“For $120,000 THIS GT-R NEEDS TO HAVE A BETTER QUIET RIDE, BETTER TECHNOLOGY, AND BETTER SAFETY FEATURES.”
2016 Nissan GT-R: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Nissan GT-R had no major mechanical or technology changes. The main news was the limited 45th Anniversary Gold Edition, accompanied by a small trim and appearance reshuffle.
About the 2016 Nissan GT-R
R35 generation, final U.S. model year before the major 2017 refresh.
Nissan positioned the GT-R as an everyday-usable supercar: huge twin-turbo power, advanced all-wheel-drive traction, and race-bred engineering in a car that could still handle normal roads. The core pitch was not just raw speed, but speed that felt repeatable and approachable thanks to the hand-built engine, clever AWD system, and adjustable chassis. That mix of supercar pace, all-weather confidence, and engineering depth is what set the GT-R apart from more temperamental rivals.
Premium was the all-around GT-R, with a 545-hp twin-turbo V6, AWD, adjustable suspension, navigation, and Bose audio. Black Edition added heavily bolstered Recaro seats, dark forged wheels, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, while the 600-hp NISMO emphasized sharper suspension tuning and added aerodynamic bodywork for track driving.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Nissan added the limited 45th Anniversary Gold Edition based on the Premium trim and dropped the Track Edition from the U.S. lineup.
Styling
The Premium trim received a new wheel design. The 45th Anniversary Gold Edition also brought its special gold appearance to the lineup.
2016 Nissan GT-R specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.8L | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.8L | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.8L |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd DualCltch w/MM | Auto 6-Spd DualCltch w/MM | Auto 6-Spd DualCltch w/MM |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 600 hp | 550 hp | 550 hp |
| Torque | 481 lb-ft | 463 lb-ft | 463 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 8.8 cu-ft | 8.8 cu-ft | 8.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 26.4 in | 26.4 in | 26.4 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Nissan GT-R redesigned?
No. The 2016 GT-R was largely a carryover model, with a limited anniversary edition, new Premium wheels, and the removal of the U.S. Track Edition rather than a full redesign.
What special edition joined the 2016 Nissan GT-R lineup?
The limited 45th Anniversary Gold Edition joined the 2016 lineup. It was based on the Premium trim and was the year's most notable addition.
Was the Track Edition offered in the U.S. for 2016?
No. Nissan dropped the Track Edition from the U.S. GT-R lineup for 2016.
Did the 2016 Nissan GT-R receive major powertrain changes?
No. The 2016 GT-R carried over without a confirmed mechanical overhaul; the standard models retained a 545-hp twin-turbo V6, while the NISMO used a 600-hp version.
Is the 2016 Nissan GT-R substantially different from the 2015 model?
No. The differences are modest, so the 2016 mainly stands apart through the limited 45th Anniversary Gold Edition, the Premium trim's revised wheels, and the absence of the U.S. Track Edition.
2016 Nissan GT-R Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan GT-R.
4.8
2016 Nissan GT-R
(6 reviews)
“Amazingly different than anything I have driven before. Took me weeks to get comfortable with it. But now I have tons of confidence in it making it a very predictable, fun to drive vehicle.”