Weight of the Nissan GT-R R35: why does 1740 kg make it faster than the Porsche 911?

When it comes to Nissan GT-R R35, most enthusiasts immediately remember its legendary engine VR38DETT, all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS or acceleration time to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds in Nismo modification. But there is one parameter that is often underestimated - this car weight. It is the mass R35 has been the subject of controversy since its debut in 2007: how does such a heavyweight manage to outrun lighter supercars?

In this article we will figure out how much it weighs Nissan GT-R R35 in different modifications, how the mass is distributed along the axes, why engineers Nissan compromised on weight and what that means for the driver on the highway or in the city. You will also learn how to reduce the weight of a car without losing reliability and what tuning mistakes lead to imbalance. Spoiler alert: proper weight distribution can do R35 invulnerable in circuit races, even against Porsche 911 GT3.

Official weight of the Nissan GT-R R35 by generation and modification

Base weight Nissan GT-R R35 in the back CBA-R35 starts from 1740 kg - This data is for the 2009 model as standard. However, the figure varies depending on the year of manufacture, market and level of equipment. For example, American versions (USDM) is traditionally heavier due to additional safety systems and environmental regulations.

The table below shows official weight data for key modifications. Please note: Weights are based on a vehicle with a full tank of fuel (90 liters) and standard equipment, but without driver and passengers.

Modification	Year	Weight (kg)	Notes
Base (Japan, JDM)	2007–2010	1740	Without rear diffuser, simplified sound insulation
Premium Edition (USDM)	2009–2011	1780	Additional airbags, reinforced frame
Black Edition	2012–2016	1760	Light wheels RAYS, carbon inserts in the cabin
Nismo (2014–2020)	2014–2020	1720	Carbon hood, bumpers, fender, titanium exhaust system
Track Edition (2018–2021)	2018–2021	1690	Rear seats removed, lighter battery, no audio system

Interesting fact: Nissan GT-R R35 in modification Track Edition weighs less than Porsche 911 Carrera S (1750 kg), despite all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. This is achieved by using carbon ceramic brakes (saving 16 kg per axle) and lithium battery (minus 10 kg).

⚠️ Attention: The weight of the car in the documentation is often indicated with an error of ±2%. Actual weight may vary due to manufacturing tolerances, especially on manually assembled models (e.g. Nismo).

Axle weight distribution: why is 54:46 the ideal balance?

B Nissan GT-R R35 mass is distributed in proportion 54% to the front axle And 46% for the rear. This scheme is not accidental: engineers Nissan We experimented with alignment for a long time to achieve maximum stability at high speeds and predictable behavior in corners.

For comparison:

- Porsche 911 (rear engines) has a distribution of ~40:60 - this gives better acceleration, but a tendency to oversteer.

- Chevrolet Corvette (front-engine models) - 52:48, which is closer to GT-R, but without all-wheel drive.

- BMW M5 — 55:45, but with rear-wheel drive, which requires more skill from the driver.

Benefits of distribution 54:46 in R35:

- Minimal loss of agility (understeer) when entering a bend thanks to front-wheel drive.

- Excellent output traction out of a turn due to the rear axle loaded by 46%.

- Stability when braking: the front axle is not overloaded, as in 911, which reduces the risk of wheel locking.

• 🔧 Front axle (54%): engine VR38DETT, gearbox, radiators, some electronics.
• 🔧 Rear axle (46%): fuel tank, differential ATTESA, exhaust system, rear seats (in standard versions).

Why is the GT-R R35 so heavy? Analysis of the design

Compared to competitors like Nissan 370Z (1500 kg) or Toyota Supra (1550 kg) GT-R R35 looks like a real tank. But every kilogram here is justified functionally. Let's figure out what exactly adds mass:

1. All-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS: the system weighs ~80 kg, but provides torque distribution between the axles in a proportion from 0:100 to 50:50. Without her R35 would not be able to transfer 600+ hp to the road.
2. Engine VR38DETT: cast iron cylinder block (as opposed to aluminum Porsche) adds ~50 kg, but guarantees a resource of 200+ thousand km even with tuning up to 800 hp.
3. Reinforced frame: High-strength steels are used for body rigidity, which adds ~100 kg compared to aluminum monocoques of supercars.
4. Noise insulation and comfort: GT-R positioned as GT car (Gran Turismo), so there is air conditioning, audio system Bose, leather seats - all this is a total of +70 kg.

Critics often mention that R35 it could be easier if Nissan used a carbon monocoque (as in McLaren 570S). However, this would raise the price to Ferrari, and most importantly, it would complicate repairs after accidents. Balance of price, reliability and performance became a key development priority.

Secret fact about the weight of the R35

In prototypes Nissan GT-R R35 (2005–2006) engineers tested an aluminum body that reduced weight by 150 kg. However, due to the high cost of production and problems with rigidity, the idea was abandoned. Production versions received a steel body with an aluminum hood and trunk lid.

The effect of weight on dynamics: why is the R35 faster than many supercars?

On paper Nissan GT-R R35 loses to competitors in power-to-weight ratio. For example:

- Porsche 911 Turbo S: 650 hp / 1600 kg = 2.46 kg/hp

- Nissan GT-R Nismo: 600 hp / 1720 kg = 2.87 kg/hp

But in real races R35 often turns out to be faster. It's all about mass efficiency:

1. Four-wheel drive allows you to transfer power to the road without slipping, even on wet asphalt.

2. Low center of gravity (due to the placement of the engine behind the front axle) reduces roll when cornering.

3. Adaptive suspension (Bilstein DampTronic) adapts to the load, compensating for the weight.

Example: on the highway Nürburgring Nordschleife GT-R Nismo (1720 kg) showed time 7:08.679, whereas Porsche 911 GT3 RS (1430 kg) — 6:56.4. A difference of 12 seconds with a weight of 290 kg more! This proves that weight distribution and technology are more important than absolute weight.

How to reduce weight GT-R R35: safe tuning

If you want to improve dynamics R35, weight loss is one of the most effective ways. However, it is important not to overdo it: removing critical elements (such as body reinforcements) can lead to loss of rigidity and dangerous deformations in the event of an accident.

Here are proven relief methods:

- Replacing wheels: standard wheels weigh ~12 kg each, lightweight forged (RAYS 57CR) - 8.5 kg each. Savings: 14 kg.

- Carbon parts: hood (-10 kg), trunk lid (-8 kg), splitter (-3 kg).

- Lithium battery: instead of the standard lead (20 kg), lithium (4–6 kg) is installed.

- Removing rear seats (if not needed): -15 kg.

- Titanium exhaust system: savings up to 20 kg (For example, Fujitsubo Legalis R).

• ⚠️ What NOT to do:
• 🚫 Removing the side member amplifiers will lead to “twisting” of the body on uneven surfaces.
• 🚫 Replace standard brake discs with perforated ones without increasing the size - overheating is guaranteed.
• 🚫 Reducing weight by removing sound insulation - this will increase the noise level to 90+ dB at a speed of 120 km/h.

Comparison with competitors: who is lighter and who is faster?

Let's compare Nissan GT-R R35 with the main competitors in the high-performance coupe class. The table below contains data on weight, power and acceleration dynamics (0–100 km/h). All figures are valid for the latest versions of models (2020–2023).

Model	Weight (kg)	Power (hp)	0–100 km/h (sec)	Ratio kg/hp
Nissan GT-R Nismo	1720	600	2.7	2.87
Porsche 911 Turbo S	1600	650	2.7	2.46
Chevrolet Corvette Z06	1420	670	2.6	2.12
BMW M5 Competition	1850	625	3.3	2.96
Audi R8 V10 Performance	1595	620	3.1	2.57

As can be seen from the table, GT-R R35 is not the easiest, but its price, reliability and performance ratio remains best in class. For example, Corvette Z06 300 kg lighter, but its engine LT6 requires major repairs after 100 thousand km with aggressive driving, whereas VR38DETT walks 2 times longer.

A magazine conducted an interesting test Car and Driver in 2019: on drag racing GT-R (1740 kg) overtook Porsche 911 Carrera S (1550 kg) at a distance of 400 meters due to better grip and no slipping. This once again confirms: weight is important but not critical if the car is properly balanced.

Common mistakes when modifying weight

Many owners GT-R R35 strive to reduce weight, but make critical mistakes that impair handling or reliability. Here are the most common of them:

1. Unbalanced relief. For example, removing the rear seats without compensating for the weight in the front (such as replacing the battery) shifts the alignment forward, resulting in excessive agility.
2. Ignoring body rigidity. Removing crossbars or using non-certified carbon parts may result in "jelly effect" - when the body is deformed on uneven surfaces.
3. Saving on brakes. Lightweight brake discs (for example, perforated ones without ventilation) overheat on the track after only 3–4 laps.
4. Incorrect selection of wheels. Light rims less than 9J wide at the front reduce traction, as standard tires GT-R (255/40 R20) require a minimum rim width of 9.5J.

Case Study: Owner 2012 GT-R I replaced the standard seats with carbon ones weighing 5 kg each (saving 30 kg), but did not take into account that the new seats do not have lateral support. On the track Tsukuba Circuit this led to loss of control in a turn Hairpin due to the displacement of the driver's body.

⚠️ Attention: After any weight changes of more than 50 kg, you must reconfigure the suspension (preferably at a wheel alignment adjustment stand) and reprogram the ECU for correct operation of systems VDC (stability control) and ATTESA.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the weight of the Nissan GT-R R35

❓ How much does the Nissan GT-R R35 weigh in standard configuration (2023)?

Latest version Nissan GT-R R35 (2023 model T-Spec) weighs 1745 kg as standard. This is 5 kg more than the 2009 model due to additional safety systems (e.g. Nissan Safety Shield 360).

❓ How does weight affect fuel consumption?

According to EPA, GT-R R35 spends on average 15.7 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. Reducing weight by 100 kg reduces consumption by approximately 0.5–0.7 l/100 km. For example, after installing lightweight wheels and a lithium battery, owners note savings of up to 1 l/100 km on the highway.

❓ Is it possible to reduce the weight of the R35 to 1500 kg?

Theoretically yes, but it will require complete car recycling:

• Replacing the body with carbon fiber (saving ~300 kg).
• Removing all comfortable options (air conditioning, audio system, sound insulation) - another ~100 kg.
• Replacing the engine with an aluminum block (for example, from Nismo GT3) — -40 kg.

However, such a project would cost 150–200 thousand dollars and will deprive the car of street legality.

❓ How does 54:46 weight distribution affect drifting?

The forward mass shift (54%) makes GT-R R35 less prone to excessive agility (oversteer), which makes controlled drift more difficult. Rear-wheel drive cars with a balance of 40:60 are better suited for drifting (for example, Nissan Silvia S15). However, on R35 can be done power drift (with slipping of all wheels) thanks to all-wheel drive and high power.

❓ Which GT-R R35 parts are most often replaced with lightweight ones?

According to a survey of owners on the forum GTR.co.uk, top 5 modifications to make it easier:

1. Wheels (RAYS, Volk Racing) - savings 12–15 kg.
2. Carbon hood (Seibon, Varis) — -10 kg.
3. Lithium battery (Antigravity, Braille) — -15 kg.
4. Titanium exhaust system (Fujitsubo, HKS) — -18 kg.
5. Carbon seats (Bridgestone, Recaro) — -20–30 kg.