Nissan GT-R – The No Limits Nissan Sports Car
After nearly two decades on the global market, the R35 Nissan GT-R has been phased out in several countries, including South Africa, where it was discontinued in 2022. Bred for racing by a dedicated team of Nissan engineers, this supercar didn’t conform to the normal limits of driving, it defined them.
Since 2007, the Nissan GT-R car has helped Nissan earn respect and adulation in the racing world thanks to its fastest production car lap time record set at the Nürburgring. Since then, the Nissan Skyline GT-R has not once slowed down, and thanks to its revolutionary Twin Turbo V6, it can do 0 – 100km/h in under 3 seconds.
British motoring magazine Top Gear once called it “one of the most incredible cars of any kind ever built,” praising its bruising power, practicality, and relative affordability. As one of the fastest production cars ever made, it earned numerous awards, including the World Performance Car of the Year in 2009. Over its run, the R35 GT-R was produced in a shared production line at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan.
Japan’s Nissan Motor Company has produced several different models over the years, including the Nissan Skyline R32, Nissan Skyline R33, Nissan GT-R R34, Nissan R35, and the R36 Skyline GT-R. However, they also produced the epic GT-R 50 concept car and a beautifully modified version of the Skyline GT-R R34 for the Fast and Furious movie series.
As you can tell, everyone at Group1 Nissan loved the GT-R, and we want to share as much about its journey with our customers and other GT-R enthusiasts. Although the R35 is no longer available new, this page serves as a useful resource for exploring GT-R specs, model history, and available pre-owned options.
These legendary machines are rare and don’t show up often, but when they do, it’s a moment worth grabbing. Get in touch to check pre-owned availability, or stop by one of our showrooms in Kuils River, Stellenbosch or Uitenhage to explore the latest from Nissan.
What does GT-R stand for?
Gran Turismo-Racing. Nissan chose the European Gran Turismo label in the early ‘70s to make its performance cars acceptable in the West, so Nissan GT. The R label is a common indicator for a higher-performance version of a particular model.
A Timeline Of The Different Nissan GT-R Models
The Nissan R32-generation of the Nissan Skyline was introduced in 1989, marking the return of the GT-R nameplate. The R32 GT-R paired a twin-turbocharged 2.6-litre RB26DETT six-cylinder with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. Producing at least 206 kW, the R32 quickly became known as “Godzilla” – the monster from Japan.
This generation of R32 GT-R, with the base model Nissan Skyline GT-R and the V·Spec model, would be manufactured until 1994. The V·Spec model weighed 10 kg more than the average, featured sportier suspension and had a lower ground clearance.
Additionally, it was the first Nissan GT-R for sale to utilise the ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel drive system along with its Active Limited Slip differential. Towards the end of production on 9 November 1998; the final R33 Skyline was released, a V-Spec GV1 painted in a Black Pearl finish.
The next model, called the GT-R R34, produced from 1999 to 2007 was available in two trims, the V-Spec and the NISMO version. The Skyline GT-R R34 featured the same 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged inline 6 engine as the R33 GT-R.
Nissan GT-R 2007 – 2022
The last-generation of Nissan GT-R R35 was released in 2007 and has continually been updated with new technology and styling ever since. The GT-R R35 is available in two trim levels, the Premium Edition and the NISMO Performance Edition. Both models come with a 3.8-litre VR38 Twin Turbo V6 Engine that produces up to 408 kW (550 horsepower) and 627 Nm of torque.
There is also a Nissan GT-R 50, which launched in 2018 as a concept model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT-R and the design house, Italdesign, with 50 limited-production models.
Paul Walker R34: Fast and Furious
Paul Walker’s Skyline GTR was a part of the Fast and Furious movie series but it was a special version based on the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. It was heavily modified with an aerodynamic body kit, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and an upgraded engine.
With its powerful performance, it became one of Paul Walker’s favourite cars to drive. Even after his tragic death in 2013, the car remains iconic for its association with Walker and his character in the movies.
Tanner Fox GTR
The Tanner Fox GTR is a custom-built car created by YouTube personality and professional stunt scooter rider Tanner Fox. Constructed with the help of vehicle manufacturer Local Motors, this one-of-a-kind vehicle features an aggressive design that makes it stand out from other cars.
It has two doors, LED lighting, a black carbon fibre body kit, and a striking white, blue, and red paint job. Under the hood, it houses a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine that delivers 373 kW and 569 Nm of torque. This allows the GTR to reach speeds of up to 96 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.
Nissan GT-R R35 Price
People want to know the Nissan GT-R R35 price, but since this was never officially sold in South Africa, it is difficult to determine. In the USA, a Nissan GT-R R35 can be anywhere from $ 70,000 to $ 200,000. So for us, it was always more a car to dream of than to actually buy.
Will There Be A Nissan GT-R R36?
The R35 Nissan GT-R may have had a few updates and facelifts here and there, but the upcoming GT-R R36 model is expected to go above and beyond. While details are limited, the next step in the GT-R story is expected to be potentially influenced by the Hyper Force concept. Unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the concept points to an all-electric future, with a projected output of up to 1,000 kW. This was all part of Kazutoshi Mizuno’s plan for the development process from day one, introducing enough innovation to push the boundaries without losing the essence of the original vision. It is an open secret that the company is working on the next generation Nissan Skyline GT-R R36, but there is no indication yet of when the new GT-R Godzilla will launch.
2026 Nissan GT-R Engine Specs
Every GT-R engine that is used to power this supercar is hand-assembled by a single Nissan technician in a dust-free, temperature-controlled room. This ensures that each Nissan GT-R engine built adheres to the exacting standards set down by the original Nissan GT-R development team. All Nissan GT-R engines are also put through rigorous bench tests and through their paces on the Tochigi test track before being approved for use in a Nissan GT-R retail model.
| ENGINE | FUEL | POWER | TORQUE | TRANSMISSION |
| 3.8L | Petrol | 408 kW | 632 Nm | 6-speed dual-clutch |
Did you know? There are only eight Nissan engine technicians in the world who are qualified to assemble and install a new GT-R engine at any given time. This helps ensure that your 408 kW twin-turbo V6 engine is given the individual attention it needs during the vehicle construction phase.
For a detailed GT-R engine and vehicle spec breakdown of the GT-R for sale, please feel free to download our latest Nissan GT-R brochure.
Nissan GT-R Exterior Accessories
Add a touch of supercar class to your Nissan GT-R with a range of Nissan-approved accessories that include:
- UV-protected Nissan GT-R Vehicle Covers
- Chrome Jack with the GT-R® Logo emblazoned on the Jack Rod
- Chrome License Plate Frames
- The Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition
- A Bluetooth® Hands-free Nissan Approved Phone System
- A Rear view monitor
- Cruise control with integrated steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Variable intermittent flat-blade speed-sensitive windshield wipers
Nissan GT-R Interior Accessories
Nissan GT-R models in South Africa also have a range of accessories that come as standard. These include (but are not limited to):
Are you looking to personalise your Nissan GT-R? Then please feel free to contact us at one of our showrooms in Kuils River, Johannesburg, Stellenbosch, or Uitenhage so that we may assist you with your accessory purchases.
Nissan GT-R Review
“Wow!” A single expressive word that pretty much sums up exactly what every person who drives a Nissan GT-R will be thinking from the first time they get to drive this amazing sports car. In fact, this Car Loving Nissan GT-R review would not be complete without mentioning that the “wow factor” was very much in play from the time we first got to pick up the vehicle at the Group1 Nissan showrooms in Kuils River until we dropped it off after a day’s worth of travelling through the Mother City.
The Nissan GT-R has Crowed Appeal by the Truckload!
No matter where we drove (or parked) the Nissan GT-R always insured that there was an admiring crowd close by. But it was along the windy routes of the Camps Bay roads that this powerful bird of play truly got to show its social appeal. Under the hood the mighty 3.8L twin-turbocharged 24-valve V6 engine attracted looks of lust and envy, so much so that we were unable to stop for a quick refresher just off the Camps Bay Main Road, purely because of the crowd that the car attracted with the sound of its throaty roar.
Nissan GT-R Colours
Vibrant Red
Nissan GT-R Safety Features
All versions of the Nissan GT-R have the following safety and security features as standard:
- Nissan Advanced Airbag System (AABS)
- Driver & Front Passenger Side-impact Airbags
- Roof-mounted Curtain Airbags
- Zone Body Construction with Front & Rear Crumple Zones
- 4 Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Nissan Vehicle Immobiliser System and Vehicle Security System
Nissan GT-R Dimensions
As a two-door supercar flaunting smooth lines from top to tail, the sleek and definitive Nissan GT-R R35 side view has rewritten the rules of driving, whichever way you look at it. These are the vehicle dimensions that make up the perfectly sized Nissan GT-R:
- Overall GT-R Length: 4,671.06 mm
- Overall GT-R Width: 1,894.84 mm
- Overall GT-R Height: 1,369.06 mm
- GT-R Wheelbase: 2,778.76 mm
- GT-R Drag Coefficient: 0.26
Nissan GT-R Colours
The Nissan GT-R may no longer be available as a new vehicle, but these iconic colour options remain part of its legacy. If you’re exploring pre-owned models, here are some of the standout shades you might come across:
- Deep Blue Pearl
- Jet Black
- Gun Metallic
- Pearl White
- Solid Red
- Super Silver
Please Note! Metallic finishes were treated as special orders when new.
