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Drawing of the Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R

18 years of Godzilla: roughly 48,000 R35s, ending in Midnight Purple.12

Researched October 22, 2026 from 42 sources

Also called

  • GodzillaInherited from the R32 Skyline GT-R, which Australia's Wheels magazine dubbed "Godzilla on wheels" for its July 1989 cover.13

At a glance

0400800
473–710 hpPower
0510
2.9–3.3 s0–60 mph
0175350
307–314 km/hTop speed
0400800
583–659 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,680–1,785 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1681314

Engine
3.8 L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6; hand-assembled by Takumi12
Layout
Premium Midship; front-mid engine, all-wheel drive1
Gearbox
6-speed GR6 dual-clutch rear transaxle112
Built at
Nissan Motor Tochigi Plant, Kaminokawa, Japan1
Units built
Approximately 48,000 R35s over 18 years2

The story

Nissan conceived the standalone R35 to challenge Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari at a lower price. Its 3.8 L twin-turbo V6 powered a world-first independent-transaxle 4WD layout, with the dual-clutch gearbox at the rear.14

2001: GT-R Concept, then the 2005 Proto20012007: Standalone launch, transaxle first20072008: 3.2 seconds to 60, matching the 59920082012: US facelift: 530 hp and 2.9 to 6020122013: 7:08.679 at the Nürburgring20132017: US redesign: 565 hp, new dashboard20172018: GT-R50: 710 hp, 50-car plan20182025: 18 years end in Midnight Purple2025 Nissan Skyline GT-R (Hakosuka) (K/PGC10): 1969–1972Nissan Skyline GT-R (Kenmeri) (KPGC110): 1973Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32): 1989–1994R32Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33): 1995–1998R33Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34): 1999–2002R34Nissan GT-R Concept: 2001Nissan GT-R Proto: 2005Nissan GT-R (R35): 2007–2025R35 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones125222324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1969–1972Nissan Skyline GT-R (Hakosuka) (K/PGC10)
1973Nissan Skyline GT-R (Kenmeri) (KPGC110)
1989–1994Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)
1995–1998Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33)
1999–2002Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
2001Nissan GT-R Concept
2005Nissan GT-R Proto
2007–2025Nissan GT-R (R35)
2001GT-R Concept, then the 2005 Proto
2007Standalone launch, transaxle first
20083.2 seconds to 60, matching the 599
2012US facelift: 530 hp and 2.9 to 60
20137:08.679 at the Nürburgring
2017US redesign: 565 hp, new dashboard
2018GT-R50: 710 hp, 50-car plan
202518 years end in Midnight Purple
  1. 2001

    GT-R Concept, then the 2005 Proto

    An unannounced Tokyo concept began the public countdown. The 2005 Proto followed before the production GT-R dropped the Skyline name in 2007.5

  2. 2007

    Standalone launch, transaxle first

    Kazutoshi Mizuno led engineering; Shiro Nakamura directed design. Japan sales began December 6 with the first independent-transaxle 4WD layout.145

  3. 2008

    3.2 seconds to 60, matching the 599

    A four-car test saw the early GT-R match the Ferrari 599 to 60 mph, then trail the Ferrari, Porsche and ZR1 around the circuit.6

  4. 2012

    US facelift: 530 hp and 2.9 to 60

    The US 2012 model reached 530 hp and a tested 2.9 seconds to 60 mph. Revised aerodynamics reduced Cd from 0.27 to 0.26.78

  5. 2013

    7:08.679 at the Nürburgring

    Michael Krumm's NISMO run on September 30 used optional aerodynamic tuning, weight reduction and suspension tuning.9

  6. 2017

    US redesign: 565 hp, new dashboard

    With Hiroshi Tamura as chief product specialist, the 2017 US GT-R gained 565 hp and a completely new dashboard.710

  7. 2018

    GT-R50: 710 hp, 50-car plan

    Orders opened for Italdesign's NISMO-based anniversary GT-R50: 710 hp, a planned 50-car run and a 990,000-euro starting price before taxes and options.11

  8. 2025

    18 years end in Midnight Purple

    R35 production ended at Tochigi after roughly 48,000 cars. A Midnight Purple Premium edition T-Spec closed the run for Japan.2

Every generation

  • Nissan Skyline GT-R (Hakosuka)
    K/PGC101969–1972
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R (Kenmeri)
    KPGC1101973
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R
    R321989–1994
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R
    R331995–1998
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R
    R341999–2002
  • Nissan GT-R Concept
    Nissan GT-R Concept2001
  • Nissan GT-R Proto
    Nissan GT-R Proto2005
  • Nissan GT-R
    R352007–2025

Power over the years

From 473 hp to 710 hp in 11 years.

0200400600800 20062008201020122014201620182020 hp 2007 · 473 hp · Launch: 480 PS2009 · 480 hp · US original model2010 · 485 hp · US 2010–20112011 · 523 hp · UK update: 523 bhp2012 · 530 hp · US DBA update2012 · 542 hp · UK model year: 542 bhp2013 · 545 hp · US 2013–20162014 · 592 hp · UK NISMO: 592 bhp2015 · 600 hp · US NISMO debut2017 · 565 hp · US regular model redesign2018 · 710 hp · GT-R50 by Italdesign: 720 PS2020 · 600 hp · US Track Edition, NISMO engine 710 hp GT-R50 by Italdesign: 720 PS 473 hp Launch: 480 PS
171115
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2007473Launch: 480 PS
2009480US original model
2010485US 2010–2011
2011523UK update: 523 bhp
2012530US DBA update
2012542UK model year: 542 bhp
2013545US 2013–2016
2014592UK NISMO: 592 bhp
2015600US NISMO debut
2017565US regular model redesign
2018710GT-R50 by Italdesign: 720 PS
2020600US Track Edition, NISMO engine

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Base / Pure / Premium

  • SpecV

    Performance

    SpecV

    2009

  • NISMO (US)

    Performance

    NISMO (US)

    2015–2024

    600 hp
  • EGOIST

    Special

    EGOIST

  • 50th Anniversary Edition

    Special

    50th Anniversary Edition

    2020

    565 hp

  • Limited

    45th Anniversary Gold Edition

    2016

    545 hp

  • Limited

    Midnight Opal Special Edition

    2014

    545 hp

  • Limited

    T-spec Takumi Edition / Skyline Edition

    2024

  • GT-R50 by Italdesign

    Limited

    GT-R50 by Italdesign

    710 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Four circular taillights form the signature rear view.4
  • Four exhaust outlets, grouped in pairs at either side of the rear.12
  • Look for the air scoops at the trailing edges of the front fenders.4
  • A sloping roof ends in curved, sharp-edged rear pillars.4

Year by year

  1. 2014 UK / 2015 US

    LED headlights replaced the earlier lighting; US cars also received revised taillamps.715

  2. 2016 US Premium

    Dark-finished, 20-spoke forged wheels replaced the previous 10-spoke design.16

  3. 2017

    Larger matte-chrome V-motion grille; the new dashboard has an 8-inch screen and 11 switches, replacing 7 inches and 27.10

  4. 2020 NISMO

    Louvers appeared above the front wheel arches, alongside new nine-spoke forged wheels and yellow brake calipers.14

  5. 2024

    Reworked fascias and wings; NISMO gained swan-neck wing supports and an optional package with red-accented wheels and a clear-coated carbon hood.12

Against its rivals

  • Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

    GT-R vs Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    GT-R11.6 s
    Chevrolet Corvette ZR111.2 s
    6
  • Porsche 911 GT2

    GT-R vs Porsche 911 GT2

    Figure-eight lap lower is better

    GT-R24.1 s
    Porsche 911 GT222.9 s
    6
  • Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

    GT-R vs Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

    Base price lower is better

    GT-R$77,840
    Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano$317,595
    6

Prices

Price when newAuction sale
$0$100K$200K$300K$400K 2010201520202025 2009 · $70,475 · US base2012 · $90,950 · US Premium2014 · $105,590 · US Midnight Opal, destination extra2016 · $101,770 · US Premium, destination extra2016 · $102,770 · US 45th Gold, destination extra2016 · $149,990 · US NISMO, destination extra2020 · $212,425 · NISMO, quoted new price2024 · $121,090 · US Premium, destination extra2024 · $221,090 · US NISMO, destination extra2024 · $151,090 · US T-spec Takumi, destination extra 2009 · $70,475 · US base price, 2009 model year 2024 · $314,000 · 2024 GT-R NISMO, 250 miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $64,000 · 2009 GT-R Premium, 17k miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $68,750 · 2014 GT-R Black Edition, 49k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $176,000 · 2020 GT-R Track Edition, 12k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $179,000 · 2024 GT-R T-Spec, 29 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $100,800 · 2009 Premium, 2,961 miles, RM Sotheby's2026 · $95,500 · 2016 GT-R Premium, 12k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $104,000 · 2017 GT-R Premium, 76k miles, Bring a Trailer $314.0K Bring a Trailer, 2024
81213141620213536373839404142
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2009Launch price$70,475US base price, 2009 model year
2009Price when new$70,475US base
2012Price when new$90,950US Premium
2014Price when new$105,590US Midnight Opal, destination extra
2016Price when new$101,770US Premium, destination extra
2016Price when new$102,770US 45th Gold, destination extra
2016Price when new$149,990US NISMO, destination extra
2020Price when new$212,425NISMO, quoted new price
2024Price when new$121,090US Premium, destination extra
2024Price when new$221,090US NISMO, destination extra
2024Price when new$151,090US T-spec Takumi, destination extra
2024Auction sale$314,0002024 GT-R NISMO, 250 miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$64,0002009 GT-R Premium, 17k miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$68,7502014 GT-R Black Edition, 49k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$176,0002020 GT-R Track Edition, 12k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$179,0002024 GT-R T-Spec, 29 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$100,8002009 Premium, 2,961 miles, RM Sotheby's
2026Auction sale$95,5002016 GT-R Premium, 12k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$104,0002017 GT-R Premium, 76k miles, Bring a Trailer

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “The 7:29 lap that Porsche disputed”
    • “7:08.679 with track options”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 42 sources
  1. Nissan GT-R - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Nissan bids fond farewell to R35 GT‑R as final vehicle rolls off the line australia.nissannews.com
  3. How Godzilla Got its Name - 2009gtr.com 2009gtr.com
  4. NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW NISSAN GT‑R global.nissannews.com
  5. Nissan | Heritage Collection | NISSAN GT-R nissan-global.com
  6. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vs Porsche 911 GT2 vs Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano vs Nissan GT-R - War of the Worlds Supercar Shootout - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  7. Used Nissan GT-R Buyers Guide: 2009 to 2024 R35 - 2009gtr.com 2009gtr.com
  8. Tested: 2012 Nissan GT-R caranddriver.com
  9. Nissan GT‑R Nismo world's fastest volume production car around the "green hell" europe.nissannews.com
  10. 2017 Nissan GT‑R Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  11. Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign production design confirmed canada.nissannews.com
  12. 2024 Nissan GT‑R Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  13. Tested: 2009 Nissan GT-R Defies Expectations caranddriver.com
  14. 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo First Drive: The Art of Continuous Improvement motortrend.com
  15. Used Nissan GT-R review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. Nissan announces pricing for 2016 GT‑R usa.nissannews.com
  17. NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW GT‑R SPECV MODEL uk.nissannews.com
  18. Nissan Releases the 11MY Nissan GT‑R global.nissannews.com
  19. 2020 Nissan GT‑R Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  20. Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2014 GT‑R Special Edition with Unique "Midnight Opal" Exterior Color usa.nissannews.com
  21. Nissan sunsets R35 generation GT‑R with T-spec Takumi and Skyline limited editions usa.nissannews.com
  22. Nissan GT-R: Buyer's Guide to Every Generation roadandtrack.com
  23. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Skyline 2000GT-R nissan-global.com
  24. 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R supercars.net
  25. 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R supercars.net
  26. NISMO | CORPORATE PROFILE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS nismo.co.jp
  27. Porsche rejects GT-R times | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  28. Nissan wins 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour as GT‑R conquers Mount Panorama global.nissannews.com
  29. News flash : Chiyo, Reip, Buncombe take 2015 Blancpain Endurance drivers title | GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS gt-world-challenge-europe.com
  30. Introducing the Nissan GT-R NISMO, available for free to all GT Academy 2014 participants - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  31. All The Cars in the Gran Turismo Movie (and How Likely They Are to Come to the Game) – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  32. Celebrating the Release of the "Gran Turismo" Movie With a Special GT-R Gift Car and Time Trial Event! - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  33. The Octane Interview: Shiro Nakamura – 'Mr GT-R' reflects on a design legacy - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  34. 2016 Nissan GT-R NISMO | Munich | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  35. 2009 Nissan GT-R | Arizona 2026 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  36. 12k-Mile 2016 Nissan GT-R Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $95,500 on September 7, 2026 (Lot #261,845) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2017 Nissan GT-R Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $104,000 on June 3, 2026 (Lot #245,732) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 12k-Mile 2020 Nissan GT-R Track Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $176,000 on October 28, 2025 (Lot #217,003) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 29-Mile 2024 Nissan GT-R T-Spec for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $179,000 on March 20, 2025 (Lot #184,374) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. 2024 Nissan GT-R NISMO for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $314,000 on December 26, 2024 (Lot #175,455) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. 17k-Mile 2009 Nissan GT-R Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $64,000 on November 20, 2024 (Lot #171,416) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  42. 2014 Nissan GT-R Black Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $68,750 on June 26, 2024 (Lot #152,254) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • australia.nissannews.com
  • 2009gtr.com
  • global.nissannews.com
  • nissan-global.com
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • europe.nissannews.com
  • usa.nissannews.com
  • canada.nissannews.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • uk.nissannews.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • supercars.net

Photo credits

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