Nissan GT-R: A Closer Look at Specs, Features, Pros & Price

The Nissan GT-R, known as “Godzilla,” delivers powerful performance with a twin-turbo V6 and AWD. It has a special place in the heart of all car enthusiasts and is truly one of the most exciting gems in Nissan’s collection. But while speed is one of the GT-R’s main attributes, another is control sense instilled in drivers as they wind through a sharp turn or along a winding road, courtesy of the technology jammed under the hood.

Whether you’re shredding up the strip or sliding down the highway, the GT-R gives you an adrenaline-pumping ride that few vehicles in its category can even remotely approximate. In this article, we’ll see further what makes the Nissan GT-R unique, talking about everything from its powerful engine and aerodynamic appearance to its safety features, pricing, and driving characteristics.

Performance

A major portion of ecosystem performance is the hand-made 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine that, in the current versions of NISMO, is delivering 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the most advanced all-wheel-drive system allow such acceleration that the GT-R can, from a standstill, reach 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, along with some of the most expensive supercars in the world.

Another one of the features that form the crux of GT-R is ATTESA E-TS, a state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system that automatically optimizes the distribution of power to the front and the rear wheels as per the instantaneous variations in car conditions. GT-R remains an amazing company in its cornering steadiness and its handling at speed.

Handling and Driving Experience

Escalating to razor-sharp handling, thanks to Bilstein adaptive dampers and its complex aerodynamic design, the GT-R gets rear-wheel steering in the newer models. The car feels planted and stable at high velocities with little body roll during extreme cornering. Yet, the ride, in comparison, remains firm next to luxury grand tourers like the Mercedes-AMG GT, making even slightly rough tarmac feel jarring.

Engine and Powertrain

Moreover, the GT-R showcases another masterpiece from Nissan with its hand-assembled VR38DETT engine. This 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 powers the latest NISMO variant, delivering 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. The unusual thing is that this engine is hand-assembled by a single master technician in Nissan’s Yokohama factory for truly fine quality control. Generally, though, this system transmits power to the rear wheels like its conventional counterparts.

Exterior Design

Strong and powerful, the outside of the Nissan GT-R provides an image of robustness. The signature design elements are a hexagonal grille oversized by light-up wedge LED headlights and a low but wide stance which enhances aerodynamic capability.

Aerodynamics are critical to the design of the GT-R. The NISMO version gets further enhancements with a carbon fiber rear spoiler, front canards, and underbody panels to lessen drag and help stability. The body of GT-R combines steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber to provide strength for lightness.

Available Colors

The Nissan GT-R offers a range of color options, including:

• Super Silver
  
• Jet Black Pearl
  
• Pearl White TriCoat
  
• Vibrant Red
  
• Midnight Purple
  
• Bayside Blue

Read More: Sedans With All Wheel Drive: Luxury & Performance Leaders

Interior Design

The performance of the GT-R is matched by the design and use of materials of a premium standard. It has a cockpit designed specifically for the driver’s benefit, with all the controls easy to reach.

Furthermore, the latest versions feature an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay support. They also include a premium Bose sound system for enhanced audio entertainment. And while it is pampered with leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber finishes, some critics claim it does not match the refinement offered by European rivals like Porsche or Audi.

Safety Features

Some of the main safety technologies are:

• Traction and stability control as advanced systems

• Powerful brakes with large discs; Brembo brakes

• Multiple airbags to provide protection to both drivers and passengers

• Reversing camera and parking sensors

However, the GT-R does not offer some modern driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist. These features are typically not a priority for performance-oriented buyers.

Price of Nissan GT-R

The existing benchmark for a “supercar killer“, the Nissan GT-R is famed for its relatively lower price in comparison to the spectacular performance it has to offer. Base GT-R starts at $113,540, whereas the hyper-performance NISMO variant can carry a price tag of over $210,740. That said, although still a chunk of change, Nissan undercuts several of its European competitors offering comparable performance.

But after that come maintenance and running costs, which can be very high. GT-Rs run on high-octane gas, and performance parts like brakes and tires can be quite pricey to replace. On the other hand, usually, high-speed capabilities mean that insurance premiums are exorbitant.

Read More: 7 manual transmission cars with cheap prices in USA

Pros and Cons of the Nissan GT-R

Pros of the Nissan GT-R

The biggest plus of the GT-R lies in its performance at that price level, with few others capable of keeping up with its pace and handling at this cost. The all-wheel-drive system gives excellent grip in all sorts of conditions and renders it more versatile than rear-wheel-drive supercars. It is an engineering masterpiece with a hand-built engine. The ferocious design makes it stand out from every angle.

Cons of the Nissan GT-R

Unpopularity of the GT-R ride quality is mostly parceled out to the spoiled harsh ride quality peddled by performance trims. The cabin, well-accommodated with equipment, is not equipped with the same sense of luxury as is found in some competitors. Expectably poor fuel economy from a high-performance vehicle, and, of course, maintenance adds up over the years. Besides, the absence of advanced driver-assist features would turn away some consumers who want a more tech-loaded car.

FAQ’s

Q1) What is the Nissan GT-R really about?

Offering supercar performance at half the price, the GT-R features a hand-built twin-turbo V6 and advanced all-wheel drive. Its legendary handling has earned it the nickname “Godzilla.”

Q2) Is the GT-R suitable for daily driving?

Every day, drivable, but the suspension is stiff and exhaust is loud and thereby made it less comfortable compared to its luxury competitors. Nevertheless, it has nice-shifting and good space for cargo.

Q3)  What’s the price of a GT-R?

Base prices start from $113,530 and go up to around $210,740 for the NISMO variant. Second-hand models range from about $50,000 to $100,000, depending on age and condition.

Q4)  Is the Nissan GT-R all-wheel drive?

Yes, its ATTESA E-TS system generally drives the rear wheels, but can send up to 50 percent of the power forward as needed for all conditions.

Q5)  What is the GT-R’s fuel economy?

Moreover, the GT-R delivers 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, and it requires premium fuel, which is typical for high-performance vehicles.