The Nissan GT-R has always been characterized by its ruthless aggression. It’s the kind of car that largely relies on its overwhelming power and performance to devour the competition. It is called Godzilla for a reason, right? But, just as evolution is an inescapable truth in the auto industry, the GT-R->ke1592 could find itself in this particular cross hair. That’s because Nissan GT-R program manager Hiroshi Tamura has revealed plans to bring the GT-R up a notch, not in terms of performance, but more into the realm of premium luxury.->ke505

Speaking with Top Gear, Tamura divulged his strong desire to make Godzilla wear the equivalent of a tuxedo. Not in a literal sense, of course, but more about giving the GT-R an authentic premium experience. He even harkened back to the Egoist Edition, a special edition->ke2041 version of the GT-R that was introduced back in 2010. That model had all the performance credentials of a born-and-bred GT-R, but it also featured premium leather upholstery, an upscale Bose sound system, and a unique Wajima Lacquer (Maki-e) GT-R Emblem that was placed on the center of the steering wheel. This emblem was able to change it coloring of Maki-e as time passed by.

So imagine the GT-R getting a nuanced makeover that will make it more rounded when lined up against the likes of the Bentley Continental GT and, presumably at least, the would-be successor to the Aston Martin DB9.->ke210 These are the things that could be in play for the next-generation GT-R if Tamura’s vision for it comes to fruition.

That’s not to say that it’s definitely going to happen because at the moment, Nissan’s focus is on the current generation GT-R, so any talk of a premium version will likely occur with the next-generation model. Unfortunately, that model is still a ways off from happening.

Continue reading after the jump for the full story.

2016 Next-Generation Nissan GT-R Could Have A More Premium Disposition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Next-Generation Nissan GT-R Could Have A More Premium Disposition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 529
  • Torque: 495
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Why it matters

While it is a little sad to hear that the next-generation Nissan GT-R isn’t right around the corner as many of us have hoped, it is refreshing to hear that Nissan is looking to get more out of it. A premium-ized version of the supercar is a welcome addition, even as some GT-R purists might be off on the idea. Hiroshi Tamura was on the money when he said that the GT-R has always been about balancing both balancing luxury with performance, even if the past few versions have become geared towards performance.

But, now that there are new decision-makers in the fold, the GT-R could inherently return to its ‘M-Spec’ 2001 R34 Skyline roots by offering real premium quality across the board. Whether it’s performance, handling, ride, or overall comfort, all these elements are going to be looked at a lot closer than they ever have been in recent years.

Tamura didn’t explicitly say what the plans are for the next-gen GT-R, because that model isn’t going to be released anytime soon. But, for what it’s worth, he’s laying the ground work on what all of us can expect when it does arrive. Maybe it’s not going to be the same muscle-flexing monster that the current model is, but at the very least, it’s going to be much more refined and have a level of diversity that we haven’t seen in some time.

Nissan GT-R

Read our full review on the Nissan GT-R here.