Nissan GT-R R35 is a legendary Japanese supercar that, since its debut in 2007, has become a symbol of technological excellence and affordable performance. Known as "Godzilla", this model shattered stereotypes about Japanese cars, proving that they could rival European supercars in performance, handling and status. But how changed GT-R R35 for 17 years of production? Which years of production are considered the most successful, and which are problematic?

In this material we will analyze all generations and restylings Nissan GT-R R35 by year, we will analyze key changes in the engine, transmission, electronics and design, and also give practical advice on choosing a used vehicle. We will pay special attention to the “weak points” of the model that are worth checking before purchasing, and we will tell you why some versions GT-R 2011–2013 are considered the most reliable for tuning.

1. Debut and early years (2007–2010): revolution on wheels

Official premiere Nissan GT-R R35 took place at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, although mass production started only in December. The car became the successor to the iconic Skyline GT-R R34, but already under the brand Nissan — without the prefix “Skyline”. This was a strategic decision: the company wanted to bring the model to the global market, and the name Skyline associated primarily with Japan.

First GT-R R35 (2007–2010) equipped 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine VR38DETT power 480 hp (in the Japanese version - 450 hp due to local taxes). The torque was 588 Nm, and acceleration to 100 km/h took 3.5 seconds. Transmission - 6-speed “robot” GR6 dual clutch, developed in conjunction with BorgWarner. Suspension Multi-Link and all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS provided amazing handling.

  • 🔧 Engine: VR38DETT (3.8L V6 biturbo), aluminum block, forged pistons.
  • 🚀 Transmission: GR6 (6-speed robot with wet clutch).
  • 💻 Electronics: stability control system VDC, adaptive suspension Bilstein DampTronic (optional).
  • 🎨 Design: aggressive front bumper, four round headlights, rear wing.

However, the first years of production were not without problems. Owners complained about:

  • ⚠️ Transmission overheating during intense driving (especially on the track).
  • ⚠️ Leaking turbine seals after 60–80 thousand km.
  • ⚠️ Electronics problems (sensors, ABS sensors).
⚠️ Attention: 2007-2008 GT-Rs often suffer from "starting sickness" - the engine may not start due to a faulty crankshaft sensor. Before purchasing, check the sensor replacement history and ECU firmware.

2. First restyling (2011–2013): improvements and “golden years”

B 2011 Nissan GT-R R35 experienced the first serious restyling. The changes affected both the appearance and the technical part:

  • 🔥 Engine: power increased to 530 hp (in version GT-R Premium), the turbine cooling system has been improved.
  • 🔄 Transmission: updated clutch, smoother shifts in mode Comfort.
  • 🎯 Suspension: Shock absorbers and stabilizers have been redesigned and directional stability has been improved.
  • 🖥️ Salon: new multimedia system with navigation, improved finishing materials.

Years 2011–2013 are considered the most balanced in terms of reliability and tuning potential. These are the versions most often purchased for track and drag racing. For example, 2012 GT-R with a mileage of up to 50 thousand km today costs on the secondary market from 3.5 to 5 million rubles - and this is one of the best investments for lovers of Japanese technology.

Year Power (hp) Torque (Nm) Acceleration 0–100 km/h (sec) Features
2011 530 612 3.2 New turbines, improved cooling
2012 545 (SpecV) 628 3.1 Lightweight chassis, carbon parts
2013 550 (Track Edition) 632 3.0 Stiff suspension, no rear seats

A limited edition appeared in 2012 GT-R Black Edition with unique interior trim and lightweight wheels RAYS. And in 2013 she made her debut Track Edition — a version for the track with removed rear seats, a lightweight bumper and improved aerodynamics.

📊 Which year of the GT-R R35 do you think is the best?
  • 2007–2010 (first generation)
  • 2011–2013 (restyling)
  • 2014–2016 (second update)
  • 2017–2020 (anniversary versions)
  • 2021–2026 (latest models)

3. Second update (2014–2016): more power, new technologies

B 2014 Nissan GT-R R35 received the second major update. Main changes:

  • 💪 Power: the basic version has now evolved 550 hp, and Nismo — 600 hp.
  • 🔧 Turbines: new ones installed IHI with improved blade geometry.
  • 🖥️ Electronics: updated system ATTESA E-TS with more precise torque distribution.
  • 🎨 Design: new front bumper, LED headlights, redesigned radiator grille.

In 2015 appeared GT-R Nismo - the most powerful and expensive version at that time. It was equipped with:

  • 🏁 Carbon wing and splitter.
  • 🔩 Lightweight wheels RAYS and brakes Brembo with 6-piston calipers.
  • 📉 Rigidly tuned suspension and unique ECU firmware.

However, the 2014–2016 models have new “childhood diseases”:

  • ⚠️ System problems VDC (sudden shutdowns at high speeds).
  • ⚠️ Oil leaks from under the valve cover (requires replacement of gaskets every 100 thousand km).
  • ⚠️ Clutch wear with aggressive driving (lifetime - about 80 thousand km).

☑️ What to check before buying a 2014-2016 GT-R.

Done: 0 / 5

4. Anniversary versions (2017–2020): 50 years of GT-R

B 2017 Nissan noted 50th Anniversary of a GT-R Legend special series. Models 2017–2020 received:

  • 🎉 Anniversary design: unique orange color Bayside Blue (in honor of Skyline GT-R KPGC10 1970), gold rims.
  • 🔥 Engine: power GT-R Premium grew to 570 hp, and Nismo - up to 600 hp.
  • 🛡️ Security: updated system Safety Shield with all-round cameras.

In 2019 appeared GT-R50 by Italdesign - a unique version released in circulation 50 copies. Its cost exceeded 1 million euros, and the power reached 720 hp thanks to improvements Nismo.

However, even anniversary models are not without drawbacks:

  • ⚠️ Electronics problems (parking sensors, cameras).
  • ⚠️ High oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km with aggressive driving).
  • ⚠️ Expensive service (spare parts for Nismo may cost 2–3 times more than standard ones).
Why is the 2017-2020 GT-R more expensive to maintain?

These models are equipped with more sophisticated electronics (for example, ProPILOT Assist in some versions), which requires diagnostics only at official service stations. In addition, parts for anniversary versions (such as gold wheels or carbon parts Nismo) are produced in small batches, which increases their cost.

5. Final years (2021–2026): farewell to a legend

B 2021 Nissan announced that GT-R R35 will come off the assembly line in 2026 - without a direct successor. The latest models have received minor updates:

  • 🔄 Transmission: improved software for the "robot" GR6.
  • 🎨 Colors: new body shades, including Millennium Jade And Midnight Purple.
  • 💰 Price: the starting price in Russia exceeded 10 million rubles.

Released in 2022 GT-R T-spec — farewell series with unique details:

  • 🏁 Carbon wing and splitter.
  • 🔩 Lightweight wheels RAYS and brakes Brembo.
  • 🎨 Exclusive coloring Stealth Gray And Midnight Purple.

Latest GT-R R35 have become real collector's items. For example, 2023 GT-R Nismo with a mileage of 1000 km today is sold for 15–18 million rubles - almost 2 times more expensive than the original price.

💡

If you are planning to buy a 2021-2026 GT-R. for investments, pay attention to versions with a minimum mileage (up to 5 thousand km) and a full service history at an official service station. Such cars can increase in price by 30–50% in 5–7 years.

6. Comparison by year: which GT-R R35 should you choose?

Choice GT-R R35 depends on your goals:

Purpose of purchase Recommended years Pros Cons
Track/drag racing 2011–2013 Reliable engine, potential for tuning Outdated electronics, high fuel consumption
Daily driving 2017–2020 Comfortable suspension, modern options Expensive maintenance, risk of electronic problems
Collecting 2021–2026 (T-spec, Nismo) Exclusivity, potential for price growth Very high cost, limited mileage

For tuning best fit models 2011–2013 - they have the simplest and most reliable engine that responds well to chip tuning (up to 600–700 hp on standard turbines). For daily driving versions worth considering 2017–2020 with adaptive suspension and improved sound insulation.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase GT-R R35 Be sure to check the ECU firmware update history. Many problems with electronics (for example, "glitches" VDC) can be resolved by installing the latest version of the software. Official dealers Nissan can provide this information by VIN code.

7. Typical problems and how to avoid them

Nissan GT-R R35 — a reliable car, but it has “weak points” that appear with age:

  • 🔥 Engine VR38DETT:
    • Oil leaks from under the valve covers (solved by replacing the gaskets).
    • Wear of the timing chain (lifetime - 150–200 thousand km, replacement costs 200–300 thousand rubles).
    • Problems with turbines (whistle, loss of power) after 100 thousand km.
  • 🚗 GR6 transmission:
    • Clutch wear (replacement every 60–80 thousand km, cost - 150–250 thousand rubles).
    • Leaks of drive seals (especially on cars with mileage >100 thousand km).
  • 💻 Electronics:
    • System failures VDC (requires ECU flashing).
    • Problems with ABS sensors (often fail after 10 years of operation).

To minimize risks, follow these tips:

  • 🔧 Buy cars with full service history (especially oil changes, clutch, turbines).
  • 📊 Check it out ECU firmware — the latest version (for 2026) corrects most of the “glitches” of electronics.
  • 🔍 Inspect the car on a lift - oil leaks and the condition of the suspension will tell more than a test drive.
💡

GT-R R35 2011–2013 with mileage up to 80 thousand km and service history is the best choice for tuning. 2017+ models are suitable for a comfortable ride, but will require a large investment in maintenance.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan GT-R R35

🔹 Which year of production of the GT-R R35 is the most reliable?

The most reliable models are considered 2011–2013. They received updated turbines, improved cooling and more mature electronics compared to the debut versions. However, they were not yet equipped with complex assistant systems (as in 2017+), which often fail.

🔹 How much does it cost to service a GT-R R35 per year?

Average cost of service GT-R R35 in Russia is 150–300 thousand rubles per year, depending on mileage and driving style. This includes:

  • Changing oil and filters (20–30 thousand rubles.).
  • Electronics diagnostics (10–20 thousand rubles.).
  • Reserve for replacement of consumables (brake pads, clutch - 50–150 thousand rubles.).

For versions Nismo or Track Edition the cost may rise to 400–500 thousand rubles/year due to the high cost of spare parts.

🔹 Is it possible to drive a GT-R R35 in winter?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

  • 🔄 All wheel drive ATTESA E-TS copes well with snow, but the tires must be winter high profile (For example, Michelin Pilot Alpin).
  • ⚠️ Low ground clearance (110 mm) limits cross-country ability on unclean roads.
  • 💰 Winter driving increases clutch and suspension wear due to cold starts.

Many owners prefer to “preserve” GT-R for the winter or use a second car.

🔹 What potential does the VR38DETT engine have for tuning?

Standard VR38DETT withstands up to 600–650 hp on standard turbines and 800+ hp after installing “large” turbines (for example, GReddy or HKS). To achieve 1000 hp you will need:

  • Reinforced crankshaft and connecting rods.
  • Upgraded cooling system.
  • Fuel system with additional pumps.

The cost of full tuning is up to 700–800 hp starts from 1.5–2 million rubles.

🔹 When is the new Nissan GT-R (R36) expected?

Officially Nissan hasn't announced a successor R35. According to the latest data (2026), the company may introduce a hybrid version GT-R not before 2026–2027. Possible characteristics:

  • 🔋 Hybrid power plant (V6 + electric motor) with power 700+ hp.
  • 🚗 All wheel drive with system e-4ORCE (like Nissan Ariya).
  • 💻 Autonomous driving systems (level 2+).

However, many experts doubt that the new model will retain the spirit of the “classic” GT-R.