The Nissan GT-R has its roots in the Skyline GT-R, a popular sports option of the Skyline sedan which started in 1969. It received a complete redesign when it was reintroduced in 2007, prompting the drop of 'Skyline' from its name but still retaining the moniker ‘Godzilla’. Now officially available in the Philippines, one look at this two-door coupe and you know it's geared towards performance. With the swept-back headlamps that go with the curves of the body and the large side vents behind 20-inch rims to the stock spoiler, the GT-R makes a statement at every angle.
At the core of the Nissan GT-R is a 3.8L six-cylinder engine that produces 562 hp and 633 Nm of torque. It's connected to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that has three driver-selectable modes. Like its predecessors the R32, R33, and R34, the GT-R also has four-wheel drive, making it a capable track weapon in the hands of any driver.
Inside the Nissan GT-R is a leather-trimmed cabin for four people. It has a Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control and a Bose Sound System. The driver will appreciate the Push Start capability, large gauges, and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen display.
Launch
In September 2016, Godzilla officially made its debut in the Philippines during the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). The GT-R which came to the Philippines was the 2017 GT-R, offering increased engine performance, new design changes, and a new infotainment screen.
Fast forward to 2023, the 2024 model-year of the GT-R debuted on August 21, 2023. The front and rear fascias have undergone a thorough redesign and optimization, upgrades include enhanced bumper sides, a revamped front grille, and an upgraded rear wing. These modifications have resulted in refined aerodynamics at the vehicle's front and rear. The modifications also meant the new GT-R has better aerodynamic qualities without any increase in drag.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Nissan GT-R is built on the Premium Midship platform, a bespoke platform for the GT-R based on Nissan’s Front Midship or FM platform. Godzilla’s heart is the twin-turbo VR38DETT V6, capable of producing 562 hp at 6,800 RPM and 637 Nm of torque between the range of 3,300 RPM and 5,800 RPM. All this power and torque is sent to all four wheels via the GT-R’s ATTESA E-TS All-Wheel Drive system.
The GT-R has a double-wishbone front suspension with aluminum upper links and lower arms and a multi-link suspension with aluminum upper links at the rear. This setup means the GT-R is supple and comfortable on the road, while also being able to stay planted and stable on the track. Braking power is provided by a Brembo brake system consisting of two six-piston monoblock calipers on 15.3-inch ventilated rotors and four-piston monoblock calipers on 15.0-inch ventilated rotors at the rear. These enormous brakes are housed inside 20-inch RAYS forged-alloy wheels wrapped in tires pumped up with nitrogen.
Chassis
Class
Sports car
Body Style
2-door 2+2 seater coupé
Platform
Layout
Front mid-engine, all-wheel drive
Platform
Nissan Premium Midship
Powertrain
Engine
3.8 L twin-turbocharged gasoline V6 engine (VR38DETT)
Power Output
562 hp @6,800 rpm
637 Nm of torque @3,300 rpm and 5,800 rpm
Transmission
6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (GR6Z30A)
Technology Features
Like its predecessors, Nissan has taken no shortcuts in providing its cars with all the tech features it can offer. Starting on the outside, the GT-R is equipped with Super Wide Beam Projector LED lights, signature GT-R LED taillights, power-adjust side mirrors, pop-out door handles, and quad titanium exhausts with sound control to maintain the GT-R’s muscular grumble. Inside, you’ll find power-adjustable heated seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the convenience of push-button start. An eight-inch touchscreen media display equipped with Bluetooth and USB support is taking care of entertainment and connectivity. This head unit is complemented by an 11-speaker Bose sound system featuring active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement technology.
In terms of technology features in relation to the GT-R’s driving capabilities, Nissan has also loaded up the GT-R with a ton of cutting-edge tech as well. Sending power to all four wheels of the GT-R is Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS All-Wheel Drive system paired with Nissan’s patented Independent Rear-Mounted Transaxle. In addition to the all-wheel drive system, the GT-R has a vehicle-speed-sensitive electronically controlled rack & pinion steering system giving the sports car its dynamic driving characteristics.
Exterior
The Nissan GT-R’s appearance is a combination of Japanese design and desire for performance, every little bit about the GT-R is aimed towards making it faster, from big aero pieces and even down to the simple body lines at the sides. Its front fascia is defined by a bold grille and angular LED headlights, flanked by aerodynamic elements and a carbon fiber splitter that points to its high-performance nature. Nissan has dropped the V-Motion grille opting for a solid grille in their pursuit of added performance. A sculpted hood with purposeful creases adds to its dynamic allure. The side profile showcases flared wheel arches housing large alloy wheels, the 20-inch forged Rays alloys give the car a sporty stance. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear, directing airflow to the GTR’s rear wing for improved aerodynamics. At the rear, circular quad taillights and a high-mounted rear wing dominate, while the rear bumper integrates diffusers and quad exhaust outlets, solidifying the car's athletic prowess. These design elements work alongside strategically placed air intakes, vents, and fins that optimize airflow for enhanced performance. The GT-R's exterior aesthetic is complemented by its range of color options which consist of Gun Metallic, Pearl Black, Bayside Blue, Pearl White, Ultimate Silver, and Vibrant Red.
Interior
The interior of the Nissan GT-R is a blend of sportiness, luxury, and advanced technology. Immediately upon entering, you’ll find a driver-centric cockpit that reflects the car's performance-oriented nature. The dashboard has a minimalist yet functional layout, featuring a combination of high-quality materials like leather, carbon fiber accents, and metallic trim. The driver's seat is heavily bolstered providing excellent support during high-speed runs where the GT-R is in its element. The center console is home to a high-resolution eight-inch touchscreen display that serves as the command center for various infotainment and connectivity features. The steering wheel, wrapped in premium leather, integrates controls for audio, navigation, and other systems, allowing the driver to maintain focus on the road. Behind the steering wheel, the instrument cluster provides critical driving information through a combination of digital and analog gauges. The GT-R's interior isn't just about aesthetics; it's also designed to ensure a high level of driver engagement, with its ergonomic layout and intuitive controls enhancing the overall driving experience.
Safety
Nissan recognizes that a high-performance vehicle should also have the necessary safety systems in its arsenal. The GT-R’s suite of safety features starts with SRS airbags for the front driver and passenger along with side and curtain airbags. Active safety features include ABS with brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, and hill-start assist. Other passive safety features consist of a tire pressure monitoring system, a car alarm, and an engine immobilizer.
With the R36 on the horizon, is there even a point to getting the R35 GT-R anymore? Price increases haven't made the decision easy, but there is still some sense to the madness. If you've been following the story of the Nissan GT-R, you will know that the R35 is still alive and kicking and is one of the oldest Japanese supercars in the world that you can buy today. Close to two decades on the market have allowed this car to be refined repeatedly. If you are a die-hard fan of the R35, this is your chance to get the most perfect version of Nissan's living legend. Find out what exactly makes this car a worthy purchase on this episode of Behind the Wheel.
