When in 2007 Nissan introduced to the world GT-R R35, car enthusiasts were shocked: the Japanese brand brought back the legend of the 1990s in a modern look, while maintaining the spirit of Skyline. This car was not just a successor to the iconic R34, but a full-fledged supercar with technologies ahead of its time. Today GT-R R35 is a symbol of engineering Nissan, combining brutal design, monstrous VR38DETT twin turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS, which still remains the benchmark for sports cars.

But why GT-R R35 still relevant 15+ years after debut? It's simple: this is one of the few cars that can compete on equal terms with European supercars like Porsche 911 Turbo or Audi R8, while offering unique character and tuning potential. In this article we will look at technical features, the evolution of the model range, weaknesses and secrets of modifications - everything you need to know before buying or upgrading the “Rich”.

1. History of creation: how Nissan GT-R R35 became a legend

Project GT-R R35 started in the early 2000s under the code name P12. Engineers Nissan set an ambitious task: to create a car that will surpass R34 Skyline GT-R in all respects, but at the same time will be accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts. The main architect of the project was Kazutoshi Mizuno - the man who stood at the origins of the original Skyline GT-R 1969. His team spent 5 years developing, testing prototypes on Nürburgring and other routes.

The official debut took place at Tokyo Motor Show 2007, where GT-R R35 made a splash thanks to:

  • 🔥 3.8 liter V6 VR38DETT with twin turbocharging (480 hp in the basic version)
  • 🚀 6-speed robotic gearbox GR6 dual clutch
  • 🔧 ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, distributing torque between axles in real time
  • 💻 Multimedia system with telemetry, which records data on accelerations and laps

Interesting fact: originally Nissan planned to name the model Skyline GT-R, but abandoned this idea in order to emphasize its independence. However, in Japan R35 sold under the brand Skyline until 2011.

📊 Which year of Nissan GT-R R35 do you like best?
  • 2007-2010 (Premium)
  • 2011-2014 (Black Edition)
  • 2015-2017 (Nismo)
  • 2018-2023 (Track Edition)
  • I don't care

2. Specifications: what it does GT-R R35 unique

Heart GT-R R35 - this is engine VR38DETT, which was the result of collaboration Nissan And IHI (turbine manufacturer). This motor is different:

  • 🔧 Cast iron cylinder block with aluminum heads (lifetime 200+ thousand km with proper operation)
  • 🌀 Turbines IHI VF34 (in later versions - VF56) with ceramic blades
  • ⚙️ Variable valve timing system on the intake and exhaust shafts
  • 💧 Direct fuel injection (12 injectors: 6 per cylinder)

But the real magic lies in the transmission. System ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain) distributes up to 100% torque to the rear axle or 50:50 if necessary. A 6-speed GR6 gearbox dual clutch BorgWarner shifts gears behind 0.2 seconds - faster than many supercars of the time.

Parameter Nissan GT-R R35 (2007) Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo (2017) Porsche 911 Turbo (991.2)
Power, hp 480 600 540
Torque, Nm 588 652 660
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 3.5 2.7 2.9
Max. speed, km/h 315 330 320
Weight, kg 1740 1720 1600
⚠️ Attention: Owners GT-R R35 often encounter the problem of transmission overheating during aggressive driving. Nissan recommends changing the gearbox oil every 30,000 km, but on track cars it is better to reduce the interval to 15,000 km.

3. Modifications and special versions: from Premium to Track Edition

Over the years of production GT-R R35 has undergone many updates. Let's look at the key versions:

2007–2010: Base model (Premium)

First GT-R had 480 hp and suffered from “childhood diseases”: problems with starting in cold weather, leaking turbine seals and unstable operation Launch Control. However, these cars are the most sought after among tuners today due to their low price.

2011–2014: Updated line (Black Edition, SpecV)

In 2011, capacity increased to 530 hp, new body colors have appeared (Deep Blue Pearl, Forbidden Silver) and improved suspension. Version SpecV received carbon brake discs and a lightweight exhaust system Titanium.

2015–2017: Nismo and 600 hp

Flagship version Nismo received:

  • 🏁 Engine with larger turbines (power 600 hp)
  • 🚗 Carbon fiber body panels (hood, bumpers, spoiler)
  • 🔧 Pendant from Bilstein with adaptive shock absorbers
  • 🎯 Improved aerodynamics (downforce +100 kg at 300 km/h)

2018–2023: Track Edition and farewell episode

Latest version Track Edition weighed on 50 kg less standard model by removing the rear seats and installing lithium battery. In 2022 Nissan released a limited edition T-spec with unique interior trim and gold wheel bolts.

Why is the GT-R R35 so popular among drifters?

Thanks to the ATTESA E-TS system, which can send up to 100% of the power to the rear axle, the GT-R R35 easily enters a controlled drift. Many professional drifters, including Daigo Saito (D1GP), use this car for competition. The key trick is to turn off ESP and use the manual transmission mode to control drift.

4. Weaknesses and typical problems Nissan GT-R R35

Despite its legendary status, GT-R R35 is not without its shortcomings. Here are the most common problems:

1. Turbines and intercoolers

Turbines IHI VF34 in early models they often failed after 80,000–100,000 km. Signs of malfunction:

  • 🔥 Black smoke from the exhaust pipe (over-enriched mixture)
  • 🌀 Loss of power at high speeds (boost leak)
  • 🛑 Check Engine with codes P0299 (low boost pressure) or P0234 (overpressure)

2. Transmission and clutch

checkpoint GR6 reliable, but dual clutch wears out by 60,000–80,000 km during active driving. Replacement cost - from 150,000 rubles. There are also problems with mechatronics (gearbox control unit), which can “glitch” when flashing.

3. Suspension and steering

Racks Bilstein flow after 50,000 km, and the rear suspension silent blocks require replacement every 40,000 km. The steering rack often knocks on uneven surfaces - this is due to wear on the bushings.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used GT-R R35 be sure to check the service history. Cars that have been used on the track often have bad mileage and worn out turbos. Pay attention to the color of the exhaust gases: blue smoke speaks of oil in the combustion chamber (problem with turbines or piston rings).

☑️ What to check before buying a GT-R R35

Done: 0 / 5

5. Tuning Nissan GT-R R35: How to unlock the potential of the VR38DETT

GT-R R35 — one of the most “tuning” cars in the world. Even standard VR38DETT withstands 600–650 hp without major modifications, but with boost you can squeeze out 1000+ hp Let's consider the main areas of upgrade:

1. Software (ECU)

Basic chip tuning adds 50–80 hp by optimizing fuel maps and boost pressure. Popular firmware:

  • 💻 Cobb Accessport (universal solution for beginners)
  • 🔧 EcuTek (flexible settings for the track)
  • 🚀 Syvecs (for extreme buildings 800+ hp)

2. Turbines and intake/exhaust

For power 700–800 hp just install:

  • 🌀 Turbines Garrett GTX3582R or Precision 5862
  • 🏁 Intake manifold GReddy (improves air flow)
  • 🔥 Exhaust system Invidia or HKS Hi-Power (minus 20 kg weight)

3. Transmission and brakes

At higher power 700 hp needs to be strengthened:

  • 🔧 Clutch Spec Stage 3+ (withstands up to 900 Nm)
  • ⚙️ Differentials Nismo (front and back)
  • 🛑 Brakes Brembo GT (6-piston calipers + 400 mm discs)
💡

Before installing larger turbines, be sure to upgrade the fuel system: pump Walbro 450 LPH and injectors ID1000 will help avoid engine starvation at high speeds.

6. Nissan GT-R R35 vs competitors: who is faster?

Let's compare GT-R R35 with the main rivals in the supercar class:

vs Porsche 911 Turbo (991.2)
Porsche easier on 140 kg and has better handling, but GT-R cheaper to maintain and easier to tune. In drag racing, the Japanese often wins thanks to Launch Control and all-wheel drive.

vs Audi R8 V10 (5.2 FSI)
Audi sounds better and more comfortable on everyday trips, but GT-R faster to accelerate to 200 km/h and cheaper to repair. Motor V10 costs 2–3 times more expensive during major repairs.

vs Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7)
Corvette cheaper and easier, but GT-R more practical (4 full seats) and more stable on wet roads. The American only wins on long straights thanks to the atmospheric V8.

Parameter Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo Porsche 911 Turbo S Audi R8 V10 Plus
Price (used, 2023), rub. 8 000 000 12 000 000 10 000 000
Maintenance cost (per 1000 km), rub. 15 000 25 000 30 000
Engine life, km 200 000+ 250 000+ 180 000
Tuning potential, hp 1000+ 700 650
💡

The Nissan GT-R R35 is the only supercar in its class that can be driven all year round thanks to all-wheel drive and reliable electronics. Competitors like the Porsche 911 or Audi R8 require tire changes and careful driving in winter.

7. Prices and where to buy Nissan GT-R R35 in 2026

Cost GT-R R35 on the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage and service history:

  • 💰 2007–2010 — 4,500,000 – 6,000,000 rub. (risk of “killed” specimens)
  • 💰 2011–2014 — 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 rub. (optimal price/quality ratio)
  • 💰 2015–2017 (Nismo) — 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 rub.
  • 💰 2018–2023 (Track Edition) — 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 rub.

Where to look:

  • 🌍 Japan — the lowest prices, but the risk of “gray” import schemes
  • 🇷🇺 Russia - verified dealers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg
  • 🇦🇪 UAE — many “clean” examples with low mileage
  • 🇺🇸 USA — high prices, but a wide selection of tuned versions
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing from Japan, pay attention to auction sheet (auction sheet). Codes A or B in the “condition” column they talk about an accident. Also check if the catalysts have been removed - this may cause problems with passing technical inspection in Russia.

8. Future Nissan GT-R: what awaits the legend?

In 2023 Nissan officially stopped production GT-R R35, but this does not mean the end of the legend. Rumored to be released in 2026 GT-R R36 with a hybrid power plant based on VR38 and an electric motor. Expected characteristics:

  • 🔋 e-4ORCE system (all-wheel drive with electric front axle drive)
  • ⚡ Total power 700+ hp.
  • 🚀 Acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds
  • 🔄 9-speed dual-clutch transmission

Meanwhile GT-R R35 continues to increase in value as a collector's car. Experts predict that in 5–10 years the cost of “clean” copies will exceed 20,000,000 rubles, especially for versions Nismo And SpecV.

Nissan's secret project

GT-R LM Nismo: In 2015, Nissan tried to bring the GT-R back to Le Mans racing with a hybrid version of the GT-R LM Nismo. The car had a front-wheel drive layout (1.5-liter turbo engine + electric motor) and developed 1250 hp. However, the project failed due to reliability problems, and the team withdrew from the competition after the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan GT-R R35

❓ How much oil does the VR38DETT consume in normal mode?

Engine VR38DETT can “eat up” up to 1 liter of oil per 1000 km - This is the norm for turbo engines. If the flow exceeds 1.5 l/1000 km, check the turbines and piston rings. Recommended oil: 5W-40 or 10W-40 (For example, Motul 300V).

❓ Is it possible to drive a GT-R R35 in winter?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • ❄️ Use winter tires dimensions 255/40 R20 (For example, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5)
  • ⚙️ Disable Launch Control - it can damage the transmission on slippery surfaces
  • 🔋 Check the battery - in the cold GT-R hard to start due to high compression
❓ How often do you need to change spark plugs?

Official regulations - every 30,000 km, but when driving actively it is better to reduce the interval to 20,000 km. Recommended candles: NGK PLZFR6A-11 (original) or Denso Iridium TT. Signs of wear: tripping, loss of power, Check Engine with code P0300.

❓ What is the maximum speed of the GT-R R35?

The limiter is at the mark 315 km/h (for versions before 2017). B Nismo And Track Edition restriction lifted until 330 km/h. In practice, aerodynamics prevent you from accelerating to the maximum - the downforce is insufficient for stability at such speeds.

❓ Is it worth buying a GT-R R35 for the track?

Yes, but taking into account modifications:

  • 🏁 Install safety cage and sports seats (eg Sparco Evo)
  • 🔥 Replace standard brakes with ceramic (For example, Brembo CCM-R)
  • 💧 Add oil cooler And larger intercooler
  • 📊 Use telemetry (For example, Aim Solo 2) for circle analysis

Budget for preparation for the track: from 1,500,000 rubles.