The Nissan GT-R is a sports car created by Nissan, released in Japan on December 6th, 2007, the United States on July 7, 2008, and the rest of the world in March of 2009.[3][4][5]

Between 1969 and 1974, and again between 1989 and 2002, Nissan produced a high performance version of its Skyline range called the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car proved to be iconic for Nissan[6][7] and achieved much fame and success on road and track. The Nissan GT-R, although no longer carrying the "Skyline" badge, has heritage in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Like the Skyline GT-Rs R32 through R34, the Nissan GT-R is all-wheel drive with a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine; however, the evolutionary, incremental changes between Skyline models R32 through R34 have been done away with. The four-wheel-steering HICAS system has been removed, and the former straight-6 RB26DETT engine has been replaced with a new V6 VR38DETT.[8] Because of the GT-R's heritage, the chassis code for the all-new version has been called CBA-R35,[9] or 'R35' for short, carrying on the naming trend from previous Skyline GT-R generations. The GT-R has also retained its Skyline predecessor's nickname Godzilla.[10][11]

Two concept vehicles were displayed at motor shows prior to the unveiling of the production model. The first concept was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 to preview what a 21st century GT-R would look like.[12] At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a redesigned concept, the GT-R Proto, stating that the production GT-R would be 80-90% based on this concept.[13]

The production version of the GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, launching in the Japanese market on December 6, 2007. The U.S. official launch was 7 months later on July 07, 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 a.m., 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. Also the engine and rear-mounted dual-clutch gearbox are built by hand, thus limiting production to around 1000 cars a month.[14]

The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) DOHC V6. Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction.[15] Production vehicles produce a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 474 bhp (353 kW) at 6400 rpm and 434 lb·ft (588 N·m) at 3200-5200 rpm.[16] According to independent dynamometer tests, the GT-R produces 416 hp (310 kW) to 475 hp (354 kW) and 414 lb·ft (561 N·m) to 457 lb·ft (620 N·m) at the wheels.[17][18] The engine also meets California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.[19] A curb weight of 1,730 kg (3,800 lb) or 1,736 kg (3,830 lb) with side curtain airbags is achieved using a jig welded steel chassis with aluminum used for the hood, trunk, and doors.[20] A rear mounted six-speed BorgWarner dual clutch semi-automatic transmission is used in conjunction with the ATTESA E-TS system to provide power to all four wheels and along with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) aids in stability. Three shift modes can also be selected for various conditions. The GT-R has a drag coefficient of 0.27.[21]

Nissan claims the GT-R can reach a top speed of 193 mph (311 km/h),[23] Motor Trend recorded a top speed of 195.0 mph (313.8 km/h).[24] It has been tested to achieve 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times as low as 3.2 seconds with "launch control"[25] and 3.8 seconds without[26] (improved to 3.5 seconds in models produced since March 2009[27]). Nissan's chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno has indicated that he has never used the term "launch control", which refers to the act of turning off vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and launching the car at around 4500 rpm.[28] However, Nissan's director of product planning John Wiener clearly stated in an interview with Jay Leno that "we [Nissan] actually offer a 'launch mode'". [29] The GT-R user's manual states that turning off the VDC is only meant for escaping low-traction situations such as mud or snow, and that damage to the transmission is not covered under warranty if the VDC is used in other ways.[30][28] It reportedly costs $20,000 USD to replace a damaged transmission outside of warranty.[31] Nissan has re-programmed the 2010 model year GT-R to reduce the engine speed at launch to around 3,000 to 3,500 rpm with VDC enabled, which is meant to improve acceleration times. The new programming was also installed on old 2009 vehicles still in Nissan's inventory, and is available for existing 2009 vehicles.[32]

Motor Trend achieved a standing quarter-mile time of 11.6 s at 120.0 mph (193.1 km/h).[33] Autocar achieved a 0-100 mph (160 km/h) time of 8.5 seconds.[34]

With a manufacturer claimed lap time of 7:26.7 on the base model's Dunlop tires[35] and previously 7:29 min on standard Japanese market tires, the GT-R is currently one of the fastest production cars to lap the Nürburgring circuit,[36][37] although Porsche accused Nissan of falsifying those claims in September 2008.[38][39] Porsche claims to have conducted their own test of the GT-R using no modifications and stock tires and achieved a best time of 7:54. Nissan officially disputed Porsche's claim in October 2008.[40][41] The German magazine sport auto achieved a time of 7:50 on the Nürburgring with a car supplied to them by Nissan during an initial short test in 2007,[42] while testing by Drivers Republic of a GT-R and GT2 in stock form resulted in times of 7:55 for the GT-R and 7:49 for the GT2 respectively.[43] Both tests were conducted in partially damp conditions and by automotive journalists rather than professional track drivers. In a full test in 2009, sport auto achieved a time of 7:38 minutes on the Nürburgring with a standard GT-R driven by Horst von Saurma.[42]

Autocar released a video comparison of the GT-R with the Porsche 911 GT3 and BMW M3. Driven by test driver Chris Harris the GT-R was the fastest of the three.[44][45][46] Autocar released another comparison test at the Isle of Man on a 4.5 km closed public road with the Audi R8, Lotus Elise, and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The GT-R's time of 1:56:69 was behind the Gallardo's 1:55:99 time, however because the GT-R was Japanese-spec its top speed was limited to 112 mph, the reviewer noted the GT-R was stuck on the limiter for ~10-11 seconds and without the limiter would have "blitzed the Lamborghini".[47] In Car Magazine's test with the 911 Turbo at Rockingham the GT-R was faster.[48] Evo tested the GT-R alongside the 911 GT3 at the Bedford Autodrome circuit, the GT-R ran a 1:21.7 lap time compared to GT3's 1:22.6 time.[49] In a Fifth Gear test with the 911 Turbo, Bruno Senna was able to achieve faster lap times in the GT-R.[50] Car and Driver compared the GT-R on Reno-Fernley Raceway with the 911 Turbo and BMW M3, the GT-R's lap time of 1:26.7 made it the fastest on the track.[51] Road & Track was able to achieve quick lap times with the car on Buttonwillow Raceway, clocking in at 1:56.9 just over 5 seconds faster than the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 and 911 Turbo.[52][53] In an Edmunds.com 6-way test which included the Audi R8 on both the Streets of Willow and an improvised mountain road, the GT-R was quickest.[54] Auto Bild compared the GT-R with the 911 Turbo and V10 Audi R8 at Contidrome, the GT-R's time of 1:30:95 placed it ahead of both the Porsche (1:31:75) and the Audi (1:32:11).[55] In another Autocar comparison with the PDK 911 Turbo (997.2) and V10 Audi R8 on the Castle Combe Circuit the GT-R's laptime of 1:14:6, was faster than the 911's time of 1:14:9 and the R8's 1:15:5 lap time.[56]

On Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, Edmunds.com was able to achieve lap times of 1:25.09 compared to the Corvette ZR1's time of 1:23.87.[57] On the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield road course, Motor Trend were able to achieve lap times with the GT-R that were almost as fast as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and 911 GT2 and 3 seconds slower than a Corvette ZR1.[58] The GT-R currently holds a lap time of 1:19.7 around the Top Gear Test Track, equalling that of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.[59] On Top Gear Australia's test track the GT-R posted a lap time of 1:07.06, putting it in second place 0.14 seconds behind the 997 GT2. Top Gear laps are conducted from a standing start and under varying conditions.

Nissan chief creative officer, Shirō Nakamura, has likened the new GT-R to the eponymous giant robots of the Gundam series. Nakamura stated: "The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed supercar, it had to really reflect Japanese culture."

Nakamura noted that the GT-R's square lines and vents were influenced by Gundam robots. Nissan's American designers sculpted the rear three quarters of the vehicle, while their European designers sculpted the roofline.[60]

Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series of racing video games, were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R's multifunction display.[61]

Nissan introduced the GT-R SpecV on January 7, 2009 at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon.[62] 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 completely removed. Carbon fiber covers the center storage box, instrument panel, and replaces the majority of the interior trim.

The GT-R SpecV is powered by the standard twin-turbo 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6 with no increase in horsepower. A new high gear boost controller that allows a temporary increase in boost pressure to the IHI twin turbochargers, now larger than those on the standard GT-R, should deliver more torque in mid to high-range revs. Other mechanical changes include a titanium exhaust, reworked suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and 20-inch (510 mm) NISMO wheels. Overall weight is decreased by 132 lb (60 kg) over the standard GT-R.[63]

Japan 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.

Nismo, the motorsport arm of Nissan, will be entering the Nissan GT-R in the Super GT race series in the GT500 class for the 2008 season, replacing the Nissan 350Z.[64]

Unlike the production car, the GT500 version has a completely different drivetrain. The race car has a 4.5 litre naturally-aspirated V8 with 6 speed sequential manual gearbox and a RWD layout from its predecessor, the 350Z race car.[65]

A prototype was spotted testing around the Suzuka Circuit as well as Fuji Speedway in Japan.[66][67] The car itself went on to win the opening race of the 2008 Super GT season at Suzuka scoring a one-two finish for Nissan.[68] The dominant performances in the opening race has led to all GT-Rs being applied a 50 kg weight penalty in addition to the race weight penalty under the Special Adjustment of Performance under the Super GT regulations.[69] In race two, the GT-R repeated their 1-2 result in Suzuka despite the race winning car of team Nismo carrying a 100 kg weight penalty making it only the 3rd team in JGTC/Super GT history to do so. The last time this feat was achieved was 10 years ago by Nismo Skyline GT-R racing under the same number 23.[70] Despite the weight handicap, it did in fact become the champion in this 2008 season through the Xanavi Nismo GT-R driven by Satoshi Motoyama and Benoit Treluyer, as well as winning 7 out of 9 races driven by 4 different teams using GT-Rs.

On 27 February 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 will not be competing for championship points, but will be 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 will co-drive the GT1 GT-R.[71]

A production-based GT-R made its world motorsport debut in Australia's Targa Tasmania tarmac rally in April 2008,[72] however it sustained damage early in the event and did not complete the rally.[73] Later in 2008 a GT-R won the Competition Modern class in the Targa West[74] before returning to Targa Tasmania in 2009 to take the outright win in the Modern class.[75] In 2009 Nissan's GT-R won the One Lap of America competition.[76]

The GT-R was used as the official safety car for both the 2008 Japanese Super GT, and the 2009 Australian V8 Supercars series[77] before a dispute over alcohol advertising led to the arrangement being discontinued after four rounds.[78]

Despite early concerns about the difficulty of modification of the Nissan GT-R, a number of modifications have been released. The previously reported "untuneable" ECU has since been hacked by several tuning houses.

MINE'S has decoded its ECU, and others (MCR,[79] 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.[80][81]

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-kilometer per hour (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.[82]

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,[83] includes Bilstein Damptronic compatible dampers, 20" forged aluminum wheels from Rays Engineering, Bridgestone run-flat tires, Recaro carbon fiber-shelled bucket seats, a titanium exhaust, and a revised rear diffuser with an added cooling duct.[84] The package is supported by a warranty and saves over 20 kg.

Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for its custom Dodge Vipers, has produced a GT-R modification known as the GTR600 that produces 642 bhp (479 kW) and 611 lb·ft (828 N·m) of torque on premium gasoline with its modified turbochargers set at 17 psi of boost. Hennessey claims it can produce 700 bhp (520 kW) using high octane race fuel and boost pressure increased to 21 psi.[85] Road & Track recorded a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The GTR600 modifications cost $38,800, bringing the car's total price to almost $120,000. Hennessey also produces GTR700 and GTR800 modification kits, tuned to 715 bhp (533 kW) and 813 bhp (606 kW), respectively.[86]