Nissan GT-R
From Wikicars
| | |
| Nissan GT-R | |
|---|---|
| Nissan | |
| aka | "Skyline" "Godzilla" R35 |
| Production | 2007 - present |
| Class | Supercar |
| Body Style | 2-door, 2+2 seat coupe |
| Length | 183.4 in |
| Width | 74.7 in |
| Height | 54 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.5 in |
| Weight | 3836 lb |
| Transmission | 6-speed GR6 Dual-Clutch Paddle-Shifted Automatic, ATESSA ET-S AWD |
| Engine | 3.8 liter VR38DETT twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Power | 2008 473 hp @ 6400 rpm (claimed) 434 lb-ft (587 Nm) of torque @ 3200 to 5200 rpm 2009 480 hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm 2010 485 hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm |
| Similar | Porsche 911 Turbo Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Jaguar XKR Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Ferrari F430 Lamborghini Gallardo Audi R8 |
| Designer | Shirō Nakamura |
The Nissan GT-R is a sports car created by Nissan and first sold in the Japanese Domestic Market as early as late November of 2007 and the US market in July 2008. The car was released to Europe and the world in March 2009.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Nissan GT-R Review.
Recent Changes
- Nissan's continuous efforts at refining he GT-R have resulted in the 2011 "New-Spec" GT-R". These changes include a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system. [1]
- Nissan introduced the GT-R Spec-V on January 7, 2009 at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. The limited edition car improves on the base model through a series of modifications. Exterior changes from the base GT-R consist of a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille, and brake ducts, along with an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal paint job. Interior changes include a set of carbon fiber Recaro front seats with the rear seats being complete removed. Carbon fiber covers the center storage box, instrument panel, and replaces the majority of the interior trim. Under the hood, the standard twin-turbo V6 remains but a new high gear boost controller temporarily increases the air induction and deliver more torque in mid to high-range revs. Other mechanical changes include a titanium-coated exhaust, reworked suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and 20-inch NISMO wheels. JDM sales begin on February 2, 2009 at seven pre-selected dealers who are staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving. Pricing is set at ¥15,750,000 (over US$160,000). Nissan has not announced any plans to sell the SpecV outside of Japan.[2][3][4][5]
- For MY2009, Nissan's performance arm, NISMO, sinks their fangs into Nissan's GT-R. The result is a host of tweaks and upgrades collectively called the Club Sport Package and, sadly will only be available in the JDM. What it brings to the table is an even tauter handling care of race-tuned Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers, rock hard coils and springs and 20 in custom aluminum wheels wrapped in Bridgestone RE070R run-flats and a 24 pound weight loss thanks to a "carbon fibre everything" philosophy. Prices start at ¥5,460,000, however, don't be dismayed that it will only be available in Japan as the rest of the world will soon be getting the giant-slaying Spec-V.[6]
Styles and Major Options
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
Pricing
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| MODEL Trims | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R | GT-R Premium | GT-R Club Sport | GT-R Spec-V |
| MSRP | |||
| $80,790 | $83,040 | $Price3 | $Price4 |
| Invoice | |||
| $Price1 | $Price2 | $Price3 | $Price4 |
Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
| Trim | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim1 | Trim2 | Trim3 | Trim4 |
| MPG | |||
| c/h | c/h | c/h | c/h |
Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Engine
- VR38DETT twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.
- 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200 - 5,200 rpm.
- Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing.
- Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
- IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank.
- Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
- ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case.
- Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle.
- Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system).
- Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline. Disclaimer: VDC-R cannot prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.
Transmission
- 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts).
- Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
- Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode).
- Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
- Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Performance
- A top speed of 307 kph (193 mph).
Steering
- Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.
- 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
- 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering).
- Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs.
- Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes.
- Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Brakes
- Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking.
- Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation.
- 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Reliability
Reliability concerns about the Nissan GT-R’s drivetrain surfaced prior to its release date – enthusiasts were worried about the complications that could arise out of the new and highly-intricate all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, versus the simpler rear-wheel drive setups found in other supercars. After the GT-R went on sale in Japan in late 2007 and the U.S. in July 2008, these concerns were partially proved valid, as numerous owners with barely a few thousand miles on their odometer started reporting transmission problems and failures. The most famous of these occurrences is chronicled by member septskyline on the message boards of North American GT-R Owners Club, where he writes about the experience, and more importantly, mentions how Nissan voided his warranty and won’t cover the broken transmission (which costs around $20,000). [7]
The issue stems from Nissan’s ambiguous inclusion of an unofficial “launch control” feature in the GT-R, whereby drivers can program the car’s computer to maximize acceleration from a stop. The owner’s manual, however warns drivers not to use the function except when stuck in snow or mud, and states misuse of the feature will void the warranty. Since then, the feature has been removed from all 2010 models, and a free recall for all 2009 models has been issued. When servicing the car, Nissan dealers can check to see whether the feature was used or not via the GT-R's "blackbox" computer recorder. [8]
Warranty options and scheduled maintenance information should be mentioned here.
Safety
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.
Photos
Base
Spec-V
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Colors
List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.
Main Competitors
Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.
Hybrid Models
If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.
Unique Attributes
- The JDM GT-R, in compliance with a gentleman's agreement between Japanese automotive manufacturers limiting power output to 276 bhp, features an a GPS-based override feature that removes all speed governors (limiters) when the system detects that it is in a racetrack, in Japan or anywhere else in the world.
Interior
- Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).
- Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator.
- Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature.
- Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks.
- Cruise control.
- Tilt/telescoping steering column.
- Bluetooth Hands-free phone system with voice recognition. Seating/Appointments
- Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts.
- 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers.
- Driver-shaped bucket seat.
- Dual individual rear seats.
- Heated front seats.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
- Drilled aluminum pedals. Safety/Security
- Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor.
- Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
- Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.
- Vehicle Security System.
Resale Values
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| <MODEL> Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year X | Year X-2 | Year X-3 | Year X-4 |
| Resale Value | |||
| $ | $ | $ | $ |
Criticisms
- Porsche has accused Nissan of falsifying the GT-R's 911 destroying laptime of 7m 29s around the Nurburgring. According to Porsche, the GT-R used, despite claims of having done no modifications, were fitted with semi-slick race-style tires. The German car maker has even purchased a sample w/ regular road tires and then handed it over to former world rally champion Walter Rohrl who posted a considerably slower 7m 54s time against the 911 Turbo's 7m 38s and the GT2's 7m 34s. [9][10]
Generations
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.
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Current Generation: (2008–present)
The production version of the Nissan GT-R was released in Japan on 6 December 2007, United States July 7, 2008, and in Europe and the rest of the world in March 2009. The primary reason for the large time gap between releases is due to Nissan having to build performance centers where the car is built and to implement new infrastructure at dealers where the car is serviced. Also, the engine and rear-mounted Dual Clutch gearbox are built by hand, limiting production to around 1000 cars a month.[1]
It has already been driven by Autoweek in Germany in the new Nürburgring, in the autobahn and in small roads [2]. Also, photos of the production vehicle were published early[3] since Motor Trend broke the embargo.
Spec V
It has been confirmed that Nissan is planning to introduce a lighter and more powerful GT-R called the GT-R Spec V. Little else has been revealed about the GT-R Spec V except that it will be available in the United States as a 2010 model.[4][5]
Performance and Specifications
Specifications
- 3.8L Twin-turbo DOHC V6 engine (VR38DETT)[6]
- Power: 353 kW @ 6,800 RPM[7]
- Torque: 588 Nm @ 3,200-5,200 RPM[8]
- Curb weight: 1740 kg[9]
- ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R)
- 6-speed dual clutch automated manual transaxle with triple cone synchros and 3 shift modes[10]
- Redline: 7,000 RPM
Performance
- Top speed: 193 mph
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds (with VDC off, AKA using "launch control")
- Standing ¼-mile: 11.2 sec @ 124 mph (with VDC off, AKA using "launch control")
GT-R Test mules have been spotted on the Nürburgring, frequently alongside a 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo; speculated as being used by Nissan as a benchmark car. Sources have expressed that the car is capable of lapping the Nürburgring in the 7 minute range[11] [11] . Nissan has confirmed a Nurburgring lap time of 7 minutes 38.54 seconds, and have released a video of the lap[12][13].The tire is Bridgstone RE070. or, the run flat tire[14][15].Nissan is reportedly going after the lap record of the Porsche Carrera GT.[16]
The GT-R has undergone road testing around the southwest United States, with sightings in New Mexico[17] and California. As was the case in the Nurburgring, the car was followed by a 911 Turbo. The GT-R has also been sighted doing laps at Infineon Raceway and Laguna Seca. At Laguna Seca, the GT-R posted an unofficial lap time of 1 minute 39.62 seconds, a time marginally faster than the 911 Turbo following it which was timed at 1 minute 39.89 seconds[18]
Previous generations:
see Nissan Skyline
Worldwide
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.
Design quirks and oddities
The Nissan GT-R (in different variations) appears in the following videogames:
The GT-R Concept from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show is featured in Project Gotham Racing 3, Gran Turismo Concept, Gran Turismo 4 Prologue and Gran Turismo 4. The 2005 GT-R Proto is currently set to appear in at least two video games:
- Need for Speed: ProStreet - the GT-R Proto was revealed on the first car list, and is also the poster car for the game.
- Gran Turismo 5 Prologue - the GT-R Proto '05 has been seen in a number of videos promoting the game and is featured in the free playable demo, but only as an AI (opponent) car. The GT-R '07 "Black Mask" version (with black tape on the bumpers, the only parts drastically changed from the Proto) was playable in the demo, until it was veiled a day before the wraps officially came off at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, at which time the production version became playable instead. Gran Turismo creators Polyphony Digital were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R's multifunction display[19].
Additionally, both games debuted the production GT-R in-game (via downloadable demos) on the same day the real vehicle debuted.[20][21]
Blendtec engineer Tom Dickson had recently bought himself a Nissan GT-R and he wanted to see if his car can compare with the speed of a Blendtec blender. He put in toy cars with distinct attributes of the GT-R such as a Corvette because of the power and speed, a Porsche for its agility and braking and finally, a Ferrari Enzo for its sexy styling. The blades of the blender travelled at 340 mph, faster than the maximum speed (180 mph) Tom managed to do in his GT-R. [12]
Awards
- Automobile Magazine - 2009 Automobile of the Year [13]
- Evo Magazine - Car of the Year 2008 [14]
- Edmunds - 2009 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Awards: Instant Classic [15]
- Motor Trend - 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year [16]
- Popular Mechanics - Automotive Excellence Awards 2008 (Design) [17]
List out notable awards that the model has received while in production. Boldface the company or organization that gives out the award, and Italicize the name of the award.
See Also
External Links
News & References
Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums

