“For a driving enthusiast that has owned other high performance vehicles I am extremely impressed with this vehicle and find it a pure joy to drive and would recommend it highly.”
Nissan GT-R: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan GT-R is a four-seat, all-wheel-drive performance coupe known for supercar-level acceleration from a twin-turbo V6. It pairs that speed with technology that helps drivers put the power down confidently on real roads.
The GT-R has always centered on making extreme speed feel usable rather than intimidating. Its all-wheel drive, quick-shifting transmission, and adjustable suspension help turn substantial power into confident grip. Across the long-running R35 generation, Nissan repeatedly sharpened the engine, chassis, aerodynamics, and track ability while preserving a more practical grand-touring layout than many two-seat rivals.
Strengths
- Its twin-turbo V6 and quick-shifting transmission deliver the kind of acceleration normally associated with more exotic sports cars.
- All-wheel drive helps the GT-R put its power down with confidence instead of leaving the driver to manage it alone.
- Adjustable suspension settings let the car balance serious performance with real-road use.
- The four-seat layout and everyday climate and audio features make it more usable than many two-seat rivals, though the rear seats are small.
- The gas-powered 2024 lineup produced between 565 and 600 horsepower, depending on the version.
- Nissan kept improving the R35 over its long run, with meaningful updates to power, ride comfort, aerodynamics, braking, and track performance.
Who it's for
The GT-R suits someone who wants serious road and track performance without giving up the everyday basics of a coupe. It makes particular sense for a driver who values acceleration, confident all-wheel-drive grip, and occasional rear seats more than fuel economy or roomy back-seat comfort.
Nissan GT-R lineup
Premium is the core GT-R, so pick it for the full twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive experience without the most specialized track hardware. In later years, the limited-production T-spec sits between Premium and NISMO, adding a more upscale cabin and selected NISMO-derived parts while keeping a road-focused character. NISMO, offered in the U.S. since 2015, is the track-focused choice, with more power and increasingly serious changes to its suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, and weight. Earlier Pure models offered the core performance in a simpler package, while Black Edition and Track Edition models added distinctive styling or a sharper driving focus.
Nissan GT-R generations
From 2009 to 2024, the GT-R spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — R35 arrived for 2009.
1st Generation — R35 (2009–2024)
The R35 launched the GT-R in the U.S. with a twin-turbo V6, AWD, a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, adjustable suspension, and large brakes. It kept the same basic design for its entire U.S. run, with major updates for 2012, 2017, and 2024.
0 In Stock
2024Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling was redesigned across the range to add downforce without increasing drag. T-spec returned, and this was the final U.S. model year.
2023
The GT-R returned after Nissan skipped the 2022 U.S. model year, with Premium and NISMO largely unchanged from 2021.
2021Trim changes
Limited-production T-spec and NISMO Special Edition models joined the range.
2020Trim changes
A 50th Anniversary Edition joined the range. Turbo response improved across the lineup, Track Edition gained 600 horsepower, and NISMO received extensive performance upgrades.
2019
Carryover year with no significant changes.
2018Trim changes
The simpler Pure trim joined the range, and Apple CarPlay became standard throughout the lineup.
2017Mid-cycle update
Exterior and interior styling was substantially refreshed, with more power, revised suspension and transmission tuning, and an updated touchscreen system.
2016Trim changes
Track Edition left the U.S. range, while a limited 45th Anniversary Gold Edition joined.
2015Trim changes
The 600-horsepower NISMO joined the U.S. lineup, while other versions gained ride, lighting, cabin-noise, and rear-camera updates.
2014Trim changes
The two-seat Track Edition joined the U.S. range, alongside targeted suspension, body-strength, and engine-response updates.
2013
Output rose to 545 horsepower, the suspension was retuned, and a rearview camera became standard.
2012Mid-cycle update
Power rose to 530 horsepower, the front and rear were reshaped for better cooling and airflow, and the Black Edition joined the lineup.
2011Trim changes
The base model left the lineup, making Premium the sole U.S. trim. It also gained more standard technology and comfort-focused tuning.
2010
Output increased slightly to 485 horsepower, with revised transmission programming, suspension tuning, and brake lines.
2009New generation
The all-new R35 GT-R arrived for its first U.S. model year with a twin-turbo V6, AWD, and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan GT-R.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan GT-R a coupe, and how many people does it seat?
Yes. The GT-R is a two-door coupe with four seats. Its small rear seating area makes it more flexible than a two-seat sports car, though the back is better suited to children, occasional passengers, or extra bags.
Is the Nissan GT-R a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market R35 GT-R uses a gasoline-powered twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6. Nissan did not offer a hybrid or fully electric version during its 2009–2024 U.S. run.
Does every Nissan GT-R have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every U.S.-market R35 GT-R pairs variable-torque all-wheel drive with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The system can shift power between the front and rear wheels to improve grip.
Can a Nissan GT-R work as an everyday car?
Yes, if you accept a firm ride, a low seating position, and limited rear-seat space. The GT-R has climate control, useful infotainment, a trunk, and four seats, giving it more day-to-day flexibility than many two-seat performance cars.
Are the Nissan GT-R's back seats actually useful?
They are mainly useful for children, short trips, or extra storage. The GT-R does have four seats, but newer models provide only 26.4 inches of rear legroom, so most adults will find the back cramped.
Did the R35 Nissan GT-R have more than one generation?
No. All U.S.-market GT-Rs from 2009 through 2024 belong to the R35 generation. Nissan updated its power, styling, cabin, suspension, and trim lineup repeatedly, but never gave the U.S. car a full generational redesign.
What is the Nissan GT-R known for?
The GT-R is known for rapid acceleration, strong all-wheel-drive grip, and technology that helps make its performance approachable. It also stands apart from many rivals with four seats and a road-trip-friendly grand-touring layout.
Nissan GT-R Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan GT-R.
4.5
Nissan GT-R
(56 reviews)
“2017 GTR is everything & more than I thought it would be in every aspect. Don't hesitate to purchase if your debating.”
“In all I love my new car. I turned down a test drive even though I have never been in one before as I was 100% sure I would like it and I am 100% sure I made the right choice.”
“This is the best car I've ever owned or driven. The legendary GTR lives up to its reputation.”
“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.”
“Absolutely amazing vehicle. Much research went into this decision and I noticed that the reviews were always reserved. The problem there is that the reviewers are used to driving cars like this and cannot accurately convey the GTR. Coming from a fast car before (Subaru STi) I was shocked, the GTR is twice the car.”
Sources
- usa.nissannews.com — en US / Releases / 2024 Nissan Gt R Press Kit
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Gt R Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Gt R Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Gt R Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Experience Nissan / News And Events / Evolution From Skyline To Gt R
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Gt R Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Gt R Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Gt R Brochure En
- es.nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2017 / 2017 Nissan Gtr Brochure En
- downloads.regulations.gov — NHTSA 2018 0067 12555 / Attachment 12
- downloads.regulations.gov — NHTSA 2018 0067 12555 / Attachment 13
- nissanusa.com — Gtr / 2016 / 2016 Nissan GTR owner manual