Nissan releases MY15 GT-R

Nissan Australia has announced an upgraded MY15 GT-R range – led by the special 45th Anniversary Edition revealed last month, just three examples of which will be available at a price of $177,000 plus on-road costs.

That's $5000 more than the Japanese supercar's previous base price of $172,000 (for the MY14 GT-R with Black Trim) and the same as the outgoing MY14 GT-R with Luxury Trim.

For MY15, the same $172K entry price now buys the Premium Edition, while GT-R Premium Editions with Ivory and Amber Red trim now cost $177K, and the range-topping GT-R Black Editions continues to cost $182,500.

However, the only solid exterior paint colour is Vibrant Red, with GT Blue, Jet Black, Gun Metallic, Crimson Blade and Ivory Pearl 'prestige' paints costing $1750 extra, and the Super Silver 'super prestige' paint priced at $3000.

Designed to celebrate 45 years of the GT-R -- even though it's now been more than 46 years since the legendary original Skyline GT-R went on sale in Japan in February 1969 -- the 45th Anniversary version wears a unique 'Silica Brass’ finish.

Before the new special-edition only two gold R35 Nissan GT-Rs were made: one for Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt and a copy of Bolt’s car that was auctioned off for Bolt’s children’s charity.

Nissan says the 45 Anniversary treatment, which also includes a unique 45th Anniversary interior bodge on lower centre console and a special model plate in the engine bay, is inspired by the legendary R34 M-Spec GT-R from 2002.

Australia will be one of only a few key markets to receive the GT-R collector's item, which in other markets like North America is called the 45th Anniversary Gold Edition.

All MY15 GT-Rs continue to be powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 producing 404kW/628Nm, which combined with a six-speed dual-clutch transaxle and all-wheel drive is capable of launching the GT-R to 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds.

However, Nissan says the upgraded MY15 brings "significant improvements to comfort, NVH, drivability and sophistication; whilst improving performance".

Mechanically, for MY15, Premium Edition models come with new 20-inch alloy wheels, while all models ride on revised suspension that's claimed to offer better ride comfort, handling accuracy or "traceability" and high-speed stability.

MY15 suspension changes include modifications to shock absorber rates and enhanced ECU settings to generate improved cornering stability and "reduction of steering correction angle over rough roads, providing improved stability and an enhanced sense of security on the limit".

Nissan says a change in tyre structure also improves stability and comfort, while reducing road noise.

Noise, vibration and harshness suppression measures include upgraded carpet in the boot floor to reduce road noise, "clearance improvements" for the transaxle and driveshaft to reduce backlash and improve NVH, modification to the bearings inside the flywheel housing to reduce drivetrain NVH and a modified shim structure between the (new) brake pads and calliper pistons to enhance brake feel, control and noise "without sacrificing performance".

Finally, there's an updated design for the 'Takumi' badge that adorns every GT-R, signifying which one of the four master craftsmen in the world that hand-assembled the car's engine.

MY15 Nissan GT-R pricing (plus ORCs):

Premium Edition -- $172,000
45th Anniversary Edition -- $177,000
Premium Edition with Luxury Trim (Ivory) – $177,000
Premium Edition with Luxury Trim (Amber Red) -- $177,000
Black Edition -- $182,500

Super Prestige Paint -- $3000 (Super Silver)
Prestige Paint -- $1750 (all colours except Vibrant Red)