The Nissan GT-R is a worldwide icon as it pertains not only to Japanese sportscars, but sportscars in general.
The Nissan GT-R evolved from the Nissan Skyline GT-R which was produced and sold exclusively in Japan since 1969. My experience with the model began with the R32 and R33 Skyline GT-R as it was an optional vehicle in Gran Turismo (1998) for the original Playstation video game console. The cars were all-wheel drive twin-turbocharged beasts with impeccable styling. The “Godzilla” moniker referenced came from the Calsonic GT-R R32 Group A race car (no. 12) from year 1990, yet has carried throughout the life of the GT-R model lineup. The follow-up R34 model Skyline GT-R was featured in Gran Turismo 2 (1999).
Then came 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003). Protagonist Brian O’Connor makes an epic entrance in the movie with his RHD internationally imported R34 Skyline GT-R. It was exciting seeing the car outside of the digital representation in the Gran Turismo video game!
During this time frame the only way any US citizen could think of owning this R34 unicorn was through a licensed importer, namely MotoRex, which completed legal DOT and EPA testing/approval in order to import the R34 model stateside. MotoRex was around from late 90s through 2005-2006 when they were shut down. Nissan unveiled the new Nissan GT-R in late 2007, producing a 2009 model for US consumption. This is essentially the same model seen and sold in showrooms today, easily making the model rather long in the tooth.
The price point of this model was steep, competing easily with Porsches, BMWs, Corvettes, and used luxury supercars of the time. This was a different market from the previous R34 model which competed with Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Subaru Impreza WRX STI models. Research shows the MSRP around $80k back in 2009.
The Nissan GT-R maintained true to form as an AWD twin-turbocharged monster, aptly continuing its “Godzilla” nickname. While the previous Skyline GT-R models leveraged the RB26DETT twin-turbo inline six-cylinder motor, the new GT-R instead was designed with a VR38DETT twin-turbo V-6 motor. This new motor was a rather sizeable 3.8L motor. The motor was initially tuned to produce over 480 HP, but has been tuned in varying capacities to produce up to 700+ HP.
In a quick, simple search (on cargurus.com) I find Nissan GT-Rs within the outlying 50 miles (from current location) for prices ranging from $57k through $135k. All things considered, this model has seemed to maintain its value quite well over this decade plus of production.
Now, this new GT-R has naturally piqued my interest, and I did have an opportunity to purchase one, but ultimately a couple (rather obvious) points lead me away from doing so.
- The value has maintained on the model. Although buying a used GT-R for the $40k-50k arena is appetizing, the idea of purchasing a car with significant mileage for that sum of money is a bit impractical. I purchased my 991 model Porsche 911 with maybe 7k-8k miles as a CPO (as opposed to used) and it still depreciated considerably in my time of ownership. The other car in that range I purchased is my wife’s BMW M240i and it was brand new. It is coming up on 3 years of age now and is approaching half it’s value. This did not completely discount the prospect of GT-R purchase, but it was a significant factor.
- I don’t quite rank this VR38DETT motor at V8 level fuel economy, but it isn’t good. Having a car with low gas mileage as a secondary vehicle, maybe for weekends or car shows? Sure. Having one as a daily driver? Impractical! This model reportedly has 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway, 18 MPG combined. Again, not terrible, but less than favorable.
My financials frankly weren’t crushing it hard enough to have a secondary vehicle worth over $50k. Maybe in 5-10 years? I remain hopeful.
In the meantime, there is absolutely no shortage of footage of this monster both on and off the track if you check Youtube. I have significant knowledge when it comes to Japanese sports cars and tuning culture, and the pinnacle of this realm is and has always remained the Nissan GT-R and its accompanying legacy models, particularly beginning with the R32 Skyline GT-R. Yes, the Lexus LFA is a vehicle that exists and appears superior on paper, but the GT-R and its resounding legacy remains the alpha dog in my eyes. The LFA was limited production and listed for $375k brand new so…