The Nissan GT-R has gained some subtle styling tweaks for 2023, along with two special edition models, one of which is the most powerful production GT-R ever built.
Revealed on stage at the Tokyo motor show by Nissan boss Ashwani Gupta, the new GT-R looks largely similar to the previous car, save for a new front grille design.
Key changes have been made under the bonnet, with adjustments made to the brakes and transmission, as well as a reduction in noise and vibration, and improved ride comfort.
Two new trim levels, T-Spec and Nismo, have been added to the GT-R range, bringing the total number of specifications to eight.
All cars are driven by the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, with an output of 562bhp and 469 lb ft of torque as standard. Range-topping Nismo cars, meanwhile, produce 591bhp and 414lb ft – similar to the figure produced by the previous Nismo.
Nissan says the first new addition, T-spec, has been inspired by “trend and traction”, with improved grip, specially tuned suspension and carbon brakes all contributing to bolstered driving dynamics.
A second addition is the new GT-R Nismo, which features technologies drawn from motorsport and racing. Aerodynamics have been improved with some modifications to the GT-R’s front end, adding carbon fibre intakes, a carbon fibre bonnet and sleeker wheel arches.
Downforce has been improved at the rear with a stronger rear wing, derived from Nissan’s GT500 race cars. Additional carbon fibre added at the back contributes to a 13% increase to rear downforce.
All cars feature four-wheel drive, a GR6 dual-clutch transmission and specially designed Recaro sports seats. The firm has also modified the GT-R’s exhaust note to adhere to stringent sound regulations.
Under the skin, Nissan says the GT-R Nismo benefits from weight-balanced engine parts, including a new crankshaft, piston rings and connecting rods.
The new GT-R will go on sale in Japan in Spring of this year before the more powerful Nismo versions join later in the summer.
It’s not likely we’ll see it in the UK, though. In March last year, Nissan announced the sports car, famously nicknamed ‘Godzilla’, would be removed from sale in Europe due to strict new noise regulations.
The GT-R had been on sale for 13 years on the continent. However, there is a slim chance we could see it on our shores, given the firm has adjusted the exhaust note.
