Long deprived of Nissan’s flagship performance car (except in video-game form), the United States market finally got the mythical GT-R, formerly part of the Skyline range, not long after the R35 version’s debut in Tokyo in 2007. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) computerized monster with an engine hand-built in a hermetically sealed laboratory, the GT-R and the Skyline before it rightly earned the nickname “Godzilla” for its savage performance. The car is also eminently tunable, and seeing custom GT-Rs with over 1,000 hp is not all that uncommon. Even just out of the box, though, the GT-R will outrun many exotics that cost several times as much, and the computerized dynamics of the chassis, suspension, and AWD system will let just about anybody with four limbs go very quickly around a track.
The GT-R hasn’t changed all that much since it hit these shores, and it’s good enough that a major redesign isn’t likely at least for a few years. The biggest revision came in 2011 with some changes in styling, a boost in power, and larger front brakes, among other improvements. 2016 still sees a few notable updates, however, including new 20-spoke forged alloy wheels with a dark finish in place of the previous 10-spoke design. A special 45th Anniversary Gold Edition (yes, the GT-R has been around that long) is also another limited trim for 2016 that has the makes of a future collectible. It’s painted “Silica Brass,” aka gold, and features a special gold plaque in the interior. Only 30 of them will be sold in the U.S. Other revisions for 2016 include a tweaked suspension for a supposedly enhanced ride, new front and rear LED lights, a standard Bose Active Noise Cancellation system, and a carbon-style instrument cluster.
Only three trims are available for the GT-R. Confusingly, the GT-R Premium is actually the base trim and starts at $101,770. The GT-R Black Edition starts at $111,510 and adds special metallic black 6-spoke forged wheels, a dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and a unique red-and-black interior. Back at the top of the range is the more performance-oriented GT-R NISMO, which starts at $149,990 and features a sports suspension and a front spoiler. The NISMO does not come with noise cancellation. Those living in colder climates can also take full advantage of the GT-R’s AWD with a Cold Weather Package that adds all-season tires and a unique coolant-to-water ratio. Another options package is the Premium Interior Package, which finishes the cockpit in an attractive red-and-ivory color scheme.
Countless magazine comparison tests have seen the GT-R top the list when it comes to performance. All 2016 models have the now-familiar 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, which makes 545 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque. In the NISMO, the power figure is raised to a full 600 hp. That power drives through a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters. Approaching 2 tons, the GT-R is no featherweight, but its ample power and incredible grip from the AWD system make for fearsome acceleration both in a straight line and coming out of the corners. The bodywork is a combination of steel, carbon, and aluminum and is shaped cleanly enough to achieve an impressive 0.26 coefficient of drag in addition to actual downforce for improved grip. The Dunlop run-flat tires that come on a GT-R are also filled with nitrogen, which is more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction than regular air. All 2016 GT-R models achieve fuel economy of 16 mpg city/22 highway. The Bilstein DampTronic driver-adjustable shocks responsible for the GT-R’s ride and handling have three settings: Normal, Comfort, or R for track-oriented driving. These same options are selectable for the gearbox as well. Speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering also gives more aid at slower speeds but allows for more direct steering input at higher ones. Braking is by large cross-drilled two-piece Brembos with 6-piston calipers in front and 4-piston calipers in the rear.
On the inside, the GT-R features push-button start, available carbon trim, and an 11-speaker specially designed Bose audio system. One of the more notable elements of the interior, though, and one that goes very well overall with the high-tech Japanese character of the GT-R, is the large multifunction display in the middle of the instrument panel. Made in collaboration with the same people who designed the Gran Turismo video games, it very much looks like a video game (not in a cheap way) and features 14 pages of mechanical and driving info on the car. As for safety, the GT-R has front seat-mounted side impact supplemental airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental airbags to protect the heads of front-seat occupants.
The GT-R is a big car and feels it, and more than a few enthusiasts have complained that driving it actually feels more like playing the aforementioned Gran Turismo video game than driving an actual car. Those seeking a more raw, connected driving experience would therefore probably be happier in a more traditional sports car, but for people who want the absolute most performance for the money, the GT-R is really one of the only choices.
WENT TO A DEALER WITH A VERY SPECIFIC PRICE ON THE CAR, ONCE THERE THEY WHERE QUOTING 25,000 MORE.... SOME ADVERTISE THE REAL PRICE THEY ARE ASKING, OTHERS ADVERTISE "FAKE" SELLING PRICES ON TOP OF MSRP.
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.28 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 15.0 · Rear brake width: 1.18 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: leather · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: aluminum · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 34 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.28 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 15.0 · Rear brake width: 1.18 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: leather · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: aluminum · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: carbon fiber · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: Recaro · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 34 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.28 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 15.0 · Rear brake width: 1.18 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: aluminum · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: carbon fiber · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: Recaro · Upholstery: leather-trimmed · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 34 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse