Driving the R35 Nissan GT-R is like embracing a legend—a legacy that stretches back through generations of automotive excellence. For enthusiasts like me, who have been lucky enough to experience a myriad of automotive marvels, the GT-R holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a car; it’s a symbol of Nissan’s relentless pursuit of performance, a testament to what engineering brilliance can achieve.
My journey with the GT-R began long before I ever sat behind the wheel of one. As a fervent admirer of the R34 generation, I couldn’t help but approach the R35 with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. Would it live up to the lofty standards set by its predecessors? Could it truly carry the weight of the GT-R nameplate with grace and aplomb?
Yes, I know the R35 GT-R has been around for quite some time now, and to give you context, the R35 has spanned three generations of the Porsche 911. Think about that for a second. Done? As the years went by, the R35 has gradually transitioned itself as a highway runner. A straight-line rocket, if you will, wherein nothing can stand in its way. Proof enough of that are Instagram builds ranging anywhere from 800 to 3000 whp. While that’s a feat in itself on the R35’s tuning capability, isn’t it supposed to be much more than that? Is it really just a straight-line robot or not? Another thing to note, people are also brushing the R35 off because of its age, and that’s quite understandable since the R35 has been here since 2008, with an extensive facelift in 2017, which is ehem already seven years ago. This time, we get another facelift, which I won’t actually be focusing on, but rather why the R35 Nissan GT-R still deserves respect today.
These questions lingered in my mind as I embarked on a mission to uncover the truth. Armed with the keys to the 2024 press R35 GT-R, courtesy of Nissan Philippines, I set out to put my theories to the test. Joined by my friend Ivan Chan (IG: @patinamacchina), who, while being on an entirely different spectrum compared to me in terms of vehicle preferences, we do value and favor two things: the love and emotion of driving and how dynamic and emotional a car is out on a mountain road. We traversed the winding roads north of Manila, eager to unlock the true potential of this iconic machine.
On the highway, the GT-R proved its mettle effortlessly. With its formidable power and unwavering stability, it conquered every mile with grace and precision. It’s easy to understand why 99 percent of R35 owners only bring this to their early Sunday expressway runs, but that’s only about one percent of the capability of the GT-R as it was in the corners, where the asphalt twisted and turned beneath our tires, that the GT-R truly came alive.
Despite its substantial weight, the GT-R danced through the curves with the agility of a much lighter car. Its e-Attesa system orchestrated a symphony of motion, allowing us to carve through each corner with surgical precision. The way the GT-R gives that sort of rotation mid-corner is the stuff dreams are made of.
When it came time to unleash the full fury of its hand-built V6 engine, the GT-R responded with a ferocity that left us breathless. It’s truly intoxicating. It’s not just the engine and chassis that were impressive. With cars nowadays having seven, eight, nine, or ten gears, you would think that the six-speed DCT of the GT-R would feel a bit left out, but in truth, it was very willing to respond to your inputs at any given moment. Not once would I be denied downshifts and upshifts during the twisties. Ivan says it’s like a bootleg version of the best DCT at the moment, which is Porsche’s PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetstriebe). It is not as refined as the PDK for daily usage but as fast-acting in shifting for those spirited drives. It will definitely not leave you hanging.
And then there’s the sound—the symphony of raw power that emanates from the exhaust pipes as you work across the rev range. The stock system of the GT-R is a breath of fresh air from those elephant-sounding modified exhaust systems found on just about every R35 out there.
But performance is only part of the equation. In a climate as unforgiving as ours, where heat and humidity reign supreme, reliability is paramount. And in this regard, the updated GT-R excelled beyond measure. Its cooling system kept temperatures in check even under the most demanding conditions, ensuring that we could push the car to its limits without fear of overheating. This is an essential aspect for enthusiasts who live in tropical countries.
As the miles melted away beneath our tires, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the engineers who poured their hearts and souls into crafting such a masterpiece. Gratitude for the legacy of excellence that the GT-R represents. And perhaps most of all, gratitude for the opportunity to experience true automotive greatness firsthand.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the headlights pierced through the darkness, I found myself reflecting on the journey that had brought me here. From my experience driving an R34 in Japan, the GT-R had always delivered and exceeded my expectations, a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainty.
But beyond its sheer performance prowess, the GT-R is also a work of art—a testament to the marriage of form and function. Every curve and contour serves a purpose, every line a testament to the aerodynamic brilliance that lies beneath the surface. It’s a car that demands attention, not just for its speed, but for its sheer presence on the road.
However, perhaps what sets the GT-R apart from its competitors is its ability to transcend boundaries. Every generation has always been a trendsetter, and if it weren’t for the GT-R, today’s performance cars and supercars wouldn’t be what they are now. I also think that this is one of the main reasons that Nissan is having difficulty bringing in the next-generation R36. How do you simply one-up the game even further?
As I reluctantly handed the keys back to Nissan Philippines, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. The GT-R had become more than just a car to me; it was a part of who I am—a symbol of my passion for all things automotive.
But as I watched it disappear into the distance, I knew that this was not goodbye, but rather, an until we meet again moment. For the GT-R is more than just a car; it’s a legend—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of enthusiasts for years to come. And as long as there are dreamers willing to chase after that elusive horizon, the GT-R will always have a place in our hearts.
So, for those fortunate enough to own one, you owe it to the engineers to drive the GT-R the way it was meant to be driven. Take it out and enjoy it on your out-of-town trips. Bring it to mountain roads because it’s truly a shame to keep it confined purely to the expressway. To those who still shut down the GT-R simply due to its age, I urge you to take any given opportunity to drive one because it’s truly an experience worthy of your respect. I still dream about my experience today.
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