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Nissan Skyline R35 Buying Guide
Nissan unveiled the GT-R in 2007, five years after discontinuing the R34 GT-R. During those five years, there were rumors that we’d never see another Skyline. Toyota fans also feared they might never have another Supra after the MK4, which was discontinued around the same time as the R34 GT-R. All there was to hope for were renders by car enthusiasts depicting what the replacements would look like. But does the GT-R live up to the Godzilla name first bestowed upon the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R?
In this buying guide, we’ll explore the advantages, disadvantages, and drawbacks of what is arguably the best JDM sports car.
Read our Nissan Skyline Utimate Buying Guide
Nissan GT-R Pros and Cons
Pros
Unrivaled performance And Handling
When first tested at the Nürburgring, the Nissan GT-R was faster than the Porsche 911 997 Turbo. This is despite the GT-R costing as half as much and being heavier. The initial power output from the twin-turbocharged VR38DETT was 475 horsepower. Not much to consider a supercar, but it does the job even though Nissan gradually increased horsepower figures to 485 in 2009, 523 in 2010, and up to 600 in the 2024 GT-R NISMO.
Power is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which disappointed fans since they expected a manual transmission option. When Nissan unveiled the 2024 GT-R, fans were even more disappointed since Toyota introduced a 6-speed manual transmission option for the Toyota Supra A90 (MK5).
However, it’s not the power output or the transmission that makes the GT-R unequal to most supercars in its class. Its functional design comprising extreme aerodynamics and steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber construction ensures it’s well planted to the ground without compromising airflow. Ever seen a GT-R launch? It almost has no wheel slip, even on a non-prepped surface! In his review, Jeremy Clarkson said, “Certainly, you should never use the launch control in this car unless you brace your head against the headrest at the time. Because if you’re not, the whiplash could put you in hospital.”
The electronically adjustable double-wishbone front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension with stabilizers ensure a smooth driving experience and excellent handling. Modern driver aids such as EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), electronic traction control, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) make the Nissan GT-R one of the best-handling sports cars.
Wide Aftermarket Support And Great Owners Community
Japanese cars have a reputation for having the best aftermarket support, even in foreign markets, and the Nissan GT-R is no exception. Aftermarket manufacturers make parts ranging from cosmetic upgrades to wheels, custom turbo kits, and forged engine internals. If you have the resources, nothing should stop you from taking on a Nissan GT-R as a project car.
Whether you are a first-time owner or bought a couple of GT-Rs, it doesn’t matter. Being in an owners’ community helps a lot. You get to learn what’s good and bad for your car, what issues to expect, and the latest in the aftermarket parts industry. Some problems not addressed in buying guides, such as this one, are often discussed in such communities, together with the procedures to fix them.
It’s More Practical Than Your Average Supercar
One of the Nissan GT-R’s most significant advantages is that the engine is mounted in the front, translating to an adequately-sized trunk. Nissan even highlighted its practicality during the unveiling. They said, “Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as a daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.”
The Nissan GT-R takes after its predecessors by having a 2+2 seat configuration. However, only the driver and the front passenger will feel comfortable since the rear seat can barely accommodate a middle-aged child. They best serve as extra storage space for those long trips and rallies. Early model years until 2011 have 11.2 cubic feet of trunk space which was reduced gradually to 8.8 feet in the 2024 GT-R. That’s enough to haul groceries for a week, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t daily drive a GT-R.
Like most supercars and high-end sports cars, the Nissan GT-R isn’t adequately equipped with the creature comforts of a luxury sedan at a similar price point. But it has its fair share of them. You get heated and well-bolstered adjustable front bucket seats, climate control, and soft door padding, all you need in such a car. Early model years could use an aftermarket infotainment display if you use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay often.
Average Maintenance And Running Costs
Buying a Nissan GT-R and expecting the same maintenance and running costs as a Nissan Altima is laughable. But for a sports car, it’s not strenuous to run and maintain compared to other alternatives. Fuel consumption is 20 mpg give or take, which most owners don’t complain about, and insurance averages around $2,500 per year. Routine maintenance shouldn’t set you back more than $1800. Nissan GT-R maintenance schedules would be cheaper if not for the oil changes.
How long will a Nissan GT-R last? Nissan guarantees around 200,000 miles of service before any significant issues start occurring. However, some owners have reported transmission and high oil consumption issues at about 100,000 miles which we will cover later.
Offers Value For Money
It’s relatively cheaper to maintain, practical and has supercar performance. But how much is a Nissan GT-R? Well-kept early production units start at around $50,000, quite a bargain. The only downside, most GT-Rs in the $50,000 range are base models with no creature comforts and performance and handling options. On the other hand, newer models sell for three-figure prices with rare specs selling for $250,000 plus, more than the 2024 GT-R NISMO.
Whichever model year and spec you buy, buying a sports car is a huge financial decision. Some buyers factor in depreciation, while others don’t since they buy the car to enjoy it. This begs the question, how much does a Nissan GT-R depreciate? And, can you sell it for more than you got it?
Depreciation can only be factored in when buying a newer unit, preferably from 2016, when Nissan introduced a major facelift. Market experts state that the Nissan GT-R is the best value for money sports cars, and it depreciates by 26% in the first three years after production, holding 53% of its value after a decade. When you factor in inflation, you’ll find that some GT-Rs are worth more or slightly less than during production time. This is because Nissan had a production hiatus in 2021 and was expected to discontinue production in 2023, which drove up prices. Will prices go down with Nissan continuing with production?
Extraordinarily Tunable
Flame-throwing GT-Rs are an internet sensation, but this is the tip of the iceberg in the GT-R tuning world. Enthusiasts are constantly debating which performance company will make the fastest GT-Rs, with some of the biggest names being Cobb Tuning, Litchfield Motors, Jotech Performance, Kings Performance, and the infamous Top Secret. These offer packages at different price points, all with maximum power outputs.
Some purists prefer to keep the hand-built engine untouched for authenticity. The car may fetch more if the signature plaque remains intact. Who knows? If you’re a purist, that plaque shouldn’t prevent you from squeezing more from the tunable VR38DETT, especially if you have an early production GT-R. 600 horsepower is achievable with bolt-on mods such as an exhaust and air intake, ECU remap, and performance engine peripherals. Newer models can reach between 700 and 800 horsepower depending on the spec and the engine’s health.
Cons
The Interior Could Use More Inspiration
One of the Nissan GT-R’s most significant drawbacks is that it lacks the interior build quality you’d expect from a car you’re paying six figures for. Nissan doesn’t even try to hide the plastic trims, which tend to fade and crack on the surface if the car is often parked in the sun. Only high-spec trims such as the GT-R Premium, T-spec, and NISMO get leather inserts to cover the plastic trims on the dashboard and doors. Another thing to complain about the Nissan GT-R’s interior is the center console. Compared to the 2007 model, the 2023 GT-R’s interior looks no different. The only notable difference is that Nissan added two vents under the infotainment display.
It’s Good, But Not As The Older GT-Rs
Very few cars today are great successors to the cars they succeeded, especially those discontinued in the 1990s and early 2000s. The Nissan GT-R tries to, but according to most enthusiasts, it’s not as good as the R32, R33, and R34 GT-R despite being better. Why is it so? The older GT-Rs provided a raw driving experience like most sports cars produced during that era. So, all were sold with a manual transmission which the current GT-R lacks.
For enthusiastic drivers, computerization and driver aids make the Nissan GT-R feel less like a sports car. Even with all tech turned off, most would rather drive an old Skyline with a manual transmission with ABS as the only driver-assist feature. The only way the R35 GT-R pays tribute to its predecessors is by adopting some design features, such as taillights that look similar to the R34 GT-R’s.
Nissan GT-R Common Issues
Weak Bellhousing Shaft Bearings
One of the most repeatedly discussed topics in Nissan GT-R owner forums and communities is the bellhousing rattle. If you’re buying a used GT-R, there’s a chance that the bellhousing issues have already been fixed. But if the bellhousing hasn’t been worked on and is non-problematic, what are the signs to check for and the possible causes?
The earliest sign of bellhousing failure is a rattle heard from the front of the car when accelerating or decelerating caused by a weak bearing at the end of the flywheel shaft. This happens when the bearings on the driveshaft connecting the transmission to the bellhousing and engine wear out on the bellhousing end.
For those who don’t know, the transmission in a Nissan GT-R is mounted towards the rear and is separate from the bellhousing mounted to the engine. Then the bellhousing is connected to the transmission by a driveshaft. A concept not commonly used but is advantageous to handling as it ensures even weight distribution.
Other signs you might notice include vibrations during acceleration and deceleration. Some owners have even reported that the engine knock sensors pick up the bellhousing rattle. If you notice any signs listed, get the car in the air and nudge the driveshaft to check for lateral movement. A too-shaky driveshaft requires immediate attention, while a mildly shaking one could serve for a while.
Newer Nissan GT-Rs under warranty could get a free bellhousing and shaft replacement. But what’s the point of doing so since it’s more of a manufacturer’s fault than an owner’s fault? The best way to avoid future problems is to get an aftermarket bellhousing and driveshaft, which shouldn’t cost you more than $1,400, exclusive of installation. Most manufacturers offer different options depending on how much power you’re pushing or how much you plan on squeezing from the engine.
Transmission Problems
Like bellhousing problems, transmission problems are unavoidable in Nissan GT-Rs regardless of which model year you buy. However, the cause isn’t as catastrophic as you might think, and it’s easy to prevent if you haven’t noticed overheating, delays between gear shifts, continuous revs, and weird gear shifts. So, what causes transmission issues in Nissan GT-Rs?
Automatic transmissions, including the dual-clutch transmission in the Nissan GT-R, have solenoid valves that control the transmission fluid flow. By controlling the fluid flow, the solenoids can engage or disengage the dual clutches enabling the transmission to shift gears. These solenoids get clogged by transmission internals metal shavings over time due to normal wear and tear reducing their efficiency.
Failure to replace the transmission solenoids in a Nissan GT-R at the earliest signs of failure could lead to pocket-denting repairs. Some owners have even been forced to replace the transmission. High-quality transmission fluid reduces friction, reducing the metal shavings accumulating on the solenoids. Additionally, changing the transmission fluid in a Nissan GT-R before the recommended mileage and on often-used cars is recommended.
Rapidly Wearing OEM Brake Pads And Rotors
Are you buying a Nissan GT-R? Add a brake upgrade to your list of prioritized mods, especially if the car still has the OEM Brembo brakes. They run too hot when used heavily, for example, on a track weekend or during long-distance driving. In addition, the GT-R’s weight also causes premature brake wear. An all-around big brake upgrade goes a long way toward keeping the driver and the occupants safe and increasing the overall driving experience. Failure to replace the brakes on a heavily used GT-R could lead to rotor warping, reducing braking efficiency.
Timing Chain Problems
The Nissan timing chain and timing belt issues affect not only older models but also newer ones, in this case, the Nissan GT-R. After a lawsuit was filed in 2017, Nissan claimed that their timing chain was noisy and not faulty even though problems had been noted as early as 2004, especially in cars with VQ and VR engines. Even though Nissan allegedly revised one of the tensioner’s components in 2006 and 2007, owners still complain of timing chain noises since everything they tried failed.
Among Nissan GT-R owners, the most common timing chain issue is stretching before the recommended lifespan of around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. The stretching causes a timing chain rattle heard when idling; you might notice a loss of power, misfires, and occasional overheating if ignored. An aftermarket timing chain could last longer than an OEM one. But before replacing it, check the guides and tensioners for play caused by the stretched timing chain.
What To Look For When Buying a Nissan GT-R
When buying a Nissan GT-R, you should look out for several issues that affect ownership like any other car. These mainly include minor problems that aren’t demanding to fix. Others might lead to expensive repairs in the future. Some might even lead to severe damage that might deem the car un-drivable. The following are issues to look out for when buying a used Nissan GT-R.
First, check for signs of the common issues listed earlier, as these determine whether you’re buying a good car or a lemon. You don’t want to spend most of your first days owning a Nissan GT-R in workshops, working on the car, searching for parts, and pooling funds to buy them. Buying a Nissan GT-R with the thought of fixing issues it may have is not a good decision unless it’s a project car.
Excessive oil consumption in high mileage and older GT-Rs is inevitable. But how do you know the car you’re viewing has this issue? Some owners love to keep maintenance records and pass them down as the car finds a new home. An oil change for a Nissan GT-R is recommended after around 10,000 to 30,000 miles or every two years, depending on the driving habit. Any oil changes that occur at irregular intervals indicate possible excessive consumption.
While inspecting the exterior, check for condensation in the headlights. If the previous owner(s) fixed the issue, they’d tell you so once they notice you inspecting the headlights. But don’t let a few droplets ruin your dream of owning one of the best value-for-money sports cars. If condensation in the headlights occurs after buying the car, get them resealed, which should fix the issue. Some dealerships will replace the headlights for models covered under warranty.
Check engine temps during the test drive since some owners have complained of a faulty thermostat which causes the engine to overheat. This is just another manufacturer fault that an aftermarket part easily fixes. However, if the seller states that the thermostat was replaced and the temperature light is still on, the car could have a cooling system or timing chain issues if everything else checks out.
Electrical issues, especially in older GT-Rs, are a menace and can make ownership a nightmare since Nissan GT-Rs are loaded with tech. Problems range from minor ones, such as AC controls failure, to serious ones, such as suspension control failure, meaning you get stuck on one suspension mode. Sometimes, it could be something simple such as a low battery charge due to a faulty alternator, but an OBD scan is necessary to be safe.
Average Prices
The cheapest Nissan GT-R you’ll buy is an early production model produced between 2007 and 2010. Prices for clean examples average between $50,000 and $80,000 depending on the year of manufacture and spec. Premium spec GT-Rs sell for more than base spec models. Facelift models produced any year after 2010 rarely sell for figures below $100,000, but getting a base spec for less than that is possible.
Mods installed on the car also affect prices, but not by that much since they don’t affect market value significantly. Most owners realize this and are usually reluctant to sell, considering the time and money they’ve put into the car. Is it wise to buy a modified Nissan GT-R? Yes, but only if the seller provides a list of mods done and when they were installed.
Besides the base and premium trim levels, there are limited production GT-Rs which are rarely listed for sale. These include the Spec V, T-spec, Gentleman, Egoist, Black, NISMO, Track, and Midnight Opal Special Edition. They are known to be collector items and fetch more than the average premium spec, with prices rarely going below $150,000 despite the year of manufacture.
Comparable Alternatives
- Toyota Supra J29 (MK5) (Buying Guide)
- Honda/Acura NSX NC1 (Buying Guide)
- Lexus LC500
Models and Specifications
The Nissan GT-R is one of the longest-running modern sports cars, with some of the earliest units built in 2007. Today it’s appreciated for giving high-end supercars a run for their money even though it receives some hate since Nissan hasn’t made any appearance and performance efforts. It would be nice to see the GT-R adopt styling from its predecessors. Nissan engineers know what is best anyway. All we can do is sit back and try to enjoy whatever they come up with.
Throughout the 16 years that it has been in production, the GT-R has undergone three facelifts and has had several limited editions. Some mark Nissan’s anniversaries, while others were built due to collaborations with athletes, corporations, and sports personalities, such as the Usain Bolt and Naomi Osaka Editions.
Early Production
Five years after discontinuing the Skyline R34 GT-R, Nissan unveiled its replacement at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, badged as the Nissan GT-R. However, since they had continued producing the Skyline, the Nissan GT-R was not included in the Skyline lineup.
The new GT-R was expected to have an inline-six engine like its predecessors. But Nissan unveiled it with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 (VR38DETT) producing 475 horsepower. For the transmission, Nissan used a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which gave the GT-R a competitive chance against supercars and high-end sports cars.
Customers who had pre-ordered their GT-Rs started receiving them in 2008 and early 2009 before the 2009 update was implemented. Two trims were offered: Base and Premium. There isn’t much difference between the two except that the Base spec didn’t get interior comforts such as sport bucket leather seats, heated mirrors, and infotainment system Bluetooth integration. These were standard on the Premium spec, and buyers had to pay to get them in the Base-spec GT-R.
2009 Nissan GT-R (CBA-R35)
2009 saw Nissan mass deliver the Nissan GT-R with a few updates from the early production units. Power output was increased to 485 horsepower, and the launch control system was reprogrammed, reducing 0-60 time to 3.5 seconds. The suspension was also retuned for better handling around corners. Due to safety concerns, Nissan made curtain airbags standard in all trim levels in addition to the front impact airbags.
Spec V
The first special edition GT-R, the Spec V, was introduced in 2009. Nissan meant it to be as light as possible, so they made it with carbon fiber trims on the exterior and interior and no rear seats. It also has a sport-tuned titanium exhaust, lightweight Recaro bucket seats, carbon ceramic brakes, and NISMO aluminum wheels. All these upgrades led to a 130-pound weight reduction and reduced 0-60 time to 3.2 seconds.
The engine was not left untouched. Since it was designed to dominate at the track, Nissan upgraded the turbochargers and added a high gear boost controller to increase torque. However, none of these upgrades were meant to increase power output.
Nissan built 110 units sold in Japan and Europe at an additional $72,000 the MSRP, which was around $80,000. How much is a GT-R Spec V worth today? Some have sold for around the same price as when new, meaning you might get one for cheaper or slightly more. The only downside is since none of them were sold in the US, finding one is almost impossible.
2010 – 2016 Nissan GT-R; First Facelift (DBA-R35)
In 2010, the Nissan GT-R was facelifted, featuring a redesigned front bumper with larger cooling vents and LED lights to replace the canards on each side. The LED lights were replicated as fog lights on the rear bumper, an extended diffuser, and an outlet. Not much, but that was not all Nissan did that year.
Due to an exhaust upgrade, altered mapping, changed timing, and larger inlets, the 2010 model made 530 horsepower, which increased to 550 in 2012. Post-2010 models have a red engine cover compared to the silver one in older models. Be sure to check this when buying a Nissan GT-R.
Nissan also included new Rays 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, tires, a carbon composite strut bar, and larger brakes in the 2010 update. Other upgrades introduced between 2010 and 2014 include a new flywheel housing, upgraded suspension settings, adaptive headlights and taillights, electronic suspension controls, and two new colors; Meteo Flake Black Pearl and Aurora Flare Blue Pearl. The interior was not left out as it got a new infotainment system with iPad integration, satnav, and a new instrument panel.
Egoist Edition; 2012
The Nissan GT-R Egoist edition was unveiled in 2012 for the Japanese, European, and Middle Eastern markets. It’s slightly more luxurious than the Premium spec, of which Nissan made 43 units, all with 530 horsepower, since they hadn’t implemented the 2012 performance updates. Buyers were allowed to pick interior colors of their choice from 20 provided options in addition to carbon fiber trims similar to the GT-R Spec V. No performance upgrade options were provided for the Egoist edition GT-R.
Black Edition, Gentleman Edition; 2012
Also known as the Recaro edition, the Nissan GT-R Black edition debuted in 2012 with upgraded performance upgrades resulting in 550 horsepower. The only differences the Black edition has from a Premium GT-R from the same year are specially-commissioned Recaro bucket seats, leather interior trims, carbon fiber spoiler, and 20-inch Rays 6-spoke forged wheels. These upgrades cost buyers $11,700 above MSRP. Nissan GT-R Black edition production numbers remain unknown.
The Gentleman edition was similar to the Black edition, but Nissan exclusively made it for France and Belgium. Production was limited to 10 units in Grey Squale paint, and Gentleman Edition badges, distinguishing them from regular GT-Rs.
Midnight Opal Special Edition; 2013
Limited to only 115 units, Nissan unveiled the Nissan GT-R Midnight Opal special edition in 2013. It gets its name from the Midnight Opal hand-painted color scheme not optional on other editions, which cost an additional $6,000. Other upgrades are similar to those found in the Black edition GT-R. Finding one in the United States isn’t tricky since 50 units were sold here. The rest were distributed in other markets: Japan-48, Europe-3, Middle East-9, Korea, and Taiwan got one each.
Track Edition; 2013
Nissan unveiled the GT-R Track Edition in 2013 through NISMO(Nissan Motorsports), their performance tuning division, for the 2014 model year. No power changes were made, but the GT-R Track edition got weight reduction upgrades such as a rear seat delete, titanium exhaust, six-spoke Rays aluminum wheels, carbon fiber front lip, rear spoiler, and inlets. In the interior, Nissan installed Recaro bucket seats with grippy fabric and some sporty accents to give that race car feel. The suspension was changed to a Bilstein setup with 20% stiffer springs than the standard model. 150 Nissan GT-R Track editions were made, all destined for the United States.
NISMO; 2013
After teasing a new high-performance version of the Nissan GT-R, Nissan unveiled the GT-R NISMO a few months after the Track edition. However, it was not another special edition with a few upgrades. Power output was increased to 600 horsepower through a high-pressure fuel pump, new camshaft timing, reinforced internals, and larger turbochargers lifted from Nissan’s GT-500 GT-R race car.
In true NISMO fashion, the exterior features a wider body kit with aero enhancements and red pinstripes across the carbon side mirrors, grille, front splitter, and side skirts. To top it all off, NISMO made a special carbon wing for the GT-R larger than the one used in other specs.
The gear rations had to be tweaked, and the suspension and brakes upgraded to handle the extra power and downforce. So, Nissan installed carbon ceramic brakes and an electronically controlled Bilstein suspension with comfort, sport, and R settings. Wheels remained similar to the Rays wheels offered in the Track edition GT-R. The interior got Alcantara accents and red stitching on the steering wheel and dashboard, Recaro bucket seats, and NISMO badges for that race-car ambiance.
45th Anniversary Gold Edition
This was a specially commissioned spec limited to 80 units with a Silica Brass paint job similar to the one used in the R34 GT-R M-spec. For authenticity, Nissan installed several numbered “gold” plaques in the 45th Anniversary Gold Edition GT-R. No other upgrades were made except multi-spoke Rays wheels also used in the Premium-spec.
2016 – 2019 Nissan GT-R; Second Facelift (4BA-R35)
The Nissan GT-R’s first significant facelift was implemented in 2016, since the 2010 facelift didn’t make much difference compared to older model years. The front bumper got an aero splitter and air intakes on each side with daytime running LED lights embedded into them. The grille was enlarged and featured a chrome surround on the GT-R badge, and the chrome piece at the bottom was deleted to maximize airflow to the radiator. Not much was done at the rear except air vents beside the slightly angled exhaust tips and a chrome bit in the middle, which replaced the reflector strip.
Nissan didn’t leave out the interior as they moved the gear shift paddles from the steering column to the steering wheel. This reduces the need to lift hands off the steering wheel to shift in tricky situations, such as cornering. An 8-inch infotainment screen replaced the old 7-inch display with Nissan’s NissanConnect with navigation and mobile app integration capabilities. Other interior updates include a carbon fiber center console, leather trims on the dash, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and additional buttons, including a rotary controller on the center console.
Nissan retained the old but reliable VR38DETT with a 20 horsepower power increase over the previous year. This was possible by increasing boost pressure from the turbos and installing a new titanium exhaust standard on all trims. Other than that, the only drivetrain and powertrain changes they made were stiffening the suspension to improve agility and revising the transmission to reduce noise and smoothen gearshifts. All these changes were also applied to the Nissan GT-R NISMO, but it still made the same 600 horsepower as when first produced.
2019 – 2022 Nissan GT-R
There were no changes for the 2019 Nissan GT-R except a retuned transmission and multi-spoke alloy wheels to reduce weight. Rumors said that Nissan was discontinuing the GT-R, blaming the global chip shortage. In 2022 Nissan stopped taking orders for all markets except Japan, and this was when prices started hiking due to increasing demand. However, before production was halted, Nissan improved the GT-R NISMO and unveiled a limited edition T-spec in 2021.
2019 GT-R NISMO
The 2019 Nissan GT-R NISMO features more aggressive styling and weight reduction but with no noticeable increase in power output. Nissan only tweaked the turbos lifted from the GT3 race car to reduce lag and added a transmission “R” mode which shortens gear shifts. Buyers could get the GT-R NISMO with bespoke Dunlop tires wrapped on multi-spoke Rays 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes with carbon louvers to cool them at the front on the fenders. The roof, hood, rear wing, and front fenders are made of carbon for weight reduction.
50th Anniversary Edition and GT-R50
In 2019 Nissan unveiled two limited edition GT-Rs to celebrate their 50th Century. One was the 50th Anniversary edition finished in three color options, Bayside Blue with white stripes, Pearl White with red stripes, and Super Silver with white stripes. The interior was loaded with Alcantara accents, including on the sun visors and steering wheel and 50th-anniversary plaques.
On the other hand, the GT-R50 was a concept meant to show how the GT-R would look in the future. It looked electric, but Nissan retained the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged engine with a few NISMO goodies. Power output was estimated at around 710 horsepower thanks to larger turbochargers, reinforced engine internals, and a new exhaust system. The GT-R50 got carbon ceramic brakes, a tuned gearbox, and a reinforced differential to handle the extra power.
Nissan initially didn’t plan on producing the GT-R50, but all cars sold out when they announced they’d make 50 units. However, only 19 of those got to their buyers, and Nissan canceled orders and discontinued production due to legality restrictions.
GT-R T-spec
In 2021, Nissan unveiled a limited edition T-spec with a limited production run of 156 units, all donning the celebrated Millennium Jade paint first used on the R34 GT-R V-sped II Nur. The interior also got a shade of green known as Mori Green with black accents, among other upgrades such as the carbon ceramic brakes lifted from the GT-R NISMO and a carbon fiber rear wing. The GT-R T-spec didn’t get any performance upgrades.
2023 Nissan GT-R; Third Facelift
After disappointing news that Nissan wouldn’t continue producing the GT-R and canceling orders, they unveiled a new facelifted GT-R in January 2023 instead of a new generation that the car world expected. The big question remains: how long will they keep it in production before going fully electric or discontinuing the GT-R?
The recently unveiled Nissan GT-R might have a different aerodynamic front end and body lines, but it still looks like older model years. We can’t decide whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe Nissan should have made it similar to the renders that were circulating online. Trim levels remain similar to older model years Base, premium, NISMO, and one special edition, the T-spec. All have 565 horsepower except the NISMO, which gets 600 horsepower.
Customers who received their units have much to say about the 2024 GT-R. The difference from older GT-Rs is only notable from the exterior as the interior is the same old basic one, with the biggest disappointment being the analog gauges and interior plastic trims. You’d expect more for a starting price of $120,990 MSRP, even if it’s cheaper than most sports cars and supercars.
FAQ
The notorious bellhousing rattle in Nissan GT-Rs can occur between 20,000 and 40,000 miles depending on driving habits, but it’s not an owner’s fault. However, it’s rare on softly driven and garage-kept GT-Rs.
The Nissan GT-R50 is the rarest R35 GT-R, with a limited production run of only 19 units.
Whether Nissan will continue with the production of the GT-R after the 2024 model year is uncertain. But after what happened in 2021 and 2022, it’s a possibility.
In a straight line, The Honda NS-X is quicker off the start thanks to the kick provided by the electric motors, but the GT-R catches up quicker than you expect it to. Also, despite being heavier and less aerodynamic, the Nissan GT-R is a better track car than the Honda NS-X.
When first unveiled, the Nissan GT-R NISMO had 600 horsepower, and Nissan seem to have no plans to increase it above that even in the 2024 GT-R NISMO.
More Info about The Nissan Skyline
The Nissan Skyline (aka Godzilla) is a legendary vehicle and can’t be squeezed into a single guide. We’ve put together an “Overview” buying guide as well as individual buying guides for each generation of Nissan Skyline.
- Nissan Skyline Buying Guides:
- How to Import a Nissan Skyline from Japan:
