Used 2021 Nissan GT-R

The 2021 Nissan GT-R might seem an unlikely exotic sports car, yet it makes increasing sense the more one delves into it. Making desirable machines with high speeds and high prices isn’t a typical Nissan trait, although its Z cars have always been fun.

In Japan, however, Nissan has enjoyed amazing sporting success with its Skyline cars. The GT-R coupe is the latest in that line. The most extreme version is called Nismo — a contraction of the words “Nissan” and “motorsport.”

Deploying turbochargers, adaptive suspensions, all-wheel drive, and computers to achieve its giant-killing performance, the 2021 GT-R posts acceleration times and top speeds comparable with cars from Ferrari, McLaren, and the like. It can also hang with those famous marques through any set of challenging bends.

There’s no shortage of rivals, though, and most of them are younger. The Porsche 911 and Audi R8 offer comparable thrills with four driven wheels, and price hikes have put the GT-R in their financial ballpark. Rear-drive contenders like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Chevrolet Corvette C8 are equally exciting but much less expensive.

In September, Nissan introduced a new limited-edition T-Spec version of the 2021 GT-R. Slotting above the GT-R Premium, the T-Spec GT-R gets the wider front fenders from the previous Track Edition, plus gold-colored forged alloy wheels and the carbon-ceramic brakes from the GT-R Nismo. Visual tweaks include a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, body color mirrors, black hood ducts, and T-Spec badging.

Also noteworthy: The new GT-R T-Spec is available in two exclusive colors: Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple. This marks the first time Millennium Jade has been used on a U.S.-spec GT-R, and Midnight Purple is seen as a reinterpretation of the Midnight Purple III and Midnight Opal colors used previously on other limited-edition GT-Rs.

To be a GT-R buyer means knowing the history, appreciating the abilities, and not following the usual path.

We’ve already called the handling 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 in the 2021 GT-R, 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 dash 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 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 2021 GT-R retains analog gauges and a relatively small 8-inch 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. They are best used for luggage. A good idea, since the GT-R’s trunk also is fairly small.

T-Spec models get a Mori Green interior with seats covered in semi-aniline leather with pearl suede accents. The quilted headliner is Alcantara, a high-quality pseudo suede.

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 drag coefficient of 0.26. A Toyota Prius has 0.25.

But the GT-R also has staggered-width wheels, flared front fenders, under-body diffusers front and rear, and a rear spoiler to actually add downforce. It’s using 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 aerodynamic. The Nismo model has even more additions.

Both versions have a dark gray grille. The Premium version is now eligible for Bayside Blue paint.

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 puts 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 percent 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.

The 2021 Nissan GT-R high-performance coupe comes in Premium, T-Spec, and Nismo trim levels. Most of the Nismo’s extra equipment relates to performance, since the Premium model already has plenty of features for a civilized drive.

These include an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (4-way for the front passenger), Brembo brakes, 20-inch Rays alloy wheels, titanium exhaust, heated front seats/side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, 3-spoke/leather-wrapped steering wheel with lap-timer switch, Nissan Connect infotainment touch screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.

The Nismo model has the more powerful iteration of the 2021 GT-R’s twin-turbo V6, extra aero pieces, more carbon fiber parts, steering wrapped in Alcantara (simulated suede), Recaro seats, carbon-ceramic brake discs, and a sportier suspension setup.

For 2021, the GT-R Premium model offers an All-Weather package with all-weather tires and a 30/70 coolant ratio. And a Premium Interior package brings hand-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery.

Optional colors include Super Silver or Pearl White.

There are no driver aids available, standard or optional. Nothing like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, etc. Then again, some rivals don’t offer them either.

Some supercars have V10 or V12 engines, but the 2021 GT-R comes to the fight with a 3.8-liter V6. However, it is enhanced by two turbochargers to produce a fearsome 565 horsepower in the Premium and T-Spec models. Or 600 horsepower in the GT-R Nismo, which deploys the same high-capacity turbo setup as the 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 under the steering wheel provide extra driver involvement. Drive goes to all four wheels.

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

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