2023 Nissan GT-R thrills with race-inspired performance

10/28/2022

Nissan

The pinnacle of Nissan high-performance engineering, the GT-R, boasts a thrilling combination of high horsepower, confident handling and a compelling array of features for everyday driving.

The 2023 Nissan GT-R is offered in two grades: GT-R Premium, with 565 horsepower, provides a tantalizing option for those seeking a super sports car, while the 600-horsepower GT-R NISMO offers an even more exceptional level of street and race-track performance with engineering drawn directly from motorsports applications.

The 2023 Nissan GT-R is on sale now at select U.S. Nissan dealers with a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)2 of $113,540 for the Premium grade and $210,740 for the GT-R NISMO.

Engineered for performance

The 2023 Nissan GT-R uses a 3.8-liter V6, 24-valve, twin-turbocharged engine that is hand-assembled by takumi technicians. The engine, which was refined for the 2020 model year, is rated at 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, and features a standard titanium exhaust system.

GT-R channels its power through a standard ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system that can vary its front-to-rear torque split, depending on driving scenario, for peak driving feel and performance. The standard 6-speed dual-clutch transaxle is rear-mounted to optimize vehicle weight distribution, and offers aggressive downshifts as well as steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control.

GT-R's dynamic ride and handling is brought to life thanks to the expertly tuned independent double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspensions. Standard Bilstein(R) DampTronic shock absorbers offer three driver-selectable settings for GT-R's suspension: Normal, Comfort and R. These 3 modes allow the driver to combine varying levels of driving comfort with the sport-like responsive handling that GT-R is known for. The engine, transmission and suspension's three drive mode settings are controlled by large, tactile switches located on the car's center console.

Braking is provided by a Nissan and Brembo(R) jointly developed braking system with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. Lightweight RAYS(R) 20-inch wheels shod with Dunlop high-performance summer tires connect GT-R with the road.

Aggressive yet refined design

Designed for both performance and to draw the eye, GT-R is instantly recognizable. Its sleek shape features a wide, low stance; an aggressive front-end design with hood air ducts; a prominent rear wing; and signature design elements like flush door handles and four circular LED tail lights. The bodywork is designed to direct cooling air to critical components and generate downforce for handling performance, while keeping aerodynamic drag to just 0.26 Cd.

The inside of GT-R welcomes occupants with a "horizontal-flow" dashboard design swathed in Nappa leather appointments, and seats designed to be lightweight.

The standard NissanConnect(R) infotainment system with 8-inch multi-touch display features Apple CarPlay(R), Nissan navigation system, Bluetooth(R), HD Radio, SiriusXM(R) Radio, SiriusXM(R) Traffic, and SiriusXM(R) Travel Link(TM) (weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info and sports).

The display also has GT-R-specific, customizable data pages showing key vehicle data, including details like coolant and oil temperature, transmission gear selection, g-forces, turbocharger boost and even a stopwatch for lap timing3.

GT-R further accommodates drivers with premium convenience features including a Bose(R) 11-speaker audio system, Active Noise Cancellation, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and front and rear parking sensors.

NISMO: Elevated, motorsports-derived performance

For drivers seeking an even greater level of capability, the GT-R NISMO - its name derived from NISsan MOtorsports International Co. - is a more track-oriented version of the GT-R3.

The GT-R NISMO was extensively enhanced for the 2020 model year with new turbochargers taken from the GT3 racecar, enhanced transmission shift control, lighter components, enhanced body bonding to increase torsional rigidity, reduced overall mass, and upgrades to the brakes, wheels and tires. Compared to GT-R Premium, it also has an increased use of lightweight carbon fiber components and increased horsepower.

The GT-R NISMO is rated for 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque1, with significantly enhanced engine responsiveness.

Complementing NISMO's improved power and grip are Brembo(R) brakes with enlarged, carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 16.1 inches in the front and 15.3 inches at the rear. The rotors themselves save 36 pounds of weight, while the high-strength calipers and high-friction brake pads contribute to a firmer brake pedal feeling.

NISMO-exclusive bodywork helps provide increased component cooling while also improving aerodynamic downforce. The roof is made from carbon fiber to reduce weight and lower the car's center of gravity, paying dividends in terms of handling. Additional NISMO-exclusive carbon fiber body panels include front and rear fascias, trunk lid, race-inspired rear wing, side sill covers, hood and outside mirror housings.

Inside, GT-R NISMO includes interior enhancements include Recaro(R) seats with synthetic suede inserts, red stitching and an Alcantara-appointed steering wheel with a red top stripe.

For full details on the features included on each grade level of the 2023 Nissan GT-R, see the full specification sheet.

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