Used 2023 Nissan GT-R

Even though Nissan’s bread-and-butter vehicles are relatively meek things like the Rogue compact SUV, there’s another side to the company that’s interestingly crazy — or crazily interesting. Sure, it makes the Z cars, but that’s merely pointing in the right direction.

The real awe-inspiring initials are GT-R, derived from years of motorsport success. Street-going versions haven’t always been sold in the United States, but since the 2009 model year, this R35 generation has thrilled drivers from sea to shining sea. Not just because it’s so powerful, but also because that power is easy to wield.

The GT-R’s handling is virtually foolproof, because the all-wheel-drive system and the Bilstein-based suspension setup — in addition to the engine and transmission — are all controlled by computer. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of scope for high-performance thrills, along with cornering talents that border on the astonishing.

Accessing up to 600 horsepower is accomplished with relative ease, and the all-wheel-drive system is remarkably efficient at applying that muscle to the tarmac. Although it could use more feel, the steering is at least responsive and precise.

In the sprint from standstill to 60 mph, the GT-R Premium needs only 2.9 seconds and the GT-R Nismo does it in 2.5 seconds. In both instances, that’s ferociously quick. Top speeds are 196 mph and 205 mph, respectively.

Attributes like the adjustable suspension and confidence-inspiring Brembo brakes also make everyday driving quite pleasurable. But the GT-R is not quite as comfortable on the street as an Audi R8, Chevy Corvette, or a Porsche 911.

Unlike newer performance cars with big infotainment displays and configurable instrument clusters, the 2023 GT-R retains analog gauges and a relatively small 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Things like this show the car’s age.

The cabin is functional, though, and the screen can show a lot of driving data. A large red starter switch is placed just left of the shift lever. Above that, three switches control settings for ride and handling.

The seats are snug, especially the Recaro buckets in the Nismo (which also has red stitching and other red accents peppered around the cabin). The rear seats are little more than padded storage shelves with seatbelts and are best used for luggage. A good idea, since the GT-R’s trunk is also small.

Not exactly a Lamborghini, is it? Those shapes and lines do serve a purpose, though. In the quest for aerodynamic efficiency, the GT-R’s exterior design has achieved a slippery drag coefficient of 0.26.

That’s not far off something like a Toyota Prius. But the GT-R also has staggered-width wheels, flared front fenders, underbody diffusers front and rear, plus a rear spoiler to actually add downforce. The idea is to use air to its best advantage, letting the aesthetics take a back seat to performance.

As an indication of attention to detail, the flat-blade wipers are also aerodynamic. The Nismo model has even more additions.

Twin-turbo V6 engine
Like the excellent Mercedes-AMG tradition, the GT-R’s twin-turbocharged V6 engine is hand-built by highly skilled technicians. In a show of pride, Nissan applies their names to every unit.

ATTESA E-TS
Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All terrains with Electronic Torque Split means the GT-R’s all-wheel-drive hardware is smart and swift. When blasting off the line, 98% of available power goes to the rear wheels. Within fractions of fractions of seconds, though, the system can distribute drive equally to both axles, or split the torque asymmetrically between the rear wheels, as conditions dictate. The GT-R also has a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Apple CarPlay
When this generation of GT-R was launched, we still had the iPhone 3G and integration into cars’ infotainment systems hadn’t been invented yet. So respect to Nissan for making this available and standard. Hands-free text messaging is especially welcome in a car that demands so much attention. There’s no Android Auto, though.

Bilstein shock absorbers
Bilstein is a German company that has, at one time or another, supplied almost every company that has ever made a fast car. We’re talking Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Bugatti, and many more. The GT-R has an adaptive suspension as standard, employing Bilstein components.

Titanium active exhaust system
Going fast always feels faster when it’s accompanied by a spine-tingling blare from the exhaust. Using pipes made of lightweight (yet expensive) titanium, this one really does the trick.

Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel
Alcantara is a suede-like material used in many racing cars. This covers the steering wheel of the GT-R Nismo and helps provide a secure grip. It feels pretty darn plush too.

Some supercars have V10 or even V12 engines, but the 2023 GT-R comes to the fight with a 3.8-liter V6. It is, however, enhanced by two turbochargers to produce a fearsome 565 horsepower in the Premium model. Or 600 horsepower in the GT-R Nismo, which deploys the same high-capacity turbo setup as Nissan’s Nismo GT3 race car.

In both versions, the transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch sequential automatic, capable of shifting from one gear to another in milliseconds, far faster than a manual transmission could ever achieve. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel provide extra driver involvement. Drive goes to all four wheels. Premium gasoline is required.

GT-R Premium
3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6
565 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
467 lb-ft of torque @ 3,300-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

GT-R Nismo
3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6
600 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
481 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600-5,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

More GT-R fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The basic coverage on a new GT-R is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain’s warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. These arrangements are typical for Nissan and the non-luxury sector in general. But considering the high price of the GT-R, we would have liked something more generous.