Skip advert
Advertisement

R35 Nissan GT-R (2009-2022) review – performance and 0-60

An already blisteringly fast car, the 2017 car got more power. The Nismo versions were even faster still.

Evo rating
Price
from £82,525
  • Staggering capability; grip, power and poise that doesn’t come at the expense of engagement
  • A little rough around the edges

With each model year upgrade the GT-R was made faster and faster. The MY17 version had 562bhp, 20bhp up on the previous model, yet despite the extra power Nissan claimed the same 2.7sec 0-62mph time and 196mph top speed as before.

An advanced four-wheel drive system, a quick-shifting twin-clutch gearbox and an electronic launch control system ensure the GT-R accelerated at a staggering pace, no matter what the official figures might be. The GT-R is, as it was when it was new, a phenomenally quick car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Nothing else at this price point – excluding a handful of ultra-lightweight track day cars – offers such impressive performance. You’d need to fork out over £160,000 on a Porsche 911 Turbo S to match the GT-R’s straight line pace, for instance.

Nissan has certainly succeeded in its aim of reducing NVH on standard models over the years, though. On the Autobahn the GT-R still rips up to 150mph with utter disdain, feeling beautifully stable at big speeds. However, there is far less tyre noise encroaching into the cabin and a long journey would be a much more pleasant experience than in the old car.

Nissan claims the GT-R Nismo, even though it has 592bhp (30bhp more), has the same 0-62mph time and top speed of the standard car – which is likely more to do with physics, rather than the powertrain’s actual outputs

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cupra Leon 2025 review – the Golf GTI you want wears a Spanish frock
Cupra Leon review front
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon 2025 review – the Golf GTI you want wears a Spanish frock

The Cupra Leon has a new face and gnarly bucket seats for 2024. There’s more appeal over its German counterpart than ever
19 Dec 2024
BMW 230i 2025 review – a BMW coupe of the old school?
BMW 2-series front
Reviews

BMW 230i 2025 review – a BMW coupe of the old school?

BMW’s 230i has been refreshed. Is it still BMW’s undercover driver’s car?
20 Dec 2024
BMW i8 – the car world's greatest misses
BMW i8
Features

BMW i8 – the car world's greatest misses

A bold concept with a visionary powertrain, but the i8 was too far ahead of the game for its own good
20 Dec 2024