Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R (middle) and high-performance variants of the Nissan Skyline

Between 1969 and 1974, and again between 1989 and 2002, Nissan produced a high performance version of its Nissan Skyline coupe, the Skyline GT-R. This car is proved to be iconic for Nissan, achieving much fame and success on the road and in motorsports.[3][4]

The GT-R is an entirely new model sharing a little with the Skyline GT-R, including its signature four round tail lights, it also features the ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel drive system and a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. But the HICAS four-wheel-steering system is removed and the former straight-6 RB26DETT engine is replaced with the VR38DETT engine.[5] Carrying on another detail of its predecessor, the chassis code for the all-new version is CBA-R35; DBA-R35 and 4BA-R35 for later model years,[6] or R35 for short (where CBA, DBA and 4BA stands for the emissions standard prefix). The GT-R also retained its predecessor's nickname, Godzilla, originally given by the Australian motoring publication Wheels in 1989 for its R32 generation model.[7]

Nissan's then CEO, Carlos Ghosn spearheaded the revival of the GT-R

In 2000, as per request of CEO Carlos Ghosn, Nissan decided to re-introduce their iconic sports car model, the GT-R as part of the Nissan Revival Plan. Ghosn believed introduction of this all-new sports car would gather public attention and enthusiasm towards the Nissan brand, in order to increase their annual sales figures. Therefore he claimed the GT-R should be a strong performance car that should be able to take on high-performance sports cars from brands in the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari at a relatively-low price. In 2001, Ghosn officially announced ongoing development of the car, following a concept reveal at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Two years later at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Ghosn confirmed that the production version would make its debut in the fall of 2007.[8] For the design perspective, Ghosn desired the car to adapt a signature feature from its predecessors, four round taillights; claimed it was always been the signature of the GT-R. Beginning of development in 2000, Nissan designers from Japan, United States and Europe began to create new sketches for the GT-R. 50 of them made through to Nissan's then design director, Shiro Nakamura. He insisted the design should reflect not only the modern sports car look, but also the Japanese culture and its predecessor's heritage. Chief designer Hiroshi Hasegawa was required more than four years to complete its interior and exterior designs, claimed it should look sporty, modern and also be aerodynamic to create enough downforce and less drag to achieve the target performance levels.[9][10]

Chief engineer of the Skyline GT-R R34, Kazutoshi Mizuno (also known as Mr. GT-R), was responsible for the mechanical division of development. Mizuno rejected the project at first, as he was told to work and built on the outdated FM platform. He claimed, "I could not make a world class performance car from this platform as Ghosn requested". In April 2003, Mizuno built a GT-R prototype, made on an advanced version of the FM platform, the Premium Midship (PM) platform. In November, Ghosn provided full authority of development to Mizuno and appointed him as the chief engineer of the upcoming GT-R. In January 2004, Mizuno officially began development with a special team and a full-scale GT-R model; the project was under supervision of Ghosn.[11] As aerodynamics development was ongoing at Nissan's wind tunnel, Mizuno and team were testing and developing the drivetrain and chassis, including the suspension and brakes using GT-R test mules at the Nürburgring and Sendai Hi-Land Raceway. Those test mules were powered by a brand-new 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6 VR38DETT engine, based on the VQ engine and developed by Nissan's chief powertrain engineer, Naoki Nakada. Mizuno claimed his goal was to build the GT-R so as to be able to talk with a passenger while driving it at 300 km/h (190 mph). Notable mechanical designs and concepts of the car such as the Brembo brakes system and Bilstein suspension setup were originally designed and developed by Mizuno himself. Mechanical development was finalized along with the aerodynamics development.[12]

Infiniti G35 test mule at the Nürburgring, which was used for the development of the GT-R

Aerodynamics development began in early 2004 with a group of the company's best engineers − including the developer of Nissan's successful Le Mans prototypes, Yoshi Suzuka. Starting with an internal design competition between Nissan's design studios in Atsugi, Tokyo, London, and La Jolla. Nissan received more than 80 sketches from the respective design studios and 12 of them were chosen by Nissan with the help of design director, Nakamura. Those 12 sketches were whittled down to 3 models and tested in a wind tunnel by the exterior designers. Nissan desired the car to be stable and create enough downforce while maintaining low drag to improve great control and performance. The target of the team was, the GT-R to have a drag coefficient of Cd=0.28 or lower, combined with front and rear downforce, which was not done by any other manufacturer at the time. Engineers believed it would be easier to achieve it by using active aerodynamics. The idea was rejected, as it would enlarge the price of the car, more than Nissan planned to offer.[13] In August, Suzuka began wind tunnel testing at Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi. During three months of testing, three 1⁄4 scale models were tested for approximately more than 300 times and got positive results from further development. Then decided to replace them by two 40 percent scale models, one for further development and the other for the Infiniti G35 test mule, which was built for testing at the Nürburgring. More wind tunnel test runs were followed with this scale model, and the result was a drag coefficient of Cd=0.32. Later, the exterior designers, Hirohisa Ono and Masato Taguchi, joined to aid development. The joint team tweaked some exterior parts of the GT-R, such as the front nose height. But could not improve overall aerodynamics as much as they expected.[13] Suzuka then considered to improve the internal airflow of the car, which required major changes to the chassis frame design. He requested the chassis department to lower the frame rails as low as the passenger compartment, which could eliminate transition and smoothen the airflow under the car. The team later used a CFD program for wind tunnel testing, and upgraded several parts of the car that could smoothen the airflow and reduce drag. One and a half years of development and more than 2000 wind tunnel test runs, engineers were finally able to get a stylish exterior with a drag coefficient of Cd=0.27 combined with front and rear downforce.[13]

Engineers and designers were required more than six years to complete overall development of the GT-R. Following its development finalization in 2006, testing took another year to be finalized. Nissan confirmed the production version will be introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Ghosn was convinced that sales of the GT-R would be profitable for Nissan. Following the rumours that the car would be sold as an Infiniti model in North America, he confirmed it will be sold as a Nissan model worldwide.[14]

GT-R Concept at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show

GT-R Proto at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show

Nissan surprisingly unveiled the GT-R concept without announcement at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show in 2001. Previewed as the 21st-century GT-R, Nissan confirmed it will be sold worldwide unlike its predecessors, which were sold only in a limited number of markets. This concept featured an aggressive, muscular, wide and low exterior look. The interior featured a deep seating position, full-length centre console, integrated structural cage and a driver's command centre.[15]

Nissan unveiled a redesigned version of this concept, the GT-R Proto, at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. This prototype featured redesigned exterior elements over the concept car to improve overall airflow and reveal the identity of the car. These elements included a redesigned front air intake, front fenders with air vents behind them and the sides of the body were sculptured towards the rear fenders, no technical information were given for both concept and prototype. Officials claimed the production version would be 80 to 90 percent based on this prototype.[16]

GT-R test mules being transported by a truck in Japan

As overall development of the GT-R was finalized around 2006, Nissan began testing in several countries on different road and weather conditions to fine tune the all-new sports car. In late 2005, the Infiniti G35 test mule was spied at the Nürburgring, it featured highly-modified body panels.[17][18] In late 2006 and early 2007, GT-R test mules were spied for the first time, alongside a Porsche 911 Turbo on public roads in New Mexico and California, and at motor circuits such as in the Nürburgring and Laguna Seca.[19][20] During a test session at Sendai Hi-Land Raceway, Ghosn joined the test team to directly test drive the car against a 911 Turbo, which was served as the benchmark to beat for the GT-R. End of the session, he complimented the team for their effort to build the car in the way he imagined.[9] During a test session at the Nürburgring, Nissan invited automotive magazine journalists from Car and Driver, Evo and others to test drive both the GT-R and 911 Turbo around the track, Autobahn and on country roads as well. Journalists praised the GT-R for its exceptional grip, handling and acceleration.[10] End of overall testing in September 2007, Mizuno and team recorded a lap time of 7:38.54 minutes around the Nürburgring Nordschleife on damp conditions, claimed the car would have set a quicker lap time on ideal track conditions.[9][10] Following the introduction of the production version, the team continued developing and testing to provide further upgrades to later model years.

Nissan GT-R debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show

The production version of the GT-R was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as confirmed, following an on-screen 7:38.54 minute lap time on damp conditions around the Nürburgring Nordschleife was broadcast, beating the benchmark Porsche 911 Turbo's time of 7:40 minutes, and claimed the record for the fastest lap time for a mass-produced car around the track. The car was previewed as "A supercar, for Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime".[9] 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] Deliveries began on December 6 2007 in Japan, on July 7 2008 in North America and in March 2009 in Europe. The first production GT-R was purchased by Nissan's CEO at the time, Carlos Ghosn.[9] 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]

2009 update

In 2009, the GT-R received its first of many updates for the 2010 model year. Featured increased engine power output of 485 PS (357 kW; 478 hp) at 6,400 rpm, with no improvement in engine torque. The launch control system was reprogrammed to reduce stress in the transaxle and improve acceleration. It was also offered for sold 2009 models. Other upgrades include: re-tuned suspension, updated wheel finish, standard front seat and side curtain airbags.[23]

Facelifted 2012 (2013 model year) GT-R

In 2010, for the 2011 model year, the GT-R received its first facelift. The car was revised and re-codenamed as "DBA–R35", replacing the original "CBA–R35". The revised version featured the same engine with altered mapping, changed valve timing, larger inlets and a modified exhaust system which boosts rated power to 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 607 N⋅m (448 lb⋅ft) of torque from 3,200 to 6,000 rpm. The chassis was stiffened by a more rigid front strut bar made out of carbon composite. Larger front brake rotors, lighter and stiffer wheels, and revised Dunlop tyres reduced unsprung weight by 12 kg (26.5 lb). The suspensions contained stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and revised geometry to improve grip, new dampers provided more constant damping force.[24] Cosmetic changes reduced its drag coefficient to Cd=0.26 and increased overall downforce by 10 percent. Achieved by a revised front bumper with integrated LEDs, improving radiator cooling and front brakes cooling while reducing drag. The revised rear diffuser improved downforce and additional rear cooling ducts were placed for further brake cooling. The interior improved quality and comfort. Offered with a new HDD CarWings navigation system, with enhanced entertainment features and a USB port with iPod connectivity.[25] Engine noise and road noise were reduced, and the overall performance of the car was improved due to these upgrades. Overall weight of the car was decreased by 5 kg (11 lb).[26] The car went on sale in mid-November 2010 in Japan and February 2011 in Europe, North America, and in other regions.[27]

2012 update

Similar to the update in 2009, The car was offered a revision in 2012, for the 2013 model year. It featured increased power output of 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 628 N⋅m (463 lb⋅ft) of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm. This was achieved by resin intake manifolds reducing air resistance, an enlarged duct for the intercooler, a new exhaust lowering back-pressure and sodium-filled exhaust valves reducing the temperature of the combustion chambers. The ECU was also remapped to alter valve timing, and improved air-fuel mixture ratio and ignition. A new flywheel housing, retuned suspension setup and revised weight distribution further increased performance and handling.[28][29]

2014 update

Updated 2014 (2015 model year) GT-R with revised headlights

The car was given significant improvements over the previous model year in 2014, for the 2015 model year. Along with the GT-R Nismo, it was previewed at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. Engine power remained the same as the previous version, but an upgraded suspension setup with revised settings led to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels, increased stability and provided more consistent grip. Tyre contact was improved with optimized electronic controls of the shock-absorber valves. Re-tuned front stabilizer spring rates and bush links, re-tuned brake system for more stopping power, and a fine-tuned steering improved handling. Cosmetic changes included new 20-inch alloy wheels, enhanced LED headlights and taillights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).[30] These upgrades improved straight-line and cornering stability, better ride quality without sacrificing its acceleration and cornering performance. Overall weight of the car was increased by 10 kg (22 lb) for all models.[31]

Facelifted 2016 (2017 model year) GT-R

The car received its second facelift in 2016, for the 2017 model year, re-codenamed as "4BA–R35", featured the biggest changes to date. Redesigned front and rear facias improved engine and brakes cooling, reshaped C-pillars reducing turbulence and strengthened hood reduced deformation at high speeds. Enhancements to engine cooling led the twin-turbocharged 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6 VR38DETT engine to maintain its turbo boost pressure dialed up, increasing engine power output to 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 633 N⋅m (467 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 3,300–5,300 rpm, maximum speed of the engine (redline) was increased from 7,000 to 7,100 rpm.[32] Transmission was remapped to shift gears smoothly and quieter than before, and new titanium exhaust reduced weight. Revised chassis structure improved torsional rigidity by 5 percent. Noise insulation was provided by acoustic windscreen, sound deadening materials and Bose noise cancellation system. Furthermore, upgraded brakes, re-tuned dampers, lighter forged alloy wheels and stiffer chassis improved ride quality and cornering by less aggressive turn in. The interior featured a new leather material, steering wheel, 8-inch display infotainment system and a redesigned carbon-fibre centre console.[33] Nissan claimed the upgraded GT-R increased acceleration at mid to high rpm ranges (3200 rpm and above) and featured optimal balance between handling and ride comfort. The upgrades were also applied to Track Edition and Nismo variants, overall weight of the car was increased by 40–55 kg (88–121 lb) for all models as well.[34]

2019 update

20-inch alloy wheels and the Bayside Blue body colour of the updated 2019 (2020 model year) GT-R

In 2019, for the 2020 model year, the car was offered with minor upgrades. Re-tuned transmission to shift gears quicker, in just 0.15 seconds; new lightweight forged aluminium alloy wheels and new interior and exterior colour options. Including the iconic Bayside Blue body colour, derived from the Skyline GT-R R34.[35][36]

It was revealed the GT-R would not offer a 2022 model year in North America (mid-2021 to mid-2022 in calendar years), following the introduction of the T-spec variant. However, in Japan and other markets the car sold a 2022 model.[37] Nissan Australia discontinued the GT-R in Australia and New Zealand from October 31, 2021, it was no longer eligible for new side impact regulations. The car was sold 1,021 units in Australia and 89 units in New Zealand, a total of 1,110 units were sold in the Australian market during 12-years of sales since its debut in April 2009.[38][39] Deliveries in Europe and United Kingdom were concluded in March 2022, for being unable to meet new noise regulations which took effect in June 2022.[40][41] During 13-years of sales since March 2009, Nissan sold more than 11,000 units in Europe.[42]

In May 2022, Nissan officially closed orders in Japan, as it reached the planned sales amount.[43] It was revealed the car was no longer in sale in North America and Africa as well, as Nissan USA, Nissan Canada, and Nissan South Africa official websites claimed the car was sold out.[44][45][46] German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport claimed it was no longer in production, as production for the 2022 model year was complete.[47]

Reintroduction

In October 2022, Nissan resumed production for the 2023 model year. Skipping the previous model year, the car was only offered in North America. No changes were reported compared to the previous model.[48]

Facelifted 2023 (2024 model year) GT-R

The car received its third facelift in 2023, for the 2024 model year, introduced at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. Nissan claimed the facelifted version would be limited to an unspecified number, and it was mainly offered only for the Japanese and North American markets, with three trims, Premium, Nismo and T-spec. The Track Edition variant was offered, exclusively in Japan.[49] Unlike its previous facelifts, this model featured minor cosmetic changes. Redesigned front and rear bumpers, front grille and rear wing, improved aerodynamics around the nose and rear diffuser, which increased downforce without increasing drag. No mechanical changes were made over the previous model year. In North American market, the facelifted Premium and Nismo variants went on sale in the second and third quarter of 2023 respectively. Japanese sales began in March 2023.[50][51][52]

Since 2007, Nissan have produced more than 40,000 units and sold in various different markets worldwide.[53]

The VR38DETT engine

The GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) 60° degree DOHC V6 engine – which is shorter than other V6 engines and benefits weight distribution. The engine is based on the VQ engine, but thoroughly modified to improve performance and suit the car.[58] It featured the innovative hybrid wet/dry-sump pressurized lubrication system, controlled thermostatically to withstand high g-force and closed-deck construction increase stiffness. Cast iron cylinder liners are 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 when the piston moves up and down during the power cycle.[36] Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction, boosting more than 0.7 bar and its turbine housing is integrated into the exhaust manifolds to minimize lag, decrease weight and improve vehicle balance.[59] The engine was originally rated at a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 353 kW (473 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 583 N⋅m (430 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200–5,200 rpm, making it the most powerful engine fitted to a Japanese production vehicle.[60] The engine is complied with California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.[58] It features 24 valves controlled by dual overhead camshafts (2 per cylinder head) with intake only variable valve timing. The engine with a block made out of cast aluminium, has a feedback control system which changes air fuel ratio depending on the engine load which reduces fuel consumption. Fully equipped with catalytic converters, turbochargers, engine accessories, front differential assembly and turbo outlet pipes, the engine weighs 276 kg (608 lb).[61] Notable features of the VR38DETT include,

• Continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS) on intake valve.
• Aluminium cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
• Iridium-tipped spark plugs.
• Electronic drive-by-wire throttle.
• Multi port fuel injection.
• Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling and magnesium oil sump.
• Fully symmetrical dual intake and low back-pressure exhaust system.
• Secondary air intake system to rapidly heat catalysts to peak cleaning efficiency.
• 50 State LEV2/ULEV.

The engines are hand built by five trained mechanics called "Takumi Craftsmen" in a dust proof, temperature controlled room at Nissan's Yokohama plant. Names of these mechanics are badged on every engine built. Each engine takes approximately 8.3 hours and 300 components to be fully assembled. Approximately 13 engines are built every day in a single shift. The cars are built at Tochigi plant on a shared production line. End of the production process, every single GT-R is test driven by a professional driver around Nissan's test track.[62][63][64][65][66]

ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system

The GT-R is the first ever rear mounted independent transaxle all-wheel-drive vehicle. The transaxle consists of the transmission, clutches, centre and rear differential. Placed on the rear axle, it helps balance the weight of the engine up front and improves the front-to-rear weight distribution to 54:46.[74] Transmission of the car is an exclusively developed, six-speed BorgWarner co-designed GR6Z30A type dual-clutch transmission.[75] It is hand built by Takumi Craftsmen in a specialized room, similar to the engine assembly room at Nissan's Aichi Kikai plant in Nagoya. Shifting gears in just 0.15–0.2 seconds, it is one of the fastest gear shifting transmissions fitted to a production vehicle. Nissan claimed they chose a DCT over the traditional manual transmission because of its significant performance advantage, high demand, better fuel efficiency, favouring the advanced technologies featured in the car and being the precise choice for meeting regulation and emission standards. This particular DCT is used in conjunction with the unique ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system, providing power to all four wheels with minimal loss and controlled by the built-in Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to aid in handling and stability.[76][77] Three shift modes can be selected from the drive mode selector: "R-mode" provides maximum performance of the six-speed dual-clutch transmission, "Normal-mode" is recommended for typical daily driving, and "Save-mode" is recommended for maximizing fuel economy, and driving on slippery surfaces, such as on snow or ice. Gear shifting is controlled automatically or manually through paddle shifters.[58]

The ATTESA ET-S Pro all-wheel-drive system used in the GT-R, is a different implementation to the version used in Skyline GT-R models. Unlike the previous versions which relied heavily on mechanical feedback, this updated system uses hydraulically actuated clutches and electronic sensors. This system is a rear biased all-wheel-drive system, providing incredible handling and stability at high speeds. In normal conditions, it provides 100 percent power to the rear wheels through the main carbon-composite propeller shaft. In situations with limited traction available to the rear wheels, such as in heavy acceleration and cornering, the separated additional propeller shaft sends torque from the transfer case to the front differential, resulting in a 50:50 front to rear power distribution. An open type differential distributes power in the front, and a 1.5 way multi-disc mechanical limited-slip differential does so in the rear. In addition to these mechanical components, the car is also capable of managing slip angles. Automatically braking either of the front wheels occurs when slip is detected in order to send power to the other front wheel, so as to mimic the functionality of a mechanical limited slip differential.[76] The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), is offered with three different modes: "R-mode" for performance driving conditions such as on track and dragstrip, lowering traction control sensitivity but does not fully turn off, "Normal-mode" for daily driver use, and "Off-mode" which turns off both traction control and electronic stability control entirely, recommended for skilled driver's hardcore driving, such as for time attacks.

GT-R cutaway model, showing Nissan Premium Midship platform

The GT-R has a curb weight of 1,740–1,785 kg (3,837–3,935 lb)[78][79] distributed 54 percent to the front and 46 percent to the rear, providing greater stability. The car is the first and so far the only model built on the Premium Midship (PM) platform, an evolution of the Front Midship (FM) architecture introduced in the Skyline (V35). Its chassis utilizes hybrid unibody construction using a combination of steel, carbon fibre, and die-cast aluminium. It primarily uses a conventional steel monocoque but with Alcoa aluminium subframes and suspensions. The door frames are die-cast aluminium, and the bumpers are made of lightweight polypropylene. The front cross-member, radiator support and rear diffuser are made of carbon-fibre to strengthen the structure and reduce weight. Many body panels are made of aluminium sheets, such as the bonnet, boot lid and door shells. Outer body panels are stamped using a multiple-strike coining process in order to add rigidity and precision.[80]

The car is fitted with an active suspension system, which contains Bilstein electronic adaptive dampers. Onboard computers adjust the suspension components every one hundredth of a second, evenly distributing the mass for all four wheels and maximizing tyre contact for better grip, under heavy acceleration, braking and cornering. It was the first production vehicle to feature such a suspension system.[81] The Damp Tronic system allows the driver to select three different suspension modes from the mode selector: "R-mode" for maximum performance required on track and dragstrip, "Normal-mode" for daily driver use, and "Comfort-mode", which softens the dampers and improves ride quality, recommended for long-distance driving. The car features 20-inch 15-spoke forged lightweight aluminium alloy wheels manufactured by Rays, originally wrapped with specially developed Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT run-flat tyres, and optional Bridgestone Potenza RE070R run-flat tyres for earlier models in Japan. Each wheel features a knurling around the inside of the rim in order to keep the tyres from slipping on the rim due to heavy acceleration and braking.[82] Brakes are Brembo monoblock six-piston ventilated brake callipers with 390 mm (15.35 in) rotors at the front, and four-piston callipers with 381 mm (15.0 in) rotors in the rear. They are full floating, cross drilled two piece rotors, fitted with low steel and high stiffness brake pads. Carbon ceramic brake rotors were offered in some of the special variants, which are the largest brake rotors ever fitted to a Japanese production vehicle.[83][84]

Rear view of the GT-R, showing signature four round taillights, first offered in 1972 on the Skyline C110

According to chief design director, Shiro Nakamura, "aero blade" front fenders, blackened A-pillars and the slopping roofline of the GT-R are inspired by the giant robots of the Gundam series.[85] Nakamura stated: "The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed sports car; it had to really reflect Japanese culture". Nissan's American designers sculpted the rear three-quarters of the vehicle, while their European designers sculpted the roofline.[85] Nissan developed a 6-stage paint process with a double clear coat and chip-resistant paint for use in critical areas of the chassis. An optional liquid-effect finish employs a hand-polished 8-stage process with product-specific colours, such as the original Super Silver metallic paint, with three layers of clearcoat.

The car features an overall muscular, sharp and a boxy body design. Despite being a bulkier body design compared to its rivals, it provides high-downforce and less–drag through its smoother air flow over the overall body. Up front, NACA ducts were placed on the hood, which scoops in clean air in order cool the engine compartment. Side front fender air vents also improves the airflow around the tyres, while cooling the engine. Front bumper edges are sharpened and features air ducts and vents to improve downforce while cooling the brakes. Overall front end of the car features an aggressive look, the rear end carries on the signature four-round tailights from its predecessors. The rear end also features air ducts and vents for further brake cooling and generates a smoother air flow to minimize drag. A body-coloured rear spoiler, whereas some special editions had a dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler, in order improve rear downforce. The GT-R has a 315-litre rear boot, an under body made out of carbon-fibre panels, smoothens the air flow under the car.[86] The car is fitted with LED headlights, automatic on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and brake lights, dual-heated body-colour power wing mirrors, power-folding side mirrors, flush-mounted aluminium door handles, four 5-inch titanium exhaust outlets with polished tips and UV-reducing solar glass.[87] The GT-R has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.26–0.27, the lowest drag coefficient for a production sports car.[58][88]

Interior (2017 facelift)

The GT-R has a hand stitched premium leather interior, embedded on the dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, centre console and seats. Motor Trend claimed the car has one of the most finely crafter interiors despite its marginally lower price.[89] Carbon-fibre is used in the centre console and in the gauge cluster, which features an analog speedometer, fuel meter and tachometer with a redline of 7,000–7,100 rpm. Digital displays featuring traveling speed, gear, fuel economy and distance calculations. GT-R badged steering wheel contains volume controls and cruise control buttons. Magnesium paddle shifters are can be found on the wheel column in earlier models and on the steering wheel in post 2017 facelifted models. The instrument cluster is angled towards the driver, featuring air conditioning controls, audio set-up controls and drive mode selectors. Centre console features the engine start/off button, leather–wrapped shift liver, parking brake and an armrest with a small storage area inside and a USB port. The car is fitted with an 11-speaker Bose sound system.

The customizable multifunction display integrated into the dash, has its roots in the Skyline GT-R R34

Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo motor racing video games, were contracted to design the multifunction display.[90] It features a detailed log of the driving behavior, speed, g-force, fuel economy and more. Details of mechanical information such as the turbo boost, water and engine oil pressure, transmission oil, front and rear drive distribution, steering angles, braking and acceleration pressure, and optimal gearshift mapping for better fuel economy, satellite navigation and audio controls as well.[91]

2013 (2014 model year) GT-R Track Edition

The GT-R Track Edition (known as the "GT-R Track Edition Engineered by Nismo" in Japan) is a high-performance version, similar to the GT-R SpecV and Black Edition, and was introduced in 2013 originally for the 2014 model year. It was offered with no rear seats saving 10 kg (22 lb) over the Black Edition, stiffer suspension, carbon fibre air inlets, titanium exhaust, improved brake cooling, unique front spoiler and Recaro black and gray leather seats.[92][93] The car featured improved handling and cornering, although no improvements in acceleration compared to the standard model. It originally had a kerb weight of 1,720 kg (3,792 lb).[94]

2019 update

Nissan introduced the updated GT-R Track Edition in 2019 for the 2020 model year at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The car featured the drivetrain from the GT-R Nismo, the VR38DETT engine producing 441 kW; 592 hp (600 PS) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200–5,800 rpm. Acceleration reaction time was increased by 20 percent compared to the previous year. It was offered with a re-tuned independent suspension setup, carbon-fibre roof, wider front fenders, revised wheels and Dunlop tyres from the GT-R Nismo. Carbon ceramic brakes and a dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler were fitted to further improve handling and reduce weight.[95][96]

2014 (2015 model year) GT-R Nismo

In February 2013, Nissan announced a higher-powered and track focused GT-R Nismo would be introduced in the near future. It was expected to be the third Nissan model to join the Nismo line up, next to 370Z Nismo and Juke Nismo.[97] The car was entirely developed by Nismo, with engineers and drivers from the GT3 racing program. Numerous testing sessions took place in the Sendai Hi-Land Raceway and Nürburgring Nordschleife. Development was finalized end of September at the Nürburgring and the team set the fastest lap time for a mass-produced car, with a lap time of 7:08.679 minutes driven by test driver and racing driver Michael Krumm.[98][99][100] The GT-R Nismo officially made its public debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.[101]

Due to larger turbochargers from the GT3 race car, revised ignition timing and a upgraded fuel pump, the power output was increased to 600 PS (441 kW; 592 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200–5,800 rpm, resulting in a change to the 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time to 2.5 seconds.[102] The revised front end featured a larger front splitter and enhanced brake cooling ducts. The larger diffuser, carbon-fibre wing and cooling ducts in the rear completes the enhanced aero package. It contributed 100 kg (220 lb) more downforce at 300 km/h (186 mph) compared to the standard version, without altering the original drag coefficient. The Nismo tuned suspension system featured stiffer springs and re-valved Bilstein adaptive dampers. Revisions were made to the geometry up front to optimize wheel positioning under high g-force, while the rear gets a stiffer and hollow 17.3 mm (0.68 in) stabilizer bar. Nismo-spec Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT run-flat tyres provided more grip, along with lighter Rays 20-inch forged alloys wheels. The standard aluminium boot lid, bonnet and bumpers were replaced with full carbon-fibre panels. Additional spot welds increased chassis rigidity by 8 percent. Including a titanium exhaust system with additional heatsinks, the weight of the car was reduced to 1,730 kg (3,814 lb).[31] Recaro bucket seats, instrument binnacle and steering wheel covered with Alcantara synthetic suede can be found in the interior. The active noise control in the Bose stereo system was removed, and red colour accents can be found in the gauge meter.

2019 update

2019 (2020 model year) GT-R Nismo, featuring revised light-weight wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and fender vents

Nissan unveiled the updated GT-R Nismo at the 2019 New York Auto Show, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GT-R brand. The car featured a revised "R mode" gear setting, with quicker gear shifts. Turbochargers were upgraded to improve acceleration. Lighter wheels with revised Dunlop tyres and a re-tuned suspension setup improved grip. GT3-inspired fender vents improved downforce. The car featured a carbon-fibre roof, front fenders and carbon-ceramic brakes. It used the largest brake rotors to ever be fitted to a Japanese production car.[103][104] In an interview with Motor Trend, chief product specialist, Hiroshi Tamura revealed the acceleration from 0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) was quicker by 2.4 m (8 ft), and the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time was 5 seconds quicker compared to the previous model year, making a potential lap time of 7:03 minutes due to a 5 percent improvement in cornering force and braking performance.[105] Overall weight of the car was reduced by 25 kg (55 lb), to 1,750 kg (3,858 lb).[106] According to Nissan, the upgraded version was 2.5 seconds quicker than the previous year around their test track.[107]

2023 update

2023 (2024 model year) GT-R Nismo equipped with the Nismo Appearance Package

In 2023, for the 2024 model year, the car was offered with major performance upgrades. Cornering was improved due to a front-limited slip deferential up front. A swan neck rear wing with a 10 percent increase in surface area, revised front lip canards and rear diffuser increased downforce by 13 percent over the previous year.[108] It also featured enhanced carbon-fibre bucket seats. The Nismo Appearance Package was introduced, offering special exterior features of the GT-R Nismo Special Edition. This included the exclusive Stealth Grey body colour, clear coated carbon-fibre hood, exclusive engine cover and the red-accented Nismo wheels.[109]

GT-R Nismo N-Attack Package

The Nürburgring lap record setting specification was offered as a special post-production performance package, called the N-Attack Package. 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 (141 lb) over the standard GT-R Nismo. The package was offered in 2016, for the 2017 model year, GT-R Nismo as well. It was offered with 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.[110] Optional competition only components, the bonnet gurney and the six-point harness seat belt were intended for use exclusively in racetracks.[111] In Japan, installation was handled by the Nismo Omori factory. In North America and the United Kingdom, the conversion was handled by Stillen and JR Motorsports respectively.[112]

2021 (2022 model year) GT-R T-spec in Millennium Jade body colour

Nissan introduced the T-spec variant, inspired by the words "Trend Maker" and "Traction Master" used to represent the first GT-R concept back in 2001. This model is a high-performance variant with exclusive upgrades and changes over the standard GT-R, similar to the GT-R Track Edition.[113] It was offered with the iconic Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple exterior colours, used exclusively in the Skyline GT-R R34. Exclusive gold and black engine cover, T-spec badging, carbon-fibre rear spoiler and Rays wheels finished in bronze colour completes the cosmetic changes. Performance upgrades, such as carbon ceramic brakes, air ducts, wider front fenders, increased wheel-rim width, exclusive carbon-fibre roof (boot lid for the Track Edition T-spec) and suspension weight reduction below the springs provided smoother and improved handling, and reduced weight as well.[114] The interior featured a plenty of leather and Alcantara suede finished in Mori Green. The T-spec trim was offered for both the standard and GT-R Track Edition trims. Orders were open from 15–29 September 2021. Deliveries began in the second half of October along with the GT-R Nismo Special Edition in 2021 (for the 2022 model year in the United States).[115] The GT-R T-Spec was re-introduced in 2023, for the 2024 model year, replacing the GT-R Track Edition for the North American market.

GT-R SpecV

Nissan introduced the GT-R SpecV ("V" stands for "Victory") at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. A high-performance version with significant performance upgrades over the standard car. It used carbon fibre rear spoiler, front grille, brake ducts, Recaro bucket seats, and had no rear seats. Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight aluminium wheels and a titanium exhaust system was used to further reduce its weight by 60 kg (132 lb), to be rated at 1,680 kilograms (3,704 lb) – making it the lightest GT-R ever built.[116] Its stylish exterior featured an exclusive body colour, the LAC Black Opal matching the blacked-out wheels, which were wrapped up with Bridgestone Potenza RE070R street tyres with stiffer side walls, providing more grip.[117] Although it featured no improvements in engine power, an over boost button on the steering wheel was added, which could over boost the engine using its larger turbochargers, for up to 80 seconds and increase mid-range torque to 609 N⋅m (449 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 to 5,000 rpm. [117] Its fixed Bilstein dampers were 20 percent stiffer than the standard car.[118][119]

Although the car featured no improvements in acceleration, handling was edgier and more sensitive to driver input. Deliveries began in February 2 in Japan, at seven preselected dealers staffed with specially trained mechanics knowledgeable about racing driving. A total of 110 units were built. Japanese motor publication Best Motoring, around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, recorded a lap of 7:34.46 minutes on damp conditions using a GT-R SpecV.[120] In November 2011, Nismo introduced the "Track Pack" package, which provided the upgraded accessories of the GT-R SpecV. It went on sale on November 24, and was exported to other regions in January 2012. It was limited to 150 units worldwide.[121]

GT-R Egoist

The GT-R Egoist (known as the VVIP Edition in Middle East), is a luxury version which featured premium materials and components over the standard car. It was a limited production variant exclusively offered in 2021, for the 2012 model year. It featured a premium interior with a Wajima Lacquer steering emblem. Exclusive leather and Alcantara suede for the instrument panel, console, door trim, rear side, pillar trim and for the roof trim as well. 12 exclusive leather colour options, fabric carpets, leather cleaners, leather car verification case and leather seats were offered for an enhanced interior quality. Exterior changes include a dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler, titanium muffler, lightweight wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the GT-R SpecV. Dedicated "Egoist" badges were also offered. The VVIP Edition was introduced with minor changes by Nissan Middle East. The GT-R Egoist was sold 43 units worldwide.[122]

The GT-R Black Edition is a high-performance, limited production version succeeding the GT-R SpecV. It featured similar changes such as the same lightweight wheels, carbon-fibre rear spoiler and Recaro bucket seats. The car originally had a kerb weight of 1,730 kg (3,814 lb).[94] The interior was finished in red and black leather, but an optional beige colour known as 'Pale Ivory' was offered. No mechanical changes were made over the standard car. It offered improved handling similar to the GT-R SpecV as well.[123] The Black Edition was re-introduced in 2016. It featured no changes over the standard car, except for the Recaro seats. The car was available in Japan and the United Kingdom but not in the North American market.

The GT-R Gentleman Edition, is a limited production variant based on the Black Edition, sold exclusively in France and Belgium. Only a total of 10 units were built, making it the rarest GT-R to date. It featured an exclusive Grey Squale body colour and "Gentleman Edition" badges next to the front fender vents. Amber red leather upholstery, individually numbered titanium plaque, hand-stitched leather accents and a bespoke sunglass case were added to the interior. No mechanical changes were made over the standard car.[124]

The GT-R Midnight Opal Special Edition, is a limited production variant, limited to 115 units worldwide.[125] The car featured the exclusive Midnight Opal body colour (similar to the Midnight Purple body colour offered in the R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R models), carbon-fibre rear spoiler, increased antifreeze concentration, exclusive Rays wheels finished in a unique hyper titanium paint colour, gold aluminium number plate in the engine bay and a new SRS curtain airbag system.[126]

The GT-R 45th Anniversary Gold Edition is a limited production variant, introduced to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the GT-R brand. The featured improved ride quality and significant cosmetic changes, and went on sale in the beginning of February 2015.[127] A unique gold "Silica Brass" body colour was offered, which was used in the Skyline GT-R R34 M-Spec. A gold-tone VIN plate in the engine compartment, commemorative plaque on the centre console, revised Rays wheels finished in black and the production number plate under the hood were the exclusive changes made over the standard car. Nissan sold a total of 80 units worldwide.[128]

GT-R50

In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT-R brand, Nissan announced the high-performance, limited production GT-R50. Built in collaboration with Italdesign, as the former celebrating its 50th anniversary as well in 2018. The car was limited to a total of 50 units. It borrowed its powertrain from the GT-R Nismo, with a higher-rated power out put of 720 PS (530 kW; 710 hp) and 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft) of torque.[129][130] Achieved by large diameter turbochargers, heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, modified intake system and an upgraded exhaust system. A recalibrated gearbox, reinforced differential, Bilstein continuously variable dampers and carbon-ceramic brakes were added to further improve performance. The car was featured 21-inch carbon-fibre wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. Construction of the bodywork was mainly made out of aluminium and carbon-fibre. Nissan revealed, production of the GT-R50 will be delayed until 2020, due to modifications required to make it road legal.

Nissan's European and American designers were involved with its design, the car was described as a "car within a car". The front and back ends were designed to be emerging from the bodywork. Key design elements include a redesigned rear section, stretched LED headlamps at the front, a power bulge on the hood, lowered roofline, and "Samurai blade" cooling ducts behind the front wheels.[131] Production version of the GT-R50 was unveiled in May 2020, in Italy. It retained all design elements from the concept car, such as the headlamps, bumper designs, splitters, rocker panels, active rear wing, hollow taillamps and dual tailpipes among others.[132] In July 2022, Nissan stopped accepting orders for the car, as all of its 50 units were reportedly sold out.[133]

The Naomi Osaka Edition is a limited production variant, celebrating the partnership between Nissan and its brand ambassador, Naomi Osaka. It was introduced in September 2018 for the 2019 model year, and was limited to 50 units based on the standard GT-R.[134] The car featured three exclusive body colours, Midnight Opal, Brilliant White Pearl and Meteor Flake Black Pearl. Both exterior and interior colour options were chosen by Osaka herself. Interior colours options were Ivory, Amber Red and Tan with Urban Black colour seats. A dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler, gold aluminium model number plate in the engine compartment, privacy glass, increased antifreeze concentration and dark grey front fender outlet ducts were also offered for the car.[135]

GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition

The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition is a limited production model, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GT-R brand, it was introduced at the 2019 New York Auto Show.[136] The car featured exclusive two-tone exterior colours – Bayside (Wangan) Blue with white racing stripes and blue accents on the wheel spokes, Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes, which were used in the Skyline GT-R KPGC10 race cars that dominated the Japan GP series back in 1970s. Changes inside of the car were, a unique steering wheel, shift knob trim, special embossed seats, Alcantara headliner with unique stitching and Alcantara-wrapped sun visors.[137]

2021 (2022 model year) GT-R Nismo Special Edition

The GT-R Nismo Special Edition (known as the "GT-R Nismo SV" in Japan and Australia), is a limited production, built-to-order variant offered in 2021, for the 2022 model year. It was originally limited to 300 units worldwide.[138] The car featured a Nismo-exclusive Stealth Gray body colour, inspired by track tarmacs its predecessors have set records and competed on. Its clear-coated carbon-fibre bonnet, derived from the Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec N1 models, reduced 100g of weight. The Rays aluminium wheels with red accents, matches existing accents around the body. It was the first GT-R variant to adorn the new Nissan logo, introduced on the Nissan Ariya. The car used high-precision weight-balanced engine components, such as the piston rings, connecting rods, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances. Delivering snappier revs and quicker turbo spooling. The typical Takumi certification plate, placed on the engine was replaced with an exclusive red colour.[139][140] By August 6, The car was sold out and Nissan concluded accepting orders.[141] It was re-introduced in 2023 but only in Japan.[108]

GT-R Bolt Edition displayed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

GT-R Nismo Fastest Drift record car at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Various one-off editions of the GT-R were built throughout the years. In 2012, "Usain Bolt" one-off GT-R, named after the athlete Usain Bolt, was built and auctioned off to raise funds for charity. A display model was held in Tokyo, Japan.[142] In 2016, a heavily modified GT-R Nismo set a Guinness World Record for the Fastest Drift, with a trap speed of 304.96 km/h at a 30-degree angle drift. It was driven by Masato Kawabata at the Fujairah International Airport. Three attempts were undertaken by the team of Nissan Middle East, to set the record.[143] The GT-R Predzilla was exclusively built and donated to the Nashville Predators Foundation. The car was based on a standard 2016 (2017 model year) GT-R, and it was the main attraction in the Predators Foundation fundraising auction. It was custom-painted in Preds' official colours and graphics.[144] The one-off Tomica 50th Anniversary GT-R, was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tomica. Based on the 2016 (2017 model year) GT-R, it was wrapped up with the iconic red and black "Tomica Skyline Turbo Super Silhouette" livery, symbolises the relationship between Tomica and Nissan.[145] On April 15, 2021, Nissan unveiled a one-off special version of the GT-R Nismo, wrapped in a gold body colour, built in collaboration with McDonald's in Japan. A toy model GT-R Nismo was offered with the “Tomica Happy Set" meal. It was on sale for a limited time in Japan, began on April 30.[146]

GT-R/C

The GT-R/C was built to celebrate the release of the Gran Turismo Sport video game, and also to mark 20 years of Nissan's involvement in the Gran Turismo gaming series. It was extensively modified to be driven entirely by a DualShock 4 controller. It was controlled by the Nismo athlete and GT Academy winner, Jann Mardenborough around in a cockpit of a helicopter at the Silverstone Circuit. Mardenborough's fastest lap time was 1:17.47 minutes, averaging 122 km/h and reached a top speed of 211 km/h. The GT-R/C was fitted with four robots to operate the steering, transmission, brakes, and throttle. Six computers mounted in the rear of the car to update the controls up to 100 times per second. The unmodified Dual-Shock 4 connects to a micro-computer that interprets the joystick and button signals and transmits them to its onboard systems. The wireless operation had a primary control range of one kilometre. To help Mardenborough judge the vehicle's speed through the corners, a Racelogic Vbox Motorsport sensor was installed to relay speed data to an LCD display in the helicopter cockpit. The car was fitted with two independent safety systems operating on different radio frequencies in order to allow two additional operators to apply full ABS braking and cut the engine in the event of the main operator losing control of the vehicle. In 2018, the GT-R/C was used in a tour of primary and secondary schools in the United Kingdom to promote future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects.[147]

GT-R Tochigi Prefecture Police Department patrol car

The GT-R was used as police vehicles by several police departments. Including the Tochigi Police Department in Japan, Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police Force in the United Arab Emirates among others.[148][149]

In 2013, in a joint project between Nissan Russia and LAV Productions, the 2012 model year GT-R set an ice speed record for a production car at the Lake Baikal, in southern Siberia, Russia. The record was set by Russian racing driver Roman Rusinov, with a trap speed of 294.8 km/h (183 mph). This lake is considered as the deepest lake of the world. According to Nissan, the record car was in standard specifications with factory standard Bridgestone tyres.[167][168]

The GT-R has established numerous record-breaking lap times around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Due to its demanding nature, the iconic racetrack played a pivotal role in the development and served as a performance benchmark for the GT-R.[10] Over the years, Nissan conducted numerous time attacks for the car around the Nordschleife, pitting it against Porsche and Chevrolet in pursuit of setting the fastest lap time for a mass-produced car, which garnered attention from the automotive media. Both manufacturers, fielded their respective sports cars, the 911 and Corvette, and consistently engaged in lap time battles against Nissan.[169][170] The lap times of the GT-R were often navigated by development driver Toshio Suzuki, using factory-standard Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT run-flat tyres.[108]

Having set a 7:38.54 minute lap time in damp conditions before its official launch, Nissan returned to Nordschleife with the GT-R in April 2008, in order to reclaim the record for fastest lap time for a mass-produced car, which was unofficially held by the 911 GT2 with a lap time of 7:32 minutes.[171] The GT-R officially set a lap time of 7:29.03 minutes, claiming the latter lap record as well as the fastest lap time for a four-seater production vehicle record around the track.[108][172][173] Porsche accused Nissan of overstating the performance of the car in September, claimed they conducted a test of a customer-spec GT-R and recorded a slower time of 7:54 minutes, apparently implying that the car was not as fast around the track as it was claimed.[174][175] In October, Nissan added the car was in standard specifications, equipped with factory standard tyres and implied that Porsche's driver was not as talented as theirs. The lap record was reportedly observed by Best Motoring as well.[176] In the following year, the GT-R with performance upgrades to the 2010 model year, improved its lap time to 7:26.70 minutes.[177]

In September 2010, Nissan returned to the Nordschleife, to reclaim the lap record for mass-produced cars, held by the Corvette ZR1 with a lap time of 7:26.4 minutes.[178] Using the facelifted 2011 model year, the GT-R set a lap time of 7:24.22 minutes in its first attempt in damp conditions, which was already a 2-second improvement over the previous lap time. Due to poor track conditions, Nissan could not further improve its lap time and had to settle down with the unofficial latter lap time. But it was enough to best the Corvette ZR1 and reclaim the lap record.[179][180] According to Nissan, the GT-R improved its Nordschleife lap time again in October 2012 to 7:19.1 minutes, by due to the 2013 model year improvements. Allowing the GT-R to reclaim its fastest mass-produced vehicle record again from the updated Corvette ZR1.[181] Nissan claimed that it lost half a second due to traffic, making a potential lap time of 7:18.6 minutes possible, equaling the limited-production 911 GT2 RS.[182][183]

GT-R Nismo prototype

In February 2013, Nissan opened the new Nismo headquarters in Yokohama. CEO Carlos Ghosn planned on introducing a track-oriented version of the car, the GT-R Nismo. He wanted the GT-R Nismo to set the lap record for mass-produced vehicles at the Nordschleife, and sold as the leading Nismo brand within a year. On May 18, development began with Nissan's then-chief vehicle engineer Noboru Kaneko, appointed after the retirement of Mizuno. He led the joint Nismo and Dunlop Tyres effort to achieve their target. On June 26, the team began testing with standard GT-R test mules at Sendai Hi-Land Raceway. On July 16, they paid a visit to the Nürburgring in order to collect data and aid development. Then returned to Japan, built a prototype using information and data collected from that visit. Aerodynamic development was finalized, following a testing session at Sendai Raceway on July 24.

On September 2, the team returned to the Nürburgring with three GT-R Nismo prototypes (in same specifications to the GT-R Nismo N-Attack Package) along with four drivers; Infiniti Red Bull Racing reserve driver Sébastien Buemi, Nismo brand ambassador and racing driver Michael Krumm, former German touring car driver Armin Hahne, and a Japanese racing driver Tetsuya Tanaka. Testing was finalized on September 30, and was aiming for a lap time under 7:10 minutes. All four drivers were offered with 2 laps each, Hahne and Tanaka could not get close enough to the target lap time. But Buemi completed a lap time of 7:12 minutes on his first attempt, but ran out of fuel in his second run as he stopped to take some fuel out to reduce weight, forcing him to abort his much quicker hot lap. Krumm achieved a lap time of 7:10 minutes on his first attempt.[98] At 4:48 p.m, just twelve minutes before the track was scheduled to close, and five minutes before rain,[184] Krumm recorded his second lap time of 7:08.679 minutes and achieved a peak speed of 310 km/h (193 mph) on the Dottinger Hohe uphill straight,[185] setting the fastest lap time for a mass-produced vehicle around the track.[186]

Nismo team invited Car and Driver journalist, Tony Quiroga for a lap around the track. Krumm again drove the GT-R Nismo with the journalist on the passenger seat, and set a lap record for the fastest production vehicle lap time, recorded with a passenger around the track, with a lap time of 7:19.46 minutes and a peak speed of 303 km/h (188 mph) on the Dottinger Hohe uphill straight.[187][188]

The car has set independent Nordschleife lap times as well, conducted by automotive publications. However, the lap times were not as quick as the official lap times, due to being driven by journalist drivers with imposed safety limitations. In a test conducted by Drivers Republic, the GT-R and 997 GT2 set lap times of 7:56 minutes and 7:49 minutes respectively in partially damp conditions. The publication had no doubt that the GT2 could achieve the factory lap time of 7:32 minutes, but not the customer GT-R going faster than 7:41 minutes in spite of the 7:29 minutes of factory claim.[189]

The German magazine Sport Auto recorded a lap time of 7:50 minutes in a GT-R supplied by Nissan during an initial short test in 2007, on partially damp conditions.[190] In 2009, in a full "Supertest", Sport Auto recorded a lap time of 7:38 minutes, driven by Horst von Saurma it was 11 seconds slower than the official claim.[191] It was also identical to a lap time of Corvette ZR1, recorded later by the same publication.[192] In a test with the 2011 facelifted GT-R, they recorded a lap time of 7:34 minutes, also driven by Saurma it was only 10 seconds slower than the official claim.[193]

Motor Trend 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."[194] 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.[195]

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.[155] Edmunds claimed, "the Nissan GT-R delivers true supercar performance in a user-friendly package for less coin than a base Porsche 911", further added "it can get you to 60 mph faster than any Ferrari or Lamborghini currently in production".[196] Top Gear magazine claimed, "This car is the greatest performance bargain of this or any other century, and is one of the most incredible cars of any kind ever built. For the price of a BMW M3, you have a four-wheel-drive, super-high-tech, all-weather, 195mph supercar with tremendous ability on all roads and an almost impossibly cool image. And a boot".[197]

In the first performance test held by Road & Track, they praised the smoothness of its engine's power delivery as well as the lack of turbo lag. They added its brakes could be used to induce oversteer, noting that "steering effort is light, and the all-wheel-drive system takes much of the drama out of exiting corners". Regarding the practicality of the car, the magazine states, "There is plenty of room for a big guy and a back seat that can be used by shorter folks. The ride is on the harsh side, even with the suspension setting switched to full comfort. The various screens of the monitor are neat, though some of the materials here could be better." The magazine on conclusion states, "[the GT-R] might well be considered the most exotic car on the planet".[198]

Autocar magazine's, Chris Harris criticized the GT-R for having a harsh/uncomfortable ride quality, he added "with the three-way dampers set to hard, it is undriveable", but praised its performance and drivetrain, "There is only one performance car with a better powertrain than the GT-R, and it is made by Bugatti at considerable cost. With the double-clutch gearbox set to automatic you only feel a slight judder from first to second and thereafter it is, for want of a less sickly phrase, seamless". Also "there is real sophistication to the way it handles. And unlike its predecessor, the R35 does not just spit you in to oversteer. It simply catapults you away from slow turns". The motor journalist gave a conclusion, stating "I want one now! If you cannot wait for a UK car some time next year then you will need to personally import one. But believe me: if you are after the ultimate performance weapon of the moment, there is every reason to. This is the best value performance car on the planet".[199]

In series 11 of the British motoring show Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson described the GT-R's performance, saying its "acceleration is blistering, it is just savage!". Also complimented its cornering performance, he added "they have not built a new car here, they built a new yardstick", it corners faster than electricity". He was forced to end his test drive prematurely, because of its cornering speed causing him to pull a muscle in his neck at Fuji Speedway.[200] In another episode of Top Gear, James May tested its launch control system. Following his first run using launch control, he stated "that is tremendous, I have never gone off the line that well in a car". Clarkson added "there is no car that accelerates when you look from 30 yards like this one does".[201] In an episode of Fifth Gear, Jason Plato praised its acceleration and cornering performance, stating "it is a great car, it is fantastic fun, it is great value for money, we like it, we like it a lot".[202] Jay Leno, in his television show, also praised its performance and overall practicality as a sports car.[203]

In addition of these accolades, the GT-R have also set Guinness World Records for the fastest accelerating four-seater production car, ice speed record for a production car as well as the fastest drift speed record.[159][168][143] In 2010, it was named as having one of the best resale values of any sports car by Yahoo!.[221] Top Gear, Auto Express and Car Connection entitled the GT-R as one of the best performance cars in 2015.[222][223][224] Car Connection, again claimed the GT-R as one of the best performance cars in 2019.[225] In 2021 and 2022, Autocar and Auto Express named it as one of the best hardcore sports cars.[226][227][228] Road & Track mentioned the GT-R as one of the best daily drivers, while Evo Magazine claimed it as one of the best coupes in 2022.[229][230] Carwow named the GT-R as one of the best sports cars of 2023.[231] Car and Driver listed it as one of the best luxury sports cars of 2024.[232]

Nissan GT-R Nismo GT500

GT-R Nismo GT500
Category	Super GT
Constructor	Nissan
Predecessor	Nissan 350Z GT
Successor	Nissan Z GT500
Technical specifications[236]
Chassis	Carbon-fibre and aluminium honeycomb monocoque
Suspension (front)	Double wishbone, adjustable suspension
Suspension (rear)	Same as front
Length	4,775 mm (188 in)
Width	1,950 mm (77 in)
Height	1,150 mm (45 in)
Wheelbase	2,750 mm (108 in)
Engine	VK45DE 4.5L (4,494 cc (274 cu in)) (2008–2009), VRH34A 3.4L (3,396 cc (207 cu in) (2010–2011), VRH34B 3.4L (3,396 cc (207 cu in) (2012–2013), naturally aspirated V8 engines, NR20A (1,998 cc (122 cu in) single-turbocharged inline 4 engine (2014–2019), NR20B (1,998 cc (122 cu in) single-turbocharged inline 4 engine (2020), NR4S21 (1,998 cc (122 cu in) single-turbocharged inline 4 engine (2021), front-mid longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Hewland 6-speed transaxle sequential transmission with paddle shifters
Power	368 kW (493 hp; 500 PS) (2008–2011) 390 kW (523 hp; 530 PS) (2012–2013) 478 kW (641 hp; 650 PS) (2014–2021)
Weight	1,020 kg (2,249 lb)
Fuel	Various
Lubricants	Motul
Brakes	Brembo ventilated carbon discs, 6 piston (front) and 4 piston (rear) calipers
Tyres	Various, 18×12-inch (front) & 18×13-inch (rear) Rays forged wheels
Clutch	5.5-inch carbon 4 plate
Competition history
Notable entrants	Hasemi Motorsport Team Impul Nismo Kondo Racing Mola NDDP Racing
Notable drivers	Ronnie Quintarelli Tsugio Matsuda Sébastien Philippe Masataka Yanagida Lucas Ordóñez Michael Krumm Satoshi Motoyama Benoît Tréluyer João Paulo de Oliveira Daiki Sasaki Katsumasa Chiyo Jann Mardenborough Kohei Hirate Kazuki Hiramine
Debut	2008 Suzuka GT 300 km round
First win	2008 Suzuka GT 300 km round
Last win	2021 Sugo GT 300 km round
Last event	2021 Fujimaki Group Fuji GT 300km round
Races Wins Podiums Poles 113 41 89 36
Teams' Championships	4 (2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015)
Drivers' Championships	5 (Satoshi Motoyama & Benoît Tréluyer in 2008, Ronnie Quintarelli & Masataka Yanagida in 2011 & 2012, Ronnie Quintarelli & Tsugio Matsuda in 2014 & 2015)

Nismo, the motorsport division of Nissan, participated with the GT-R Nismo GT500 in the Super GT series for the first time in 2008, replacing the 350Z GT.[237] The GT500 version of the car featured a completely different drivetrain compared to the production car. It featured the VK45DE 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, replacing the VR38DETT engine.[238] It used a 6-speed sequential manual gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive layout derived from its predecessor.[239] A prototype was spotted testing around the Suzuka Circuit, as well as at the Fuji Speedway in Japan.[240][241] It went onto win the opening round of its debut season, at Suzuka scoring a 1–2 finish for Nissan.[242] In the following race, repeated its 1–2 result, won the drivers' championship in its debut season, through team Xanavi, and drivers Satoshi Motoyama and Benoît Tréluyer, although they only managed to finish third in the teams' championship. The car's dominant debut season saw it winning 7 out of 9 races and 10 podium finishes with four different teams.[243]

Due to engine reliability issues, The car only managed to achieve 4 victories and 8 podium finishes in 2009, reigning champions won 2 races and 3 podium finishes to end up 3rd in the championship standings. In 2010, the VK45DE engine was replaced by the exclusively developed VRH34A 3.4-litre engine.[244] The season was not been that successful, as the car only managed to win 2 races and 4 podium finishes. Team Impul finished 5th in standings. In 2011 and 2012, Team Mola with drivers Ronnie Quintarelli and Masataka Yanagida won back-to-back championships in both teams' and drivers' classifications. During the two dominant seasons, the car won 8 out of 16 races and achieved 19 podium finishes with three different teams.[245] In addition, it also won the JAF Grand Prix in 2011, Quintarelli won the first race, starting from pole position, while Yanagida finished 2nd to score a podium finish with the fastest lap in the second race. Quintarelli again won the first race in the 2012 round, starting from 10th on the grid. Team Impul GT-R Nismo GT500 set the fastest lap.[246] In the 2013 Super GT season, it only managed to score a race win and 4 podium finishes, Team Nismo finished 6th in standings.[247] In the last ever JAF Grand Prix, team Impul scored a podium finish in the second race, finishing the race in 3rd position, starting from 7th on the grid.[248]

GT-R Nismo GT500 in 2014

In 2014, Super GT regulations were aligned with those of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, and so the V8 engine was replaced by the NR20A 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. The car took the most out of the regulation overhaul, it repeatedly won both 2014 and 2015 championships with Team Nismo drivers, Quintarelli and Tsugio Matsuda. It won 7 races and 21 podium finishes during both seasons.[249][250] In 2016, reigning champions ended up 3rd in standings, the car scored 5 race wins, 2 pole positions and 7 podium finishes with four different teams during the season.[251] Although the team scored a race win, a pole position and 3 podium finishes, both Nismo drivers missed out in the championship by 2 points in 2017. Combined with other teams' results, the car ended the season with a race win, 2 pole positions, and 4 podium finishes.[252]

GT-R Nismo GT500 in 2018

Regulation changes in 2018 saw the beginning of an unsuccessful era for the GT-R Nismo GT500, as it only managed to achieve a race win, a pole position, and 2 podium finishes. End of the season, Team Nismo were a disappointing 8th in championship standings.[253] The 2019 season saw improvements, attaining a race win, 3 pole positions, 2 fastest laps and 6 podium finishes during the season. Team Nismo finished 3rd in standings, 32.5 points behind the championship winners.[254] In 2020, Team Nismo fell back to 5th in standings, as the car only scored 2 race wins, a fastest lap, and 3 podium finishes.[255] Scoring 2 race wins and 6 podium finishes during the 2021 season, it was announced that the GT-R Nismo GT500 will be retired by the end of the season. Including its 5 drivers' and 4 teams' championships, the GT-R Nismo GT500 has the most race wins for a GT500 car, a record 41 race wins (including 2 Suzuka 10 Hours wins) and 89 podium finishes from 113 race starts, making it one of the most successful GT500 race cars of all time.[256] The car was replaced by the Nissan Z GT500 for the 2022 season, after the model's 15-years of absence.[257]

The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its Super GT debut in 2012 at the Okayama International Circuit, with drivers Katsumasa Chiyo and Yuhi Sekiguchi. The car won its first race in the fourth round of the season at Sportsland Sugo, and also scored a podium finish in the following round at Suzuka. It was 4th in the final standings.[258] A couple of difficult seasons followed, in 2013 the car failed to score a single podium finish, in 2014 it only managed to win a race.[259][260] But in the 2013 JAF Grand Prix, team NDDP Racing, with driver Daiki Sasaki won the first race, starting from pole position. In the second race, the car only managed to finish 7th, and ended up being the runner-up of the 2013 JAF Grand Prix. It set the fastest laps in both races, as Nismo Athlete Global Team and NDDP Racing set the fastest laps of the first and second races respectively.[261] The car bounced back in the 2015 season, team Gainer No.10 car, driven by André Couto won the championship, scoring 2 race wins and 4 podium finishes. Including the results of team NDDP Racing, the car finished the season with a total of 4 race wins and 7 podium finishes.[262]

2015 Super GT GT300 championship winning GT-R Nismo GT3

In 2016, the reigning champions only managed to achieve a podium finish at the Suzuka 10 Hour round. NDDP Racing finished the season 4th in standings, scored a race win, and 2 podium finishes during the season.[263] In 2017, neither teams were able to score at least a podium finish.[264] In 2018, Gainer participated with two upgraded GT-R Nismo GT3 race cars, No.10 car finished 5th in standings with a race win and two podium finishes, while the other car only managed to score a podium finish.[265] In 2019, Gainer No.11 car won 2 races to finish 3rd in standings. No.10 car also won a race, and Kondo Racing scored a pole position and a podium finish.[266] Kondo Racing with the GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo won the championship in 2020, with drivers Kiyoto Fujinami and João Paulo de Oliveira, they won 2 races and 3 podium finishes. No.11 car achieved a race win and 2 podium finishes, while Tomei Sports managed to score a pole position and a podium finish as well.[267] Reigning champions returned to defend their title in 2021, but was unsuccessful as they finished the season 2nd in standings, with a race win and 3 podium finishes. No.11 car set a fastest lap, a podium finish, and two pole positions during the season.[268]

2020 and 2022 Super GT GT300 championship winning GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo

Fujinami and Oliveira again won the championship in 2022, with a race win and two podium finishes. It was the 3rd Super GT GT300 championship win for the car. Gainer No.10 car also won a race win, a pole position, and 3 podium finishes, while the No.11 car achieved 2 podium finishes. For the first time, a third different team, Busou Drago Corse scored a podium finish at the Fuji GT 450 km race.[269] Reigning champions Kondo Racing, along with teams NILZZ Racing, Tomei Sport and Gainer returned for the 2023 season. Fujinami was replaced by Teppei Natori.[270] Kondo Racing won the second race of the season at Fuji, starting from pole position. Gainer No.11 car won the fourth round again at Fuji. Despite having unfortunate incidents, Kondo Racing only managed to score a single point during both the Suzuka and Sugo races, causing threats to its crucial title challenge. In the penultimate round, starting from a disappointing 17th on the grid, the team could only manage to finish 5th in the race. Mathematically eliminated them from the championship battle.[271]

Nissan GT-R GT1

GT-R GT1
Category	Group GT1
Constructor	Nissan
Predecessor	Nissan R390 GT1
Successor	Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3
Technical specifications[272]
Chassis	Aluminium monocoque with carbon-composite front cross member/radiator support
Suspension (front)	Double wishbone, adjustable suspension
Suspension (rear)	Multi-link, adjustable suspension
Length	4,730 mm (186 in)
Width	2,040 mm (80 in)
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109 in)
Engine	VK56DE 5.6L (5,552 cc (339 cu in) naturally aspirated V8, front-mid longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Ricardo 6-speed transaxle sequential transmission with a lever shifter
Power	600 PS (592 hp; 441 kW)
Weight	1,250 kg (2,756 lb)
Fuel	Various
Lubricants	Motul
Brakes	Brembo 6-piston calipers with carbon ceramic discs and pads
Tyres	Michelin 31/71-18 (GT1 controlled specification) with 18×13-inch Rays forged wheels
Clutch	5.5-inch carbon triple-plate clutch
Competition history
Notable entrants	Swiss Racing Team Sumo Power GT JR Motorsports
Notable drivers	Karl Wendlinger Jamie Campbell-Walter Warren Hughes Peter Dumbreck Michael Krumm Enrique Bernoldi Ricardo Zonta Nick Catsburg David Brabham Richard Westbrook Lucas Luhr
Debut	2010 FIA GT1 Abu Dhabi round
First win	2010 RAC Tourist Trophy
Last win	2011 FIA GT1 Paul Ricard round
Last event	2011 FIA GT1 San Luis round
Races Wins Podiums Poles 20 7 26 3
Drivers' Championships	1 (2011, Michael Krumm & Lucas Luhr)

On February 27, 2009, Nismo announced a partnership with British racing team, Gigawave Motorsports to participate in the top tier GT/sports car racing series at the time, the FIA GT1 World Championship. In 2009, the GT-R GT1 was built exclusively for the series, it featured the VK56DE, (5,552 cc (339 cu in) naturally aspirated V8 engine, powering the rear wheels through a Ricardo sequential transmission. The ambition was to fine-tune the performance of the car and to be able to provide customer cars for future customer teams in the upcoming seasons. Nismo driver Michael Krumm and Gigawave driver Darren Turner recruited by the team, former Formula One driver, Anthony Davidson also joined them for the 24 Hours of Spa race, where the car scored an in class podium finish, finishing the race in 3rd position, starting from 8th on the grid.[273] The car was not eligible for championship points, as it was concerned as a factory team.[274]

Sumo Power GT scored the first ever FIA GT1 World Championship race victory for the GT-R GT1

In 2010, team Sumo Power GT participated with two cars and drivers, Krumm, Peter Dumbreck, Jamie Campbell-Walter and Warren Hughes. Swiss Racing Team also with two cars and drivers, former Formula One driver Karl Wendlinger, Henri Moser, Max Nilsson and Seiji Ara. The car made its official FIA GT1 World Championship debut in the Abu Dhabi. In the following round, it scored its first race win, Sumo Power GT No.22 car driven by Walter and Hughes secured their qualifying position during the qualifying race and went on to win the championship race by just over two seconds. In the following round at Brno, the No.23 car finished both races in 3rd position to score double podium finishes during the race weekend. Sumo Power GT continued their podium streak into the next round as well, No.22 car finished 3rd in the qualifying race, starting from 5th on the grid and the No.23 car finished 2nd in the championship race. The next major achievement was followed during the seventh round of the season, as the No.23 car with drivers Krumm and Dumbreck won the qualifying race. In the next round at Navarra, the No.22 car again scored a podium finish, finishing 3rd in the championship race, starting from 5th on the grid. The car scored its last podium finish of the season at Interlagos, No.23 car finished the qualifying race in 2nd position, starting from 6th on the grid. End of the season, the No.23 car was 9th in the driver's championship and Sumo Power GT were 6th in the team's championship. The Swiss Racing Team were not that competitive, finishing 10th in the final standings after barely managing to score points during the second, third, and sixth rounds of the season. Although it was the debut season for the car, it finished its competitive outing with 2 race wins and 8 podium finishes.[275]

The 2011 season saw the Swiss Racing Team switching to Lamborghini Murciélago LP670 R-SV race cars, leaving Sumo Power GT running four GT-R GT1 race cars, two under the same team with drivers, Walter, Hughes, Enrique Bernoldi, Ricardo Zonta, Nicky Catsburg and former Formula One driver David Brabham. Two under the sister team JR Motorsports with drivers, Krumm, Dumbreck, Richard Westbrook and Lucas Luhr. In the opening round, JR Motorsports scored a double-podium finish in the qualifying race, No.22 and No.23 cars finished the race 2nd and 3rd respectively. No.22 car maintained 2nd position to score another podium finish in the championship race. The car dominated the third round of the season, all four cars started from the 1st and 2nd rows for the qualifying race. Dumbreck and Westbrook took pole position ahead of the other three GT-R GT1 race cars, which were 2nd, 3rd, and 4th on the grid. In the qualifying race, it was a 1–2–3 finish for the car and a 1–2 finish for JR Motorsports, pole sitters won the race. The momentum continued into the championship race as well, the No.23 car driven by Krumm and Luhr won the race, while the Sumo Power GT No.21 car finished 3rd to score another double podium finish.

The intense battle for the lead at Silverstone

In the fifth round at Silverstone, it was again a double-podium race weekend for the car, as the No.23 car finished 2nd in the qualifying race and won the championship race following an intense battle between the team Young Driver AMR's Aston Martin DBR9. In the following round, the No.21 car finished 3rd in the championship race to score a podium finish. During the seventh round of the season, JR Motorsports again dominated the whole weekend. Qualified 1st and 2nd, the No.23 car won both qualifying and championship races. In the following round at Ordos, the No.22 car finished 2nd in both races to score two podium finishes, while the No.21 car also finished on the podium in 3rd position. In the ninth round, the No.23 car finished 3rd in the championship race to score another podium finish, starting from 4th on the grid. Heading onto the final round at San Luis, the No.23 car was just a point behind the driver's championship leaders. It took pole position and finished 2nd in the qualifying race, winning the driver's championship for Krumm and Luhr by over 17 points. In the championship race, due to a racing incident in the opening lap, the car was forced to retire and was unable to score points during the race. No.22 car served a drive-through penalty while leading the race and finished 8th, missing out on winning the team's championship by just 3 points. JR Motorsports were 2nd in the teams' championship, while Sumo Power GT were 5th. The car finished the season with 5 race wins, 3 pole positions, and 18 podium finishes. It was the last competitive outing for the car, as in 2012 GT1 cars got replaced by GT3 cars and Nissan did not return to defend their title with a GT3 variant of the GT-R.[276]

Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

GT-R Nismo GT3
Category	Group GT3
Constructor	Nissan
Predecessor	Nissan GT-R GT1 Nissan 350Z GT300
Technical specifications[277]
Chassis	Aluminium monocoque with carbon-composite front cross member/radiator support
Suspension (front)	Double wishbone, adjustable suspension
Suspension (rear)	Multi-link (2011–2017) Double wishbone (2018–present), adjustable suspension
Length	4,780 mm (188 in)
Width	1,998 mm (79 in) (2011–2012) 2,036 mm (80 in) (2013–present)
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109 in)
Engine	VR38DETT 3.8L (3,799 cc (232 cu in) twin-turbocharged V6, front-mid longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Ricardo 6-speed transaxle sequential transmission with paddle shifters, multi-disc limited-slip differential with traction control
Power	530 PS (523 hp; 390 kW) (2011–2012) 550 PS (542 hp; 405 kW) (2013–present)
Weight	1,300 kg (2,866 lb) (2011–2017) 1,285 kg (2,833 lb) (2018–present)
Fuel	Various
Lubricants	Various
Brakes	Brembo 6-piston (front) & 4-piston (rear) calipers with ventilated discs and pads
Tyres	Various, 30/71-18 (GT3 controlled specification) with 18×13-inch Rays forged wheels
Clutch	Metal, 5.5-inch carbon 4 plate
Competition history
Notable entrants	GT Academy Team RJN JR Motorsports Kondo Racing Team Gainer GTNET Motorsports HELM Motorsports KCMG
Notable drivers	Alex Buncombe Jann Mardenborough Lucas Ordóñez Straun Moore Wolfgang Reip Katsumasa Chiyo André Couto Kiyoto Fujinami João Paulo de Oliveira Kazuki Hoshino
Debut	2011 Blancpain Endurance Series Magny-Cours round
First win	2012 Sugo GT 300 km
Races Wins Podiums Poles 383 84 230 70
Teams' Championships	10 (1 GWCEE, 3 SGT & 6 ST)
Drivers' Championships	13 (2 GWCEE, 3 SGT, 6 ST, 1 BGC & 1 AGM)

2012 model year GT-R Nismo GT3

Due to the 2011 GT1 World Championship being the last possible competitive outing for the GT-R GT1, Nissan were forced to develop a GT3 variant of the GT-R. Nismo and JR Motorsports joint team immediately began development of the GT-R Nismo GT3. Following numerous testing sessions and three competitive race outings, the car was soon proven to be competitive enough for customer racing teams. It was officially introduced in a press release in January 2012, and was claimed to be fully conformed with Group GT3 regulations. It featured the standard VR38DETT engine with a power output of 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp) at 6,400 rpm, working in conjunction with a Ricardo six-speed sequential transmission, providing power to the rear wheels. Fitted with an adjustable suspension setup and driver controls, the chassis was also re-tuned for competitive racing. Sales and services were provided by Nissan in Japan, Asia, and North America, and by JR Motorsports in Europe, Russia, and the Middle East as well. Nissan were the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to sell a Group GT3 race car, the GT-R Nismo GT3 was sold to numerous customer racing teams throughout the years. Keeping up with the competition, Nismo offered several update kits, with the first update as early as 2013.[278]

2013 update

2013 model year updated GT-R Nismo GT3

The car featured significant performance upgrades for the year 2013. Increased engine output to 405 kW (551 PS; 543 hp) at 6,500 rpm, due to new camshaft timing and reinforced engine parts. Gear ratios were changed to optimize the increase in power. Front canards and a re-positioned rear wing, increased overall downforce without any changes in drag. Additionally, the suspension setup and brake balance were enhanced to further improve handling.[279] In 2014, the car received minor upgrades to reduce running cost and improve reliability.[280] In 2015, fuel efficiency was improved, along with better weight distribution and refined aerodynamics.[281]

2016 update

2016 model year updated GT-R Nismo GT3

The car received another major update in 2016. Nismo claimed the updated GT-R Nismo GT3 is faster, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than the previous model. It was fitted with a new brake system, including larger AP Racing brake rotors, calipers, and master cylinders, to provide more stopping power. Weight distribution was improved by moving the starter motor to the rear transaxel, lowering air jacks, revising the steering column and driver seating position, refining chassis brackets, revising the wiring harness and carbon-fibre air intake pipes. The car was also proved to be aero efficient than before, as Nismo engineers made the front dive planes, rear diffuser, front and rear bumpers more effective with the help of wind tunnel and trackside testing. Driver safety was also been concerned, offered with a lowered dashboard and a flat-bottom steering wheel to improve visibility. Additional side roll cage tubes were added to improve side protection.[282]

2018 update

2018 model year updated GT-R Nismo GT3

In 2018, the GT-R Nismo GT3 received its road car facelift and other upgrades as well. Lowered centre of gravity and further improved weight distribution, significant changes were made over the previous specification. The engine was moved backward and lowered by 150 mm (5.9 in) due to a thin oil pan. The entire drivetrain and driver seating positioning were lowered to the ground, further lowering the centre of gravity and improving weight distribution. The enhanced aerodynamic package featured optimized airflow inside the engine compartment, and a refined layout of air inlets, outlets, radiator, and intercooler produced more downforce and improved cooling. Driver comfort was improved by redesigning the steering wheel and centre console switch panel, and an optional air conditioning system was also offered. The rear suspension setup was changed to a double-wishbone system. Nismo claimed the upgrades led the car to reduce its weight by around 15 kg (33 lb), and improve driving stability, handling, and downforce while reducing drag. The car received minor upgrades in 2020. Which include, repositioned cockpit switches, the introduction of a Power Distribution Module (PDM), upgraded ABS, and TCS systems. The upgraded version was renamed as the "GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo".[283]

Departing from racing

End of 2017, Nissan/Nismo officially withdrew from participating in international GT3 racing as a manufacturer, due to the interest of participating in Formula E. But resumed providing technical support for customer racing teams, which were in racing with customer-spec GT-R Nismo GT3 race cars. End of 2019, Nissan did not renew their relationship with the customer team KCMG. Meaning that the car would no longer race outside of Japan. It has competed in almost every major Group GT3 competition and won several championships. As of 2023, it only competes in the Super GT GT300 class, Japan Cup Series and Super Taikyu Series. The car is FIA homologated for use until the end of 2028.[284][285]

The GT-R Nismo GT3 participated in the largest and most competitive GT championship, the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup (known as the Blancpain Endurance Series at the time). The car was proved to be successful in this tremendously competitive championship. Despite making its debut in the fourth round of the 2011 season at Magny-Cours, it was not in championship contention, only raced in the fourth and fifth rounds of the season. But it had good enough pace to finish an impressive 6th in Pro class, as well as to set the fastest lap of its debut race.[286] 2012 season was also been similar, only competed in the first to fourth rounds of the season.

Pyzera, Ordoñez, Mardenborough and Reip (from left), on the podium of Spa 24 Hour race in 2013

2013 was the first full season the car participated in, and it was soon proved to be a successful season as well. In the second round at Silverstone, the car scored its first race win. Driven by Lucas Ordóñez, Peter Pyzera, and Alex Buncombe, claimed overall pole position as well as the race win in Pro-Am class.[287] It scored a double-podium finish in the following round at Paul Ricard, with JR Motorsports and GT Academy, and took the championship lead in Pro-Am championship.[288] Following another podium finish in the challenging 24 Hours of Spa, GT Academy ultimately won the Pro-Am team's championship in the final round at Nürburgring, by beating the Ferrari works team, AF Corse. Ordóñez won the Pro-Am driver's championship, while Pyzera and Buncombe finished 3rd and 4th in the final standings respectively. The car was able to win a race, take a pole position, and 4 podium finishes during the season.[289] The team returned for the 2014 season to defend their title. In the second round at Silverstone, starting from 3rd on the grid, the car managed to win the Pro-Am class after an intense between an Aston Martin Vantage GT3. It also scored a podium finish at Paul Ricard as well.[287] In the final round at Nürburgring, it took Pro-Am pole position and led the race in the early stages, due to a gearbox issue it was forced to pit and lost positions, missing out on winning the team's championship. End of the season, the car was 4th in the team's championship, tied on points with the team AF Corse, and 7th in the driver's championship with a race win, a pole position, and 2 podium finishes.

The GT-R Nismo GT3 at Monza

In 2015, the GT-R Nismo GT3 was raced in both Pro and Pro-Am classes. It took pole position and finished on the podium in the second round of the season at Silverstone. Winning an impressive overall race, starting from 2nd at Paul Ricard, it was in championship battle heading onto the final round at Nürburgring.[290] The car qualified 2nd and managed to finish the race in 3rd to score another podium finish, and won the driver's championship for Buncombe, Chiyo and Wolfgang Reip, although GT Academy finished 3rd in the team's championship. The sister car from the Pro-Am class took pole position in the final race as well. The GT-R Nismo GT3 won a race, scored 2 pole positions and 3 podiums to finish another successful season.[291] In 2016, reigning champions were unsuccessful to defend their title. Although they started on with a strong 4th-place finish at Monza, unfortunate incidents in Silverstone, Paul Ricard, and 24 Hours of Spa races made the team lack on points. The car was 7th in the team's championship and 9th in the driver's championship. A podium finish at the Nürburgring, starting from 11th on the grid secured its successive podium streak.[292]

GT Academy quit being the title sponsor in 2017, and Motul as a replacement joined the Nissan works team. Similar incidents to the previous season resulted in another unsuccessful season for the car, with a 5th-place finish at Paul Ricard being the best result of the season.[293] The car finished the season again 7th in the team's championship, with neither a race win nor a podium finish. In 2018, Nissan and Nismo did not return, instead a customer team, GT Sport participated in the championship. The team finished on the podium in Silver Cup class at Silverstone, starting from 7th on the grid. The car consistently finished on points for the rest of the season to finish 6th in the Silver Cup driver's championship and 12th in the overall team's championship standings. 2019 was the last season the car participated in, with team KCMG it was not in championship contention, only raced in the 24 Hours of Spa.[294]

In 2013, the FIA GT1 World Championship was replaced by the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup (known as the FIA GT Series at the time). Nissan GT Academy Team RJN made their debut with the GT-R Nismo GT3 in the Pro-Am class. In the inaugural 2013 season, it finished on the podium in every race it participated in. It did not race in the final round at Baku, as the team withdrew the race in order to participate in the 2013 Dubai 24 Hour race with the 370Z GT4, missing out in a possible team's championship win.[295] End of the season, it was 2nd in the team's championship and 5th in the driver's championship with 2 wins, 2 pole positions and 10 podium finishes. The car did not return for the 2014 season. But in 2015, only for the fourth round at Moscow, where GT Academy finished on the podium in Pro-Am class. End of the season, a customer racing team, MRS GT-Racing/Always Involving Motorsport were 7th in the team's championship and 14th in the driver's championship with a podium finish in the second round at Brands Hatch.[296] In 2016, GT Academy participated in both Pro and Silver classes. Finished 4th in the Silver class driver's championship with 2 podium finishes at Brand Hatch and Hungaroring. It was the last appearance of a GT-R Nismo GT3 in this championship.

The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its GT World Challenge Asia (known as the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia at the time) debut in 2018, with team KCMG in Pro-Am and Silver Cup classes. In the second round at Buriram, the car achieved its maiden podium finish. After serving a drive-through penalty, it finished 2nd and set the fastest lap of the race. Following 2 race wins, 3 pole positions, fastest laps, and 11 podium finishes, it finished its successful debut season 2nd in the Pro-Am driver's championship and 5th in the Silver Cup driver's championship. It finished 4th in the overall team's championship as well.[297]

RunUp Sports and Team 5ZIGEN participated in the 2023 Japan Cup Series using two GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo race cars, meaning that the car would race in the Japanese rounds of the 2023 GT World Challenge Asia. Both teams competed in Am and Pro-Am classes respectively.[298] End of the season, RunUp Sports finished 2nd in Am class standings with consistent points finishes throughout the season. 5ZIGEN scored 2 podiums at Suzuka and Okayama. Due to unfortunate incidents in other races, the team withdrew from the Motegi round. It mathematically eliminated them from championship contention. The team finished the season 5th in overall standings.[299]

In 2015, Nissan officially announced entry into the GT World Challenge America (known as the Pirelli World Challenge at the time), with team AE Replay XD Nissan GT Academy. In the fourth round at Birmingham, the car scored its first race win, starting from pole position and driven by James Davison. Its consistent performance led to 7 consecutive podium finishes, starting from Wisconsin to Utah rounds, including a race win at Road America and a fastest lap at Ohio as well. Mid-season driver changes resulted in losing the potential of winning the GTA class championship, it made the car ineligible for points although it scored multiple race wins, pole positions, fastest laps, and podium finishes. End of the season, it was 4th in GT class driver's championship with 3 wins, a pole position, fastest lap and 10 podium finishes, while 5th in the team's championship.[300]

The team returned for the 2016 season, The car started the season on a high, it finished 2nd in the opening race and set the fastest lap. In the next race, it claimed a pole position as well. It repeated the same result at St. Petersburg and Bowmanville rounds. Including 2 back-to-back race wins at Utah, 2 additional podium finishes were followed at Ohio and Laguna Seca rounds. The car finished the season 5th in the driver's championship and 4th in the team's championship.[301] It did not participate since 2017. But in 2018, with teams Nissan Motorsports North America and Always Involving Motorsport, only for the third round at Streets of Long Beach.

Having participated in a few races in the past seasons, the GT-R Nismo GT3 made its full season GT World Challenge Australia (known as Australian GT Championship at the time) debut in 2021. Driver Brett Hobson with Hobson Motorsport chose to race with the same car, used by Nissan in the 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour. It raced under the GT Trophy class.[302] Beginning of a successful season, it won its maiden race and finished on the podium in the opening round at Phillip Island. Following another race win, pole position, and a podium finish, the car required a complete refresh before the championship-deciding final round at Mount Panorama, despite a gearbox issue. Ultimately, it dominated the whole weekend with back-to-back race wins and pole positions. Although it failed to start and retired from a couple of races during the season, it made an impressive comeback to finish 2nd in the final standings, 8 points behind the championship-winning Audi R8 LMS Ultra. End of the season, the car scored 4 race wins, 3 pole positions, and finished every race in the podium to score 6 podium finishes.[303] The team returned for the 2022 season, but only for the first round at Phillip Island, where it took a pole position and scored a double-podium finish.[304]

The GT-R Nismo GT3 of team KCMG

Having only participated in the Bathurst 12 Hour and Spa 24 Hours in 2017, 2019 was the first and only full season, a GT-R Nismo GT3 was raced in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Team KCMG with an updated 2018-spec car, managed to score points in every race of the season. It also set the fastest laps in Bathurst 12 Hour and California 8 Hours. It was the only GT championship where the car did not manage to score a podium finish. End of the season, it was 6th in the manufacturer's championship, just a point behind Ferrari.[305]

The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its British GT Championship debut in 2012, with team RJN Motorsport, and drivers Buncombe and Jann Mardenborough. It set its maiden pole position as well as the podium finish in the first round at Nürburgring. In the fourth round at Brands Hatch, it scored its first race win starting from 10th on the grid.[306] It finished on the podium again at Snetterton Circuit. The car was 6th in the final standings with a race win, pole position, and 3 podium finishes. In 2013, JR Motorsport participated in the championship instead, but only for the first and second rounds of the season. Nissan GT Academy Team RJN scored a podium finish at Spa-Francorchamps, in 2014. Since then, 2018 was the first and final full season, a GT-R Nismo GT3 was raced in the British GT Championship. RJN Motorsport participated under Silver Cup class, Straun Moore won the championship after taking pole positions and winning every race the car participated in.[307]

Threebond Nissan Technical College GT-R Nismo GT3

The GT-R Nismo GT3 is the most successful Group GT3 car in the Super Taikyu Series (also known as the Super Endurance Series), it has won 6 out of 10 full-season championships. It made its series debut in the second round of the 2012 season at Motegi, with team Threebond Nissan Technical College, qualifying 3rd on the grid, but returned to the pits after completing 5 laps in the race, as it was revealed that the race was a testing session to gather data for future competitive outings.[308] The car scored its dominant first race win in the fourth round at Okayama, driven by Fuji, Gamisan and Chiyo, it crossed the finish line by over 21 seconds ahead of the 2nd-placed BMW Z4 GT3.[309] 3 podium finishes were followed, including a double in the fifth round at Suzuka,[310] and another in the final round at Autopolis. Starting from the back of the grid due to technical issues, it ultimately was able to finish on the podium. Although it was not been a full season, the car was able to win a race and score 5 podium finishes.[311]

In collaboration with Kondo Racing the team returned for the 2013 season, and additional GT-R Nismo GT3 race cars from team GTNET Advan and Mach GoGoGo Syaken were entered as well. Following the exceptional debut season, the car carried on its momentum to have another successful season. 10 podium finishes were followed from all three teams throughout the season, as well as 7 pole positions, it also won the final round at Autopolis to score a 1–2 finish. Including few double podium finishes, the car was 3rd in the final standings. [312][313] Starting on in the 2014 season, it was a dominant era for the GT-R Nismo GT3 until the 2017 season. In 2014, except for team Mach Syaken, both teams returned to compete. Winning the opening round at Motegi, it went on to win 4 more races. The car also took 6 pole positions and 8 podium finishes, team GTNET ultimately won the championship with drivers Hoshino, Aoki, and Omoto.[314][315] Both teams returned in 2015, with additional teams using the car include, Endless Sports and Team Mach. It was already a 1–2 finish in the opening round at Motegi, including several such dominant results, Endless Sports went on to win the championship with drivers, Yukinori Taniguchi, Kyosuke Mineo, and Yuya Motojima. Including the results of all five teams, the car finished the season with 5 race wins, 3 pole positions, and 11 podium finishes.[316] 2016 season was the most dominant season for the car, it won every race of the season to finish 1–2–3 in the final standings. Although it won all 6 races consecutively, it also took 5 pole positions and 15 podium finishes as well. Kondo Racing won the championship, with drivers Fuji, Yudai Uchida, and Kazuki Hiramine.[317]

GTNET Motorsports won a record 3 championships with the GT-R Nismo GT3

All teams returned for the 2017 season, and it was the end of consecutive championship wins for the car. Defending champions, Kondo Racing ended up 2nd in the championship. The car scored 3 race wins and 10 podium finishes by the end of the season.[318] It bounced back in 2018 with the updated 2018-spec, starting the season with a 1–2 finish in the opening round at Suzuka, it won 4 more races, took 3 pole positions and 10 podium finishes. Ultimately won the championship for GTNET, with drivers Hoshino, Teruhiko Hamano and Kiyoto Fujinami. Kondo Racing and Endless Sports finished 2nd and 3rd in final standings respectively.[319] In 2019, reigning champions returned to defend their title, while Kondo Racing and Endless Sports were replaced by MP Racing and Tairoku Racing. Reigning champions already secured their title in the fourth race and withdrew the following race, held in Motegi. The car won 3 races, took 2 pole positions and 8 podium finishes during the season.[320] In 2020, GTNET and MP Racing were the only teams that participated in with the car. In the opening round at Fuji, GTNET No.81 car scored a podium finish, as it finished the race in 3rd position. MP Racing were 2nd in the final standings, it was the first and so far only season that the car did not win a race since its debut in 2012. But scored 8 podium finishes to wrap up a winless season.[321] Both teams returned for the 2021 season with upgraded GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo race cars, but were not in championship contention, as both teams did not participate in every race. GTNET won the Fuji 24 Hour race, and they were 4th in final standings. The car finished the season with a race win and 3 podium finishes.[322]

HELM Motorsports, 2022 championship winning GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo

For the 2022 season, both teams returned, and HELM Motorsports with an additional GT-R Nismo GT3 Evo participated as well. Also winning the Fuji 24 Hour race, HELM Motorsports were in championship contention with a Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo throughout the season. The team headed on to the championship decider with 2.5 points behind the AMG GT3 Evo, where the car finished 2nd ahead of the AMG GT3 Evo at 4th to win the championship by 7.5 points. It was driven by Yutaka Toba, Yuya Hiraki and Reiji Hiraki. The car won 3 races and scored 6 podium finishes during the season.[323] Defending champions and GTNET Motorsports returned for the 2023 season.[270] Team 5ZIGEN also raced in the opening round at Suzuka, and the team won the race starting from pole position and set the fastest lap as well. HELM Motorsports again in championship contention with the same AMG GT3 Evo, currently entering the final round of the season with 21.5 points behind.[324]

The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its ADAC GT Masters full-season debut in 2015, with team MRS GT-Racing. Although it was its debut season, it managed to finish in points in most of the races. But three race retirements and two race withdrawals resulted, 11th in the team's championship. In 2016, switching to the Junior class mid-season, it lost its potential of winning the Trophy class championship. End of the season, it was 4th in the Trophy class championship standings. In 2017, scoring multiple class wins and podium finishes, it eventually won the Trophy class championship with the reigning champion, Remo Lips. It was the last season for the car in the championship.[325]

Bathurst 12 Hour

2015 Bathurst 12 hour race winning GT-R Nismo GT3

The Bathurst 12 Hour has been one of the most successful endurance races for the car. One of its predecessors, the Skyline GT-R R32 Group A originally earned its nickname "Godzilla" at this particular endurance race. The standard GT-R made its debut in 2012, with team Donut King Racing and drivers Tony Alfred, Adam Beechey and Peter Leemhuis, it won the C class and finished 6th overall.[326] The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its debut in 2014, with Nismo Athlete Global Team. It qualified 5th but was involved in an incident while fighting for a podium finish, forced to retire from the race.[327] The car bounced back in 2015, with drivers Strauss, Chiyo and Reip, it qualified 3rd and won the race after an intensive battle up front in the final 20 minutes of the race. It charged itself from 3rd to 1st on the penultimate lap.[328] In 2016,  although the car qualified in a disappointing 13th position, it finished 2nd in the race behind the race-winning McLaren 650S GT3 of Tekno Autosports. The car closed a 14-second gap deficit to 1.2 seconds during the final stages, led the most laps of 107 out of the 297 laps and set a record fastest lap during the race as well.[329]

The team did not return in 2017, instead Nissan Motorsport and Wall Racing participated using four GT-R Nismo GT3 race cars. Nissan Motorsport led the race at some stages, but due to a gearbox issue, the car was forced to pit and rejoined 10th, and managed to finish the race 4th in class and 8th overall. The sister car was retired from the race due to technical errors, but was classified as 8th in class and 32nd overall. Both Wall Racing cars were retired from the race.[330] The car did not race in 2018. But in 2019 with team KCMG, due to the race being part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. The car finished the race in 7th position.[331] The team returned for the 2020 race as well, qualified 4th and finished 9th in class, and 12th overall. Another GT-R Nismo GT3 of Hobson Motorsport qualified 6th and finished the race 5th in its class.[332]

Dubai 24 Hour

The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its Dubai 24 Hour debut in 2012, finished the race 22nd in A6 class.[333] The car did not participate in 2013 and 2014. But in 2015, with Nissan GT Academy Team RJN and drivers, Strauss, Ricardo Sanchez, Ahmed Bin Khanen, Nick Hammann, and Gaetan Paletou, the car qualified on pole in Pro-Am class. Although it served a couple of drive-through penalties, it finished 2nd to score a podium finish in its class, and 5th overall.[334] In 2016, a customer team, MRS GT-Racing participated in Pro class. They finished the race 11th in Pro class, starting from 10th on the grid.[335] Following a two year hiatus in 2017 and 2018, the car returned for the 2019 race. KCMG with two cars, qualified 10th and 12th, and finished the race 8th in Pro class while the sister car retired from the race, due to an incident during the race.[336]

Nürburgring 24 Hours

The car made its Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in 2013, with a customer team Schulze Motorsport, it qualified 26th overall. During the race, due to technical issues, the team was forced to replace its engine but rejoined and finished 134th overall.[337] In 2014, they finished 11th in SP9 GT3 class. Nissan GT Academy Team RJN with two cars, finished 13th in the SP9 class while the other car was retired from the race, due to making contact with a barrier.[338] In 2015, the car's best result was a 9th-place finish, starting from 31st on the grid.[339]

GT Academy returned for the 2016 race, qualified 25th, and climbed up positions to finish 11th overall.[340] After two years of absence in 2017 and 2018, the car returned to the race in 2019. Kondo Racing with a 2018-spec GT-R Nismo GT3, qualified in 25th overall, and finished 8th in the SP9 class and 9th overall during the race. KCMG were retired from the race, due to incidents and reliability concerns. Apart from these Nürburgring 24 Hours races, the car has won races and scored podium finishes in the Nürburgring Endurance Series as well.[341]

Suzuka 10 Hours

Despite being part of the Super GT series, both GT-R Nismo GT500 and GT-R Nismo GT3 have raced in the Suzuka 10 Hours (also known as the Suzuka 1000 km). The GT-R Nismo GT500 was the most successful, as it had a 100 percent podium finish percentage in this particular endurance race. It made its debut in 2008, won the race with team Impul and drivers, Tsugio Matsuda and Sébastien Philippe.[342] In 2009 and 2010, it scored 2 podium finishes and the fastest lap in 2010 as well.[343][344] In 2011, Hasemi Motorsport drivers, Quintarelli and Yanagida took overall pole position, finished 2nd with the fastest lap of the race, while team Impul finished 3rd to make it a double-podium finish.[345] In 2012, Quintarelli and Yanagida dominated the whole race weekend to win the race starting from pole position, as well as to set the fastest lap. Kondo Racing finished 3rd to make it two consecutive double-podium finishes for the car. The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its debut and went on to score a podium finish in the GT300 class.[346]

In 2013, the GT-R Nismo GT500 finished 2nd, starting from pole position, and took over the Super GT championship lead.[347] Following another podium finish in 2014,[348] Nismo drivers, Quintarelli and Matsuda took pole position and finished 7th, while team Impul finished on the podium in 2015. Gainer Tanax GT-R Nismo GT3 with drivers, Couto, Chiyo, and Ryuichiro Tomita won the GT300 class, starting from 2nd on the grid.[349] The team scored a GT300 class podium finish in the 2016 race as well, while team Mola GT-R Nismo GT500 also finished on the podium. Team Forum Engineering Advan set the fastest lap of the race.[350] 2017 was the last Suzuka 10 Hours race for the GT-R Nismo GT500. Kondo Racing car with drivers, Sasaki and Oliveira took pole position and finished 5th with the fastest lap of the race as well. Team Nismo finished 2nd to score a podium finish.[351]

Since 2018, Suzuka 10 Hours has no longer taken part in the Super GT series, but in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. In 2018, KCMG GT-R Nismo GT3 qualified 4th on the grid but retired during the race. Team Gainer qualified 10th and finished 14th.[352] In 2019, KCMG qualified in a disappointing 13th place, but made enough positions to finish 6th in the race. MP Racing scored a podium finish in Am class.[353] Since then the race was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns.

Macau Grand Prix

The GT-R Nismo GT3 made its Macau Grand Prix (known as the FIA GT World Cup at the time) debut in 2018, with KCMG in both Platinum and Gold classes. Although it was the debut year, the car was proved to be successful in the race. It qualified 3rd in the Gold class and held onto that position during the qualifying race. The other cars qualified 9th and 10th in the Platinum class and climbed up to finish 8th, while the other car was forced to retire from the race due to an engine issue. In the main race, the car again maintained 3rd position to score a podium finish in the Gold class, while the other cars finished 8th and 9th in the Platinum class.[354]

GT-R Club Track Edition

A production-based GT-R made its world motorsport debut in Australia's Targa Tasmania tarmac rally in April 2008,[355] however it sustained damage early in the event and did not complete the rally.[356] Later in 2008, the car won the Competition Modern class in the Targa West,[357] before returning to Targa Tasmania in 2009 to take the outright win in the Modern class.[358] In 2009, it won the One Lap of America competition.[359] In 2010, the car finished 2nd overall in the One Lap of America competition. During the 2010 SCCA World Challenge season, a pair of GT class cars were campaigned by Brass Monkey Racing and driven by Steve Ott and Tony Rivera.[360]

On June 4, 2010, Nismo introduced the GT-R Club Track Edition,[361] which was available via the Nismo Omori aftermarket factory. This domestic market trim was a non-street legal, race-ready variant equipped with a 6-point roll cage and upgraded with the Nismo race package developed through its Tokachi endurance racer program. On June 25 and 26, 2011, the No.71 Schulze Motorsport GT-R Club Track Edition took part in the 2011 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Driven by Michael Schulze, Tobias Schulze, Kazunori Yamauchi and Yasuyoshi Yamamoto, it finished the race 36th overall, achieving a victory in the SP8T class after overcoming several technical problems. It was the first time a GT-R (R35) took part in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. In 2012, Nissan as a works team, participated in the SP8T class with two Club Track Edition race cars. Team Nissan and GT Academy, both teams made it a 1–2 finish in class, 30th and 99th overall.[362]

Succeeding the Skyline GT-R, the GT-R is also well recognized for its tuning capabilities among enthusiasts. It has set numerous speed records and victories in drag racing, time attacks, hill climbing, drifting among others. Despite early concerns about the difficulty of modifying the GT-R, many aftermarket tuning parts have become available throughout the years. Previously reported "untunable" ECU has since been hacked by several tuning houses. COBB Tuning was the first company to access its encrypted ECU.[363] Japan based tuner, Mine's has limited control of the ECU as well, and others in the likes of MCR, HKS, and Top Secret have bypassed the unit.[364] They have been seen testing modified variations of the car, with the former two having conducted tests at the Tsukuba Circuit.[365][366]

Ecutek tuning, were the first company to manipulate and change its automatic mode shift points in the transmission control module (TCM), which could be done at the will of the driver. Ecutek also offered a system that could adjust its launch control on the fly, available with a wrap-around boost gauge that can read over 20 psi.[367] COBB Tuning and Ecutek offered engine tuning on the ECU and TCM with different launch control software from LC1 up to LC5.[368] On January 16, 2013, Ecutek also became the first company to construct and offer Flex Fuel hardware and software capability for all models. The fuel kit was required the Ecutek specific TCM as well. It provided changes in the cold start cranking compensation, maximum target boost, ignition timing, target airflow, cam timing and in the fuel economy gauge reading all based solely on ethanol content in the gas tank.[369]

Mine's upgraded the high potential VR38DETT engine, using lightened engine internals such as titanium rods, lightened pistons and many other components that allow the engine to rev quickly, as well as to produce power more than 588 kW; 789 hp; 800 PS.[370][371] AMS Performance and Extreme Turbo Systems were the major turner companies for building drag cars and aftermarket tuner parts for the GT-R in North America.

Motor Trend editor Scott Kanemura, revealed that the GPS system fitted to the GT-R would remove the 180 km/h (112 mph) speed limiter when it arrives to a race track, but only on tracks approved by Nissan. Aftermarket ECUs have been developed to bypass that speed limiter, in addition to stand-alone speed-limiter defeaters. The GPS check will not be implemented in American models.[372] Nismo themselves have offered various tuning packages for the car, the "Club Sports" tuning package, which contained the upgraded parts of the GT-R SpecV, among others.[373] Including the Nürburgring Nordschleife record setting N-Attack Package, Clubman Race Spec (CRS), Sports Resetting and Version Up sets which offered facelifted upgrades for pre-facelifted models.[374]

Fastest road-legal 1 mile record holder, GT-R AMS Alpha 12+

AMS Performance, based in West Chicago, Illinois, are well known for the car's drag racing success, having set record power levels and performance numbers, they became the first tuner house to reach 9, 8, 7 and 6 second quarter mile runs. In June 2013, the Alpha Omega GT-R broke into the 7 seconds, ran a 7.98 second quarter mile at 299.56 km/h (186.14 mph). Later during the same day, it also broke couple of other records as well. It bested its previous 97–209 km/h (60–130 mph) time with 2.67 seconds, broke the 161–241 km/h (100–150 mph) record of 2.58 seconds, held by an Underground Racing TT Lamborghini Gallardo with 2.45 seconds. In June 2015, the car was generating over 1,529 kW; 2,050 hp; 2,078 PS and boasted from 0–60 mph in just 1.49 seconds. It set multiple world records at the WannaGoFast 1/2 Mile Shootout. Including a trap speed of 361.8 km/h (224.91 mph) from a standing 1/2 mile, from 97 to 209 km/h (60–130 mph) in 2.28 seconds, 0–161 km/h (0–100 mph) in 2.78 seconds, 0–300 km/h (0–186 mph) in 7.07 seconds and 0–322 km/h (0–200 mph) in 10.49 seconds. Its best quarter-mile time was 7.49 seconds at 310 km/h (193 mph), making it the quickest and fastest road-legal vehicle at the time. It also won the King of The Streets competition two times in a row. Its AMS Performance Alpha Omega package was a research and development project and was not available for customers. But the Alpha 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, and X packages were available; with each respectively producing approximately 447 kW; 600 hp; 608 PS, 669 kW; 898 hp; 910 PS, 746 kW; 1,000 hp; 1,014 PS, 895 kW; 1,200 hp; 1,217 PS, 1,044 kW; 1,400 hp; 1,419 PS, 1,193 kW; 1,600 hp; 1,622 PS, 1,641 kW; 2,200 hp; 2,231 PS when installed and tuned.[375][376]

In 2017, AMS Performance built the Alpha-G GT-R, it was the first to run a quarter-mile in 6 seconds, completed a quarter mile run in 6.937 seconds. Driven by Gidi Chamdi with a trap speed of 315.36 km/h (196 mph), it held the fastest all-wheel-drive vehicle record.[377] Later, ETS (Extreme Turbo Systems) with their car, broke the record with a 6.88 seconds in a quarter-mile run at 358.80 km/h (223 mph), also setting the record for fastest standing half-mile with a trap speed of 410.29 km/h (255 mph).[378] In December 2018, Alpha Logic Performance from Dubai set the quarter-mile record for fastest all-wheel-drive vehicle, using the "Panda" GT-R. It ran a quarter mile distance in 6.582 seconds at 373.82 km/h (232.28 mph).[379][380] In 2019 Import vs Domestic finals, the 2,610 kW; 3,500 hp; 3,549 PS and 100 psi of boost, ETS-G GT-R again broke the fastest all-wheel-drive and stock unibody world record, as it completed a quarter mile run in 6.56 seconds with a trap speed of 362.02 km/h (225 mph), winning the competition by beating the AMS Performance's Alpha Queen GT-R, which ran a 6.87 second quarter mile.[381] T1 Race's Nightfury GT-R set the record for fastest stock location turbo GT-R as well as the fastest and quickest GT-R record, completing a quarter mile distance in 6.51 seconds with a trap speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).[382]

In the Dragtimes competition in Russia, AMS Alpha 12 GT-R set the fastest road-legal standing 1 mile record, driven by Jury with a trap speed of 382 km/h (237 mph).[383] Later in the same competition, Switzer Goliath GT-R broke the record in 22.602 seconds at a trap speed of 402 km/h (250 mph).[384][385]

Modified variations of the GT-R have participated in several time attack challenges, especially in the World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC), with teams HKS, Precision Automotive Racing and LYFE. In 2015, HKS built the fastest time attack GT-R, it had the same VR38DETT engine with generating over 883 kW; 1,184 hp; 1,200 PS. It became fastest at Fontana, California, Fuji Speedway (achieving a peak speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph) in the main start/finish straight) and also in Sydney Motorsport Park. It participated in the 2015 WTAC and won the GT-R R35 class with the fastest lap time of 1:30.838 minutes.[386] In 2017, LYFE's 847 kW; 1,136 hp; 1,152 PS GT-R broke all the records of HKS and won the WTAC.[387] The GT-R of Precision Automotive Racing, driven by Aaron McGranahan, set a peak speed of 269 km/h (167 mph) and won the Flying 500 class title.[388] The team did not return for the 2018 season. But in 2019, finished 5th in Pro class championship standings.[389] The car also won the Super Lap Battle USA, setting a lap time of 2:07.18 minutes around the Circuit of the Americas.[390] It also claimed to be the fastest time attack automobile in North America.[391]

The GT-R have participated in many hill climb competitions in both stock and modified forms, notably in the Jaguar Simola Hill Climb in South Africa. In the 2019 season, the factory standard GT-R was named "the most successful supercar", winning the final Top 10 Shootout event. Kyle Mitchell driving, it set a time of 40.862 seconds to become the fastest road-legal vehicle.[392][393]

The driver of the GT-R Nismo fastest drift world record, Masato Kawabata won the 2015 D1 Grand Prix with the modified Toyo Tires Drift Trust Racing GT-R.[394] Darren Kelly with team The Heart of Racing won the Pro-series championships of 2019 and 2021 D1NZ Drifting Championship seasons.[395][396]

On August 13, 2014, Mike Newman set a Guinness world record for the "Fastest speed for a car driven blindfolded", in a GT-R modified by Litchfield Motors from the United Kingdom.[397]