Nissan->ke62 has just dropped a teaser of what looks to be a new version of the Nissan GT-R.->ke1592 The only question is whether this particular version of Godzilla is a commemorative special edition->ke2041 or is actually a refreshed model that will be tagged as the 2017 GT-R. Nissan didn’t do us any favors by not elaborating on the teaser, opting only to say that it “sent to media a special "teaser" regarding the company's presence at the 2016 New York International Auto Show,->ke226 which will commence on Wednesday, March 23.”

Really, that’s pretty much what the press release included other than the actual teaser, which shows a silhouette of the GT-R’s rear fascia and its unmistakable circular taillights. What’s clear is that this isn’t the next-generation R36 model. That model is still a few years away from arriving, and Nissan itself has made it clear that when the GT-R does move up a generation, it’s going to have a more premium disposition than its predecessors. So if this isn’t the R36, the safest bet is that it’s the 2017 GT-R. There’s also that possibility that it could be a special edition model or if you’re imaginations are going crazy as mine is, it could be an additional model to complement the existing version.

Whatever version of the GT-R Nissan is teasing with this image, we now know what Nissan is bringing to the 2016 New York Auto Show. The event kicks off on March 23, 2016, so at the very least, we won’t have to wait too long to see what the car’s going to look like when it takes the spotlight in the Big Apple.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

Why it matters

A lot of media outlets are already reporting that the car in the teaser is the 2017 Nissan GT-R and there seems to be strong evidence to back that up. It’s clear that it isn’t the next-generation model because the R36 GT-R is still at least a year away from making its debut. It could be a special edition GT-R, especially if the company packages it as a “Final Edition” model before the current generation model is phased out. There’s even a part of me that won’t be surprised if Nissan completely shocks everyone and introduces a different version of the GT-R. An entry level model, perhaps? Those versions have become en vogue in the sports car segment.

But let’s face it. If I’m forced to pick the likeliest scenario here, I’m going to agree with everyone and say that this is the 2017 GT-R, aka the final facelift before the R36 GT-R arrives in 2018. In the event that everyone’s guess is accurate, I expect this model to carry some new and distinguishable features. One is the design of the grille, which I expect will be changed to Nissan’s “V-motion” grille. The GT-R is one of the last few Nissan models that hasn’t used this new styling characteristic so before the next-gen model arrives, I think the final facelift will sport it if for no other reason than to give it a fresh and modern look. A few nips and tucks on the side and rear of the car should also come with the final facelift. The teaser doesn’t show it, but don’t be surprised if this GT-R comes with revised side skirts, a new rear diffuser, and a new rear design, specifically in the region of the taillights.

The interior of the car should also get some updates. The likeliest candidate would be an updated version of the NissanConnect infotainment system. It could also get new options and accessories, although to what extent remains a mystery. As for the engine, I don’t think Nissan will replace the car’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6, but I do believe that improvements will be made to at least give it more power and improve its performance and fuel efficiency.

All of these are just speculations at this point but fortunately, the 2016 New York Auto Show opens in a week’s time. We won’t have to wait long to see what’s lurking in the shadows of the teaser.

Nissan GT-R - Driven

Read our full test drive here.