Yet Nissan’s tweaked GT-R will only be available in the USA and Japan
Nissan has given its R35 GT-R a refresh, introducing changes to its chassis setup, styling and aero. The 2024 update will only be available in the Japanese and American markets from the spring, with GT-R sales in Europe and other markets like Australia having already ended due to tightening safety and emissions legislation.
The MY24 update will cover both core GT-R specifications, still coming with two powertrain options – base and Nismo. In both cases the R35’s VR38DETT twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine is unchanged, and still connected to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s mounted on the rear axle. Power and torque on both models are unchanged, peaking at 563bhp at 6800rpm and 470lb ft between 3300 and 5800rpm for the base engine; the Nismo ups these figures to 592bhp at 5800rpm and 481lb ft between 3600 and 5600rpm.
There is a range of six variants that utilise the base-tune powertrain, all of which have been given tweaks to the suspension calibration focusing on improving ride quality and reducing the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) of the powertrain underneath. T-Spec models retain their historic colour options, including Millenium Jade and Midnight Purple, paired to a gold finish on the T-Spec’s forged RAYS wheels and turquoise interior trim.
All base GT-R models feature new front and rear bumpers that not only give it a new face, but also clean up its aero. There’s also a new set of small hexagonal LED daytime running lights, and at the back a reprofiled rear wing.
The GT-R Nismo has its own upgrades, with an even more dramatic change to its aero package. This includes a new rear wing that’s now top-mounted on heavily cantered carbonfibre uprights. The rear bumper is completely new, with a redesigned diffuser section integrating a new fog-lamp and upright carbonfibre strakes that help clean the air as it detaches from the body-side at speed. Up front the same new LED running lights are integrated into a black lower section that’s now separate from the upper grille, giving the 2024 model a completely different face.
Under the skin, Nissan has tweaked the suspension calibration, plus added a limited-slip differential to the rear axle to the existing all-wheel drive system. This is in addition to the Nismo’s extensive chassis upgrades over the base GT-R that includes a set of carbon ceramic brakes.
Inside there’s a new set of carbonfibre seats from Recaro in the cabin, but it otherwise remains as before.
For the Japanese market, the GT-R Nismo Special Edition will make a return featuring precision made weight-balanced internals such as the piston rings, connecting rods and crank. These new parts don’t increase power or torque outputs, but instead the tighter tolerances make the engine even more resilient to hard use and further improve response. Signalling the Special Edition outside is a clear-coated carbon bonnet and red stripes on the outer rim of its forged RAYS wheels.
The GT-R’s continued development has kept the 16 year-old R35 generation a compelling sports car, now competing against supercars two or even three generations newer than the ones it once did. This only highlights how remarkable the R35 was when it was new back in 2007, and keeps our expectations incredibly high for whatever Nissan has planned to eventually replace it.
Keyword: New 2024 Nissan GT-R debuts in base and Nismo variants