Nissan GT-R 2018: the legendary “Godzilla” in detail

When it comes to supercars with Japanese roots, Nissan GT-R R35 invariably takes center stage in the conversation. The 2018 model became a logical continuation of the legend laid down back in 2007, but with important improvements that made it even more balanced. This car is not just a car, but a whole cultural phenomenon: it is called “Godzilla” for its ability to destroy competitors on the track and a “hidden supercar” for its relatively affordable price among its peers.

In 2018 GT-R received an updated design, modified suspension and improved transmission, but most importantly, it retained its signature VR38DETT, a 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine that has become even more responsive. However, behind the external brutality there are nuances that you should know about before purchasing. In this article we will analyze unique features of the 2018 model, including “childhood diseases” that appear after 100,000 km, and give practical advice on operation and tuning.

2018 Nissan GT-R Specifications: What's Under the Hood?

Heart GT-R 2018 - it’s still the same atmospheric VR38DETT V6, but with a modified injection system, new turbines and an optimized control unit. As standard, the motor produces 570 hp (in version Nismo - up to 600 hp), which is 20 “horses” more than its predecessor. Torque remained at 637 Nm, but its distribution became smoother thanks to re-tuned 6-speed automatic transmission GR6 with double clutch.

The transmission is a special pride of the engineer Nissan. Box GR6 can withstand up to 1000 hp in stock form, and its switching algorithms have been redesigned for a more aggressive response in mode R-Mode. At the same time GT-R remains all-wheel drive: system ATTESA E-TS distributes traction between the axles in a ratio from 0:100 to 50:50, which makes the car incredibly stable at high speeds.

• 🔥 Engine: VR38DETT 3.8L V6 biturbo (570–600 hp)
• ⚡ Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission GR6 with dual clutch
• 🏁 Drive: Full (ATTESA E-TS) with electronic control
• ⏱️ Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 2.7 seconds (manufacturer declared)

However, not everything is so rosy: the owners note that after 80–100 thousand km Problems with the turbines begin to appear (especially if the car is often operated in aggressive mode) and the gearbox. Also worth mentioning engine starting system, which sometimes “glitches” at low temperatures - this is a known “disease” GT-R all years of manufacture.

Design and interior: evolution or revolution?

Externally GT-R 2018 received minimal but noticeable changes: a new bumper with larger air intakes, a redesigned hood for better cooling and LED headlights with an adaptive lighting system. The body has become 10% stiffer thanks to additional stiffening ribs, and aerodynamics have been improved due to a new rear spoiler and diffuser. However main criticism It still comes down to the fact that the design remains too "conservative" for a 2018 supercar.

Inside, the changes are even less noticeable: the same dashboard with an analog clock, leather trim and a multimedia system with 8-inch screen. But there are also advantages: for example, Nissan finally added support Apple CarPlay (although Android Auto never showed up). Ergonomics remain at a high level - all controls are located intuitively, and sports seats with lateral support support the driver even under extreme loads.

• 🎨 Exterior: New front bumper, LED optics, reinforced hood
• 🛋️ Interior: Leather trim, sports seats, 8-inch display
• 📱 Multimedia: Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto), Bose premium audio system
• 🔧 Ergonomics: All buttons are at hand, but the finishing material could be better

One of the main drawbacks of the interior is noise insulation. At speeds above 120 km/h, the cabin becomes quite loud, and vibrations from the engine are transmitted to the steering wheel and pedals. This is a price to pay for the sporty nature of the car, but for some owners it becomes a serious irritant.

Weak points of the 2018 Nissan GT-R: what to look for when buying?

Despite its legendary status, GT-R R35 - not an ideal car. The 2018 model has several “diseases” that appear with age. Firstly, this turbines: staff resource IHI is about 100–120 thousand km, after which problems with oil consumption and a drop in boost pressure begin. Secondly, gearbox, although it is designed for high loads, requires regular oil changes (every 30–40 thousand km), otherwise the risk of mechatronics failure increases significantly.

Another common problem is cooling system. On the track or during aggressive driving, the engine temperature can rise to critical levels, especially if the radiators are clogged or the thermostat is not working correctly. Owners also complain about electronics: sometimes the ABS sensors “glitch” and the stabilization system VDC may turn off unexpectedly.

Problem area	Symptoms	Solution	Repair cost (approx.)
IHI turbines	Oil burn, exhaust smoke, loss of power	Replacement with Garrett or BorgWarner, chip tuning	from 300,000 ₽
Box GR6	Jerks when switching, mechatronics errors	Oil change, firmware, clutch repair	from 150,000 ₽
Cooling system	Engine overheating, antifreeze leak	Replacing radiators, thermostat, flushing the system	from 80,000 ₽
Electronics (ABS, VDC)	False alarms, errors on the device	Diagnostics, sensor replacement, ECU firmware	from 50,000 ₽

⚠️ Attention: When buying used GT-R 2018 Be sure to check your service history! If the previous owner did not change the oil in the box every 30–40 thousand km, get ready for expensive repairs. Also pay attention to the color of the exhaust gases - blue smoke indicates problems with the turbines or piston group.

Service book (especially records of oil changes in the internal combustion engine and automatic transmission)

Turbine condition (listen for whistling)

Operation of the box in R-Mode (is there any jerking)

Engine temperature after a test drive (is it overheating)

Electronics (are there any errors on the instrument panel) -->

Tuning Nissan GT-R 2018: how to unlock the potential of “Godzilla”?

GT-R R35 — one of the most “tuning-friendly” cars in the world. Even in the stock version the engine VR38DETT has enormous potential: with proper development, you can squeeze out 800–1000 hp without major interventions in the cylinder block. They usually start with ECU firmware (for example, from Cobb Tuning or EcuTek), which adds 50–80 hp. by optimizing fuel maps and boost pressure.

The next step is replacing the turbines. States IHI quickly become a bottleneck, so they are replaced with Garrett GTX3582 or BorgWarner EFR 9174. Also popular downpipes without catalysts, larger volume intercoolers and fuel pumps Walbro 450 LPH. For reliability, it is recommended to install ID1000 injectors and strengthen the clutch in the box.

• 🔧 Stage 1 (up to 650 hp): ECU firmware, exhaust without catalysts, zero resistance filter
• 🚀 Stage 2 (700–850 hp): Garrett turbines, intercooler, fuel pump, injectors
• 💥 Stage 3 (900+ hp): Forged pistons, reinforced connecting rods, methanol injection system
• 🎯 Additionally: Reinforced gearbox (OS Giken), Nismo differentials, Brembo GT brakes

However, tuning GT-R — this is not only power, but also reliability. For example, after 700 hp. necessarily The transmission needs to be strengthened, otherwise the box won’t last long. It is also worth remembering that increasing power leads to increased load on the suspension and brakes, so they will also have to be upgraded.

What happens if you don’t strengthen the transmission after chip tuning?

With a power of over 700 hp. The standard clutches of the GR6 box begin to slip, and the mechatronics overheats. This leads to jerks when switching, and in the worst case, to complete failure of the automatic transmission. Repairs will cost 300,000–500,000 rubles, so it’s not worth saving on strengthening the transmission.

Operation and maintenance: how to extend the life of Godzilla?

Nissan GT-R 2018 — a car for enthusiasts, but it requires careful attention. First rule: regular maintenance. Engine oil (5W-40 or 10W-60) needs to be changed every 7-8 thousand km, and in the gearbox - every 30-40 thousand km (despite the manufacturer’s statements about the “maintenance-free” automatic transmission). It is also important to keep track of cooling system: Radiators need to be flushed every 2 years, and antifreeze should be changed every 5 years.

Second - fuel quality. GT-R extremely sensitive to octane number: it is recommended to refuel only AI-98 or AI-100. The use of low-octane gasoline leads to detonation, which destroys pistons and turbines. You should also avoid long trips at low speeds (for example, in traffic jams) - this leads to the formation of carbon deposits on the valves.

⚠️ Attention: Never turn off the engine immediately after aggressive driving! The turbines need to be allowed to cool at idle for 1-2 minutes, otherwise the oil in them will coke, which will lead to premature wear. This error is one of the main reasons why turbines fail.

• 🛢️ Engine oil: Change every 7–8 thousand km (we recommend Motul 300V or Liqui Moly Leichtlauf)
• ⚙️ Automatic transmission oil: Every 30–40 thousand km (use only original fluid Nissan Matic S)
• ❄️ Winter operation: Warm up the engine to 40–50°C before driving, avoid sudden starts
• 🔥 Track day: After racing on the track, check the oil and coolant levels

Comparison with competitors: why is the GT-R still relevant?

In 2018 Nissan GT-R competed with such models as Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 V10 And Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The main advantage of "Godzilla" is the price/power ratio: for the same money that the basic versions of competitors cost, you get a car with supercar potential. For example, Porsche 911 Turbo will cost 30–40% more, and its tuning requires much larger investments.

However, GT-R there are also weaknesses. Unlike Porsche or Audi, it is less comfortable in everyday use: the stiff suspension, noisy interior and imperfect ergonomics make it more of a track car than a GT. But on the highway or drag strip GT-R shows its best side, outperforming many competitors in acceleration and braking.

Parameter	Nissan GT-R 2018	Porsche 911 Turbo	Audi R8 V10
Power, hp	570	540	540
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	2.7	2.9	3.2
Price (used, 2018), ₽	from 5,000,000	from 7,500,000	from 8,000,000
Tuning potential	Up to 1000+ hp	Up to 700–800 hp	Up to 750 hp

If you need a car for track or street racing, GT-R - one of the best options. But if the priority is comfort and prestige, it’s worth taking a closer look at Porsche or Audi.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the 2018 Nissan GT-R

❓ How much does the Nissan GT-R 2018 cost on the secondary market?

Price depends on mileage and condition. In 2026 GT-R 2018 in good condition with mileage up to 50 thousand km costs from 5,000,000 to 6,500,000 RUR. Cars with 80–100 thousand km mileage can be found for RUB 4,000,000–4,800,000, but it is important to check the service history here.

❓ What oil should I put into the VR38DETT engine?

Manufacturer recommends Nissan Motor Oil 5W-40, but also popular among owners Motul 300V 5W-40, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf 10W-60 And Castrol Edge 5W-40. The main thing is that the oil meets the specification API SN or ILSAC GF-5.

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

Yes, but with reservations. GT-R It is equipped with all-wheel drive, so it behaves predictably in snow and ice. However necessary install winter tires (recommended size - 255/40 R20), warm up the engine before driving and avoid sudden starts when cold. It is also worth remembering that the car’s ground clearance is small (110 mm), so high snowdrifts can become a problem.

❓ What is the service life of the VR38DETT engine?

With proper maintenance VR38DETT able to pass 200,000–250,000 km without major repairs. However, this is only possible if you follow the oil change regulations, use high-quality fuel and avoid extreme loads (for example, frequent races on the track without preparation). Turbines and transmission usually require attention earlier - after 100-150 thousand km.

❓ Is it worth buying a GT-R 2018 for daily use?

If you are ready to put up with a stiff suspension, high fuel consumption (about 18–20 l/100 km in the city) and a noisy interior - why not? GT-R It's perfectly capable of everyday driving, but it's more of a weekend toy than a family car. For a comfortable commute, it's best to consider something like Nissan Skyline or Infiniti Q60.