Godzilla by the Numbers: 2009-2017 Nissan GT-R

A look at the ever-evolving Japanese supercar

Since it arrived on the U.S. scene for the 2009 model year, the Nissan GT-R has seen continual improvements. For 2017, the Japanese supercar gets even more updates. While most updates focus on aesthetics and comfort, Godzilla also gets another power boost for its latest refresh. Here is a look at the Nissan GT-R’s performance evolution through the years.

When the R35-generation Nissan GT-R arrived in 2009, its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter VR V-6 was rated 480 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission combined with the automaker’s ATTESSA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and advanced electronics routed power to all four wheels. The first R35 Nissan GT-R we tested hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 120.0 mph. More than a one-trick-pony, the GT-R lapped the figure-eight in 24.3 seconds and pulled 0.97 g average around the skidpad. Those numbers were mighty impressive for its day, but the GT-R wouldn’t stop there.

The GT-R received its first power boost in 2010 and now made 485 hp. In 2011, Nissan also added a new transmission control unit and updated the suspension tuning, which made a noticeable difference in handling. The figure-eight lap dropped to 23.7 seconds, while the skidpad number climbed to 1.03 g. In 2012, the GT-R got a massive power boost, which increased horsepower by 45 and torque by 14 for totals of 530 hp and 448 lb-ft, respectively. Acceleration and handling both improved, as did handling.

Not about to leave well enough alone, Nissan increased horsepower another 15 to 545 hp and torque by 15 to 463 lb-ft for the 2013 model year. The GT-R also gained revised suspension tuning. Our long-term 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition now accelerated to 60 in 2.8 seconds. The figure-eight time dropped to 23.0 seconds flat.

A new Track Edition was introduced in 2014 and ditched the rear seats in search of weight reduction. The new model featured a stiffer suspension and new Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires. In 2015, Nissan introduced the hardcore GT-R NISMO model with even more power and wilder aerodynamics. While lesser GT-R models still make 545 hp and 463 lb-ft, the GT-R NISMO makes an astounding 600 hp and 481 lb-ft. That’s an increase of 55 hp and 18 lb-ft. In testing, the 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO posted a best acceleration run of 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a quarter mile in 11 seconds flat at 126.6 mph. The figure-eight time dropped to just 22.9 seconds.

The last example we tested was a 2016 Nissan GT-R 45^th Anniversary model (545 hp and 463 lb-ft) that felt much softer than early models. That model came in last place in a comparison against the Mercedes-AMG GT S and Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Performance updates to the 2017 Nissan GT-R include a boost in power to 565 hp and 467 lb-ft (increases of 20 hp and 4 lb-ft). Additionally, power under the curve is also said to be stronger. Nissan also revised the transmission for smoother shifting in normal driving, while still being aggressive during performance situations. Other updates include a stiffer frame and revised suspension. These changes apply to the standard 2017 GT-R. Only time will tell if Nissan will also update the hardcore GT-R NISMO model.

While we won’t know how the newest model performs until we can test an example at the track, we suspect it will continue the GT-R’s history of gradual performance increases. Until we get our hands on a 2017 model, take a look at how the GT-R has performed in testing in this chart.

Model	HP	Torque	0-60	1/4 mile	Trap Speed	60-0	Skidpad	Figure-eight time
2009 Nissan GT-R	480	434	3.2	11.6	120.0	105	0.97	24.3 sec @ 0.81 g
2010 Nissan GT-R	485	434	3.5	11.9	120.1	103	0.98	24.4 sec @ 0.81 g
2011 Nissan GT-R	485	434	3.5	11.8	119.8	99	1.03	23.7 sec @ 0.85 g
2012 Nissan GT-R Premium	530	448	2.9	11.2	122.7	101	1.05	23.3 sec @ 0.89 g
2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition	545	463	2.8	11.1	124.8	105	1.03	23.0 sec @ 0.91 g
2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition	545	463	2.7	11	125.1	94	1.04	23.0 sec @ 0.93 g
2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO	600	481	2.9	11	126.6	97	1.06	22.9 sec @ 0.91 g
2016 Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary	545	463	2.9	11.2	122.0	103	1.0	23.5 sec @ 0.90 g

So how has the Nissan GT-R stacked up against other supercars? Going by just the stats from our first five World’s Greatest Drag Races (spun off from 2011-2015 Best Driver’s Car competition), the Nissan GT-R has had a strong showing. Godzilla has claimed four spots on our list of the top 10 quickest cars from the past five drag races. In fact, that’s one for each of the four years the GT-R has participated in the competition. See where the GT-R stands in terms of acceleration in the chart below.

Finishing Order	Competition Year	Vehicle	Elapsed Time	Trap Speed
1st	2012	Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4	10.8 seconds	132.3 mph
2nd	2012	McLaren MP4-12C	10.8 seconds	130.7 mph
3rd	2014	Porsche 911 Turbo S	10.9 seconds	126.0 mph
4th	2013	Nissan GT-R Track Edition	11.0 seconds	125.1 mph
5th	2013	Mercedes-Benz SLS Black Series	11.1 seconds	129.8 mph
6th	2014	Nissan GT-R Nismo	11.1 seconds	125.3 mph
7th	2012	Nissan GT-R Black Editon	11.1 seconds	124.8 mph
8th	2011	Nissan GT-R	11.2 seconds	121.8 mph
9th	2013	Audi R8 V10 Plus	11.3 seconds	125.8 mph
10th	2011	Ferrari 458 Italia	11.3 seconds	125.6 mph

Of course, we can’t mention the Nissan GT-R without talking about its not-for-U.S.-consumption forebears. To many car fans, the Nissan Skyline GT-R has been the sweetest kind of forbidden fruit, with its turbocharged straight-six power and performance-oriented all-wheel-drive grip. Though we in the U.S. never got the chance to experience the Skyline GT-R, Nissan recognizes its contribution to the GT-R we know today, and is displaying every generation of GT-R at its New York auto show booth. Check out the photos below.

For more details on the changes to the 2017 Nissan GT-R, check out our First Look here.