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In-depth reviews

Nissan GT-R (R35, 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
  • Staggering capability; grip, power and 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.

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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 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 claimed 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

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