Skip advert
Advertisement

R35 Nissan GT-R (2009-2022) review – design

The GT-R is best described as big and bold. Its looks aren't to everyone's tastes, but its vast size makes its performance even more impressive.

Evo rating
Price
from £82,525
  • Staggering capability; grip, power and poise that doesn’t come at the expense of engagement
  • A little rough around the edges

The GT-R is far from subtle. Its big exterior makes it a very imposing road car, and while its four large tail pipes, big rear wing and gaping mouth exaggerate its size.

These physical proportions do make its ultimate performance seem even more remarkable; that something so large can move at such a rate is constantly surprising.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It received a subtle facelift in 2017, softening its look, which fits with the model’s more comfortable attitude. The styling changes aren’t just for aesthetics, though. Nissan aimed to improve the cooling by increasing vents and openings without increasing drag.

The GT-R Nismo features a much more aggressive aero package, with a large rear wing, more pronounced shoulders over the front wings and deeper front splitter. Spotting the difference between the old GT-R Nismo and the new 2017 model isn’t easy, the biggest difference is the aggressive front splitter that makes it look more like the GT3 car, and carbon slats venting the front wheel arches. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mandatory speed limiters to be fitted to all new UK cars in 2024
80mph motorway speed limit
News

Mandatory speed limiters to be fitted to all new UK cars in 2024

The use of mandatory speed limiters on all new cars was approved by the European Parliament in 2019, and they're set to come into force later this yea…
8 May 2024
Sustainable fuel v unleaded petrol: we dyno test the impact on car performance
Sustainable fuel v unleaded petrol dyno test
Features

Sustainable fuel v unleaded petrol: we dyno test the impact on car performance

Considering running your car on sustainable fuel? We’ve dyno tested the first publicly available option to see the effect on power, torque and emissio…
5 May 2024
Renault Mégane RS Trophy Fast Fleet test – 13,000 miles in the swansong hot hatch
Renault Megane RS Trophy Fast Fleet test
Long term tests

Renault Mégane RS Trophy Fast Fleet test – 13,000 miles in the swansong hot hatch

Despite initial reservations, the Liquid Yellow hatch won over its keeper after 8 months on the evo Fast Fleet
7 May 2024