Nissan Refines Its 2017 GT-R Supercar

The 3.8-liter, 24-valve V-6 twin-turbo will offer more power -- 565 hp, compared with 545 hp in the 2016 model. The GT-R will include a selector setting that allows drivers to shut off one of the car's two exhaust pipes below 3,000 rpm, dampening engine roar for quiet neighborhood driving.

The dual-clutch six-speed transmission has been re-engineered to reduce torque in lower gears to ease the jolt of shifting into higher gears.

Nissan says the changes represent the GT-R's biggest design and engineering overhaul since the nameplate's U.S. debut in 2008.

"The big emphasis we wanted to make with these changes was to bring in some of the refinements we're seeing with some of our higher-end competitors, like Porsche," says Steven Tsai, senior product planner for the car. "We really focused on ride comfort improvement and quietness."

Other changes for 2017 include restyled body panels and hood, a redesigned front grille with a new mesh pattern and a slightly lowered dash panel to improve driver visibility.

Inside, acoustic glass has been introduced to reduce road noise. The cockpit shows only 11 control switches, replacing the 27 of the previous version, and the paddle shifters have moved from the steering column onto the steering wheel.