Nissan GT-R

2001 GT-R Concept at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show

GT-R Proto Concept at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show

Nissan showed two GT-R concept cars at motor shows before it unveiled the production model: one at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001, to preview a 21st-century GT-R;[10] and a redesigned one, dubbed GT-R Proto, at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Officials said the production GT-R would be 80 to 90% based on the second concept.[11]

The production version of the GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as the 2009 model year, with a lap time of 7:38 minutes at the Nürburgring Nordschleife beating the all-time sports classic Porsche 911 Turbo as Nissan stated before launching the car.[12] The GT-R launched in the Japanese market on December 6, 2007. The U.S. official launch was seven months later on July 7, 2008. Universal Nissan in Los Angeles provided a customer with the delivery of a new GT-R, fresh from the production line at 12:01 am, on July 7, 2008. The Canadian launch was also in July 2008. Europe became the third consumer market, where it launched in March 2009. The large disparity in initial marketing between these regional releases is due to Nissan having to build GT-R performance centers where the car is serviced.

The engines are hand built by only four specially trained mechanics called "Takumi Craftsmens" on a special line at Nissan's Yokohama plant and their names are badged on every GT-R engine. The cars are built at their Tochigi plant on a shared production line.[13][14][15][16][17]

A rear view of the GT-R, showing the signature taillights first offered in 1972 on the Skyline C110

Nissan chief creative officer, Shirō Nakamura, has likened the new GT-R to the giant robots of the Gundam series.[18] 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.[18]

Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series of motor racing video games, were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R's multifunction display.[19]

The customizable multifunction display integrated into the dash of the GT-R that had its roots in the R34 Skyline.

Interior

As of 2014 the GT-R was the only model built on Nissan's Premium Midship (PM) platform,[20] an evolution of the Front Midship (FM) architecture introduced on the 2001 (V35) Skyline. It is a hybrid unibody assembled on ultra-low-tolerance jigs similar to those used in race car construction. Alcoa aluminum is used for the hood, trunk lid, and outer door skins, with die-cast aluminum front shock towers and inner door structures. Outer body panels are stamped using a multiple-strike coining process for added rigidity and precision. The chassis is stiffened with a carbon-composite front cross member/radiator support.

Nissan developed a 6-stage paint process with a double clear coat and chip-resistant paint for use in critical areas of the GT-R chassis. An optional liquid-effect finish employs a hand-polished 8-stage process with product-specific Super Silver metallic paint and three layers of clearcoat.

The Premium trim for the GT-R has a body-coloured rear spoiler whereas the Black Edition has a dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler. Both the Premium and Black Edition models are 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 aluminum door handles, four 5-inch exhaust outlets with polished tips and UV-reducing solar glass.[21]

The VR38DETT engine

The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT V6 engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) DOHC V6 with plasma transferred wire arc sprayed cylinder bores.[22][23] Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction.[24] Models manufactured between 2007 and 2009 are rated at a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 358 kW (487 PS; 480 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 583 N⋅m (430 lb⋅ft) at 3,200–5,200 rpm.[22] The engine also meets California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.[22] The standard GT-R and the NISMO GT-R has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.27.[22][25]

A curb weight of 1,724 kg (3,800 lb)[2][4] with side curtain airbags is achieved using a jig welded steel chassis with aluminium used for the hood, trunk, and doors.[22] A rear mounted six-speed BorgWarner designed[26] dual-clutch automatic transmission built by Aichi Machine Industry[27] shifting gears in just 0.2 seconds is used in conjunction with the ATTESA E-TS system[28] to provide power to all four wheels, along with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) to aid in stability.[22] Three shift modes can also be selected for various conditions.[22] The Nissan GT-R features four-wheel 15" floating disc Brembo brakes with monoblock calipers (six-piston on the front; four-piston on the rear).[22][29]

A 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium with the updated design

The revised GT-R features an engine with revised mapping, changes to valve timing, larger inlets and a revised exhaust system which boosts rated power to 406 kW (552 PS; 544 hp)[42] and 612 N⋅m (451 lb⋅ft) of torque from 3,200 to 6,000 rpm. Changes also include a new more rigid front strut bar made from carbon composite, larger front brake rotors, new lighter and stiffer wheels, and revised Dunlop tires. Cosmetic changes include a new front bumper with integrated LEDs. The front bumper improves cooling to the radiator and front brakes while reducing drag. A new rear diffuser improves downforce and also includes additional rear cooling ducts. The interior was revised to improve quality. The new model is offered with a new HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and a USB port with iPod connectivity. The revised GT-R went on sale in Japan from mid-November 2010 and February 2011 in Europe, North America, and other regions.[43]

2017 Nissan GT-R with new updates.

The updated Nissan GT-R has the same twin-turbocharged 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6 VR38DETT engine. but increased the engine output to (419 kW (570 PS; 562 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 633 N⋅m (467 lbf⋅ft) at 3,200–5,800 rpm). The transmission system is also refined to shift the gears quicker than before.

Other updates include a new front and rear end, bumpers design have been added to improve air cooling system and aerodynamics, new leather has been added to the whole interior with a new steering wheel, new infotainment systems and redesigned center console, new 20-inch aluminum forged wheels, new suspension system, new titanium exhaust system, and new braking systems were added to newly updated GT-R.[44]

GT-R SpecV

Nissan introduced the GT-R SpecV on January 7, 2009 at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. This version uses carbon fibre trim inside and out, and has no rear seats.[45] In addition, a new colour was introduced limited to the SpecV, LAC Black Opal,[46] The car came with Bridgestone Potenza RE070R tyres.[47]

The GT-R SpecV is powered by the standard twin-turbocharged 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6. A new high gear boost controller that allows a temporary increase in boost pressure from the IHI twin turbochargers, now larger than those on the standard GT-R, delivering 20 N⋅m (15 lb⋅ft) more torque than the standard GT-R in mid to high-range revs.[47] Other mechanical changes include a titanium exhaust, Recaro bucket seats,[47] reworked suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and 20-inch (510 mm) NISMO wheels. Overall weight is decreased by 60 kg (132 lb) over the standard GT-R.[48]

Sales began in Japan on February 2, 2009, at seven preselected dealers staffed with specially trained mechanics knowledgeable about racing circuit driving. The price was ¥15,750,000 (about US$160,000). The SpecV was also sold in Europe and the Middle East. A total of 110[49] SpecV were built, 77 for Japan, 24 for Europe, 1 for United Kingdom, 7 for Middle East and 1 additional car.

Auto Express tested the SpecV and posted a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 3.20 seconds, ¹⁄₄ mile (400 m) time of 11.5 seconds, pulled 1.12 g on the skidpad and 120.2 km/h in the slalom. An earlier tested Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 resulted in an identical slalom speed but a lower 1.06 g on the skidpad.[50]

Nissan introduced the GT-R Egoist as the luxury version of Nissan GT-R for the 2012 model year which is only produced for the Japanese and European markets with only 43 units. (With 2 VVIP Editions).

The new updates to Egoist include increased engine power output to 537 PS; 530 hp (395 kW) at 6,800 rpm and torque to 607 N⋅m (448 lb⋅ft) at 3,200-5,800 rpm. Nissan improved straight-line performance for this new model with 2.9 seconds of 0-60 mph time, and it can do a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 122.7 mph.

Interior upgrades include a Wajima lacquer steering emblem, exclusive leather and Alcantara for instrument panel, console, door trim, rear side, pillar trim and roof trim, new leather interior colour, fabric carpet, leather cleaner, leather car verification case, and leather seats.

For Exterior a new Carbon-fibre rear spoiler with LED-type high-mount brake light, a Titanium muffler, and exhaust system, dedicated emblem, and Rays lightweight forged aluminum wheels with carbon-ceramic brakes.

The VVIP Edition was introduced by Nissan Middle East and it was only sold in the Middle East. VVIP version upgrades include interior colours among 12 choices (four upper area interior colours and seven lower area interior colours), new racing seats, Wajima Lacquer (Maki-e) Emblem on the middle of the steering wheel, new Bose Precision Sound System and Carbon Rear Spoiler. The wheels, front shells, and some other small components were painted with unique gold paint.

The car went on sale with a price tag of US$140,000 and sold 35 units in Japan, 3 in the United Kingdom, 3 in Europe, and 2 VVIP Editions in the Middle East.[51]

The Black Edition comes with exclusive 20-inch RAYS wheels and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler. Recaro racing seats were commissioned specifically by Nissan for the Black Edition. The interior is finished in red and black leather, but a beige colour known as 'Pale Ivory' is also available. No mechanical changes are made from the standard GT-R.

In 2013, for the 2014 model year, Nissan introduced a limited production Track Edition GT-R which removes the rear seats (saving 10 kg (22 lb) over the Black Edition) and adds stiffer suspension, carbon fibre air inlets, improved brake cooling, a unique front spoiler, and new black and gray leather Recaro front seats.[52]

Motor Trend tested the 2014 model year Track Edition GT-R, achieving 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 2.7 seconds, ¹⁄₄ mile (400 m) in 10.8 seconds at 201.3 km/h (125.1 mph).[53] The German car magazine sport auto tested the top speed of the Track Edition GT-R, and achieved a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).[54]

At the April 2019 New York Auto Show, Nissan introduced the 2020 model year GT-R Track Edition. The car gets its drivetrain from the NISMO GT-R's twin-turbocharged 3.8 L; 231.8 cu in (3,799 cc) V6 VR38DETT engine with 609 PS; 601 hp (448 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) at 3,200-5,800 rpm and gets a 20% of increase in acceleration reaction time compared to the previous model year GT-R Track Edition. Other updates includes a NISMO tuned independent suspension system, new dry carbon fibre roof reducing weight, NISMO front fenders, new RAYS 20-inch NISMO forged aluminium alloy wheels with Dunlop 255/40RF-20 run-flat SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST NISMO-spec tires and dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler. The Track Edition includes new re-designed red and black colour treatment for interior with high-grip Recaro seats.[55]

Nissan introduced the GT-R Gentleman Edition in 2012 for sale only in France and Belgium. Nissan planned to build only 10 units of this model. This model based on the 2014 model year GT-R Premium Edition and sold with a price tag of US$110,627.[56]

In July 2013, Nissan introduced the Midnight Opal Special Edition. The production planned to produce 100 units of this model. But 115 units were built of this edition.

The new model's upgrades include new Midnight Opal special paint colour (which is painted for Nissan Skyline GT-R's special editions), Carbon rear spoiler (with LED high-mount brake light), increased the antifreeze concentration, new RAYS aluminum lightweight forged wheels with a unique hyper titanium colour, Gold aluminum model number plate in engine bay and new SRS curtain airbag system.

The car went on sale with a price tag of US$105,590. And sold 48 units for Japan, 50 for the United States, 3 for Europe, 9 for the Middle East, 1 for Korea, and 1 for Taiwan.[57]

2020 model year GT-R NISMO

Nissan introduced the GT-R NISMO at the November 2013 Tokyo Motor Show,[58] as the world's fastest volume production vehicle around Nürburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of 7:08.679 minutes by Nissan test driver Michael Krumm.[59]

In the new model, power increases to 441 kW (600 PS; 591 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200-5,800 rpm. The 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time changed to 2.5 seconds.[60] The gear-ratios did not change in the dual-clutch transmission. The fuel tank capacity is 19.5 US gal; 16.3 imp gal (74 L). Additional front and rear brake cooling ducts are added, and a full NISMO tuned suspension is installed, including a hollow 17.3 mm (0.68 in) rear stabilizer bar from the NISMO performance division.

Special edition forged alloys by RAYS in 20-inch sizes are included. The standard GT-R's aluminum trunk lid is swapped out for a full carbon fibre panel and additional spot welds and adhesive help strengthen the chassis. A front splitter with carbon fibre air ducts up front add to the special NISMO full aerodynamic package, while a large racing-style carbon wing completes the rear.

Inside, the NISMO edition has special seats with a black and red colour treatment made with synthetic suede. The instrument binnacle and steering wheel are also covered in synthetic suede. The Bose stereo system does not have active noise control. The gauges have some red colour treatment as well. NISMO-specific options are low-gloss matte gray paint and a full titanium exhaust with additional heatsinks. These changes, in aggregate, reduce weight by 17 kg (38 lb), which is the reason that the NISMO GT-R accelerates even faster than before.

At the 2019 New York Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the 2020 GT-R NISMO and the 50th anniversary GT-R for the GT-R's 50th anniversary. Updates to the NISMO GT-R include a new "R mode" gear shifting the setting to shift gears more quickly, new turbochargers from the GT3 race car to improve the acceleration, RAYS 20-inch wheels, GT3-inspired fender vents, lightweight carbon-ceramic brakes, new re-tuned suspension, and the roof, hood and fenders are made with carbon fibre to reduce the weight. Nissan says new NISMO GT-R is faster and more track-focused than previous models, and the weight has been reduced by 20 kg compared to the 2017 model year NISMO GT-R.[61][62]

In June 2019, Nissan's Hiroshi Tamura visited Motor Trend for an interview to talk about the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO. He said the acceleration from 0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) is quicker by 2.4 m (8 ft) because of improvement on acceleration. He also said that the lap time of the Nurburgring Nordschleife will be quicker by 5 seconds compared to the 2017 model year GT-R NISMO because of a 5% improvement in cornering force and better braking performance.[63]

Nissan claimed the price for the 2020 model year GT-R NISMO of US$210,740.[64] and the car can accelerate 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 2.5 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).[65]

In a test by Top Speed magazine, a 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO accelerated from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 2.48 seconds.[66]

A special edition of the GT-R NISMO is outfitted after the purchase of the NISMO model. This package includes the parts which the original GT-R NISMO has when racing for the fastest lap time on the Nürburgring track. For Japan, installation is handled by NISMO Omori factory. For North America, the conversion is handled by STILLEN.[67]

GT-R NISMO N-Attack

Nissan introduced a limited production 45th Anniversary Gold Edition GT-R based on the Premium package. Ride quality was improved compared to the previous model. It went on sale at the beginning of February 2015.

The car has the twin-turbocharged 3,799 cc (231.8 cu in) V6 VR38DETT engine with 410 kW (550 hp; 558 PS) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) at 3,200-5,800 rpm.

The car painted in a unique gold-coloured paint called Silica Brass, which was earlier used for the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 M-Spec. Other updates include a gold-tone VIN plate in the engine compartment, a commemorative plaque on the interior center console, new LED headlights, taillights, and brake lights, new fully black coloured interior, new 20-spoke RAYS wheels finished in black colour and the limited production vehicle number plate under the hood.

Nissan built only 80 units of this edition – 25 for Japan, 27 for USA, 5 for United Kingdom, 2 for mainland Europe, 16 for Middle East, 4 for Australia and one additional car for testing and press use.[68][69]

Nissan GT-R50 concept on display

To celebrate the GT-R's 50th anniversary, Nissan has announced that, in 2019, they will introduce a limited-production GT-R called the GT-R50. Only fifty of these cars will be produced with a price tag of US$1.1 million and the car became the most expensive vehicle produced by Nissan. The GT-R50 shares its powertrain with the GT-R NISMO but is rated at 530 kW (721 PS; 711 hp) and 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft) of torque.[70][71]

Upgrades to the engine include large diameter turbochargers shared with the GT3 specification GT-R, a heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, a modified intake system, a new exhaust system, a recalibrated gearbox, and a reinforced differential. The rear suspension system uses Bilstein continuously variable dampers and the car uses carbon-ceramic brakes. The GT-R50 comes standard in 21-inch carbon-fibre wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The design of the bodywork is a result of a collaboration between Italdesign and Nissan, with the former celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018. Construction of the bodywork is mainly of aluminum and carbon-fibre.

It was originally shown as a concept car not intended for production. Nissan decided to produce fifty of them to celebrate Nissan's 50th anniversary but it was delayed 2 years to 2020 due to modifications required to make it road legal.

The design was developed by a team of Nissan's European and American designers and has been described as a "car within a car". The front and back sections are designed so they appear 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, a lowered roofline, and "Samurai blade" cooling ducts behind the front wheels.[72]

The first production model of the GT-R50 was revealed in May 2020 in Italy. It retains all the design elements of the prototype such as the new headlamps, the bumper designs, splitters, rocker panels, active rear wing, hollow taillamps, and dual tailpipes.[73]

Nissan introduced the GT-R Naomi Osaka Edition for 2019 in September 2018. Nissan described that they made this car to celebrate the partnership with Nissan brand ambassador Naomi Osaka. Nissan planned to build 50 units of this model with specifications of the GT-R Premium model.

The car came with three body colours including Midnight Opal, Brilliant White Pearl, and Meteor Flake Black Pearl. Both exterior and interior colours matched her. Other upgrades include new Ivory, Amber Red or Tan interior with Urban Black coloured seats, Carbon rear spoiler (with LED high-mount brake light), Gold aluminum model number plate in the engine compartment, SRS curtain airbag system, Privacy glass, increased the Antifreeze concentration and Dark grey front fender outlet ducts.[74]

Nissan introduced the 50th Anniversary Edition for 2019 at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The car has the 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6 VR38DETT engine with 421 kW (572 PS; 565 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 633 N⋅m (467 lb⋅ft) at 3,200-5,800 rpm. Nissan revealed the price of US$123,040 to the bayside blue, pearl white GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition and US$125,040 for the super silver GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition.[64]

Nissan introduced two-tone exterior colours – bayside (wangan) blue, with white racing stripes, blue accents on the wheel spokes, and pearl white with red stripes and super silver with white stripes also available for the 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R.

The 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R includes unique steering wheel and shift knob trim, special embossed seats, an Alcantara headliner with unique stitching and Alcantara-wrapped sunvisors.[75]

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

In 2012, a "Usain Bolt" special edition GT-R was built by Nissan and auctioned off to raise funds for charity along with a display model held in Tokyo, Japan.[76][77] In 2013, another one was built and delivered to Usain Bolt.[78] Bolt's car has gray wheels, a "Spec Bolt" badge and "white egoist" colour style interior. Its licence plate is 7300GJ, corresponding to Jamaica.

The displayed car has grey chrome wheels but no Bolt Spec badge and a black interior with red accents along the edge of the seat. It has a license plate with the words "MR BOLT" on them. After being displayed, it was moved to the Nissan Heritage Museum, Zama where it is exhibited.

Rod Maher of Australia won the auctioned vehicle at the charity eBay auction. This car delivered as an Australian specification GT-R and has gold wheels, a black interior but no red accents or Bolt Spec badge.[79]

Nissan builds the fastest drift vehicle with support of NISMO by using a 2016 model year GT-R NISMO which was specifically tuned for the Guinness World Record for {Fastest Drift.

The modifications included power output is increased to 1380 hp, a racecar spec interior, Greddy Trust's tuning setup, new aerodynamic parts, specially tuned TOYO tyres, new Recaro seats and new RAYS lightweight wheels. Tests began at Fuji Speedway in Japan with a professional drifting driver Masato Kawabata. At the end of the tests the Nissan GT-R broke the record at Fujairah International Airport, UAE.

Three attempts were undertaken by the Nissan Middle East's organization. There were three attempts with driver Masato Kawabata for the record and on the third attempt car broke the record with a trap speed of 304.96 km/h and a 30-degree angle drift.[80]

The Predzilla GT-R was specially built by a 2017 model year Nissan GT-R Premium Edition and donated to the Nashville Predators Foundation. This Nissan GT-R was the main attraction in the Predators Foundation fundraising auction. The auction was won by David and Hilary Whitt of Richmond, Virginia, United States for a price of US$113,000.

This GT-R Premium model is custom-painted in Preds’ official colours and graphics and features a carbon fibre rear, especially blue colour painted RAYS wheels and a black coloured interior.[81]

Nissan built this car to celebrate the release of Gran Turismo Sport and to mark 20 years of Nissan involvement in the Gran Turismo gaming series. This car was extensively modified to be driven entirely by a DualShock 4 controller.

The GT-R/C controlled by NISMO athlete and GT Academy winner Jann Mardenborough around in a cockpit of a helicopter at the Silverstone National Circuit. On Mardenborough's fastest lap which took 1:17.47 minutes, the car averaged 122 km/h and reached a top speed of 211 km/h.

The GT-R/C is fitted with four robots that operate the steering, transmission, brakes, and throttle. Six computers mounted in the rear of the car update the controls at up to 100 times a second.

The unmodified Dual-Shock 4 connects to a micro-computer that interprets the joystick and button signals and transmits them to the cars' onboard systems. The wireless operation has 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 GT-R/C is also 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 Nissan GT-R/C will be used in a tour of primary and secondary schools in the UK to promote future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects.[82]

Testing by Drivers Republic of a GT-R and 911 GT2 in stock form resulted in times of 7:56 minutes for the GT-R and 7:49 minutes for the GT2 respectively in partially damp conditions. While the tester had no doubt that the GT2 could achieve the factory time of 7:32 minutes, he couldn't imagine the customer GT-R going faster than 7:41 minutes in spite of the 7:29 minutes of factory claim.[92]

The German magazine sport auto achieved a time of 7:50 minutes on the Nürburgring with a car supplied to them by Nissan during an initial short test in 2007 in partially damp condition.[93] In 2009, in a full "super test" sport auto achieved a time of 7:38 minutes on the Nürburgring with a standard GT-R driven by Horst von Saurma,[94] identical to a later "super test" Corvette ZR1 time.[95] In a first test with the facelifted GT-R model, sport auto recorded a lap time of 7:34 minutes on the Nürburgring with a standard GT-R driven by Horst von Saurma.[96]

The sport auto magazine tested the 2007 model year GT-R on the Hockenheimring circuit and recorded a lap time of 1:10.7 minutes during the "supertest".[97]

In 2009 Nissan claimed a lap time of 7:26.7 minutes with a 2009 model year GT-R on the base model's Dunlop tires[98] having previously set a time of 7:29 minutes on standard Japanese market tires.[99][100] Porsche has claimed Nissan overstated the GT-R's performance in September 2008.[101][102] Porsche claimed to have conducted a test of a factory stock, European market GT-R and achieved a slower time (of 7:54 minutes), apparently implying that the car isn't as fast around this public road as Nissan claims and/or that their driver isn't as talented as Nissan's. Nissan disputed the former and implied the latter claim in October 2008.[103][104]

In September 2010, Nissan's sets a Nürburgring lap time using the 2011 model year GT-R with a new design. Driven by GT-R's development driver Toshio Suzuki. and the car set a lap time of 7:24.22 minutes.[105][106]

According to Nissan, the GT-R improved its Nürburgring lap time in October 2012 to 7:19.1 minutes by due to the 2014 model year improvements. This made it the 9th fastest ever production car around the Nürburgring at the time. Nissan claimed that it lost half a second in traffic, making a potential lap time of 7:18.6 minutes possible.[107][108]

Nissan GT-R GT500 of Impul competing at the Suzuka 1000 km in 2017

NISMO, the motorsport arm of Nissan, entered the Nissan GT-R in the Super GT race series in the GT500 class for the 2008 season, replacing the 350Z.[124]

The 2008 GT500 version of the car has a completely different drivetrain compared to the production car. The race car is upgraded to a VK45DE 4.5-litre naturally aspirated[125] V8 instead of the twin-turbocharged VR38DETT V6 engine. It uses a 6-speed sequential manual gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive layout from its predecessor, the 350Z race car.[126]

The GT-R safety car leading a pack of cars at the Super GT race at Fuji Speedway in May 2008

A prototype was spotted testing around the Suzuka Circuit as well as Fuji Speedway in Japan.[127][128] The car went on to win the opening race of the 2008 Super GT season at Suzuka scoring a one-two finish for Nissan.[129] In race two, the GT-Rs repeated their 1–2 result. It won the drivers' championship in the 2008 season through the Xanavi NISMO GT-R driven by Satoshi Motoyama and Benoît Tréluyer, although they only came third in the teams' championship. It also won 7 out of 9 races by 4 different teams using GT-Rs.

Nissan GT-R Nismo GT500 of Mola in the 2014 Super GT season

The GT500 version scored 4 victories in the 2009 Japanese SUPER GT Series GT 500 class.

In 2010, the VK45DE 4.5-litre engine was replaced by a newly developed 3.4-litre engine (VRH34A).[130]

In 2011 and 2012, Team Mola GT-R with drivers Ronnie Quintarelli and Masataka Yanagida got back to back championships in both teams' and drivers' classifications in the Super GT500 class.[131]

In 2014, the Super GT regulations were aligned with those of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, and so the V8 engine was replaced with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.[132]

Nissan GT-R safety car at the FIA GT1 World Championship at the 2011 Silverstone round.

On February 27, 2009, NISMO announced a partnership with British racing team Gigawave Motorsports to enter a GT-R in four races in the 2009 FIA GT Championship season. The entry did not compete for championship points but was used by NISMO to refine the performance of the GT-R for future customer teams to use the car in the planned FIA GT1 World Championship in 2010. NISMO driver Michael Krumm and Gigawave driver Darren Turner would co-drive the GT1 GT-R.[133]

The Sumo Power GT-R won the 2010 RAC Tourist Trophy at Silverstone Circuit as part of the FIA GT1 World Championship on May 2, 2010.

The 2011 season saw Swiss Racing Team switch to Lamborghini which left Sumo Power running four GT-Rs, two under the Sumo Power GT name and two under JR Motorsports.

JR Motorsports with the drivers Michael Krumm and Lucas Luhr won the Drivers Championship for the 2011 season, gaining 3 wins and 1 pole position in 10 races. The team got second place in the teams' championship because in the last race the No.23 car retired from a crash and the No.22 car had a penalty when leading in the first place of the race and finished at 8th. End of the race team behind by just 3 points by the team champions.

JR Motorsports No.23 Nissan GT-R GT1 race car (front) won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship.

Designed and produced specifically to compete in the FIA GT1 World Championship, the GT-R NISMO GT1 is based on the road-going version of the Nissan GT-R. The GT-R NISMO GT1 is powered by a NISMO race-prepped VK56DE, a naturally aspirated V8 engine that displaces 5,552 cc. It measures 80.3inches in width, 186.2 inches in length, and has a wheelbase of 109.4 inches.[134]

• Displacement: DOHC naturally aspirated V8 front mid-engine 5,552 cc (5.6 L; 338.8 cu in)
• Power output: 600 PS; 591 hp; 600 PS (capped – GT1 regulations)
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Torque: 649.91 N⋅m (479.35 lb⋅ft)
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Curb weight: 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) (as per GT1 regulations)
• Transmission: Ricardo 6-speed transaxle, sequential shift lever, 5.5-inch carbon triple-plate clutch
• Suspension: Adjustable suspension with double wishbones front and multi-link rear
• Brakes: Brembo 6-piston calipers with carbon discs and pads
• Tyres: Front and rear Michelin 31/71-18 (GT1 controlled specification)

A GT-R won the 2015 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour driven by Katsumasa Chiyo, Wolfgang Reip and Florian Strauss

A GT-R won the Suzuka 300km driven by Katsuyuki Hiranaka and Hironobu Yasuda

The GT-R NISMO GT3 is powered by the VR38DETT, a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that displaces 3,799 cc. It measures 80.15 inches in width, 188.19 inches in length, and has a wheelbase of 109.45 inches.[135]

• Displacement: DOHC twin-turbocharged V6 front mid-engine 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in)
• Power output: 447 kW (608 PS; 599 hp) at 6,500 rpm
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Torque: 691 N⋅m (510 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm
• Drivetrain: Premium Midship RWD
• Curb weight: 1,300 kg (2,866 lb)
• Brakes: Front: 6-piston caliper Rear: 4-piston caliper
• Drag coefficient: 0.26
• Transmission: Six-speed sequential racing transmission in transaxle configuration with multi-disc limited-slip differential and traction control
• Suspension: Adjustable suspension with double wishbones front and multi-link rear
• Extras: semi-automatic paddle-shift
• Tyres: Front: 330/710-18, Rear: 330/710-18
• Top speed: 293–330 km/h (182–205 mph) depending on gearing ratio.

GT-R GT3 won the 2015 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour driven by Katsumasa Chiyo, Wolfgang Reip, and Florian Strauss. The NISMO team returned to the Mount Panorama Circuit for the 2016 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour where after qualifying a disappointing 13th, Chiyo, Strauss and Nissan Australia's Rick Kelly finished in second place, only 1.2 seconds behind the race-winning McLaren 650S GT3 from Tekno Autosports. The NISMO Athlete Global Team led the most number of laps in the race having led for 107 of the 297 laps run.[136]

In addition, a GT-R GT3 won the Pro-Am cup championship at the 2013 Blancpain Endurance Series.[137] but in two years later Nissan GT Academy won the championship at the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series.[138] and also it won the Super Taiku Series and Super GT for several times respectively.

In 2016, it won in all six races for the Super Endurance Series, easily winning the series championship. At the Total 24 Hours of Spa, the car finished all the races consecutively 4 years in a row between 2014 and 2017, as well as finishing 24 Hours Nurburgring consecutively between 2014 and 2016.[139][140]

A production-based GT-R made its world motorsport debut in Australia's Targa Tasmania tarmac rally in April 2008,[141] however it sustained damage early in the event and did not complete the rally.[142] Later in 2008 a GT-R won the Competition Modern class in the Targa West[143] before returning to Targa Tasmania in 2009 to take the outright win in the Modern class.[144] In 2009 Nissan's GT-R won the One Lap of America competition.[145] In 2010 the GT-R finished 2nd over all in the One Lap of America competition.

During the 2010 SCCA World Challenge season, a pair of GT class GT-Rs were campaigned by Brass Monkey Racing and driven by Steve Ott and Tony Rivera.[146]

On June 4, 2010, NISMO announced a Club Track Edition[147] GT-R available via its Nissan supported Omori aftermarket factory. This domestic market trim is 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 Nissan GT-R took part in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring 2011 driven by Michael Schulze, Tobias Schulze, Kazunori Yamauchi and Yasuyoshi Yamamoto. The car finished the race in 36th place overall, achieving a victory in the SP 8T class after overcoming several technical problems. It was the first time a Nissan GT-R took part in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. In the following year, Nissan participated the SP8T class with 2 Club Track Edition GT-Rs as a works team, which driven by Team Nissan and Team GT Academy, both cars completed the race in 99th and 30th in overall respectively – through they are the only entries in SP-8T class that year.

Despite early concerns about the difficulty of modifying the Nissan GT-R, many aftermarket tuning parts have become available. The previously reported "untunable" ECU has since been hacked by several tuning houses.

COBB Tuning was the first company to access the GT-R's encrypted ECU.[148] With their AccessPORT anyone can reprogram both the engine and transmission control units with off the shelf or custom maps. Mine's also has limited control of the ECU, and others (MCR,[149] HKS, and Top Secret) have bypassed the unit. They have been seen testing modified GT-Rs with the former two having conducted tests at the Tsukuba Circuit.[150][151]

Ecutek tuning, on the other hand, was the first company to manipulate and change shift points on the GT-R in the TCM (Transmission Control Module) on automatic mode. This can be done at will by the driver. Ecutek also allows the driver to adjust launch control on the fly available with a wrap-around boost gauge that can read over 20 PSI.[152] Like COBB Tuning, Ecutek currently offers engine tuning on the ECU and TCM with different launch control software from LC1 up to LC5.[153] On January 16, 2013, Ecutek also became the first company to construct and offer Flex Fuel hardware and software capability for all Nissan GT-Rs. This fuel kit requires the Ecutek specific TCM. The kit provides changes in the cold start cranking compensation, changes to the maximum target boost, changes in the ignition timing, changes to target airflow, changes in cam timing, and changes in the fuel economy gauge reading all based solely on ethanol content in the gas tank.[154]

Japan based tuner Mine's has created the VR38DETT super response engine which uses lightened engine internals like titanium rods, lightened pistons and many other components that allow the engine to rev more quickly, it makes 588 kW; 789 hp; 800 PS.[155][156]

AMS Performance, Alpha Logic Performance, and Extreme Turbo Systems all build drag cars and aftermarket tuner parts for the Nissan GT-R.

In a review by Motor Trend editor Scott Kanemura, it was revealed that the GPS system fitted to the GT-R would remove the 180 km/h (112 mph) speed limiter when the car arrives at a race track, but only on tracks approved by Nissan. Aftermarket ECUs have been developed to bypass the speed limiter, in addition to stand-alone speed-limiter defeaters. The GPS check will not be implemented in American models.[157]

In August 2008, Nissan's official motorsport and tuning arm NISMO announced the "Club Sport" tuning package for the GT-R . The package, which is also fitted to the SpecV,[158] includes Bilstein Damptronic compatible dampers, 20" forged aluminum wheels from RAYS Engineering, Bridgestone run-flat tires, Recaro carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats, a titanium exhaust, and a revised rear diffuser with an added cooling duct.[159] The package is supported by a warranty and saves over 20 kg (44 lb).

AMS Performance, based in West Chicago Illinois, has set record power levels and performance numbers for the GT-R. Their Alpha Omega GT-R as well as the first GT-R to reach the 9's, 8's, and 7's. In June 2013, OMEGA broke into the 7s when it ran a 7.98 at 299.56 km/h (186.14 mph). During the evening of the 7-second pass, Omega broke a couple of other records. Omega bested its previous 97–209 km/h (60–130 mph) time with 2.67 seconds. Omega also broke the 161–241 km/h (100–150 mph) record which was previously held by an Underground Racing TT Gallardo (2.58 seconds) with 2.45 seconds. But in June 2015, the Alpha Omega GT-R get generating over 2050 HP and boasts 0–60 mph time of 1.49 seconds. Omega set multiple world records at the WannaGoFast 1/2 Mile Shootout at Built Field Airport in Monee, Illinois which included: 361.8 km/h (224.91 mph) in a standing 1/2 mile; 97–209 km/h (60–130 mph) time 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; 0–322 km/h (0–200 mph) in 10.49 seconds. the Alpha Omega GT-R did its best quarter-mile time in 7.49 seconds at 310 km/h (193 mph). making it the quickest and fastest GT-R and road-legal vehicle in the world. and the car won the King Of The Streets competition two times in a row. The AMS Performance Alpha Omega package functions more as a shop/research and development vehicle which is the reason why it is not available to the general public. However, anybody can purchase the Alpha 6, Alpha 9, Alpha 10, Alpha 12, Alpha 14, Alpha 16, and Alpha X packages; each respectively with approximately 600, 900, 1000, 1200, 1,400, 1,600, 2,200 wheel horsepower when installed and tuned.[160][161]

In 2017 AMS Performance build a GT-R calls Alpha-G GT-R and the car will be the first Nissan GT-R to do a quarter-mile in 6 seconds. The car ran it from 6.937 seconds driven by Gidi Chamdi with a trap speed of 315.36 km/h (196 mph) and held the fastest AWD record.[162] But Later ETS (Extreme Turbo Systems) GT-R broke the record with 6.88 seconds of quarter-mile pass at 358.80 km/h (223 mph). And it became the world's fastest car at a standing half-mile with a trap speed of 410.29 km/h (255 mph).[163]

In December 2018, the Alpha Logic Performance from Dubai set the quarter-mile record for fastest GT-R and fastest AWD using their "Panda" GT-R in 6.582 seconds at 373.82 km/h (232.28 mph).[164][165] But in 2019 Import vs Domestic finals the 3500 whp and 100 PSI of boost ETS-G GT-R broke the quickest and fastest GT-R, AWD and Stock Unibody world record. Car ran the 1/4 mile in 6.56 seconds and a trap speed of 362.02 km/h (225 mph). And won the competition by beating the Alpha Queen GT-R which is ran a 6.87 second quarter mile.[166]

World's fastest road-legal 1 mile record holder Nissan GT-R AMS Alpha 12+

At the Dragtimes Competition, Russia, the AMS Alpha 12 GT-R broke the fastest road-legal standing 1 mile record driven by Jury with a trap speed of 382 km/h (237 mph) but later the record broken by a 2500 whp Ford GT.[167] Later in the same competition, Switzer Goliath GT-R broke the quickest road-legal standing 1 mile record in 22.602 seconds with a trap speed of 402 km/h (250 mph).[168][169]

Modified Nissan GT-Rs have competed in time attack challenges, especially for WTAC (World Time Attack Challenge). Time attack GT-Rs have been fielded by HKS, Precision Automotive Racing and LYFE.

In 2015, the HKS GT-R became the fastest time attack GT-R, it has the same VR38DETT engine generating over 1200 HP. It became the fastest vehicle at Fontana, California, Fuji Speedway (with a peak speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph) and in Sydney Motorsport Park. the car competes at the 2015 WTAC and won the GT-R R35 class with the fastest lap record of 1:30.838 minutes.[170] But in 2017, LYFE's 1136 HP GT-R broke all HKS's records and won the title as fastest time attack GT-R at the WTAC.[171]

In 2017 WTAC, Precision Automotive Racing's GT-R, driven by Aaron McGranahan, set a peak speed of 269 km/h (167 mph) and won the Flying 500 class title.[172]

The Nissan GT-R has competed in both stock and modified forms in many hill climbing competitions, such as the Jaguar Simola Hill Climb in South Africa.

At the 2019 Jaguar Simola Hill Climb, the Nissan GT-R was named the most successful supercar. In the final Top 10 Shootout event, Kyle Mitchell won the event, setting a time of 40.862 seconds and becoming the fastest road-legal vehicle.[173][174]

In February 2016, using a modified GT-R NISMO, Masato Kawabata set a new world record for the fastest 30-degree drift at approximately 304 km/h at the Fujairah International Airport.[175]

The Nissan GT-R played a main role in Fast & Furious 6.[176] The car in the widely successful movie has modified bumpers, new vented hood, modified fenders, side sills, carbon doors, carbon roof, and carbon spoilers.

On the August 13, 2014, Mike Newman broke the record for the 'fastest speed for a car driven blindfolded' in a Nissan GT-R modified by Litchfield Motors (UK).[177]