2024 Nissan GT-R

For those who really know and care, the Nissan GT-R is an amazing and desirable machine. It has its roots in Japanese motorsport with the all-conquering Skyline models. The GT-R is the current iteration of a special bloodline.

Calling it fast and capable doesn’t do the GT-R justice. It has all the hardware to be tremendously quick and almost supernaturally grippy — like its Skyline predecessors.

There’s a point where heritage just becomes history, though, and the GT-R has been around since 2009, albeit revamped from time to time. We’re not sure how much longer this generation has, especially with more performance cars adding electrification. So enjoy the GT-R in its present state while you can. It could be a collector’s item someday.

The T-spec edition makes a return appearance this year. Packing the same power as the Premium, it also has a few features associated with the Nismo, such as RAYS alloy wheels (finished in gold), carbon ceramic brakes, and a set of aerodynamic additions.

All versions of the 2024 GT-R receive styling revisions at both ends. These are meant to improve aerodynamics. The Nismo now offers a special appearance package that includes a carbon fiber hood with a clear-coat finish. It also gains a front limited-slip differential for enhanced traction.

The sports machine against which all other sports machines are measured is the evergreen and ever-exciting Porsche 911. The closest to an apples-to-apples comparison would be the Turbo coupe with 572 horsepower and all-wheel drive, plus a starting price of about $200K.

If buyers are cool with rear-wheel drive, there’s the 612-horsepower McLaren GT at even more than $200K. Or think about a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with a gorgeous 670 horsepower and a completely reasonable price in the region of $110K.

Before buying a new GT-R, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

A twin-turbocharged V6 endows the 2024 GT-R Premium and T-spec versions with a fearsome 565 horsepower. To sprint from standstill to 60 mph, these variants need only 2.9 seconds. The 600-horsepower GT-R Nismo does it in 2.5 seconds. Either way, that’s ferociously quick. Top speeds are 196 mph (Premium, T-spec) and 205 mph (Nismo).

We’ve found that accessing up to 600 horsepower is accomplished with relative ease, and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is remarkably efficient at applying that muscle to the tarmac. If we’re being picky, we think the steering could use more feel, but at least it’s responsive and precise.

The GT-R’s handling is virtually foolproof, because the AWD 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. A front limited-slip differential is a new addition to the Nismo this year, taking those talents up yet another notch.

Attributes like the adjustable suspension and confidence-inspiring Brembo brakes also make everyday driving quite pleasurable. But our experience of the GT-R is that it’s not quite as comfortable on the street as a Chevy Corvette or a Porsche 911.

Unlike newer performance cars with big infotainment displays and configurable instrument clusters, the 2024 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 new T-spec has upholstery that’s a mix of suede and semi-aniline leather, all in Mori Green.

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 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 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, while offering a new color for 2024 of Stealth Gray.

This year sees some revisions at both ends, all in the name of optimum aero effectiveness. The Nismo’s fixed rear wing is now larger. The new-for-2024 T-spec also comes in a choice of colors that evoke the almost-legendary R-34 predecessor: Millennium Jade or Midnight Purple.

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 percent of available power goes to the rear wheels. Within 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 2024 GT-R comes to the fight with a 3.8-liter V6. It is, however, enhanced by two turbochargers to produce 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 all 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 and if anyone might be intrigued about fuel economy, the GT-R achieves 18 mpg combined.

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. Considering the high price of the GT-R, though, we would have liked something more generous.