The latest-generation GT-R was launched in 2007, bringing everything Nissan has learned from building sports cars since the late 1960s into one menacing vehicle. Priced from less than $70,000, the GT-R took the market by storm with a performance package that rivaled those of more expensive supercars. Although nine years old as of 2016, the GT-R received two significant updates that included enhanced aerodynamics and more powerful engines.

The 2017 facelift also brought a revised Nismo model, but unfortunately for GT-R enthusiasts, the range-topping version came with a significant price hike. But those who can't afford a Nismo can opt for the new Track Edition package, which adds a few goodies inside and out, as well as a handful of chassis updates. This is the second time Nissan has offered a Track Edition model. The first one arrived in 2014 and was the most track-focused GT-R outside the Nismo. Much like its predecessor, it was also engineered by Nismo, the company's motorsport division, and sits above the Premium, Prestige and Black Edition in the model lineup, but below the flagship Nismo.

However, there are quite a few differences compared to the previous Track Edition, most of which are visible on the inside. The new variant is also limited to certain European markets for now, with Nissan having yet to announce plans for a U.S.-spec model. Hopefully this will change soon, but until that happens, let's see what makes the Track Edition special among other GT-Rs.

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan GT-R Track Edition.

What makes the Nissan GT-R Track Edition special

Much like the previous Track Edition model, the new iteration stands out thanks to mildy revised body components and a new set of wheels. Up front, the GT-R received a wider bumper, while the rear is highlighted by a carbon-fiber spoiler. However, the spoiler isn't standard on any market. While British customers will get it at no extra cost, German buyers will have to pay an additional fee for these features. Updates continue with a set of forged, 20-inch aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber trunk lid. The latter is optional on all markets and it's the component that saves the most weight when selected. Naturally, the new Track Edition version benefits from all the updates introduced for the 2016 model year. These include a larger V-motion grille, revised headlamps, repositioned foglamps, new side skirts, and mild modifications to the rear fascia for a sportier look.

Inside, modifications are limited to just a unique, carbon-fiber "Track Edition" badge on the dashboard and carbon-fiber seat backs. Just like the spoiler, the seat backs aren't standard in all markets. They're included in the package in Germany, but it's only optional in the United Kingdom.

So basically, Germans get the seat backs but not the spoiler, while the Brits benefit from a free spoiler but have to pay extra for the seat backs. Now that's weird marketing right there!

Anyway, it also needs to be said that unlike the previous Track Edition, the new car has its rear seats in place. Or at least the press statement doesn't mention a delete option, and there are no photos of the interior yet. The previous model had no rear seats, which meant further weight savings. From this standpoint, the new Track Edition isn't as cool as its forerunner.

Unique features aside, it comes with the new eight-inch NissanConnect touch-screen infotainment system, a 11-speaker Bose audio system, new paddle shifters, smartphone connectivity, and revised instrument cluster that Nissan introduced for 2017.

Under the hood, the Track Edition houses the exact same engine as the standard Nissan GT-R. The twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-6 cranks out 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque thanks to an update it received in 2016, and uses a six-speed dual-clutch transmission to send it all to the wheels. Performance specs remain unchanged compared to the standard model, with the Track Edition needing 2.9 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start and can hit a top speed of 196 mph. But, while the drivetrain remained unchanged, the Track Edition received a bespoke Bilstein Damptronic suspension, a race-tuned setup for optimized cornering stability, and a lightweight anti-roll bar for increased body stiffness. These changes should come in handy at the track, where the Track Edition will be able to post quicker lap times than the standard model.

Pricing for the Track Edition starts from £91,995 in the United Kingdom, making it £12,000 more expensive than the standard GT-R. Deliveries are set to start in early November. The Track Edition is not yet available in the United States, where customers can only purchase the GT-R Premium and the beefed-up Nismo versions.