Used 2020 Nissan GT-R

The 2020 Nissan GT-R might seem an unlikely exotic sports car, yet it makes increasing sense the more one delves into it. Nissan isn’t renowned for making desirable machines with high speeds and high prices, although the 370Z is fun.

In Japan, though, 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 2020 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, Audi R8 and Jaguar F-Type SVR can offer comparable thrills with four driven wheels, while price hikes have put the GT-R in a similar financial ballpark. Rear-drive contenders like the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Chevrolet Corvette C8 are equally exciting but much less expensive.

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 2020 GT-R, along with cornering talents that border on the astonishing.

Accessing up to 600 horsepower is accomplished with relative ease, while 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.

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, a Chevy Corvette or a Porsche 911.

Unlike newer performance cars with big infotainment displays and configurable instrument clusters, the 2020 GT-R retains analog gauges and a relatively small 8-inch touch screen. 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 in Nismo trim. 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. 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 version has even more additions.

All versions have a dark gray grille; buyers going down the 50th Anniversary route can choose among blue, silver or white exterior paintwork.

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 2020 Nissan GT-R high-performance coupe comes in Premium, Track Edition and Nismo trim levels. Most of the extra equipment in the higher trims relate 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 Track Edition and Nismo models have the more powerful iteration of the 2020 GT-R’s twin-turbo V6, more aero pieces, Recaro seats and a sportier suspension setup.

For 2020, the Nissan GT-R Premium model offers the 50th Anniversary additions, detailed elsewhere. It’s also eligible for an All Weather package that has all-weather tires and a 30/70 coolant ratio. And a Premium Interior package brings hand-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery.

The only option for the Track Edition are carbon-ceramic brake discs. The Nismo has those as standard.

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.

While some supercars have V10 or V12 engines, the 2020 GT-R comes to the fight with a 3.8-liter V6. It is, however, enhanced by two turbochargers to produce a fearsome 565 horsepower in the Premium model. Or 600 horsepower for the Track Edition and Nismo iterations.

In every version, 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)
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 (Track Edition/Nismo)
600 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
481 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600-5,600 rpm (3,300-5,600 rpm in Track Edition)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg