We all know that the next-generation Nissan GT-R has created quite a buzz in the automotive world; after all, everyone is interested in just how good (or bad) a hybrid GT-R will be. However this version is still several years away, so Nissan ->ke62 will simply continue updating the gasoline-powered version of the GT-R->ke1592 for now.

For the 2015 model year, Nissan made some changes to the exterior and the interior look, but most of the changes were made to the suspension system, giving it a "smoother ride comfort, more refinement, and benchmark fit and finish."

Since the engine and transmission were both updated for the 2014 model year, they continue unchanged in 2015. Besides, if the base GT-R isn't powerful enough, you can always take a crack at the mighty GT-R Nismo version for your horsepower fix.

The revised Nissan GT-R will go on sale on December 2nd, as a 2014 model, and the 2015 model will hit showrooms in the U.S. in the beginning of 2014.

Updated 01/21/2014: Nissan announced today prices for the 2015 GT-R sports car which is now on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. prices will range from $101,770 for the GT-R Premium version and will go up to $115,710 for the GT-R Track Edition.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Nissan GT-R.

2015 Nissan GT-R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Nissan GT-R
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 545
  • Torque: 463
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While we all patiently wait on the next-generation GT-R, Nissan remains content with evolving the current model, keeping it as fresh as it can be. For the 2015 model year, the GT-R receives a few new new colors, updated headlights and revised taillights.

Up front, the headlights come as a high-intensity, multi-LED setup, allowing them to create a distinctive "lightning" motif that lets all know that the mighty GT-R is approaching and thatit would be wise to pull over and let it through. These new headlights features AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System), which automatically adapts the angle of the light beam according to the speed of the car, making sure the road ahead is always clear and well-lit.

Around back, the four-ring taillight signature now forms coherent circles of light, giving the new GT-R a distinctive look from the backside that all will notice.

All new for the 2015 model year is a "Gold Flake Red Pearl" paint that includes microscopic, gold-tinted glass flakes infused into the red paint.

as an option, buyers can choose a carbon-fiber rear wing, which also include a carbon-fiber trunk lid, so to not drastically increase the GT-R's curb weight.

2014 GT-R Versus 2015 GT-R - Side by Side

Headlight Detail

Heat Extractor Trim Detail

Interior

Nissan improved the GT-R's cabin slightly, but all of the additions were purely aesthetic. Nissan offers three color schemes for the 2015 model year, and one of them is the all-new pale ivory trim option. Further updating the interior is contrast stitching on the part-aniline seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Drivetrain

Nissan didn't bother saying anything about what lies under the hood, so we expect the engine to remain the 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers a total of 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque. It is combined with a paddle-shifted, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, which helps the potent GT-R hit 60 mph in just 3 seconds and still get 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Suspension and Brakes

As expected, the 2015 GT-R's suspension and steering systems receive mild updates over last year's model. The 2015 GT-R is offered with standard Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT tires sized 255/40ZRF20(97Y) up front and 285/35ZRF20(100Y) on the rear. This super-sticky slaps of vulcanized rubber ensure improved steering response in the twisties.

Nissan also updated the suspension to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels, which helps keep all four tires planted more evenly on the road. Additionally, Nissan tweaked the electronic control of the shock-absorber valves, revised the spring rates and changed the bush link.

The revised spring rate is by far the biggest and most notable boost, as this helps reduce the amount of vibration in the cabin as the GT-R rockets down the track. The reduced vibrations lead to less corrective action by the driver under hard acceleration.

The steering system also gets a light revision to help reduce the effort required for in-town maneuvers, but still deliver excellent feedback during high-speed driving.

Nissan calibrated the brake system so it now delivers a more firm, linear response at everyday speeds.

Prices

Model

Price

GT-R Premium

$101,770 USD

GT-R Black Edition

$111,510 USD

GT-R Track Edition (late availability)

$115,710 USD


Competition

Porsche 911 Turbo

Should we be surprised that Nissan decided to update the GT-R shortly after Porsche delivered the new-generation 911 Turbo, which happens to be the GT-R's number one competitor? We think not.

The new 911 Turbo is powered by a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection that delivers a total of 520 horsepower in the base version, or 560 in the S version. Porsche already announced that the new 911 Turbo lapped the ring in 7:30, making it just a little bit slower than the GT-R: 7:19.

Audi R8 V10

The R8 V10 is another worthy competitor, despite boating four extra pistons.

The R8 V10 is powered by a 5.2-liter, V-10 engine that delivers a total of 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 390 pound-feet of twist at 6,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 196 mph.

Conclusion

Though we are growing impatient for a completely overhauled GT-R, the fact that Nissan keeps tweaking the current model each year speaks volumes in how important this model is to the automaker. This year's revisions, though light, are just what the GT-R needed to keep people talking about it.