Summary
The Nissan GT-R is widely regarded as one of the most iconic nameplates of all time, and not only within tuner culture but among car enthusiasts worldwide. This stamp, as well as the GT-R’s built-in capabilities, have allowed Nissan to extend the life of its current-generation R35 model, which hit the market in 2009. To be fair, the Japanese automaker has refined the GT-R since then, but the core formula has remained the same: the engine 3.8-liter V-6, two turbochargers, 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. These materials once allowed Nissan’s supercoupe to reign supreme—including the unbelievable Nurburgring lap times—but have since been dethroned by rivals such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo. Besides being beaten by most of its competitors, the GT-R’s spartan interior also means it’s outclassed. Despite these flaws, the GT-R is still an exemplary machine that can sprint in about 3 seconds, and we’ll likely see it make a charming comeback after pulling off one last smoke-out and exploding into a cloud of tire smoke in history.
What’s New for 2023?
The Nissan GT-R carries over from the 2022 model year, unchanged but still unattached.
Price and Which One to Buy
Somehow, Nissan charged a six figure price for a car that cost less than when it debuted a decade ago—and hasn’t changed much since. That said, those looking for permanent sitting time in the most powerful car bearing the GT-R badge aren’t worried about price. While the ultimate version is NISMO, it costs almost twice as much as the Premium model and costs more than the exotic McLaren 570 and Porsche 911 Turbo S. With this in mind, we recommend the cheapest GT-R Premium.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The 2023 GT-R’s standard twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque. It’s hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive that conspires to put all that power to the pavement. On our test lineThe GT-R launched itself from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The GT-R’s fast steering, rigid structure, adjustable suspension and all-wheel drive can make even amateurs feel positively heroic from behind the wheel. The ride is steady but not excruciating and, thanks to active noise cancellation, the roar of the GT-R’s engine doesn’t strain your eardrums when cruising down the highway. Want more? Check out the NISMO model with a tuned engine that makes 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque, but know you’re going to pay a heavy price for it.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
The EPA estimates that each GT-R will produce 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. However, we don’t know real-world mpg because we haven’t tested it on our fuel-efficient 200-mile highway route. For more information on the GT-R’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Inside, the GT-R’s front seats are roomy but the rear seats are a place only young children can feel comfortable. The interior is well-appointed and offers a number of standard features, but those looking for a high-end interior like those on the inside Audi R8 or Mercedes-AMG GT will be disappointed with the material and the finish. Each model has dual-zone climate control, leather and suede upholstery, heated front seats and more. Storage is a rare interior cubby with nothing more than large door pockets and a small center console holder.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every 2023 GT-R is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen which can also be controlled with the rotary knob on the center console. While Apple CarPlay capability, built-in navigation, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system are standard, Android Auto isn’t an option. The infotainment system is fairly easy to use although the graphics and menus aren’t the most appealing.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
You won’t find Nissan’s driver assistance features here, but to be fair, those types of electronics aren’t common in most of the GT-R’s rivals, either. For more information on GT-R crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard front and rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Free scheduled maintenance may not mean much to someone who can afford a GT-R, but some rivals offer it while Nissan doesn’t. Its limited warranty period is also shorter than most rivals offering four years or 50,000 miles.
- The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
Specification
Specification
Nissan GT-R NISMO 2020
TRANSPORTATION TYPE
front engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
BASIC PRICE
$212,435
MACHINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Transfer
232 cu in, 3799 cc
Power
600 hp @ 6800 rpm
torque
481 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic dual clutch with manual shift mode
SIZE
Wheelbase: 109.4 inches
Length: 184.6 inches
Width: 74.6 inches
Height: 53.9 inches
Passenger volume: 79 cu ft
Trunk volume: 9 cu ft
Curb weight: 3850 lb
SHOW (CD EST)
Zero to 60 mph: 3.0 seconds
Zero to 100 mph: 6.9 seconds
Standing ¼ mile: 11.2 seconds
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS (CD EST)
Combined/city/highway: 18/16/22 mpg
More Features and Specifications