Nissan GT-R variants

The Nissan GT-R model lineup comprises various modified editions, starting with the Black Edition featuring exterior and interior performance enhancements. The Track Edition, introduced in 2013, focused on weight reduction and improved handling, with a 2019 update adopting the GT-R Nismo's drivetrain. The Nismo variant, launched in 2014, set a Nürburgring lap record, featuring increased power, aerodynamic improvements, and a weight reduction of 25 kg (55 lb) in the 2019 update. Special editions, including the GT-R T-spec, featured exclusive qualities, while one-off editions had adaptability for different events, and the GT-R/C, was for remote control.

The GT-R Black Edition is the first trim level introduced for the car, it featured both exterior and interior performance upgrades over the standard car. Its lightweight wheels, carbon-fibre rear spoiler and Recaro bucket seats were derived from the SpecV. The car originally had a kerb weight of 1,730 kg (3,814 lb).^[1] The interior was finished in red and black leather, but an optional beige colour known as "Pale Ivory" was offered. No mechanical changes were made over the standard car. It offered improved handling similar to the GT-R SpecV as well.^[2] The Black Edition was re-introduced in 2016. It featured no changes over the standard car, except for the Recaro seats. It was primarily sold in Japan and United Kingdom.

The GT-R Track Edition (known as the "GT-R Track Edition Engineered by Nismo" in Japan) is a high-performance version, similar to the GT-R SpecV and Black Edition, and was introduced in 2013 originally for the 2014 model year. It was offered with no rear seats saving 10 kg (22 lb) over the Black Edition, stiffer suspension, carbon fibre air inlets, titanium exhaust, improved brake cooling, unique front spoiler and Recaro black and gray leather seats.^[3][4] The car featured improved handling and cornering, although no improvements in acceleration compared to the standard model. It originally had a kerb weight of 1,720 kg (3,792 lb).^[1]

2019 update

Nissan introduced the updated GT-R Track Edition in 2019, for the 2020 model year at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The car featured the drivetrain from the GT-R Nismo, the VR38DETT engine producing 441 kW; 592 hp (600 PS) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200–5,800 rpm.^[5] Due to new turbocharges from its GT3 race car, acceleration reaction time was improved by 20 percent compared to the previous model year. The car was offered with a re-tuned independent suspension setup, carbon-fibre roof, wider front fenders, revised wheels and Dunlop tyres from the GT-R Nismo. Carbon ceramic brakes and a dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler were fitted to further improve handling and reduce weight.^[6] It was 25 kg (55 lb) lighter than the standard GT-R, weighing at 1,760 kg (3,880 lb).^[7]

2014 (2015 model year) GT-R Nismo

In February 2013, at the new Nismo headquarters opening ceremony in Yokohama, Nissan announced the higher-powered and track focused GT-R Nismo will be introduced in the near future. It was expected to be the third Nissan model to join the Nismo line up, next to the 370Z Nismo and Juke Nismo.^[8] Then CEO, Carlos Ghosn insisted that the car should set the lap record for mass-produced cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife before its official launch. In May, development of the car was begun with Nismo engineers and drivers from the GT3 racing program. Numerous testing sessions took place in the Sendai Hi-Land Raceway and Nürburgring.^[9] At the end of September, development was finalized at the Nürburgring and the car set a lap time of 7:08.679 minutes.^[10] The GT-R Nismo officially made its public debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.^[11]

Due to larger turbochargers from the GT3 race car, revised ignition timing and an upgraded fuel pump, the power output was increased to 600 PS (441 kW; 592 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 652 N⋅m (481 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200–5,800 rpm.^[12] The revised front end featured a larger front splitter and enhanced brake cooling ducts. The larger diffuser, carbon-fibre wing and cooling ducts in the rear completes the enhanced aero package. It contributed 100 kg (220 lb) more downforce at 300 km/h (186 mph) compared to the standard version, without altering the original drag coefficient. The Nismo tuned suspension system featured stiffer springs and re-valved Bilstein adaptive dampers. Revisions were made to the geometry up front to optimize wheel positioning under high g-force, while the rear gets a stiffer and hollow 17.3 mm (0.68 in) stabilizer bar. Nismo-spec Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT run-flat tyres provided more grip, along with lighter Rays 20-inch forged alloys wheels. The standard aluminium boot lid, bonnet and bumpers were replaced with full carbon-fibre panels. Additional spot welds increased chassis rigidity by 8 percent. Including a titanium exhaust system with additional heatsinks, the weight of the car was reduced to 1,730 kg (3,814 lb).^[13] Recaro bucket seats, instrument binnacle and steering wheel covered with Alcantara synthetic suede can be found in the interior. The active noise control in the Bose stereo system was removed, and red colour accents can be found in the gauge meter.

2019 update

2019 (2020 model year) GT-R Nismo, featuring revised light-weight wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and fender vents

Nissan unveiled the updated GT-R Nismo at the 2019 New York Auto Show, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GT-R brand. The car featured a revised "R mode" gear setting, with quicker gear shifts. Turbochargers were upgraded to improve acceleration. Lighter wheels with revised Dunlop tyres and a re-tuned suspension setup improved grip. GT3-inspired fender vents improved downforce. The car featured a carbon-fibre roof, front fenders and carbon-ceramic brakes. It used the largest brake rotors to be ever fitted to a Japanese production car.^[14][15] In an interview with Motor Trend, chief product specialist, Hiroshi Tamura said the acceleration from 0 to 80 km/h (0 to 50 mph) was quicker by 2.4 m (8 ft), and the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time was 5 seconds quicker compared to the previous model year, making a potential lap time of 7:03 minutes due to a 5 percent improvement in cornering force and braking performance.^[16] Overall weight of the car was reduced by 25 kg (55 lb), to 1,750 kg (3,858 lb).^[17] According to Nissan, the upgraded version was 2.5 seconds quicker than the previous model year around their test track.^[18]

2023 update

In 2023, for the 2024 model year, the car was offered with major performance upgrades. Cornering was improved, as a mechanical limited-slip differential was fitted for the first time in the front of the car. A swan neck rear wing with a 10 percent increase in surface area, revised front lip canards and rear diffuser increased downforce by 13 percent over the previous model year.^[19] It also featured enhanced carbon-fibre bucket seats. The Nismo Appearance Package was introduced, offering special exterior features of the GT-R Nismo Special Edition. This included the exclusive Stealth Grey body colour, clear coated carbon-fibre hood, exclusive engine cover and the red-accented Nismo wheels.^[20]

GT-R Nismo N-Attack Package

The N-Attack Package is a special post-production performance package, which consisted of the performance upgrades used to set the lap times at the Nürburgring.^[21] It featured a re-programmed ECU for enhanced power distribution. Changes were made to stiffer suspension springs and shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, front brake pads, front and rear limited-slip differentials for improved handling. It provided more downforce using carbon-fibre front fenders with aerodynamic flics, larger front splitter and rear wing with two height and 12 angle adjustment options. Carbon-fibre intercooler pipes, Recaro full-carbon bucket seats and a carbon-fibre bulkhead replacing the back seats reduced weight by 64 kg (141 lb) over the standard GT-R Nismo. It also contained competition-only components, the bonnet gurney and six-point harness seat belt which were offered as optional parts and could not be used on public roads. The package was offered for the 2017 model year GT-R Nismo as well. The upgrades were offered in two trim levels, A kit and B kit. The A kit included all of these, but the B kit only featured the suspension setup, brake system, stabilizer bars, carbon-fibre rear wing, front fenders and splitter, both ESM and TCM, and a driver only bucket seat.^[22] In Japan, installation was handled by the Nismo Omori factory. In North America and the United Kingdom, the conversion was handled by Stillen and JR Motorsports respectively.^[23]

2021 (2022 model year) GT-R T-spec in Millennium Jade body colour

Nissan introduced the T-spec variant, inspired by the words "Trend Maker" and "Traction Master" used to represent the first GT-R concept back in 2001. This model is a high-performance variant with exclusive upgrades and changes over the standard GT-R, similar to the GT-R Track Edition.^[24] It was offered with the Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple exterior colours, previously used exclusively in the Skyline GT-R R34. Exclusive gold and black engine cover, T-spec badging, carbon-fibre rear spoiler and Rays wheels finished in bronze colour completes the cosmetic changes. Performance upgrades, such as carbon ceramic brakes, air ducts, wider front fenders, increased wheel-rim width, exclusive carbon-fibre roof (boot lid for the Track Edition T-spec) and suspension weight reduction below the springs provided smoother and improved handling, and reduced weight as well.^[25] The interior featured a plenty of leather and Alcantara suede finished in Mori Green. The T-spec trim was offered for both the standard and GT-R Track Edition trims. Orders were open from 15 to 29 September 2021. Deliveries began in the second half of October along with the GT-R Nismo Special Edition in 2021 (for the 2022 model year in the United States).^[26] The GT-R T-Spec was re-introduced in 2023, for the 2024 model year, replacing the GT-R Track Edition for the North American market.

GT-R SpecV

Nissan introduced the GT-R SpecV ("V" stands for "Victory") at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. A high-performance version with significant performance upgrades over the standard car. It used carbon fibre rear spoiler, front grille, brake ducts, Recaro bucket seats, and had no rear seats. Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight aluminium wheels and a titanium exhaust system was used to further reduce its weight by 60 kg (132 lb), to be rated at 1,680 kilograms (3,704 lb) – making it the lightest GT-R ever built.^[27] Its stylish exterior featured an exclusive body colour, the LAC Black Opal matching the blacked-out wheels, which were wrapped up with Bridgestone Potenza RE070R street tyres with stiffer side walls, providing more grip.^[28] Although it featured no improvements in engine power, an over boost button on the steering wheel was added, which could over boost the engine using its larger turbochargers, for up to 80 seconds and increase mid-range torque to 609 N⋅m (449 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 to 5,000 rpm.^[28] Its fixed Bilstein dampers were 20 percent stiffer than the standard car.^[29][30]

Although the car featured no improvements in acceleration, handling was edgier and more sensitive to driver input. Deliveries began in February 2 in Japan, at seven preselected dealers staffed with specially trained mechanics knowledgeable about racing driving. A total of 110 units were built. Japanese motor publication Best Motoring, around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, recorded a lap of 7:34.46 minutes on damp conditions using a GT-R SpecV.^[31] In November 2011, Nismo introduced the "Track Pack" package, which provided the upgraded accessories of the GT-R SpecV. It went on sale on November 24, and was exported to other regions in January 2012. It was limited to 150 units worldwide.^[32]

GT-R Egoist

The GT-R Egoist (known as the VVIP Edition in Middle East), is a luxury version which featured premium materials and components over the standard car. It was a limited production variant exclusively offered in 2012, for the 2012 model year. It featured a premium interior with a Wajima Lacquer steering emblem. Exclusive leather and Alcantara suede for the instrument panel, console, door trim, rear side, pillar trim and for the roof trim as well. 12 exclusive leather colour options, fabric carpets, leather cleaners, leather car verification case and leather seats were offered for an enhanced interior quality. Exterior changes include a dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler, titanium muffler, lightweight wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the GT-R SpecV. Dedicated "Egoist" badges were also offered. The VVIP Edition was introduced with minor changes by Nissan Middle East. The GT-R Egoist was sold 43 units worldwide.^[33]

The GT-R Gentleman Edition, is a limited production variant based on the Black Edition, sold exclusively in France and Belgium. Only a total of 10 units were built, making it the rarest GT-R to date. It featured an exclusive Grey Squale body colour and "Gentleman Edition" badges next to the front fender vents. Amber red leather upholstery, individually numbered titanium plaque, hand-stitched leather accents and a bespoke sunglass case were added to the interior. No mechanical changes were made over the standard car.^[34]

The GT-R Midnight Opal Special Edition, is a limited production variant, limited to 115 units worldwide.^[35] The car featured the exclusive Midnight Opal body colour (similar to the Midnight Purple body colour offered in the R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R models), carbon-fibre rear spoiler, increased antifreeze concentration, exclusive Rays wheels finished in a unique hyper titanium paint colour, gold aluminium number plate in the engine bay and a new SRS curtain airbag system.^[36]

The GT-R 45th Anniversary Gold Edition is a limited production variant, introduced to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the GT-R brand. The featured improved ride quality and significant cosmetic changes, and went on sale in the beginning of February 2015.^[37] A unique gold "Silica Brass" body colour was offered, which was used in the Skyline GT-R R34 M-Spec. A gold-tone VIN plate in the engine compartment, commemorative plaque on the centre console, revised Rays wheels finished in black and the production number plate under the hood were the exclusive changes made over the standard car. Nissan sold a total of 80 units worldwide.^[38]

In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT-R brand, Nissan announced the high-performance, limited production GT-R50. Built in collaboration with Italdesign, as the former celebrating its 50th anniversary as well in 2018. The car was limited to a total of 50 units. It borrowed its powertrain from the GT-R Nismo, with a higher-rated power out put of 720 PS (530 kW; 710 hp) and 780 N⋅m (575 lb⋅ft) of torque.^[39][40] Achieved by large diameter turbochargers, heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, modified intake system and an upgraded exhaust system. A recalibrated gearbox, reinforced differential, Bilstein continuously variable dampers and carbon-ceramic brakes were added to further improve performance. The car was featured 21-inch carbon-fibre wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. Construction of the bodywork was mainly made out of aluminium and carbon-fibre. Nissan delayed production of the GT-R50 until 2020 due to the car needing slight modifications to make it road legal.

Nissan's European and American designers were involved with its design, the car was described as a "car within a car". The front and back ends were designed to be emerging from the bodywork. Key design elements include a redesigned rear section, stretched LED headlamps at the front, a power bulge on the hood, lowered roofline, and "Samurai blade" cooling ducts behind the front wheels.^[41] Production version of the GT-R50 was unveiled in May 2020, in Italy. It retained all design elements from the concept car, such as the headlamps, bumper designs, splitters, rocker panels, active rear wing, hollow taillamps and dual tailpipes among others.^[42] In July 2022, Nissan stopped accepting orders for the car, as all of its 50 units were reportedly sold out.^[43]

The Naomi Osaka Edition is a limited production variant, celebrating the partnership between Nissan and its brand ambassador, Naomi Osaka. It was introduced in September 2018 for the 2019 model year, and was limited to 50 units based on the standard GT-R.^[44] The car featured three exclusive body colours, Midnight Opal, Brilliant White Pearl and Meteor Flake Black Pearl. Both exterior and interior colour options were chosen by Osaka herself. Interior colours options were Ivory, Amber Red and Tan with Urban Black colour seats. A dry carbon-fibre rear spoiler, gold aluminium model number plate in the engine compartment, privacy glass, increased antifreeze concentration and dark grey front fender outlet ducts were also offered for the car.^[45]

GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition

The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition is a limited production model, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GT-R brand, it was introduced at the 2019 New York Auto Show.^[46] The car featured exclusive two-tone exterior colours – Bayside (Wangan) Blue with white racing stripes and blue accents on the wheel spokes, Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes, which were used in the Skyline GT-R KPGC10 race cars that dominated the Japan GP series back in the 1970s. Changes inside of the car were, a unique steering wheel, shift knob trim, special embossed seats, Alcantara headliner with unique stitching and Alcantara-wrapped sun visors.^[47]

2021 (2022 model year) GT-R Nismo Special Edition

The GT-R Nismo Special Edition (known as the "GT-R Nismo SV" in Japan and Australia), is a limited production, built-to-order variant offered in 2021, for the 2022 model year. It was originally limited to 300 units worldwide.^[48] The car featured a Nismo-exclusive Stealth Gray body colour. Its clear-coated carbon-fibre bonnet, derived from the Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec N1 models, reduced 100g of weight. The Rays aluminium wheels with red accents, matches existing accents around the body. It was the first GT-R variant to adorn the new Nissan logo, introduced on the Nissan Ariya. The car used high-precision weight-balanced engine components, such as the piston rings, connecting rods, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances. Delivering snappier revs and quicker turbo spooling. The typical Takumi certification plate, placed on the engine was replaced with an exclusive red colour.^[49][50] By August 6, The car was sold out and Nissan concluded accepting orders.^[51] It was re-introduced in 2023 but only in Japan.^[19]

Based on the GTR Premium and limited to fewer than 200 units in North America the Skyline edition was introduced in 2024 it features Bayside Blue paint as from the R34 Skyline and the 50th Anniversary Edition GTR and a Sora Blue interior color. ^[52]

Based on the T Spec the Takumi Edition was also introduced in 2024 and is also limited to fewer than 200 units in North America It honors the eponymous takumi master craftspeople responsible for hand-assembling each GT-R VR38DETT engine it features Midnight Purple paint with a exclusive Mori Green interior, GT-R NISMO carbon-ceramic brakes, a gold-painted version of the NISMO's RAYS 20-inch forged wheels, NISMO-tuned Vehicle Dynamic Control and wider front fenders. The engine badge acknowledging the takumi features red-etched writing, and the engine bay houses a gold VIN plate ^[53]

Various one-off editions of the GT-R were built throughout the years. In 2012, "Usain Bolt" one-off GT-R, named after the athlete Usain Bolt, was built and auctioned off to raise funds for charity. A display model was held in Tokyo, Japan.^[54] In 2016, a heavily modified GT-R Nismo set a Guinness World Record for the Fastest Drift, with a trap speed of 304.96 km/h at a 30-degree angle drift. It was driven by Masato Kawabata at the Fujairah International Airport. Three attempts were undertaken by the team of Nissan Middle East, to set the record.^[55] The GT-R Predzilla was exclusively built and donated to the Nashville Predators Foundation. The car was based on a standard 2016 (2017 model year) GT-R, and it was the main attraction in the Predators Foundation fundraising auction. It was custom-painted in Preds' official colours and graphics.^[56] The one-off Tomica 50th Anniversary GT-R, was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tomica. Based on the 2016 (2017 model year) GT-R, it was wrapped up with the iconic red and black "Tomica Skyline Turbo Super Silhouette" livery, symbolises the relationship between Tomica and Nissan.^[57] On April 15, 2021, Nissan unveiled a one-off special version of the GT-R Nismo, wrapped in a gold body colour, built in collaboration with McDonald's in Japan. A toy model GT-R Nismo was offered with the “Tomica Happy Set" meal. It was on sale for a limited time in Japan, began on April 30.^[58]

GT-R/C

The GT-R/C was built to celebrate the release of the Gran Turismo Sport video game, and also to mark 20 years of Nissan's involvement in the Gran Turismo gaming series. It was extensively modified to be driven entirely by a DualShock 4 controller. It was controlled by the Nismo athlete and GT Academy winner, Jann Mardenborough around in a cockpit of a helicopter at the Silverstone Circuit. Mardenborough's fastest lap time was 1:17.47 minutes, averaging 122 km/h and reached a top speed of 211 km/h. The GT-R/C was fitted with four robots to operate the steering, transmission, brakes, and throttle. Six computers mounted in the rear of the car to update the controls up to 100 times per second. The unmodified Dual-Shock 4 connects to a micro-computer that interprets the joystick and button signals and transmits them to its onboard systems. The wireless operation had a primary control range of one kilometre. To help Mardenborough judge the vehicle's speed through the corners, a Racelogic Vbox Motorsport sensor was installed to relay speed data to an LCD display in the helicopter cockpit. The car was fitted with two independent safety systems operating on different radio frequencies in order to allow two additional operators to apply full ABS braking and cut the engine in the event of the main operator losing control of the vehicle. In 2018, the GT-R/C was used in a tour of primary and secondary schools in the United Kingdom to promote future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects.^[59]

The GT-R was used as police vehicles by several police departments. Including the Tochigi Prefectural Police in Japan, Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police Force in the United Arab Emirates among others.^[60][61]