Nissan has announced that after more than a decade, the Nissan R35 GT-R is discontinued. What does this mean for the GT-R nameplate? Well, we're not entirely sure. Perhaps they might stick to their gasoline-powered roots and build one last GT-R with an internal combustion engine like Ford did with its new S650 Mustang.
In spite of the uncertain future, the R35 GT-R has a massive impact on the automotive world back in the late 2000s and redefined what sports cars should be. Today we'll have a look at what made the R35 Nissan GT-R so special and also highlight some reasons why we'd rather have a more exotic supercar stand in our garage.
10 The R35 Nissan GTR's V6 Engine Has The Potential To Produce Tons Of Power
Throughout its entire lifespan, the GT-R R35 came fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine called the VR38DETT. Initially, it produced 480 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, but in its most powerful factory form, called the Nismo GT-R, the V6 pumped out an astonishing 600 hp. This is however just the tip of the iceberg.
To this day, the VR38DETT motor is a tuner's wet dream since it has the potential to produce an absurd amount of power. How much you ask? Well, just for a point of reference, there is a dream team called the T1 Race Team, and they managed to squeeze out approximately 3,000 hp out of their R35 GT-R – and yes, the engine block is stock.
9 (Rather Buy An Italian Exotic) The R35 Nissan GT-R's Interior Is Outdated
As we've stated, the R35 Nissan GT-R was on the market for more than a decade, and throughout this time, little to no interior changes were brought about. It was still was sculpted out of too many cheap plastics, contained a slow infotainment system, and a rather unappealing gauge cluster.
If simplicity is what you're after, we'd highly recommend rather looking in the direction of another supercar. Perhaps something like an Alfa Romeo 4C might tickle your fancy.
8 The R35 Nissan GT-R Is Better Value For Money Than An Exotic
The cheapest used R35 GT-R with a clean title currently listed on cars.com for just over $60,000. Do keep in mind, back in the day, the R35 GT-R had a starting MSRP of around $80,000, so depreciation hasn't hit it all too hard, and most likely won't in the future too. Believe it or not, you can find old Ferraris for less than that.
That being said, the GT-R is much more reliable than its exotic rivals. Sure, the R35 might have some ownership problems here and there, but overall, it's a well-built car that will last you for many years to come with proper care.
7 (Rather Buy An Italian Exotic) Italian Exotics Are Gorgeous
The R35 Nissan GT-R isn't an ugly car by any means, we actually think it looks rather mean, but it is nowhere near as beautiful as an Italian sports car. Take for instance the Ferrari 458. It took its first breath of air only a few years after the GT-R's launch, but as time would tell, it has aged gracefully.
Even some other "less exquisite" Italian supercars like the Lamborghini Gallardo have a larger presence on the road. And then the cherry on the cake... that Nissan badge just isn't as attractive as a prancing horse or a raging bull, now is it?
6 The R35 Nissan GT-R's Acceleration Is Unworldly
All R35 GT-Rs come fitted from the factory with all-wheel-drive, but this wasn't an ordinary drivetrain. Instead of being prone to understeer, the all-wheel-drive system helped the GT-R grip around corners and did it even greater favors in a straight line.
Back when the first few GT-Rs entered the world, they could reach 60 mph from a stop in just 3.3 seconds – quicker than the infamous Porsche Carrera GT supercar. However, the Nissan GT-R Nismo could accomplish the same task in just 2.5 seconds.
5 (Rather Buy An Italian Exotic) Italian Exotics Are Great Future Investments
As a rule of thumb, cars tend to depreciate over time. In spite of that, some cars are exceptions to these rules. The Nissan R35 GT-R hasn't diminished in value all too much, but in comparison to Italian supercars like the Ferrari 458 Speciale, it seems like a financial catastrophe. It is worth mentioning that the Speciale is much more expensive than the GT-R, but it yielded much more financial growth regardless.
Another excellent example of an Italian exotic that increased in value is the Lamborghini Murcielago. When the Murcie first set foot on public roads it cost just north of $200,000, but today these can cost nearly $400,000 on auction sites.
4 The Nissan GT-R Badge Is Legendary
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There have been quite a few generations of the Nissan GT-R (six to be exact), and the public lusts after almost every single one. The R34 Skyline GT-R was the R35's predecessor. It had the same persona of incorporating an all-wheel-drive system with a turbocharged V6 engine, but these were available with a manual transmission. And as you could have guessed, these are also worth ridiculous amounts of money today.
If we take one step further back in time, we have the R33 Skyline GT-R. It might not have been as loved as the R34, but it still was one of the greatest cars to exist back in the day. We're mentioning these older GT-Rs because they play a pivotal role in why the GT-R name badge is so sought-after and respected.
3 (Rather Buy An Italian Exotic) Italian Exotics Have An Emotive Driving Experience
Don't get us wrong, if you want a precise tool that will garner consistent lap times, the R35 GT-R is one of your best choices by far. But for those of us who care more about an immersive driving experience, almost an emotional one, we'd recommend handing over your money to the Italians. After all, it is what they do best.
One driving experience many considered unmatched is that of a mid-engined V8-powered Ferrari. So if passion is what you're after instead of lap times, maybe dwell your eyes across to something like the classic Ferrari 308 GTS.
2 The R35 Nissan GT-R Is One Of The Best Modern Supercars
There have been many bewildering sports cars built in the last 22 years, but the R35 Nissan GT-R stands out from the crowd. Not only did it carry out the legacy of its ancestors, but it also showed some of the world's most spectacular supercars who the real king was.
Throughout its evolution, the GT-R changed from being an underrated sports car to an all-out track weapon in its Nismo variant. There really is an R35 GT-R out there that will suit anyone's needs.
1 (Rather Buy An Italian Exotic) Italian Exotics Sound Better Than The R35 Nissan GT-R
Hold back your fiery fingers keyboard warriors, hear us out. Italian sports cars are well renowned for their exhaust symphonies, especially V8-powered ones like the Maserati GranTurismo. Hell, even Maserati's four-door luxury sedan, the Quattroporte sounds enticing with its Ferrari-derived V8 that nests under its hood.
Oh, and who can forget the song of Ferrari's naturally-aspirated V12 found in the 812 Competizione too! The R35 Nissan GT-R on the other hand... while it definitely catches your attention with the amount of sound it produces, it most certainly doesn't sound as refined as its Italian competitors. On the plus side, at least it doesn't sound as much like a trumpet as the Nissan 350Z.