Overview

The Nissan GT-R R35 (2009-2024) was the supercar killer, offering hypercar performance at half the price through advanced AWD, dual-clutch transmission, and a twin-turbo V6 that could be tuned to 1,000+ HP. Carrying the “Godzilla” nickname from Skyline GT-R predecessors, it dominated drag strips and became the ultimate tuner platform.

Specifications

2009 GT-R:

• 3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT)
• 480 HP, 430 lb-ft torque
• 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds (Car & Driver)
• Price: $69,850

2017 GT-R:

• 565 HP (base), 600 HP (NISMO)
• Updated interior (finally)
• Price: $109,990-$176,585

2023 GT-R T-spec (final):

• 565 HP
• Special colors (Millennium Jade, Midnight Purple)
• Price: $135,000+

Performance Dominance

Launch control: The GT-R’s party trick—mash brake and throttle, release brake, computers handle 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. Early models had transmission warranty issues from excessive launch control use.

Nürburgring obsession: Nissan repeatedly lowered lap times:

• 2008: 7:29
• 2013: 7:19.1 (NISMO)
• 2017: 7:08.68 (NISMO N Attack Package, stock car controversy)

Tuning Culture

The VR38DETT engine became legendary for tunability:

• Stage 1 (intake/exhaust/tune): 550-600 HP
• Stage 2 (downpipes/intercooler): 650-700 HP
• Stage 3 (turbo upgrade): 800-1,000 HP
• Alpha packages (AMS Performance): 1,200-2,000+ HP

Prominent tuners:

• AMS Performance (Illinois)
• T1 Race Development (Japan)
• Litchfield Motors (UK)
• Switzer Performance (Ohio, now closed)

1,000 HP street-driven GT-Rs became common by 2015.

The Dual-Clutch Transmission

GR6 transmission:

• 6-speed dual-clutch
• 0.2-second shifts
• Notorious for $20,000 replacement costs
• “Launch control voided warranty” controversy

Aftermarket solutions (dodson clutches, improved cooling) mitigated issues.

Cultural Impact

Video game dominance: Gran Turismo covers featured GT-Rs exclusively for years. Need for Speed, Forza, and racing games made it aspirational.

YouTube drag racing: GT-R vs. Lamborghini/Ferrari/Porsche content generated millions of views. Stock GT-R beating $300K+ supercars created viral appeal.

The End

Nissan announced 2024 as final GT-R year after 15 years of production. No R36 successor confirmed, leaving GT-R’s future uncertain amid Nissan’s financial struggles and electrification push.

Legacy:

• Best performance-per-dollar of 2000s-2010s
• Proven daily-driven supercar alternative
• Tuner community cornerstone
• Modern Godzilla lived up to legend

Source: Nissan GT-R official, performance testing data, tuner company records, forums