2020 Nissan GT-R Review: Shameless Supercar Slayer
The Nissan GT-R recently celebrated its 50th birthday. In half a century, Nissan leaped from the original GT-R Skyline that launched in 1969, to the R32 and all the way to the R35 that we know and love in 2020. With each digit, the GT-R got better. We saw the R32 dominating the track in '89, the R33 being the first production car to break the eight-minute barrier at the Nurburgring and most enthusiasts can remember the time they had the R34 from Fast and Furious slapped across their bedroom wall. The sixth-generation R35 lives today, and plays host to an outrageous twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 that bashes 565 horses out, no shame in sight. The cult-like following amassed by the GT-R has allowed it to go on with little concern present for the outdated interior, or the fact that it bears an exterior that's similar to when it debuted more than a decade ago. The GT-R undoubtedly dominated the market once, but competitors have caught up. Is the modern GT-R up to the task against the Mercedes-AMG GT or the Porsche 911 Turbo S?
What's the Price of the 2020 Nissan GT-R?
Two trim levels make up the GT-R range, the Premium and the Track Edition. While the 50th Anniversary bit is marketed as a separate car, the commemorative gesture is actually just an add-on package for the Premium model. The entry into the GT-R lineup has an MSRP of $113,540, and adding the 50th Anniversary Package to the Premium hikes the price up to $124,835. The Track Edition boasts some extra power and unique features, and has a final asking price of $145,540. These prices exclude the $1,795 destination and handling fee.
2020 GT-R Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185.4 in | 109.4 in | 53.9 in | 74.6 in | 62.6 in | 63.0 in | 3,933.0 lbs |
2020 GT-R Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The GT-R drips with confidence whether you're on your way to the office or abusing it on a track, and it's extremely persuasive. Everything about it screams power and aggression, so it comes as no surprise that it's tempting to push down on the gas, even when you've got nothing but time. Superb handling cements the larger, more affordable beast amongst the elite - whether you're chucking it into a corner or cruising on a long and open road, the old-school GT-R is married to the tar and it doesn't believe in divorce. The adjustable Bilstein suspension setup is certainly ready for the track, but prepare for an organ-punishing ride when switching out of comfort mode. We'd love a meatier steering wheel, the current one is a little too light for our liking, but steering is sharp and accurate. You'll get a pleasurable amount of road feel through the steering and it's direct enough to motivate you in and out of bends. This car is a diamond in the rough for the traditional enthusiast, and will be the go-to for those who still want to feel like they have full control of what happens next. While it'll still give rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo a hard time, it'll be harder to motivate if you're after some advanced tech that makes it easier to drive.
2020 GT-R Interior
2020 GT-R Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Nissan GT-R A Good car?
The Nissan GT-R brings years of history forth, and neatly wraps 50 years of excellence in aggressively contoured metal. We've made multiple mentions that this is a love it or hate it performance car, and we love it. When you appreciate it for what it was designed to be, it's near impossible to be disappointed. With a price tag that keeps tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket, the Nissan GT-R matches more expensive rivals with its track prowess and unapologetically brutal attitude. Yes, it has flaws, like the outdated infotainment system and sometimes punishing ride, but it's easy to give it the benefit of the doubt when you consider the V6's ability to churn out 600 horses on the Track Edition, and the excellent handling it offers. It has just enough convenience features to get by, and it does fall behind German rivals in terms of its interior. If you're solely looking for raw performance and thrill, the GT-R wins, but you may have a wandering eye if you value luxury or modern tech.
What Nissan GT-R Model Should I Buy?
While the Track Edition has its own appeal due to the extra power it offers, we'd opt for the Premium model and add the 50th Anniversary Package. There's something special about owning a brand new R35 that pays homage to the R34's most stunning and iconic hue, Bayside Blue. This package also adds unique badging and wheels, so it's one way to make sure your GT-R stands out. Opting for the Premium and adding the commemorative package amounts to a final asking price of $124,835.
2020 Nissan GT-R Comparisons
2020 Nissan GT-R vs Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Fundamentally different at their cores, the stark difference of the ethos of these cars goes beyond them coming from very different places. The SRT Hellcat is priced at just over half the MSRP of the GT-R and is an all-American sports car with a different goal. The Hellcat is powered by a monstrous 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that outshines the GTR's performance, but this ultimately results in even more nauseating fuel consumption figures. The GT-R has more premium materials to offer from its interior, but that is to be expected from a car that's nearly double the price. The SRT offers a tail-happy rear-wheel drive system that's harder to control than the AWD-equipped GTR. The better one depends on your budget and preference, but we'd take the GT-R.
2020 Nissan GT-R vs Toyota GR Supra
Both of these cars come from a long line of Japanese cult classics, both generations 'circa early 2000s went head to head repeatedly, and these two were beloved by young car enthusiasts. While the GT-R has been in steady production, the Supra only recently made an attempt to get back in the game. The Toyota is considerably more affordable and actually boasts a more modern interior, if not as premium. But we're talking about cars that were once the epitome of rivalry, so let's get down to brass tacks. The Supra is home to a much smaller engine that falls way behind the GT-R in terms of power, and the rear-wheel-drive setup in the Supra is not as dependable in wet weather as the all-wheel-drive system in the GT-R. The Supra is also much smaller, which affords it some agility that the GT-R may lose out on. That being said, the Supra is basically a Z4 with a roof, so purists may favor the GT-R by default. The better buy would be the GT-R, all things considered.