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With a new model on the horizon, now is a good time to take a look at the ubiquitous Nissan GT-R R35. The R35 has made a noble effort to continue the Skyline legacy and fill a gap in the market left by its iconic R34 Skyline predecessor. And because of this, the Nissan leadership has decided to revamp Godzilla again.
Aside from a new model, the 2023 GT-R is back from the North American market after a year-long hiatus. It will likely increase its presence for the upcoming 2024 facelift, which will include a new trim level and various upgrades to the existing Nismo package. As rumors of the vaguely confirmed R36 GT-R replacement continue to mount, Nissan is sending its groundbreaking flagship back to the fore one last time. Here’s what you can expect from the returning 2023 model.
10 Nissan Skyline heritage
FavCars
FavCars The Skyline GT-R comes from humble beginnings, starting in 1969 with the PGC10, which was launched alongside the Nissan R380 race car. This resulted in five generations of Skyline GT-Rs lasting through 2002, with the most notable models starting in 1989 (R32, R33 and R34). What set these coupes apart were the RB26 power plants lurking under the hood; These straight-six engines were capable of withstanding the craziest modifications, and some even reached 1,000 hp!
You either saw Paul Walker’s R34 in the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious or you were an avid fan of the original Gran Turismo games, both of which stole the hearts of enthusiasts far and wide by defending the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. Nissan’s Halo product became notoriously famous in the ’90s.
9 The original Nissan GT-R R35
After production of the Skyline R34 ended in 2002, it took Nissan five years to develop the successor we see today. The original R35, launched in 2007, was the first GT-R to drop the Skyline moniker and become known simply as the “GT-R” – the result was an astounding feat of engineering.
Nissan’s R34 successor came with 473 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the handcrafted VR38DETT V6 that replaced the legendary RB26, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Nissan used the GT-R to obliterate the Porsche 911 Turbo of its era, taking it on at Laguna Seca and even dominating in the Germans’ backyard by setting a Nürburgring record of 7m38s. Nissan had created a technical marvel that used electronic assistance to defeat all of its competitors. It was also cheap at the time at around $70,000. The R35 we see today has been in production since 2007. The question is, how much has changed in sixteen years?
8th 2023 Nissan GT-R: facts and figures
Today, the R35 GT-R produces 565 hp with 457 lb-ft of torque, and the engine remains the same hand-built 3.8-liter V6, albeit revised over the years. These incremental changes have resulted in a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds as drivers fly through the Borg-Warner six-speed auto. The GT-R has three ride modes: Normal, Comfort and R, all of which manipulate the trick suspension setup to put pressure on those Bilstein DampTronic shocks.
What’s more is the Nismo package. For those with a real death wish, you can add the GT3 car’s turbocharger to boost your output to 600 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. Derived from motorsport, the Nismo trim level includes all the extra carbon fiber to lighten the load, including a lighter gearbox and faster 0-62mph acceleration of 2.5 seconds.
7 The Nissan GT-R is a technical marvel
The R35 GT-R came with enough processing power to elevate the Titanic. Algorithms and formulas are a constant in the GT-R, which distributes torque via the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. In addition, the GT-R offers unrivaled levels of grip through its specially engineered Dunlop tires and continuous manipulation of the electronic throttle, limiting slip in all four corners. That’s not to say you can’t tune the R35. Litchfield UK is offering a 775hp Tier 5 pack!
However, many criticized it for its lack of analog personality. However, the truth is that most manufacturers are running far more complex systems today, likely due to the enduring capabilities of the groundbreaking GT-R.
6 model lineup
In 2023, the R35 GT-R comes with two trim levels, the GT-R Premium and the Nismo package. The Premium comes standard with the twin-turbo V6, a titanium exhaust system and a spirited set of brakes from Nissan, cleaned by Brembo. The heated Recaro sports seats with nappa leather inserts scattered throughout the interior ensure comfort. Added to this is the Apple CarPlay software, which is amplified with Bose surround speakers, while the ATTESA ETS all-wheel drive system puts the vehicle on the tarmac.
On the other hand, the Nismo pack is inspired by motorsport, as Nissan added turbochargers from their GT3 car to give it that extra boost. Customers also get a lighter package with carbon fiber panels, such as the vehicle’s roof. In addition, the torsional rigidity has been increased during the manufacture of the body and Brembo supplies a set of carbon-ceramic brakes. Unfortunately, the GT-R Nismo comes at a grossly inflated price over the premium package.
5 Prices of the Nissan GT-R
Nissan is far from offering a bargain supercar. The R35 comes with an MSRP of $113,540 while the Nismo will fetch customers a staggering $210,000!
Investment becomes an exciting offer. According to classic.com, the vehicle has an average value of $87,000. That’s higher than the R35 GT-R’s original MSRP in 2007. With rumors of the R36 hybrid in development, an early variant of the GT-R for sale could be worthwhile for would-be investors.
4 Availability of the Nissan GT-R 2023
After a year off US shores, there will be a 2023 model year for the Nissan GT-R. That’s not all. The R35 will undergo another change, currently available in Japan for 2023 and expected to hit US shores by 2024.
With production halted in Europe in 2022 due to tightening noise regulations, enthusiasts can only hope that the facelifted R35 can address this issue and continue to irk European exotics as its Skyline elders have done in the past.
3 Can the GT-R still keep up?
The R35 remains precarious while the Tesla Model S Plaid and Taycans of this world have captured their acceleration crown. Despite this, it still has more power than the Mercedes GT R and even outperforms the Aston Martin Vantage. Porsche has released two generations of 911s since its humiliation at the hands of Godzilla, and while the Turbo S produces more power, both approach 0-62mph in around 2.5 seconds.
The GT-R remains competitive in the supersport market, a testament to how far ahead of its time it was.
2 Upcoming 2024 Nissan R35 GT-R
Nissan will release a fresh face for the outdated R35 GT-R. A new front and rear fascia is added to the iconic silhouette for 2024 models. Performance specs remain the same, but the Nismo gets a new front locking differential to complement its handling characteristics.
Nissan will bring the T-Spec back to the model lineup, with the retro Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple color schemes of the past found on the iconic Nissan Skyline R34 V-Spec models. A change in looks for the Nismo also comes in the form of the Nismo Appearance Pack, which adds extra flair. However, the wing and revised skirt can improve downforce on paper, the drag coefficient remains the same at 0.26.
Nissan’s new model will arrive in Japan in 2023 and in the US for the 2024 model years.
1 Will Nissan build an R36 GT-R?
Yes, there will be an R36 GT-R. Although quotes from Nissan’s CEO, Makoto Uchida, confirm that the new platform could be a hybrid, previous reports have suggested the R36 could be all-electric. Like most manufacturers, Nissan appears to be seeing the electric revolution unfold before the long-awaited R36 GT-R pulls the trigger.
Nissan also developed hybridized versions of its 3.0-liter V6 for the World Endurance Championships as recently as 2015. The GT-R has always been their roadworthy equivalent of racing technology. Could this be a hint of what’s to come?
Sources: Nissan USA, Litchfield