The Nissan GT-R (Gran Turismo–Racing; model code: R35; Japanese: 日産・GT-R; Nissan GT-R) is a sports car, built by Japanese marque Nissan from 2007 to 2025. It has a 2+2 seating layout and is also considered a grand tourer. The engine is front-mid mounted and drives all four wheels. It succeeded the Nissan Skyline GT-R, a high-performance variant of the Nissan Skyline. Although this model was the sixth-generation to bear the GT-R name, it was no longer part of the Skyline line-up. The car was built on the PM platform, derived from the FM platform used in the Skyline and Nissan Z models. Production was conducted in a shared production line at Nissan's Tochigi plant in Japan.
As per Nissan's intention of creating a world beating sports car, the GT-R brand was revived as part of the Nissan Revival Plan. Overall development began in 2000, following seven years of development and testing, including the introduction of two concept models in 2001 and 2005. The production version of the GT-R was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The GT-R was a brand-new car built on the PM platform, and featured innovative concepts and technologies, such as advanced aerodynamics, the VR38DETT engine, an active suspension system and the ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system; it is the first ever rear mounted independent transaxle all-wheel-drive vehicle. It was one of the first production cars to feature launch control and a dual-clutch transmission. The overall body was made out of steel, aluminium and carbon-fibre.
Unlike its predecessors, the GT-R was offered worldwide. It received various facelifts and updates comparable with the competition, and several special editions were offered during its prolonged production span. The car is used in motorsports, notably winning championships in the FIA GT1 World Championship, Super GT and in various GT3 racing series, including the GT World Challenge. It is well received among enthusiasts and automotive publications, British motor magazine Top Gear claimed it as "one of the most incredible cars of any kind ever built", due its exceptional performance and practicality given at an affordable price. Being one of the fastest production cars—as it set the record for the fastest accelerating four-seater production car—it has won numerous notable accolades such as the World Performance Car of The Year among many others.
In 2021, sales in the Australian market were discontinued due to new side impact regulations. The European market, including the United Kingdom, were also suspended, with new noise regulations. Followed by the suspension of sales in North America in 2024, sales in Japan and other markets remained until August 2025, ending production of the GT-R after 18 years and around 48,000 units produced.
History and development
History
Between 1969 and 1973, and again between 1989 and 2002, Nissan produced a high performance version of its Nissan Skyline coupe, the Skyline GT-R. This car proved to be iconic for Nissan, achieving much fame and success on the road and in motorsports.[1][2]
The GT-R was an entirely new model, departing from its predecessor. Though they shared a little with each other, such as the signature four round tail lights, the ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system, and a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, the GT-R diverged significantly. Notably, it omitted the HICAS four-wheel-steering system, with engineers recognizing its incompatibility with the advanced all-wheel-drive setup, which would compromise the car's performance. The previous RB26DETT engine was succeeded by the VR38DETT engine.[3]
Production
Production model
The production version of the GT-R was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, following an on-screen 7:38.54 minute lap time in the partially wet Nürburgring Nordschleife was broadcast, Nissan claimed it was the fastest lap time for a mass-produced car, beating the benchmark Porsche 911 Turbo's time of 7:40 minutes. The GT-R was previewed as "A supercar, for Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime".[6] In November, 2007, Nissan revealed that the car already had a considerable demand, as more than 3,000 buyers pre-ordered the car in Japan before its official launch. The car was expected to sell around 200 units per month, to maintain exclusivity.[21] The first production GT-R was purchased by Nissan's CEO at the time, Carlos Ghosn.[6] Deliveries began on December 6, 2007, in Japan, on July 7, 2008, in North America and in March 2009 in Europe. The large disparity in initial marketing between these regional releases was due to Nissan having to build GT-R performance centres where the car was serviced.[22]
Overview
Technical specifications
Engine
The GT-R was powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3799 cc 60° DOHC V6 engine – which was shorter than traditional V6 production engines, benefiting weight distribution. The engine was based on the VQ engine, but thoroughly modified to improve performance and suit the car. It featured an innovative hybrid wet/dry-sump pressurized lubrication system, controlled thermostatically to withstand high g-force and closed-deck construction increased stiffness. Cast iron cylinder liners were replaced by a 0.15 mm (0.0059 in) layer of plasma transferred wire arc sprayed cylinder bores, reducing friction for the piston rings to slide on smoothly.[58] Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima (IHI) RHF55 turbochargers provided forced induction, boosting more than 0.7bar of boost and its turbine housing was integrated into the exhaust manifolds to minimize lag, decrease weight and improve vehicle balance.[59]
Variants
Alongside the standard model, four distinct trim levels were introduced over time, each bringing notable performance improvements and cosmetic updates. The lineup began with the Black Edition in 2012, followed by the track-focused Track Edition in 2013, Nismo in 2014, and T-spec trim in 2021.
Trim Levels
The GT-R Nismo was offered with the N-Attack Package, a special post-production performance package, which included the performance upgrades used to set the lap record at the Nürburgring.[108] It featured a re-programmed ECU for enhanced power distribution. Changes were made to stiffer suspension springs and shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, front brake pads, front and rear limited-slip differentials for improved handling. It provided more downforce using carbon-fibre front fenders with aerodynamic flics, larger front splitter and rear wing with two height and 12 angle adjustment options. Carbon-fibre intercooler pipes, Recaro full-carbon bucket seats and a carbon-fibre bulkhead replacing the back seats reduced weight by 64 kg over the standard GT-R Nismo. It also contained track-only components, the bonnet gurney strip and six-point harness seat belt which were offered as optional parts. The package was offered for the 2016 facelifted models as well. The package was offered in two trim levels, A kit and B kit. The A kit included all the upgrades, but the B kit only featured the suspension setup, brake system, stabilizer bars, carbon-fibre rear wing, front fenders and splitter, both ESM and TCM, and a driver only bucket seat.[109]
Performance
The GT-R was considered heavy and bulky compared to its competitors, its innovative all-wheel-drive and active suspension systems utilised its weight as an advantage. The unconventional body design maximized downforce and minimized drag, resulting in exceptional acceleration, cornering and handling capabilities. Many automotive publications have used the term, "the GT-R defies the laws of physics" to describe its performance.[132]
Originally, Nissan claimed the GT-R can attain a top speed of 196 mi/h,[133] but Motor Trend recorded a top speed of 195.0 mi/h with the original 2009 model year GT-R.[134] Edmunds held the first ever performance test using a customer-spec GT-R in Japan, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds. It was the quickest production car they had ever tested.[135] The car was capable of achieving superior performance figures in tests conducted by other automotive magazines.[134]
Reception
The GT-R has generally received positive reviews from automotive publications and enthusiasts, particularly for its performance and practicality. It received criticism for the choice of interior materials in earlier models, and absence of a manual transmission.
Magazines
Motor Trend often referred to it as, "Godzilla" in their reviews, tests and drag races. In the first acceleration test in 2009, they praised its launch control system, stating "BAM! The GT-R leaves the line like an arrow from a cross-bow. The rear tyres spin for a little over a foot, the fronts never visibly slip. The acceleration screen on the centre dash confirms the test equipment's assertion that longitudinal acceleration of at least 1.0 g persists for almost two seconds. No wonder the forged-aluminium rims have little knurled ridges to keep the tyre beads from slipping."[185] Further added, "[the GT-R] appears to dodge the laws of physics", but was criticized for not being offered with a manual transmission and interior quality, nevertheless it was named as the 2009 Motor Trend Automobile of the Year.[186]
Car and Driver gave the GT-R a positive verdict, claimed "Prejudged on its specs, the GT-R is winning on appeal", praised its acceleration and handling performance, as well as its practicality.
Motorsport
The GT-R competed across a wide range of racing disciplines, attaining multiple successes. Notable motorsport achievements came through from its participation in sports car racing, including championship triumphs in the approvingly competitive FIA GT1 World Championship, GT World Challenge and in the Super GT series. As well as in endurance races, with consistent top order finishes in the Bathurst 12 Hour, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours among others. The car was used as the official safety car in numerous motorsport events, such as in the Super GT series, FIA GT1 World Championship,[224] British Superbike Championship,[225] and in the Supercars Championship.[226]
Further reading
External links
References
- Ian Eveleigh. Nissan Skyline GT-R evo, June 11, 2008, retrieved October 9, 2008^
- Nissan Skyline GT-R Zimbio, retrieved October 9, 2008^
- Under the hood of the Nissan GT-R Autoblog, September 11, 2007, retrieved September 11, 2007