A car that first hit the streets in 2007 still makes people stop and stare — and, more importantly, still embarrasses cars that cost three times as much, and the Nissan GT-R R35 has outlasted almost every rival from its era, remaining a brutally effective machine in its final year. This guide walks through what the 2024 GT-R costs, what it’s like to live with, and how it stacks up against modern exotics and electric rockets.

Starting Price (2024): $113,540 ·
Engine: 3.8L twin-turbo V6 ·
Horsepower: 565 hp ·
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds ·
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive ·
Top Speed: 196 mph (electronically limited)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact release date of the next-generation R36 (Car and Driver)
  • Official 2026 pricing details for remaining inventory (Edmunds)
  • Whether future GT-R models will be hybrid or fully electric (Car and Driver)
  • EPA fuel economy ratings for 2024 GT-R (CarBuzz, medium confidence)
  • NISMO 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds (CarBuzz, medium confidence)
3Timeline signal
  • The R35 generation ran from 2007 through 2025 (Car and Driver) (CarBuzz NISMO review)
  • NISMO variant launched in 2014 with 600 hp (CarBuzz NISMO review)
  • 2020 saw the 50th Anniversary Edition (Car and Driver) (CarBuzz NISMO review)
  • 2025 marks the end of R35 production (Car and Driver) (CarBuzz NISMO review)
4What’s next
  • Remaining 2024 inventory still available at dealers (Romeo Nissan listing)
  • Rumored R36 could debut as early as 2026 (Car and Driver) (Romeo Nissan listing)
  • Used R35 market expected to hold value well (Edmunds) (Romeo Nissan listing)
  • Potential hybrid or electric powertrain for next-gen (Car and Driver) (Romeo Nissan listing)

Seven key facts, one pattern: the R35’s core recipe hasn’t changed in 18 years, and it still delivers numbers that rival today’s $300,000 hypercars.

Specification Value
Manufacturer Nissan
Production years 2007–2025
Body style 2+2 coupe
Layout Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine 3.8L twin-turbo V6
Transmission 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Curb weight Approx. 3,800 lbs

How much is a Nissan GT-R?

What is the starting price for a new Nissan GT-R?

  • The 2024 GT-R Premium starts at $113,540, according to Edmunds.
  • Car and Driver reports the price range extends to $222,985 depending on trim and options.
  • The GT-R NISMO is expected to start around $215,000 in the U.S. market, per CarBuzz.

How much does a used Nissan GT-R cost?

  • Used GT-R models from the R35 generation typically range from $60,000 to $120,000 depending on year, mileage, and condition, based on Edmunds listings.
  • Early model years (2009–2012) can be found near the lower end, while low-mileage NISMO variants from 2014 onward command premiums.

What is the price of a Nissan GT-R R35?

  • The R35’s base price has climbed from around $70,000 at launch in 2007 to over $120,000 for the current Premium trim, notes Consumer Reports.
  • Trim variation matters: Premium starts at $113,540; NISMO can exceed $220,000 fully optioned.
Bottom line: The R35 GT-R has nearly doubled in price since launch, but with NISMO variants pushing $220,000, buyers are getting 600 hp and a track-ready setup that competes with cars costing three times that. New-car shoppers: buy now while 2024 inventory lasts. Used shoppers: focus on 2017+ models for the best balance of reliability and tech.

The implication: the GT-R’s pricing strategy mirrors its performance – aggressive and value-driven, even as it enters its final production year.

Is the GT-R a supercar?

What defines a supercar?

  • The term typically implies exotic styling, a mid- or front-engine layout, 500+ hp, and a price tag north of $200,000.
  • The GT-R shares many of those traits but forgoes the exotic badge and mid-engine placement.

Does the GT-R have supercar performance?

  • Absolutely. Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 565 hp in base form and 600 hp in NISMO spec, per Edmunds.
  • 0-60 mph takes just 2.9 seconds — quicker than many Ferraris and Lamborghinis from a decade ago.
  • The ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system delivers launch grip that rear-drive exotics can’t match.

Why some consider it a ‘supercar killer’ instead

  • It’s the price-to-performance ratio that earns the label. A GT-R Premium at $113,540 beats a Lamborghini Huracán (starting at around $250,000) in a straight line for half the money.
  • The GT-R’s 2+2 seating and usable trunk makes it a more practical daily driver than any mid-engine exotic.
  • But its aging interior and less exotic brand cachet keep it from being universally accepted as a supercar.
The trade-off

The GT-R delivers supercar acceleration at a sports-car price — but buyers sacrifice the badge prestige and interior luxury that define the supercar experience for most enthusiasts.

The catch: for those who value stoplight victories over parking-lot attention, the GT-R is the smarter bet.

Is a Nissan GT-R a Skyline?

What is the difference between the Skyline and GT-R?

  • The Skyline was originally a sedan line from Nissan (and before that, Prince Motor Company). The GT-R began as a high-performance variant of the Skyline.
  • From 1989 to 2002, the R32, R33, and R34 generations were called the Skyline GT-R.
  • The R35, launched in 2007, dropped the “Skyline” name entirely — it’s just the Nissan GT-R.

Which models are called Skyline GT-R?

  • R32 (1989–1994): The iconic return, nicknamed “Godzilla” for beating European exotics.
  • R33 (1995–1998): Larger and heavier but still formidable.
  • R34 (1999–2002): The most famous, thanks to 2 Fast 2 Furious and its sophistication.

Why the R35 is not a Skyline

  • Nissan chose to make the R35 a standalone model, separate from the Skyline line that continued as a luxury sedan in Japan.
  • Marketing and engineering both position the R35 as a pure performance car, not a sedan derivative.

The pattern: the R35 broke free from the Skyline badge to forge its own identity, emphasizing raw performance over heritage.

Is the GT-R a reliable car?

What are common problems with the Nissan GT-R?

  • Transmission wear: The 6-speed dual-clutch can develop issues under hard use if maintenance lags.
  • Suspension noise: Bilstein DampTronic shocks can produce clunking over time.
  • Electrical glitches: Infotainment and sensor issues are reported on earlier model years.

How does the GT-R’s reliability compare to other sports cars?

  • Consumer Reports rates the GT-R’s predicted reliability as average for a high-performance vehicle — better than many Italian exotics but below a Porsche 911.
  • The engine itself is robust; properly maintained VR38DETT engines have been known to exceed 100,000 miles without major rebuilds.

What is the cost of ownership?

  • Annual maintenance costs are high — typically $2,000–$4,000 for routine service, including brake pads and fluid changes.
  • Tire replacement for the staggered 20-inch wheels runs roughly $1,200–$1,600 per set.
  • Insurance costs reflect the car’s high performance and repair costs.
Why this matters

The GT-R’s maintenance costs approach those of a used Ferrari — but so does its performance. Buyers should budget an extra $3,000–$5,000 annually for upkeep if they plan regular track use.

What this means: reliability is average for the segment, but the real cost lies in keeping the car track-ready.

Upsides

  • Supercar acceleration at a sports-car price
  • Usable as a daily driver with 2+2 seating and trunk
  • All-wheel drive provides exceptional launch grip
  • Robust engine when maintained properly
Downsides

  • Aging interior and infotainment
  • High maintenance and tire costs
  • Less brand prestige than European rivals
  • Transmission and suspension can be problematic

How does the Nissan GT-R’s performance compare to a Lamborghini and a Tesla?

Nissan GT-R vs Lamborghini Gallardo: performance showdown

  • The Gallardo (2003–2013) was the GT-R’s natural rival. Both offer V10 / twin-turbo V6 power, AWD, and about 560 hp.
  • In a straight line, the GT-R’s launch control gives it the edge: 0-60 in 2.9 seconds versus the Gallardo’s ~3.7 seconds, per Car and Driver.
  • On track, the Gallardo’s mid-engine balance and higher cornering speed offset the GT-R’s acceleration advantage.

Nissan GT-R vs Tesla Model S Plaid: acceleration comparison

  • The Model S Plaid is the clear winner off the line: 0-60 in 1.99 seconds vs 2.9 seconds for the GT-R, according to Car and Driver.
  • However, the GT-R holds its own on a road course — it’s 700+ lbs lighter and has real steering feel, unlike the Tesla’s numb electric rack.
  • The GT-R also sounds like a proper sports car, whereas the Plaid is eerily quiet.

How does the GT-R’s track performance stack up?

  • The GT-R has recorded 7:21 ring time at the Nürburgring — competitive with a Porsche 911 Turbo S and a Ferrari 488 GTB.
  • Its dual-clutch gearbox provides instant shifts, while the ATTESA AWD system allows adjustable torque split for oversteer or understeer as needed.

Two competitors, one pattern: the GT-R is the ICE champion that can’t out-drag a Plaid but out-handles it everywhere else. The Lamborghini offers prestige the GT-R can’t match.

Spec Nissan GT-R Premium Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Tesla Model S Plaid
Price (2024/current) $113,540 ~$200,000 (used) $89,990
Horsepower 565 hp 560 hp 1,020 hp
0-60 mph 2.9 sec 3.7 sec 1.99 sec
Drivetrain AWD AWD AWD
Transmission 6-speed dual-clutch 6-speed automated manual Single-speed
Curb weight ~3,800 lbs ~3,300 lbs ~4,800 lbs
The paradox

The GT-R is simultaneously the most affordable supercar alternative and among the most expensive daily drivers to maintain. Buyers chasing S-turns should choose the Gallardo; drag-strip warriors want the Plaid; everyone else should still consider the GT-R for its unbeatable mix of performance, usability, and character.

Bottom line: The pattern: no single car wins every category, but the GT-R’s blend of accessible price and genuine capability makes it a unique contender.

Nissan GT-R timeline

  • 2007: R35 Nissan GT-R launched (Car and Driver)
  • 2009: SpecV variant introduced with weight reduction and track tuning (CarBuzz)
  • 2012: Major refresh with updated styling and increased power to 545 hp (Consumer Reports)
  • 2014: NISMO variant launched with 600 hp, more aggressive aero, and suspension upgrades (CarBuzz)
  • 2020: 50th Anniversary Edition released, celebrating the original 1969 GT-R (Car and Driver)
  • 2025: Production of R35 GT-R ends after 18 years (Car and Driver)

The pattern: each generation pushed the envelope, culminating in the NISMO’s 600-hp swan song.

What we know for sure

  • The 2024 GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque in standard form (Edmunds)
  • It uses a 6-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters (Edmunds)
  • All 2024 models are all-wheel drive (Edmunds)
  • The GT-R NISMO delivers 600 hp and 481 lb-ft and does 0-60 in about 2.5 seconds (CarBuzz)

The pattern: the core specs have remained remarkably consistent, a testament to the original engineering.

Expert perspectives

The 2024 Nissan GT-R remains a formidable performer, blending supercar acceleration with a relatively attainable price.

Car and Driver review

The GT-R was designed to challenge the world’s best sports cars, offering a unique combination of technology and raw power.

— Nissan chief engineer (paraphrased by Car and Driver)

Summary

The Nissan GT-R R35 closes its production chapter as one of the most consequential sports cars of the 21st century — a machine that forced Lamborghini and Porsche to rethink their entry-level offerings. For buyers in 2025 and beyond, the decision is straightforward: if you want a new GT-R, find remaining 2024 inventory before it’s gone; if you’re buying used, the sweet spot is a 2017–2021 Premium for the best value-to-reliability ratio. For buyers on the used market, the choice is clear: a well-maintained late-model R35 outperforms anything at its price point, or they can accept the higher depreciation of a comparable European alternative.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nissan GT-R R36?

The R36 is the anticipated next-generation GT-R that may debut as early as 2026, though Nissan has not confirmed exact release plans. It is rumored to feature a hybrid or fully electric powertrain, according to Car and Driver.

When did the Nissan GT-R first come out?

The original Nissan GT-R (KPGC10) debuted in 1969. The R35 generation that’s ending in 2025 launched in 2007.

Is the Nissan GT-R manual or automatic?

The R35 GT-R uses a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission with paddle shifters — there is no traditional manual option.

What is the difference between the GT-R and GT-R NISMO?

The NISMO has 600 hp vs 565 hp for the standard GT-R, plus upgraded suspension, more aggressive aerodynamics, lightweight wheels, and a higher price tag starting around $215,000. The standard Premium starts at $113,540.

How much does a Nissan GT-R cost in 2025?

Remaining 2024 inventory still commands $113,540–$222,985 depending on trim. Used R35 models range from $60,000 to $150,000 based on year and mileage.

What is the fuel economy of a Nissan GT-R?

The EPA rates the 2024 GT-R at 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg.

Is the Nissan GT-R street legal?

Yes, the GT-R is fully street legal in all 50 U.S. states and meets federal crash and emissions standards.

Can the Nissan GT-R be used as a daily driver?

Yes — its 2+2 seating, usable trunk, and compliant suspension (in Comfort mode) make it more daily-drivable than most exotics. However, high fuel consumption, stiff ride in Race mode, and maintenance costs are trade-offs.