Nissan previews yet another Nismo edition of the now 14-year old R35 GT-R.
When the R35 Nissan GT-R was first unveiled way back in 2007, it was dubbed as the Porsche 911 Turbo killer. A technologically advanced Japanese alternative that was half the price of the flagship Stuggart stallion, but could still whoop its rear-engined German butt round the Nurburgring.
Fast forward 14 years and some 3 generations of 911 later though, Nissan has unfortunately yet to replace its ageing warhorse with an all new model. Hence inadvertently letting was once the pinnacle of automotive technology has since become a rather analogue supercar, and a rather expensive one at that too.
Despite its age however, the Godzilla is still no less ferociously fast as it was back then all those years ago. A fact which is backed up by the recent unveiling of the 2022 Nissan GT-R NISMO.
Much like the prior NISMO variants of the GT-R (of which there were quite a few actually), this in-house modified R35, that is incidentally available in standard and Special Edition guises, are still nearly identical spec-wise to the normal variant. Then again though, there are nevertheless a host of incremental enhancements that just makes both these cars slightly better overall.
Take its drivetrain for example, the standard 2022 GT-R NISMO retains the same 600 PS hand-crafted VR38DETT 3.8-liter V6 with its twin GT3-spec turbochargers that is to be found in the current standard variants. The Special Editions however supposedly gains a multitude of new high-precision, weight-balanced engine internal components such that this Nissan supercar will be able to rev that little bit snappier and its turbo spools up that little bit quicker.
Speaking of the Special Edition NISMO GT-Rs, these built-to-order examples also gain clear-coated carbon fibre bonnet that shaves 100 g from the overall weight of this Nissan. Custom 20-inch RAYS forged aluminium alloy wheels with a red accent also appear on these exclusive variants, complementing the red exterior flourishes that contrast the NISMO Stealth Gray exterior hue.
Other exterior distinguishing details of the standard NISMO models from the standard GT-R meanwhile include the massive Brembo carbon ceramic brakes (410 mm up front, 390 mm round the back) that first appeared on the current NISMO GT-R, as well as the new simplified Nissan badge (which first appeared on the Ariya) that is currently affixed to the rear trunk lid and wheel centre caps. There is of course the massive fixed carbon fibre wing and various other carbon fibre exterior accents to mention too, like the carbon fibre front grille, fender vents and side skirts to name a few.
Set to officially launch domestically later in October, GT-R enthusiasts who can’t afford the (presumably astronomically expensive) real deal however can seek solace in the fact that a miniature toy car version is currently available with in the McDonald’s “Tomica Happy Set” over there. A collaboration between Nissan and the American fast food giant, this Happy Set will go on sale for a limited time only in Japan from the 30th of April.
PRESS RELEASE: Nissan today unveiled the newest iteration of the Nissan GT-R NISMO, the company’s flagship GT-R representing continuous evolution toward ultimate driving pleasure. The Nissan GT-R NISMO, along with a special edition version, are planned to launch in Japan in October.
Both models will be offered in the new, NISMO-exclusive NISMO Stealth Gray body color, which was inspired by track tarmacs GT-Rs have set records and competed on.
The special edition features a NISMO-exclusive clear-coated carbon fiber hood. Opting out of a painted hood not only exposes the intricate carbon fiber weave, it also sheds 100 grams from this already svelte GT-R. The edition-exclusive 20-inch Rays aluminum forged wheels sport a red accent that matches existing accents around the body.
For the first time, the new Nissan logo unveiled on the Nissan Ariya adorns the rear trunk lid and wheel center caps.
Continuing from the current Nissan GT-R NISMO, the large Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic rotors are the biggest ever fitted to a Japanese performance car, at 410 mm in the front and 390 mm at the rear.
The GT-R NISMO remains Nissan’s ultimate performance car, offering race-proven technology and an exhilarating driving experience. The GT-R NISMO’s VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 with GT3 racecar-supplied turbochargers remains the heart of the GT-R’s drivetrain, rated at 441 kW (600ps).
The built-to-order GT-R NISMO special edition utilizes new high-precision, weight-balanced parts including the piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances, delivering snappier revs and quicker turbo spooling.
Each engine is handcrafted by its own takumi technician. The takumi certification plate on the engine is also in an exclusive color.
“The GT-R NISMO has always been an ongoing pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the GT-R. “We take a holistic approach, seeking precision performance through a meticulous balance of engine components and shaving weight, and incrementally evolving the GT-R’s appearance to deliver the ultimate balance of power, performance and excitement to our customers.”
In collaboration with McDonald’s in Japan, a miniature toy car Nissan GT-R NISMO will be available in the “Tomica Happy Set”, a popular McDonald’s meal set for children. To promote this, today Nissan and McDonald’s held a joint event at Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama.
The Happy Set will be on sale for a limited time in Japan, starting on April 30.
