprised of new specification dampers and springs. Although already offering a firm ride, the new set up is designed to improve wheel control. The Track Edition also benefits from Nismo-specification alloy wheels which reduced unsprung weight.
Although not offering any additional power, the twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine beneath the bonnet receives new injectors and software updates which improve power delivery at lower engine speeds. As a nod to the dedicated fans of the GT-R, each Track Edition model comes with a unique plaque attached to the transmission tunnel.
Few manufacturers outside the established European performance marques can trace a lineage right back to the 1960s, but with Nissan it was in 1969 that the first GT-R appeared. Ever since it has stuck to a familiar recipe of a six-cylinder engine and a coupe design, with increasing sophistication with each generation.
The GT-R Track Edition sits in the middle of the three-car range, with the standard version below it in price and the highly-specialised Nismo GT-R costing substantially more. The Track Edition gains some of the enhancements that debuted on the Nismo, but does without some of the more expensive elements such as the carbon-fibre bodywork.
The key changes for the Track Edition include a revised suspension set up, comprised of new specification dampers and springs. Although already offering a firm ride, the new set up is designed to improve wheel control. The Track Edition also benefits from Nismo-specification alloy wheels which reduced unsprung weight.
Although not offering any additional power, the twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine beneath the bonnet receives new injectors and software updates which improve power delivery at lower engine speeds. As a nod to the dedicated fans of the GT-R, each Track Edition model comes with a unique plaque attached to the transmission tunnel.