Asheboro, beware: The 2017 Nissan GT-R is coming this summer.

The car they call Godzilla made its debut in 2007, but unlike the beast of legend, Nissan’s ultimate sports car hasn’t finished evolving. It might not be powered by radiation, but it is an apex predator on the road and on the track.

Read on to learn what’s new on the 2017 Nissan GT-R.

Godzilla gets stronger, smarter, and more comfortable.

Observers with a fine eye will note the new GT-R has had some visual tweaks. Each body panel has been carefully reworked as Nissan approaches aerodynamic perfection.

The most noticeable changes are the hood and front fascia. Wider triangle-shape vents help cool the engine, while sculpted lines veer down to a new addition to the air intakes: the Nissan V-motion grille. The GT-R wears it in its widest form yet, but the shape is unmistakable, and it lends the car a renewed sense of identity.

The GT-R’s headlights have also been reworked, and the coupe’s beltline rises to new heights.

Any changes to the GT-R’s form must also allow for greater function. Without further ado, the specs for this 2017 model:

  • 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine
  • 6-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • 565 horsepower
  • 467 lb.-ft. torque

Neither a top speed nor a 0 – 60 time have been released yet, but with 20 additional horsepower and 4 more lb.-ft. of torque, the new GT-R should have no trouble matching the 2.7 second time of last year’s model. Nissan also says the transmission has been refined for even faster shifting.

When this car was shown at the New York Auto Show in April, there was no word about a NISMO edition yet. Performance boosts are not the only changes made to the 2017 GT-R, though.

The new car has been given a number of quality of life improvements. Mechanical noises will be reduced thanks to improved dampening and noise insulation. The seats are also more comfortable and more supportive, and they’re covered with fine Nappa leather.

The GT-R’s user interface will see a huge improvement thanks to a larger touchscreen that reduces the overall button count of the dashboard. The Verge reports that the UI is still a product of Polyphony Digital, who are responsible for the Gran Turismo racing game franchise.

This level of improvement in just a year is unprecedented, even for Nissan. It takes a special car to inspire that kind of dedication from engineers, designers, and customers alike. The 2017 GT-R is such a car, and you will find it in a showroom near you this summer.

If you want to learn more, sign up for the mailing list or ask your local Nissan experts.