October 2007
GT-R revealed
480PS twin-turbo 3.8 litre VR38 V6 engine. Available mainly through Nissan High Performance Centres nationwide in Japan on December 6th. World’s first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car.
3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38” engine, features plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed power-plant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which provides for an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiently and helps GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan. GT-R’s new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kg/m (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control. The instrument pod in front of the driver contains a big easily visible gear indicator.
Suspension is a special Bilstein DampTronic system, which uses sensors and ECU to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.
GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled discs, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimise fade and provide stable braking. Runflat tyres balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tyres are designed to maintain their integrity for 80km of travel at 80 km/h.
A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear centre armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminium die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself; provide sound quality suited for a supercar owner.
December 2008
Engine power increased
Now up to 485PS (+5PS). Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres confirmed as standard fit. ‘Storm White’ (Pearl) replaces original pearl white exterior colour. Gun Metal RAYS Alloy wheels now fitted to GT-R and Premium editions. Black RAYS alloy wheels for Black Edition Price now increased for all new orders (from 8 December 2008). For customers ordering now, the price of the GT-R will start from £56,795 on the road with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395).
January 2009
Limited GT-R Spec V model announced
Goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear centre storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.
March 2009
UK deliveries commence
On-the-road pricing for the GT-R
- Nissan GT-R £52,900
- Nissan GT-R Premium Edition with automatic headlamps and digital Bose® audio system £54,200
- Nissan GT-R Black Edition with exclusive Kuro black paint, gunmetal grey alloy wheels and black leather and Pearlsuede interior with red leather highlights £55,500.
10 specialist dealers – Nissan High Performance Centres – have been appointed in the UK to ensure that GT-R customers receive the level of specialist attention and aftersales care that this special car warrants. They will invest in the specialist sales and technical training for their staff that such a car demands, as well as the highly sophisticated equipment necessary to maintain and repair the GT-R.
The Nissan High Performance Centres have been chosen because they share the passion that customers have for the GT-R, and they have met strict criteria in terms of customer satisfaction, resources and location relative to customers
November 2009
Specification for GT-R updated
By changing the front spring and damper rates, the ride comfort is improved, while handling becomes even more dynamic thanks to improved responsiveness and more accurate control of suspension movements. At the rear, the stiffness of the suspension radius rod bushings has been increased, giving improved feel and responsiveness during cornering.
The logic controlling torque distribution between the front and rear axles when the GT-R is manoeuvring at low speeds just after start-up, when fluids are cold, has been altered to reduce rear-axle ‘binding’. Furthermore, the logic in the gearbox has been changed to give a later downshift from 6th to 5th when being driven in automatic mode, but a more aggressive downshift pattern is adopted when changing down from 4th to 3rd, and from 3rd to 2nd gear.
To improve cooling around the rear of the car, two additional NACA cooling ducts have been added to the carbon fibre underfloor diffuser which will provide additional cooling to the exhaust and gearbox. Furthermore, a new, larger diameter pipe connecting the oil cooler will reduce gearbox temperatures.
Another small, but significant update has been to the front transmission mount, which has been stiffened, reducing vibration through the driveline under high-load conditions.
The balance of the electonic brakeforce distribution bias has been moved slightly rearwards, giving greater braking stability in dry conditions, while a change in design of the rear brake cross spring has reduced noise and a modified air deflector increases rear brake cooling. Changes to the emissions system now ensure GT-R is Euro 5 compliant, without loss of output or performance, with CO2 emissions having dropped by 3g to 295g/km.
Visually, front and rear bumpers now benefit from a double coat of clear paint, giving a deeper colour finish, while inside the speedometer and rev counter now sport gun metallic finish surrounds. Finally, uprated insulation has been fitted to the rear seats, further improving cabin refinement.
Since September 2009 deliveries, the GT-R has been equipped with Nissan’s next generation combined audio and navigation system, offering improved ease-of-operation, new and updated features. Indeed, the GT-R is the first Nissan model to be equipped with the new system. At its heart is a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system with 40GB of memory space. This makes for faster operation and greater data storage capacity.
December 2009
Nissan GT-R SpecV on sale
Only 40 available across Europe – priced at £124,900. Developed as the ultimate iteration of the GT-R, the SpecV model builds on the original GT-R’s product concept by changing and enhancing key components that help deliver the SpecV’s philosophy of being for skilled drivers who are ‘at one’ with their vehicle.
Incorporating all of the product enhancements recently announced for the standard MY10 GT-R, these changes are based around the SpecV’s ability (in the right conditions and environment) to brake later and harder, corner faster and accelerate sooner.
Although maximum horsepower output remains unchanged, engine performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which briefly increases boost of the twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide greater in-gear acceleration. Braking and cornering performance is improved by the fitting of a carbon ceramic brake system jointly developed by Nissan and Brembo, revised springs and fixed-rate dampers. Other performance modifications include a titanium exhaust system.
Externally, the SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed uniquely for this model by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO), the sports car and motorsports arm of Nissan in Japan. The SpecV’s exterior also features a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. All of these changes amount to a weight saving of 60kg.
Inside, the SpecV is offered uniquely as a two-seater (non-SpecV GT-R models also include two-place rear seat) with bespoke Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats trimmed only in Black leather, while carbon fibre is also used for the surround of the rear Bose speakers, instrument panel and other trim areas.
In addition to a revised paint colour line-up (Ultimate Metal Silver and Titanium are not available) the SpecV is available in optional Ultimate Black Opal (RP), a unique chromaflair paint for this version.
October 2010
Enhanced GT-R launched
The exterior features more strength and stability, while the traditional creative flair associated with the GT-R’s striking appearance has also been updated, to offer improved aerodynamics. A sportier interior complements the enhanced design.
Engine output is significantly improved to 530PS (390KW) at 6,400rpm, with the maximum torque of 612Nm from 3,200 to 6,000rpm. The engine cover is, enigmatically, painted red to illustrate its enhanced performance.
Standing start performance can now be maximised through the use of R mode. To activate, the driver must select R mode, depress the brake whilst in gear, apply full throttle and release the brake as soon as possible. The system will monitor oil temperatures to ensure reliability is maintained and prevent further use if the temperatures rise above the maximum allowance.
To help control tight turning at slow speeds a new 2-Wheel drive mode will temporarily shift the car to 2-Wheel drive as long as the speed is below 6MPH and the steering wheel is turned more than half way.
A very rigid and lightweight strut supporting bar, made of carbon composite with an aluminium honeycomb, has been installed in the partition wall of the engine compartment. By linking right and left struts to quickly receive suspension input, the vehicle body’s responsiveness is enhanced.
An additional support member has been installed in the passenger’s side dash panel. The responsiveness of the chassis is further improved by enhanced rigidity achieved by the connection with the engine compartment.
The rear suspension toe performance has been modified by changing the roll centre height to a lower position. This gives an improvement to the grip of the inside edge of the tyres while conducting turning manoeuvres.
The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tyre has a new compound to improve grip. With a revamped structure and improved rigidity of tread and sidewall, straight-line stability in rutted roads is enhanced.
Stability is improved by an enlarged bumper and grille openings, with increased three-dimensional effects.
The front bumper has been redesigned, with double rectifier fins which increases front downforce by around 10%, while reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment and also increases the air flow through a radiator which cools the front brakes. Each side incorporates an LED daytime running light fitted with a large-diameter reflecting surface emitting a high-intensity white light.
A newly-designed rear bumper with a low centre of gravity has been created and features a sculptured lower part with an extended rear end. By extending the rear diffuser, underfloor cooling performance is enhanced, with reduced air resistance. The four tailpipe finishers have also been enlarged.
A high-intensity LED rear fog lamp is now incorporated within the extended rear diffuser. Six exterior colours are available, including two new colours - Metallic Black, replacing solid Kuro Black and Daytona Blue replacing Titanium Grey.
A newly-shaped pad and finisher surround the navigation system display, with uniform stitch lines, illustrates the enhanced feeling of quality.The heater control panel now has a real carbon finish surrounding the switches which are now all finished in matt black.
The paddle shifters have been changed to feature magnesium. Chrome-plated rings in the console and air-conditioner outlets are finished with a sporty, black and smokey coating.
With the new on the road price of £69,950, the GT-R still represents outstanding performance at a competitive price. The standard ‘no extra cost’ specification list remains as strong as always with Premium Connect HDD satellite navigation, Bose stereo system, iPod connectivity, hard drive music storage, Bluetooth phone connection, 20-inch alloy wheels, runflat tyres, and individual climate control air conditioning.
November 2011
Nissan launches 2012 model year GT-R
The new model goes on sale 24 November in Japan and arrives in European showrooms from early 2012.
- More power (550PS), improved economy and lower emissions
- Unique asymmetric suspension settings on RHD cars
- Rear view camera now standard
- New track focused version to come to the UK
Significant improvements to the engine, chassis and transmission which accentuates the pure performance potential of the GT-R are the key changes to Nissan’s flagship model for the 2012 model year.
This latest version, which goes on sale from early December for the UK with deliveries expected in early 2012, is the most efficient yet. It offers even greater performance but this is allied to improved economy and lower emissions to provide further excitement to drivers and passengers.
As well as more power, the 2012 MY GT-R has a newly developed asymmetric suspension which compensates for greater weight on the driver’s side in RHD models, enhanced transmission ‘feel’ and a stronger body for extra rigidity and ever better handling.
By improving the GT-R’s engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been improved to 24mpg (from 23.5mpg), while engineoutput rises significantly to 550PS (+20PS) at 6,400rpm with maximum torque of 632Nm (+20Nm) from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm.
The quality feel of the instruments placed in front of the driver have been enhanced by the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light giving a more sophisticated atmosphere in the cockpit.
The Bose sound system woofers, have been changed to Bose Precision Sound System woofers that were developed for the EGOIST grade to further enhance sound quality.
November 2012
Nissan 2013 model year GT-R introduced
Features a round of updates including a twin-turbocharged V6 engine modified to offer even better response plus suspension upgrades for improved ride comfort and sharper handling. On sale in the UK in Spring 2013.
November 2013
Nissan GT-R 2014 updates announced
with improvements to performance, styling and interior. The updated GT-R goes on sale in summer 2014.
Mechanical Updates
- The suspension has been fine-tuned to reduced load fluctuation between the four wheels, giving better stability and more consistent grip.
- More constant tyre contact is achieved by optimized electronic control of the shock-absorber valves, as well as modified front stabiliser spring rates and updated bush link. The tuning of these parts, which makes best use of the suspension strokes and enhances road-holding capability, gives a poised, confident ride and outstanding traction on rough roads.
- With minute vibrations and road noise reduced, a relaxing, comfortable ride is assured. An additional benefit is improved straight-line stability, with fewer small steering corrections needed to maintain the correct trajectory during highway driving.
- The upgraded GT-R is now fitted as standard with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT tyres, for outstanding road-holding and precise response in all conditions thanks to stiffer sidewalls which reduce deformation, improving steering response under hard cornering. At the front, their specification is: 255/40ZRF20(97Y) and at the rear: 285/35ZRF20(100Y)
- The braking calibration has been retuned for a more firm, linear response at everyday speeds, making smooth braking more intuitive, generating greater confidence, particularly in wet conditions.
- The GT-R's steering has been fine-tuned to reduce the effort required for in-town manoeuvers, while maintaining its exceptional feedback during high-speed driving. The combination of retuned suspension and exceptional steering feel give outstanding confidence at high speed.
Exterior design
- The 2014 Nissan GT-R sports new efficient, high-intensity, multi-LED headlights that create a distinctive "lightning" motif.
- The new headlights feature AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System) automatically adapts the angle of the light beam according to the speed of the car.
- At the rear, the GT-R's distinctive four-ring tail light signature now forms coherent circles of illumination, giving the GT-R an equally distinctive appearance, making it easily recognisable.
- Upon start up, the full new lighting signature is illuminated, creating a dramatic start-up procedure.
- Visual appeal is reinforced with the addition of a new body colour called Gold Flake Red Pearl. As its name suggests, there are microscopic gold-tinted glass flakes infused into the red pain.
Interior
- Choice of three interior colour schemes includes a new pale ivory trim option.
- The steering wheel is trimmed in leather, for premium tactility, while the part-aniline leather seats are further embellished with stitched accents.
November 2016
GT-R Nismo goes on sale
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 delivering 600PS – 30PS more than any other car in the range.
The engine features a pair of high-flow, large diameter turbochargers used in GT3 competition, and power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch paddleshift gearbox. The GT-R NISMO costs £149,995 in the UK.
The GT-R NISMO generates more downforce than any other Nissan production car to date, which results in exceptional high-speed stability.
The performance of the all-wheel-drive GT-R NISMO has also been upgraded, thanks in part to the standard model’s significantly reinforced body structure. This allowed the engineering team to further refine the GT-R NISMO’s shock absorbers, springs and stabilisers. When combined with the car’s increase in downforce, the result is the most dynamically capable GT-R NISMO ever.
April 2019
GT-R Heritage Edition announced
Featured heritage colour schemes, based on old racing car liveries. The interior features a unique grey colour, along with unique steering wheel trim, Alcantara headliner, sun visors and seat trim.
The six-speed dual-clutch transmission has been tweaked, with a reworked 'R mode' performance setting. The electronically controlled suspension has also been revised to improve ride comfort.
August 2019
Updated Nissan GT-R priced from £83,995
The updated MY20 Nissan GT-R is now available to order with first customer deliveries commencing in November. Priced from £83,995, the GT-R features a number of enhancements that optimise performance, improve handling and dial up the R35’s iconic styling.
The GT-R’s 570PS 3.8-litre V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine receives new turbochargers, which increase the engine’s low rpm response thanks to an abradable seal, providing tighter clearances and a 5% increase in efficiency. Gear shifts are also 0.15 seconds improved when in R-Mode.
The electronically controlled suspension has been tuned to provide better cornering stability and a smoother ride. The steering is more linear and precise than ever, requiring minimal corrections at speeds of up to 186mph.
A new brake booster increases the initial braking response by engaging with less pedal stroke, resulting in enhanced stopping power and feel.
The exhaust manifolds, inspired by racing technology, have optimised turbo flange attachment points which allow for easier servicing without touching the exhaust manifold. There is also a new titanium exhaust muffler, featuring titanium finishers with burnished blue tips.
Retired since the R34 GT-R, Bayside Blue makes a return to the R35 GT-R line-up. Available to order from November, a four-coat double-heat treatment process ensures a vivid blue with striking highlights and deep shadows.
In addition to the existing black, tan and red interior options on Prestige grade, there is now a new grey leather interior, replacing the outgoing ivory option.