Design

A rear view of the GT-R, showing the signature taillights known since 1972 on the Skyline c110
Nissan chief creative officer, Shirō Nakamura, has likened the new GT-R to the giant robots of the Gundam series.[13] Nakamura stated: "The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed Sports car; it had to really reflect Japanese culture."
Nissan's American designers sculpted the rear three quarters of the vehicle, while their European designers sculpted the roofline.[13]
Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series of motor racing video games, were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R's multifunction display.[14]

The customizable multifunction display integrated into the dash of the GT-R

2014 Nissan GT-R interior
Nissan PM platform
As of 2014 the GT-R was the only model built on Nissan's Premium Midship (PM) platform,[15] an evolution of the Front Midship (FM) architecture introduced in its 2001 (V35) Skyline. It is a hybrid unibody assembled on ultra-low-tolerance jigs similar to those used in racecar construction. Alcoa aluminum is used for the hood, trunk lid and outer door skins, with die-cast aluminum front shock towers and inner door structures. Outer body panels are stamped using multiple-strike coining process for added rigidity and precision. The chassis is stiffened with a carbon-composite front crossmember/radiator support.

Exterior
Nissan developed a 6-stage paint process with double clear coat and chip-resistant paint for use in critical areas of the GT-R chassis. An optional liquid-effect finish employs a hand-polished 8-stage process with product-specific Super Silver metallic paint and three layers of clearcoat.

Optional features
The Premium Nissan GT-R has a body-colored rear spoiler whereas the Black Edition has a dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler. Both the Premium and Black Edition GT-R are fitted with high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, automatic on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and brake lights, dual heated body-color power outside mirrors, power folding outside mirrors, flush-mounted aluminum door handles, four 5" exhaust outlets with polished tips and UV-reducing solar glass.[16]
For the 2014 model year, Nissan introduced a limited production Track Edition GT-R which deletes the rear seats (saving 22 lbs over the Black Edition) and adds more aggressive suspension, carbon fiber air inlets, improved brake cooling, a unique front spoiler, and new black and gray leather Recaro front seats.[17]

Specifications

The VR38DETT engine
The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT V6 engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) DOHC V6 with plasma transferred wire arc sprayed cylinder bores.[18] Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction.[19] Models manufactured between 2007 and 2010 produce a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 485 PS (357 kW; 478 hp) at 6400 rpm and 434 lb·ft (588 N·m) at 3200–5200 rpm.[20] The engine also meets California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.[21] A curb weight of 1,730 or 1,736 kg (3,814 or 3,827 lb) with side curtain airbags is achieved using a jig welded steel chassis with aluminum used for the hood, trunk, and doors.[22] A rear mounted six-speed BorgWarner designed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission built by Aichi Machine Industry[23] is used in conjunction with the ATTESA E-TS system to provide power to all four wheels and along with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) to aid in stability. Three shift modes can also be selected for various conditions.[24] Beginning in 2010, engine power and torque were upgraded to 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp) at 6400 rpm and 612 N·m (451 lbf·ft) at 3200–6000 rpm respectively. Models produced in 2012 again featured improved engine output (406.5 kW (553 PS; 545 hp) at 6400 rpm and 628 N·m (463 lbf·ft) at 3200–5800 rpm). In the near future, it is speculated that the GT-R might even be available as a hybrid.[25]

2011 facelift

A 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition with the updated design
The revised GT-R features an engine with revised mapping, changes to valve timing, larger inlets and a revised exhaust system which boosts rated power to 545 bhp[26] and 612Nm of torque from 3200 to 6000rpm. Changes also include a new more rigid front strut bar made from carbon composite, larger front brake rotors, new lighter and stiffer wheels, and revised Dunlop tires. Cosmetic changes include a new front bumper with integrated LEDs. The front bumper improves cooling to the radiator and front brakes while reducing drag. A new rear diffuser improves downforce and also includes additional rear cooling ducts. The interior was revised to improve the quality. This new version is offered with a new HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and USB port with iPod connectivity. The revised GT-R went on sale in Japan from mid November 2010 and February 2011 in Europe, North America and other regions.