The Nissan GT-R R35 has already clocked 15 years since it was first released. Godzilla fans the world over have long waited and clamored longer for the next generation. Hopes were high that the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon will herald the next-gen R36, but alas, it is not so. But what we do have here is the facelifted 2024 Nissan GT-R.
2024 Nissan GT-R gets 8 variants, 2 NISMO editions
The next generation may still be a long time coming, but the 2024 model of the GT-R gets a pretty wide list of variants to choose from. Let’s start with the beastlier options, the NISMO editions.
Photo: Nissan
There will be two to choose from, the NISMO and NISMO Special Edition. Nissan has indicated that what sets these two apart is their ability to maximize racing technology, their increased aerodynamic performance, specially tuned suspension, and improved cornering performance with the addition of a front mechanical LSD. Both NISMO variants come with exclusive Recaro carbon black bucket seats that have been redesigned to be more comfortable while still providing maximum support.
Photo: Nissan
But the best bits of the two NISMO GT-R variants are in the engine. Using the same twin-turbo V6 VR38DETT engine, precision-balanced pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and crankshaft all make Godzilla roar with 592 HP and 652 Nm of torque. A fitting power plant for the “King of Monsters”, or should we say, the GT-R lineup.
Photo: Nissan
Now to the more sedate variants. There are six to choose from, namely the Pure Edition, Black Edition, Premium Edition, Premium Edition T-Spec, Track Edition Engineered by NISMO, and the Track Edition Engineered by NISMO T-Spec.
These models while still “track-worthy” put emphasis on performance and more of a refined ride. Noise and vibration have been reduced in these variants making the GT-R experience more comfortable. What does catch one’s attention is the “T-Spec” added to the names. What does it mean?
This special spec stands for what Nissan says is their desire to be a “Trend Maker” and to emphasize that the GT-R is a “Traction Master”. Basically, the “T” in T-Spec is for Trend and Traction. The T-Spec variants ups the comfort, driving, and performance experience by making use of special suspension settings, and special carbon ceramic brakes (to name a few) that result in “both (a) more supple and high-quality driving and the pleasure of being able to control it at will”.
Photo: Nissan
The six non-NISMO variants have the same engine under the hood but are tuned down to 562 HP and 637 Nm of torque. Not a downer by any means because those numbers are more than enough to still push you back into your seat when riding the GT-R.
“This model, which combines state-of-the-art technology and craftsmanship, has a new design and should be the culmination of the R35 model,” said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta at the live broadcast launch.
Photo: Nissan
For all who got their hopes up for an all-new GT-R, it looks like we all have to wait longer for that to happen. Patience is a virtue, and hey, perhaps Godzilla (and the designers and engineers over at Nissan) needs just a bit more time to hatch a new successor. Until such time, this lineup of 8 GT-R models we have to do.
Next on the table is when they’ll be brought to the PH, and how much they’ll cost, yes? We really hope that information doesn’t take too long, too.
