Nissan continues to refine and improve its GT-R monster, most recently introducing suspension and engine tweaks—with no increases in total output—for 2014, and now it is giving Americans a taste of a special Track Edition that’s previously been offered elsewhere around the globe. Even though the name slightly differs from the Track Pack cars sold overseas, the 2014 GT-R Track Edition is conceptually the same and includes a host of upgrades geared toward owners intent on taking their GT-R to the track.
From 2 + 2 to 2 + Nothing
In the spirit of a true track car, the GT-R Track Edition offers up its rear seat on the altar of hard-core performance. The deletion of the fairly useless rear seats is probably the Track Edition’s most recognizable change relative to the regular GT-R Premium and Black Edition models. In place of the two rear seats are quilted recesses that seem perfect for storing a pair of helmets. The front seats get unique blue accents and a mix of grippy cloth and supple leather upholstery.
Performance-wise, the Track Edition inherits a new front spoiler with built-in carbon-fiber air ducts and brake-cooling channels, and the suspension is further honed for the track. Higher spring rates and special Bilstein shocks are fitted to all four corners, which also get the same metallic-black-painted Rays forged-aluminum wheels as the GT-R Black Edition. A sweet-looking carbon-fiber rear spoiler (also shared with the Black Edition) hangs off the rear deck, and Nissan claims the piece’s increased stiffness improves rear downforce.
From 545 Horsepower to 545 Horsepower
As with the rest of the 2014 GT-R lineup, the Track Edition’s twin-turbocharged V-6 engine makes the same 545 horsepower as last year’s GT-R. While we’ve enjoyed watching (and experiencing) the GT-R’s output figures rise incrementally over the years, 545 ponies strapped to the GT-R’s all-wheel-drive gear and six-speed dual-clutch automatic hardly is a recipe for sloth. Mix in a sharper chassis tune and even the relatively negligible weight reduction that the deletion of the rear seat affords, and we’re betting this GT-R is going to be one helluva ride.
It also will be one helluva rare GT-R—Nissan is bringing just 150 examples of the Track Edition to the U.S. If this Godzilla iteration tickles your fancy, we suggest getting on the horn with Nissan before the track-focused monster goes on sale in May. Pricing for the Track Edition has yet to be announced, but don’t be surprised if it costs more than the $110,330 Black Edition.
