Launched back in 2007, the now 16-year-old Nissan GT-R is long due for an update. But while what is going to happen with the R36 GT-R still remains a mystery, Nissan decided to update Godzilla for the 2024 model year with the first serious set of upgrades in years. The new 2024 Nissan GT-R made its debut at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, and it is most likely the R35’s last update before the new generation R36 arrives. The only problem is that the GT-R was updated in all major aspects, except for where it matters the most: engine and performance figures, which will most likely make Porsche rejoice.
10 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Boasts An Updated Exterior
Despite being sixteen years old, the R35 GT-R received just one “major” facelift for the 2017 model year. But even then, the exterior changes were minor, so it was kind of difficult to spot them. The same thing happened for the 2024 model year. All GT-R trims, starting with the base Premium, received updated front and rear fascias. The traditional V-motion grille was replaced by a new one inspired by the R34 generation. The front bumper is also new, and it received hexagonal auxiliary lights in each corner. The same goes for the rear, where the wing is reshaped, the bumper is new, and the traditional quad taillights received a new lens design. While changes are once again quite limited, for the first time it, is relatively easier to differentiate the 2024 model year from previous models.
9 Nissan Worked On Increasing The GT-R's Downforce And Reducing The Drag
All the changes Nissan has made to the exterior look have one purpose in mind: to increase the car's impressive aerodynamic performance. Nissan says that even the mesh used in the GT-R's new front grille has a thinner lattice in order to improve cooling and reduce drag. All the other exterior changes will help generate improved downforce, but despite all these changes, the GT-R's coefficient of drag remains completely unchanged at 0.26 Cd - just like the 2023 model year.
8 The 2024 GT-R Nismo Has A New Wing
The exterior look of the 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo has been updated with the same changes we've seen in the Premium trim, plus a revised front lip, rear diffuser, and canards. Also, the GT-R Nismo will be further distinguished by a few carbon fiber elements, including the roof, hood, trunk, parts of the front and rear fascia, side sill covers, and exterior mirrors. For the 2024 model year, the GT-R Nismo features a new rear wing design. It is about 10 percent larger than before and sits on swan-neck supports. According to Nissan, this change will help optimize drag and downforce. As usual, the 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo will be offered in an exclusive Stealth Gray color.
7 The Same Old GT-R Performance On The 2024 Model
There is one thing that has been constant for the R35 Nissan GT-R: its 3.8-liter V-6, 24-valve, twin-turbocharged engine. At launch, the engine delivered a total of 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, but over the years its output increased to 565 horses and 467 pound-feet. The V-6 will remain unchanged for the 2024 model year, and as you’d expect, it will be mated to a standard six-speed dual-clutch transmission that will send power to all four wheels via the standard Attesa ET-S all-wheel-drive system. While GT-R fans aren’t going to be very happy about the lack of performance increase, Porsche on the other hand is going to be very happy. It’s been years since the GT-R could equal the performance of the 911 Turbo, and it seems that the gap continues. In standard form, the 911 Turbo delivers 572 horsepower – which might not be as bad of a difference, but the 911 Turbo S delivers a total of 640 horsepower – 40 horsepower over the GT-R Nismo. Also, the 911 Turbo S goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds – significantly faster than the 2.9 seconds Nismo. While there are no other details on this matter, in the 2024 Nissan GT-R the road noise and vibration have been reduced for improved onboard comfort.
6 The 2024 GT-R Features Updated Brembo Brakes
The 2024 GT-R Nismo rides on a special set of lightweight Rays 20-inch wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 ultra-high-performance run-flat tires with a Nismo-specific compound. The wheels hide a special set of Brembo brakes with enlarged, carbon-ceramic rotors. They measure 16.1 inches in the front and 15.3 inches in the rear and help reduce about 36 pounds from the GT-R's total weight. The braking system also includes high-strength calipers and high-friction brake pads.
5 The GT-R Finally Has A Limited-Slip Diff On The Front Axle
With the 2024 GT-R Nismo, Nissan did not only work on updating its aerodynamic features but also worked on improving its performance and handling. So, for the first time, the GT-R Nismo comes with a front limited-slip differential. Usually offered on performance cars with a lot of power, the limited-slip differential will offer better traction in the front that will enhance driver control and make the car more responsive to driver inputs. Also, the amount of front wheelspin will be limited when power is applied and the wheels lose grip.
4 The Nissan GT-R T-Spec Is Back For 2024
Nissan offered the GT-R T-Spec only for the 2021 model year. This special edition GT-R was mostly about exterior and interior updates and was limited to only 100 copies worldwide - 50 of which were offered in the States. For 2024, the T-Spec is making a return, and it brings both visual and mechanical enhancements. The new T-Spec is based on the GT-R Premium and, with the exception of the traditional badging, it will feature a few elements inspired by the GT-R Nismo. The 2024 Nissan GT-R T-Spec rides on the Nismo's Rays 20-inch forged wheels finished in gold and wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires. From the same mode,l it will borrow the carbon-ceramic brakes, the Vehicle Dynamic Control, and the wider front fenders. On the inside, the GT-R T-Spec will be offered with a dark Mori Green upholstery, while the front seats will be wrapped in a combination of semi-aniline and suede upholstery.
3 Two New Exclusive Colors Inspired By GT-Rs Of The Past
Along with the return of the T-Spec trim, the 2024 Nissan GT-R brings back the option of two heritage colors inspired by famous GT-R models of the past. Unfortunately, the two colors will only be offered for the GT-R T-Spec, as was the case in 2021. The first of the finishes - Millennium Jade – pays homage to one of the rarest GT-Rs ever: the R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür. The second one, Midnight Purple, is a modern interpretation of the Midnight Purple III color used for the R34 GT-R V-Spec. Except for these two heritage colors, Nissan customers will get to choose between the usual nine exterior colors offered for the GT-R.
2 The 2024 Nissan GT-R Has A More Refined Interior
According to Nissan, the cabin of the 2024 GT-R has also been refined, but it will be difficult to spot the changes. As usual, the GT-R's dashboard is wrapped in Nappa leather, and the seats feature a lightweight design. The 8-inch touchscreen can be customized to display specific GT-R data, and it includes, as standard, Apple CarPlay, Nissan navigation system, Bluetooth, and more. The only notable changes are offered in the Nismo model, where the Recaro carbon back bucket seats have been refreshed for enhanced drive quality. Depending on the trim level, the 2024 GT-R comes standard with a Bose 11-speaker audio system, Active Noise Cancellation, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and front and rear parking sensors.
1 A New, Sportier GT-R Appearance Package Is On Offer
Aside from all the other updates, the 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo will also be offered with a new Nismo Appearance Package that will further intensify the sporty appearance of the car. The package will replace the traditional gold-painted Rays forged 20-inch wheels with an exclusive set that has red accents. Also, when opting for the Appearance package, you will get a clear-coated carbon fiber hood (instead of a body-colored) and an exclusive design for the engine cover. While these changes aren't as impressive as you would expect, they will significantly improve the look of the GT-R Nismo. Or at least this is what Nissan promises.