New York Motor Show: 2016 Nissan GT-R revealed

Nissan has lifted the covers of the 2016 model year GT-R at the New York Motor Show.

It claims the updates to this year’s model are the most significant since the R35’s introduction in 2007, however in reality there’s been a series of minor tweaks to keep the GT-R fresh until the arrival of the R36 GT-R, expected some time between 2018 and 2020.

Visually the MY16 GT-R receives a number of updates that Nissan claims makes it slipperier through the air without hurting its downforce figures. There’s a reinforced bonnet, redesigned front bumper and lip spoiler, new side sills and new vents at the rear to improve airflow.

The interior has also received a welcome update, with a new, larger eight-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation and audio controls allowing the number of buttons to be reduced from 27 to 11. The shift paddles have also been relocated to the steering wheel, which will delight some and frustrate others.

Mechanically, there is an extra 15kW/6Nm, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo six now producing 419kW/632Nm, with new titanium mufflers and "Active Sound Enhancement" improving the soundtrack.

However, despite Nissan claiming "superior acceleration" there’s no word of any improvement on the current GT-R’s 2.7-second 0-100km/h claim. Mind you, that’s probably not something that needed improving.

What has always needed improving is the GT-R’s low-speed refinement, and Nissan claims the MY16 GT-R is "the most comfortable model to date" with a better ride, decreased road noise and smoother operation of the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The R35 celebrates its 10th birthday next year, but still offers an unparalleled amount of performance for the price. The MY16 model will arrive in Australia about mid-year and we’ll bring you local pricing closer to its release.