Supercars are designed to be faster and more powerful than anything on the market. However, there are a few sports cars that can outperform a supercar. This, of course, depends on factors like engine power, weight, tuning, and other performance upgrades. A great example of such a car is the Nissan GT-R. Since its introduction, this iconic sports car, affectionately known as "Godzilla", has been making waves in the automotive world, taking on supercars and coming out on top.
Over the years, the GT-R has perfectly exemplified Nissan's performance capabilities, and that won't change anytime soon. For the 2024 model year, the Nissan GT-R takes performance to the next level. Unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon in January, the 2024 Nissan GT-R boasts a new front and rear design, and better aerodynamics. Aside from all the performance upgrades, the 2024 model year also marks the return of the T-spec trim.
We will take a closer look at the Nissan GT-R and explore why it’s such a formidable opponent that can compete with or even outperform some of the most prestigious supercars.
10 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Brings Raw Power
Throughout its 15 years of production, which brought a few appearance changes, one thing that hasn’t changed for the R35 Nissan GT-R is the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. While earlier iterations of the R35 produced 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, the Nissan GT-R’s power ascended to an impressive 565 horses and 467 pound-feet.
And as you’d expect, Nissan maintains the V6 powertrain for the 2024 model year. It will pair with a standard 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2024 GT-R Premium produces the same 565 horsepower, allowing the 2024 GT-R to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The GT-R Nismo, however, makes up to 600 horsepower.
Gearheads that want something less aggressive can opt for the T-spec. Slotting between the premium and the Nismo, the T-Spec runs the 562-hp version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6.
9 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Features Nissan's ATTESA E-TS AWD System And A New LSD
The Nissan GT-R’s all-wheel-drive system is a key component of the car's exceptional performance and handling. Designed to smartly distribute power to all four wheels of the car, drivers get improved traction. The Electronic Torque Split version of the all-wheel drive was first installed in the 1989 R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and it became the standard drivetrain for Skyline GT-Rs.
The system varies the torque split from front to rear depending on the driving conditions. It helps to maximize stability, allowing the car to corner at high speeds with ease and reducing the risk of oversteering or understeering. The GT-R Nismo comes with a front limited-slip differential. Like other high-performance cars, this system offers better traction in the front, which will enhance driver control. This makes the car more responsive to driver inputs, allowing you to experience a more engaging drive.
8 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Has Innovative Aerodynamics
One of the reasons to buy the Nissan GT-R is its fascinating aerodynamic design, which greatly contributes to its performance. Like the current model, the 2024 Nissan GT-R comes with front and rear spoilers, an undertray. as well as a neatly-designed carbon fiber rear diffuser, which helps increase downforce and reduce drag force, giving you better handling and high-speed stability.
And, like the outgoing model, Nissan says the bodywork increases downforce and maintains a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd. This time around, Nissan engineers even measures the thickness of the mesh in the front grille, making sure it thinned out appropriately to reduce drag and enhance cooling.
As impressive as that may sound, the GT-R NISMO gets an even better upgrade: a new and bigger wing. Sitting at the rear end over swan neck-style supports, the new wing design makes the NISMO pop. Aimed at optimizing drag and downforce, the wing now has a 10 percent larger surface area, with a sleek, curved design.
7 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Delivers A Dynamic Handling Experience
The 2024 GT-R delivers a quality ride that’s aided by its advanced suspension system. The 2023 re-introduction of the GT-R brought the Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers as well as the expertly tuned independent double-wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspensions. All of this is available on the 2024 GT-R as well.
As if that’s not enough, buyers can choose the level of driving comfort as the Standard Bilstein® DampTronic shock absorbers come with 3 driver-selectable settings for GT-R's suspension: Normal, Comfort, and R.
The GT-R’s braking power comes from Brembo brakes, featuring six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. The T-spec trim’s brakes add lightweight carbon-ceramic rotors, which are standard on the GT-R NISMO.
6 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Brings An Updated Exterior Design
The new Nissan GT-R still largely looks the same as the R35 coupe that debuted 15 years ago. Even though Nissan revamped the GT-R in 2017, the changes were very minimal. As for the 2024 model year, the brand gave the Nissan GT-R a much-needed facelift. But, overall, it follows the original design language.
Now in its 16th year, the 2024 GT-R comes with a redesigned front end. As we previously mentioned, engineers focused on providing more cool air to the engine. Thus, the upper grille is thinner and has fang-like end pieces. The lower part has a boxy air opening that seamlessly blends with the hexagon-shaped daytime running lights. Overall, the front takes inspiration from the R34 generation. Out back, the GT-R flaunts the reshaped wing, a new lens design for the quad taillights, and a new bumper.
5 The 2024 GT-R Lineup Features A More Potent And Highly Capable GT-R Nismo Model
One thing that’s helped to establish the Nissan GT-R's reputation as a true supercar killer is its racing pedigree. While the GT-R Premium and T-Spec are perfectly equipped, the GT-R NISMO is the center of exceptional performance.
Upon taking on lighter components and shedding 44 pounds, the 2020 Nismo brought new GT3 racecar-inspired turbochargers, enhanced transmission shift control, enhanced body firmness, and more. So, expect the utmost rigidity and performance on the 2024 GT-R NISMO.
Topping on the Premium model’s design cues, the GT-R Nismo adds a few carbon fiber elements, including the exterior mirrors, roof, trunk, roof, side sill covers, and a few other parts of the front and rear end. As with the current mode, the 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo comes in an exclusive Stealth Gray color.
The 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo buyers can also opt for the newly-introduced Nismo Appearance Package, which unlocks a clear-coated carbon fiber hood and special engine cover. The package also replaces the gold-painted Rays forged 20-inch wheels with a red-themed set.
4 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Features A More Polished Interior
While the brand updated the Nissan GT-R’s interior, it looks unchanged. Like the 2023 model, the cabin features sporty seats that have a lightweight design. Although, for 2024, the brand enhanced the Nismo’s Recaro carbon back bucket seats. These feature synthetic suede inserts and red contrasting stitching, enhancing the car’s sporty appeal.
The revived GT-R T-spec received special dark Mori Green upholstery, which spans throughout the cabin with a combined semi-aniline and suede treatment for the front seats. It also has T-Spec-exclusive logos on the console and kick plates.
To top this off, the Nissan GT-R comes with premium convenience features, such as Active Noise Cancellation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Once inside, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the striking dashboard, which comes concealed in premium Nappa leather.
3 The 2024 Nissan GT-T Has A Customizable Infotainment System And Safety Features
Sitting in the center of the dashboard, right beside the Alcantara-appointed steering wheel, is the 8-inch multi-touch display. As on the outgoing model, this screen carries the NissanConnect® infotainment system, giving users access to a standard navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth HD Radio, as well as the SiriusXM package.
Furthermore, you can customize the 8-inch display to show specific data, such as the turbocharger boost level, transmission gear selection, coolant and oil temperature, and g-forces. For a more rewarding listening experience, the 2024 GT-R also brings a Bose® 11-speaker audio system.
2 Lightweight And Robust Braking System
Brembo brakes became the GT-R Nismo’s standard braking system in 2020, and that hasn’t changed for the new model year. Like the Premium and T-Spec trims, the new 2024 GT-R NISMO comes with Brembo brakes, albeit with enlarged, carbon-ceramic rotors. These measure 16.1 inches in the front and 15.3 inches at the rear.
One reason why the GT-R remains an icon is the excellent use of lightweight components. And that also includes the brakes. The Brembo brakes are superbly lightweight, saving up to 36 pounds of weight. Additionally, the braking system brings high-strength calipers and high-friction brake pads into the mix.
1 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Makes An Ideal Daily Driver
Despite its high-performance capabilities, the GT-R is a great daily driving supercar. It is one of the few sports cars with a spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom, providing room for up to four occupants. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive.
And as a good daily driver, the GT-R has good visibility, with large windows and mirrors that provide a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic. This makes it easier to navigate through traffic and park in tight spaces.
Sources: Nissan USA