When it comes to Nissan GT-R R35, enthusiasts immediately remember its legendary engine VR38DETT, all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and the ability to accelerate to 100 km/h faster than many supercars. But there is one parameter that often remains in the shadows, although it critically affects all these characteristics - car weight. Weight GT-R R35 has been the subject of controversy since the model's debut in 2007: some call it "too heavy for a sports car", others claim that engineers Nissan perfectly balanced weight and power.
In this article we will figure out how much it weighs Nissan GT-R R35 in various modifications (including Nismo, Track Edition and special versions), how the weight is distributed along the axles, and why even an “extra” 50 kg can cost you tenths of a second on the track. We’ll also reveal the secrets of how owners reduce the weight of their GT-R without loss of reliability, and compare the Japanese “monster” with its main competitors: Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 And Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Official weight of Nissan GT-R R35 by generation (2007–2026)
Over 17 years of production Nissan GT-R R35 has undergone many changes - from cosmetic to deep technical. But how did these updates affect the car's weight? Let's look at the years and modifications.
Basic version GT-R R35 2007–2010 weighed 1740 kg (dry weight). It was 100–150 kg heavier than competitors, but Nissan compensated for this with power 480 hp as standard. With each restyling, the weight grew - mainly due to stricter safety standards and the addition of electronic systems. For example, the 2017 model (with an updated interior and multimedia) increased in weight to 1770 kg, and GT-R Nismo 2020 - until 1790 kg despite the lightweight details.
- 📅 2007–2010: 1740 kg (dry weight), 1850 kg (curb weight)
- 🔧 2011–2016: +20 kg (1760 kg) due to new bumpers and tire pressure monitoring system
- 💻 2017–2019: 1770 kg (updated interior, 8-inch display)
- 🏁 2020–2026 (Nismo/Track Edition): 1790 kg (reinforced chassis, Kevlar seats)
I wonder what Track Edition (2018–2026) weighs 10–15 kg less than the standard version due to the removal of the rear seats and the use of carbon fiber elements. But GT-R50 by Italdesign (2018) - a limited edition with a carbon fiber body - was able to “lose” as much as 80 kg, bringing the weight to 1710 kg.
- Up to 1600 kg
- 1600–1700 kg
- 1700–1800 kg (same as standard version)
- I don't care, the main thing is power
Weight distribution along the axles: why is it more important than the total mass
If you think that the main thing is the total weight, then you are deeply mistaken. For GT-R R35 critical weight distribution between front and rear axle. Standard ratio - 54:46 (front/rear), which is close to ideal for an all-wheel drive vehicle. However, this value may change depending on modification and tuning.
For example, in Nismo the distribution shifts to 53:47 thanks to the lightweight front bumper and carbon fiber hood. But after installing a heavy turbo kit or armored disks, the balance may deteriorate to 56:44, which will lead to unreliable operation of the system ATTESA E-TS (all-wheel drive) and deterioration in handling at high speeds.
| Modification | Total weight (kg) | Distribution (front/rear) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R R35 (2007–2010) | 1740 | 54:46 | Aluminum hood, steel body |
| GT-R Nismo (2014–2016) | 1760 | 53:47 | Carbon fiber hood, lightweight wheels |
| Track Edition (2018–2026) | 1750 | 52:48 | No rear seats, titanium exhaust system |
| GT-R50 by Italdesign | 1710 | 51:49 | Carbon fiber body, lightweight chassis |
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to tune GT-R, be sure to check the weight distribution after installing new parts. For example, replacing a standard battery with a lithium one (saving ~15 kg) will improve the balance, but installing a heavy subwoofer in the trunk (additional 20+ kg) will worsen it, making the car more “nosed”.
Weight comparison of GT-R R35 with competitors: which is lighter?
To understand how much Nissan GT-R R35 heavy, let's compare it with the main rivals in the class of supercars and sports sedans. It is important to consider that GT-R is not a pure supercar, but rather a “universal soldier”, combining comfort, reliability and extreme dynamics.
For clarity, let’s take models with similar power (~500–600 hp) and all-wheel drive:
- 🏎️ Porsche 911 Turbo (992): 1600 kg (580 hp) - at 140–190 kg lighter GT-R, but it also costs 1.5–2 times more.
- 🦁 Audi R8 V10 Performance: 1595 kg (620 hp) - best power-to-weight ratio, but rear-wheel drive.
- 🐍 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8): 1520 kg (670 hp) - the lightest, but rear-wheel drive only.
- 🏯 Lexus LC 500: 1,970 kg (477 hp) - Heavier, but it's more of a GT than a supercar.
As you can see, GT-R R35 loses in weight to almost all competitors, but wins in price and practicality. For example, Porsche 911 Turbo 150 kg lighter, but its base price in 2026 starts from 200 000 €, whereas new GT-R Nismo can be bought for 120 000 €. In addition, the Japanese car offers all-wheel drive and 4 full seats (albeit cramped in the back).
The GT-R R35 is heavier than its competitors, but cheaper, more reliable and more practical - this is a compromise that thousands of owners agree on.
How weight affects the dynamics and handling of the GT-R R35
Every kilogram counts when it comes to accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7–3.0 seconds. Let's figure out how the mass GT-R R35 affects key characteristics:
- Overclocking: According to the laws of physics, the heavier the car, the more energy is needed to accelerate it. For example, GT-R Nismo (1790 kg) accelerates to 100 km/h 0.2 seconds slower than Track Edition (1750 kg), despite the same power.
- Braking: A heavier vehicle requires larger brake discs and pads. Standard brakes GT-R (380 mm in front) cope, but during aggressive track driving they overheat after 5–6 laps.
- Handling: Weight affects inertia — the heavier the car, the more difficult it is for it to quickly change direction. This is especially noticeable on slalom or in turns with frequent changes in the vector of movement.
- Tire and suspension wear: An extra 100 kg increases the load on the shock absorbers and tires by 15–20%, reducing their resource.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to participate in track days, please note that after 20-30 minutes of intense driving GT-R starts to “float” in turns due to overheating of the oil in the differentials. This is due not only to weight, but also to the design of the transmission. The solution is to install additional coolers or switch to synthetic oil Motul 300V.
Fun fact: in racing GT3 racing version Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 weighs only 1300 kg — 490 kg less than serial! This is achieved by completely removing the interior, replacing the glass with polycarbonate and using a carbon body. Unfortunately, such modifications cannot be legally applied to a road car.
Practical tuning: how to reduce the weight of the GT-R R35 without losing reliability
Many owners GT-R R35 strive to reduce weight, but it is important to do this without compromising the safety and service life of the car. Here are proven methods used by professionals:
☑️ Safely reduce the weight of the GT-R R35
However, there is also dangerous" methodswhich can lead to breakdowns:
- ❌ Removing sound insulation will lead to increased noise and vibrations, which will accelerate fatigue of the body metal.
- ❌ Replacing standard shock absorbers with “hard” ones without modifying the suspension will worsen road grip.
- ❌ Using ultra-light wheels (less than 9 kg) can lead to cracks when falling into a hole.
⚠️ Attention: If you lose weight by more than 100 kg, be sure to reconfigure the suspension and system VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). Otherwise, the car will become unpredictable at high speeds, especially on wet roads.
Optimal balance for the road GT-R - weight reduction by 50–80 kg without drastic changes. For example, replacing disks, a battery and removing the rear seats will save 45–50 kg, which will already improve acceleration and braking without sacrificing comfort.
Before purchasing lightweight parts, check their certification. For example, a carbon fiber hood must meet the standard FMVSS 208 (USA) or ECE R29 (Europe), otherwise it may break in an accident.
Myths and truths about the weight of the GT-R R35
Around the masses Nissan GT-R R35 There are many myths circulating. Let's look at the most popular ones:
Myth 1: "The GT-R is too heavy for a supercar"
Truth: Yes, it's heavier Porsche 911 or Corvette, but its all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and the adaptive suspension compensate for this on most trails. For example, on Nürburgring GT-R Nismo shows a time of 7:08, which is comparable to cars 200–300 kg lighter.
Myth 2: "A lightweight GT-R is always faster"
Truth: Losing weight improves dynamics, but only to a certain limit. For example, removing the front bumper to save 5 kg will lead to poor aerodynamics and overheating of the brakes, which will negate all the benefits.
Myth 3: "The GT-R's weight doesn't matter because it has a lot of power."
Truth: Power is important, but you can't fool physics. The extra 100 kg increases the braking distance by 3–5 meters at a speed of 100 km/h and worsen handling in corners. This is critical on the track, but not so noticeable in everyday driving.
Why has the GT-R R35 become heavier with each generation?
The main reasons are tightening safety standards (additional airbags and sensors), the transition to heavier electronic systems (for example, multimedia with navigation) and strengthening the body to improve torsional rigidity. For example, the 2020 model is 50 kg heavier than the 2007 version, but at the same time 22% stiffer.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the weight of the Nissan GT-R R35
🔹 How much does the Nissan GT-R R35 weigh in the lightest configuration?
The lightest production version - GT-R Track Edition (2018–2026) with weight 1750 kg. Even lighter - limited edition GT-R50 by Italdesign (1710 kg), but it cost more 1 million €.
🔹 How does weight affect fuel consumption?
Every 100 kg excess weight increases fuel consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km. For example, GT-R Nismo (1790 kg) in the combined cycle consumes ~14 l/100 km, while the lightweight version could show ~13.5 l/100 km.
🔹 Is it possible to legally remove the rear seats to reduce weight?
In most countries (including Russia and EU) removal of rear seats illegally, if the car is certified as a 4-seater. However, in some US states (e.g. California), this is allowed as long as you keep your seat belts on.
🔹 What is the weight of the GT-R R35 with a full tank?
Fuel tank capacity - 74 liters. Gasoline weight (density ~0.75 kg/l) — 55.5 kg. Thus, the curb weight with a full tank increases by ~55 kg compared to the “dry” weight.
🔹 Is it true that the 2026 GT-R R35 is lighter than previous versions?
No, 2026 model (T-Spec And Nismo Special Edition) weighs the same as the 2020 version - 1790 kg. Nissan did not reduce weight, but focused on improving aerodynamics and power (up to 600 hp in Nismo).