The Nissan GT-R hails from a long line of high-performance Nissans dating back to the 1960s. The ultimate performance variant was the 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO, like the one recently for sale on eBay Motors in Millersburg, Ohio.
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Long-Running Supercar
The running joke about the Nissan GT-R is that, after 17 years on the market, it’s old enough to drive itself. Yet, like other long-running supercars before it, such as the Lamborghini Countach - opens in new window or tab. (16 years) and Porsche 928 - opens in new window or tab. (18 years), the Nissan GT-R constantly reinvented itself. Designers updated the skin. Product planners added trim levels and special editions. Most importantly, engineers continued to up performance.
Five generations of Skyline GT-Rs preceded the Nissan GT-R, racking up racing accolades and speed records. One particular generation, known by enthusiasts by its chassis code R32, was so dominant on the street and at the track that an Australian magazine dubbed it “Godzilla - opens in new window or tab..” The name stuck.
Another Level
The last Nissan Skyline GT-R ended production in 2002, much to the dismay of enthusiasts. In 2007, Nissan revealed a brand-new, high-performance car called simply the Nissan GT-R. The Skyline name was gone. So was the traditional straight-six engine, replaced with a V-6. But its Nissan brought its speed and handling to another level.
As proof, Nissan’s Tokyo Motor Show - opens in new window or tab. reveal of the GT-R included an in-car video of the GT-R lapping Germany’s 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 38 seconds. In damp conditions, no less. That time beat the 7:40 record held by Porsche with its 911 Turbo. It was the fastest lap time ever for a mass-produced car.
The feat set the automotive world on its ear. As icing on the cake, at approximately $70,000, the original GT-R cost much less than luxury-branded exotics. The title “Supercar Slayer” was immediately bestowed upon the GT-R.
More Impressive
Nissan continued to hone the GT-R, whittling down its Nürburgring times to new and more impressive numbers: 7:29 in 2008, 7:27:56 and 7:26:70 in 2009, 7:24:22 in 2011, and 7:19:10 in 2013. In doing so, the GT-R set off a frenzy of Nürburgring record attempts by other supercar manufacturers. Porsche eventually recaptured the record with the 918 Spyder, which cost $845,000.
The Nissan GT-R NISMO debuted in 2015 as the top tune for Godzilla. With turbochargers from the Nissan GT-R GT3 race car, it produced 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque (up from the standard 545 and 463). Nissan added a host of enhancements, including:
- NISMO-tuned suspension
- Carbon-fiber body panels
- Improved aerodynamics
- Chassis stiffening
- Weight reduction
In 2015, Nissan set the GT-R NISMO on the Nürburgring again. This time, it clocked an incredible 7:08.679. However, the run was subject to some controversy. The record-setting car was equipped with dampers, spoiler, and brakes that were not standard on the production car. Nissan said these parts were available to customers, but an asterisk remains next to the time.
Meticulously Maintained
Regardless, the GT-R NISMO is an incredible performance machine. In 2015, it sold for $150,000 new. The example for sale has 38,250 miles, and the original owner is asking $139,000. It appears to have been meticulously maintained, and the owner swears it’s never been tracked. Only 582 were made, with 82 sold in the US. It’s a rare opportunity to own a car that set the automotive world alight.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.