Rumor: Next Generation Nissan GT-R Delayed Until 2018
By Paulo Acoba
Stricter safety regulations from the United States is to thank for this delay.
Earlier this year we got a glimpse at what Nissan is calling the next generation Nissan GT-R dubbed the Nissan Concept 2020. From there it was rumored that Nissan would then shortly after release a concept of the next-generation GT-R that would then be slated for production in 2017. But according to our Australian friends over at Motoring.com.au on their report earlier today (Nov. 4, 2015) it looks like production of the Nissan GT-R successor will begin in early 2018, a full six months later than planned.
Supposedly, Motoring Australia has some inside sources in the know and they’ve informed Motoring Australia that the current generation Nissan GT-R production will be halted in order to beef up key components that affect crash performance. Then from there, Nissan engineers will spend a considerable amount of time making sure that this next generation Nissan GT-R meets all the stringent crash regulations from NHTSA which are reportedly stricter than ever.
"Our sources say that in order to engineer more body rigidity into the GT-R, Nissan will postpone production of the supercar for up to six months to reinforce the roof and certain body panels, while tweaking “some interior trim” and body panels as well."
While some fans of Gojira might be disappointed, your really can’t argue against stricter safety regulations. The Nissan GT-R is arguably the best budget supercar of choice and puts it into the hands of upper middle-class Americans who aren’t exactly professional racecar drivers. With four wheel drive and enough technology to inspire you into a career as a possible NASCAR driver, the GTR imbibes lots of confidence in everyday drivers. Sometimes that means going over the edge of your driving limit. And that’s where safety is always a good thing to improve upon.
And at least they’re taking the road less traveled, unlike Aston Martin who went ahead and asked for an exemption from NHTSA’s safety standards altogeher.
