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| Red (A54), base/winter silver wheels |
First Look
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| Titanium(KAC), the rarest color |
In 2009, from July though December there were 667 cars sold in the US. In the first year of sales from July 2008 though June 2009 there were 2597 sales though the 691 certified GT-R dealers. July 2009- June 2010 there were 1171 cars. Total sales from July 2008 though March 2012 were 5455 cars.
Two models of the GT-R
For 2012, there were a few changes to the color, and model options. A Premium and a Black Edition were available. The Black Edition sports unique wheels, red and black trimmed Recaro seats, and a black headliner. All performance aspects are the same for the Premium and the Black Edition. For 2012 a backup camera became a $600 option for the first time officially in the US. The Black paint was changed to Jet Black(GAG), and Deep Blue Pearl was introduced (RAY).
For 2013 Nissan GT-R the Nissan GT-R gets a world wide increase to 550PS (545hp). Torque has been increased to 463 lb-ft from 448 lb-ft. In addition, the suspension has been retuned and a handmade dry carbon rear spoiler has also been added to the Nissan GT-R Black Edition model. A RearView Monitor is now standard on all models. There is also a model called a Track Pack, that is built of a "other than the US" market Pure model, but it is not likely to be offered for sale in the US.
What are the latest 2014 Nissan GT-R rumors? Will there be any changes for the Nissan GT-R in 2014? It is not likely for the car to gain much more power, but a nice round 550 horsepower might be next up. From all the current rumors, we are expecting the current R35 GT-R chassis to continue for several years.
2014 US possibilities - 2013 Nissan GT-R Japan information. What we see on the Japanese 2013 Nissan GT-R, will probably show up on the US cars. However we only have a Premium GT-R, and a Black Edition. Some items will not find their way onto US cars as an option, like the carbon fiber Recaro seats. 0-62 (0-100 km/hr) time for the 2013 Japan drops to 2.7 seconds, with a 7:18.6 Nurburgring time. Just a second faster than the Corvette ZR1.
MSRP 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
The 2009 Nissan GT-R has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $69,850 for the GT-R and $71,900 for the GT-R Premium model. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000 : SourceLate 2009 MSRP -Effective September 5th, 2008 and up
Nissan today announced an interim price adjustment on the 2009 Nissan GT-R due to increased raw materials costs. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* of $76,840 for the GT-R and $79,090 for the GT-R Premium model are effective immediately. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000. The adjusted prices do not apply to customer orders already in dealer hands prior to September 5. :Source2010 MSRP - Effective March 21, 2009
2010 GT-R will start at $81,790, including a $1,000 destination charge. The up level 2010 GT-R Premium will start at $84,040, including shipping.The new pricing is effective March 21,2009 - Edmunds Inside Line
Two options and two accessories are available for the 2010 GT-R: The Cold Weather Package (no charge); Special Super Silver Paint ($3,000); iPod Converter ($400); and carpeted GT-R floor mats ($280).2011 MSRP - Effective March 3, 2011
Nissan GT-R Premium: $84,060 USD Three options and one accessory are available for the 2011 GT-R: Cold Weather Package (no charge); special Super Silver paint ($3,000); Ultra-High Performance Tire Package (no charge); and carpeted GT-R logo floor mats ($280).2012 MSRP
2012 Nissan GT-R has a new look, new colors, new wheel design and, most important to fans of pure power, 35 more horsepower under the hood. In addition, a new “Black Edition” – with unique seat design, interior colors and wheels – joins the GT-R Premium model. The starting MSRPs for the 2012 Nissan GT-R are $89,950 USD and $95,100 USD for the Premium and Black Edition respectively.
2013 MSRP
The 2013 Nissan GT-R continues to be an incredible value, rivaling the fastest production supercars at a fraction of the price. The 2013 Nissan GT-R is available in two well-equipped models: GT-R Premium and GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black forged aluminum RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2013 Nissan GT-R include:
Model/Transmission Price GT-R Premium / Dual-clutch transmission $96,820 USD GT-R Black Edition / Dual-clutch transmission $106,320 USD
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| 2013 Nissan GT-R MSRP. Premium and Black Edition |
2014 MSRP
Differences Year to Year
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| 2009 GT-R Premium(KH3), most popular color |
2009 Differences Base to Premium Premiums have the Bose 11 speaker stereo, heated seats, the Bridgestone tires, and darker colored wheels.Front seat and side curtain airbags were standard on the Premium. 480 horsepower for both models. Winter package cars all had silver finish wheels.
2010 Changes - 485 horsepower. Front-seat and side curtain airbags are now standard on both models. The 2010 GT-R also gets an enhanced suspension with redesigned shocks, new wheel finishes and new transmission control module programming "which optimizes clutch engagement for improved acceleration from a standing start with the vehicle dynamic control on,"
In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R’s state-of-the-art suspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilstein shocks with a new valve body design and revised spring and damper rates.
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| 2010 GT-R (A54) |
Titanium(GAC) was dropped as a color option.
2011 Changes - Other changes include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area.
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| 2012 GT-R (RAY) |
Only a Premium model was available for 2011. Launch control was updated to what we call LC3.
2012 Changes. For 2012 the Nissan R35 GT-R
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| SpecV |
2014 Changes
We are expecting to see the US market 2014 Nissan GT-R at the upcoming LA Auto Show. No horsepower increase, but expect minor tweaks, and some interior upgrades.
US and Worldwide Sales
The Nissan GT-R is a world car, sold world wide in nearly the same configuration. This is an advantage to a low production run, expensive car like a GT-R. These are the most up to date figures I could find.
Total Sales in the US (as of September 2012)
6489
Sales are not broken down by model year, but by calendar year.2008 - 1730
2009 - 1534
2010 - 877
2011 - 1294
2012 - 1054
Total Sales in Canada (as of November 2011)
403
Calendar year sales:
2008 - 137
2009 - 133
2010 - 62
2011 - 71
Total Sales in Japan (March 2012)
7035
Calendar year sales2007 - 807
2008 - 4871
2009 - 531
2010 - 298
2011- 479
Total Sales in the UK (Jun 2011)
1733
Calender year sales:
2009 - 1051
2010 - 449
2011 - 233(Jun 2011)
Total Sales in Australia (October 2008)
2008-2012 - 420
Launch Control
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| Setup switches, clutch, suspension, and VDC. |
By October 2008 there were a few individuals that had transmission failures, had switched VDC off, and were denied warranty claims. A few owners started calling for a class action lawsuit. Lots of controversy erupted. At the end of October, I posted a few options on ways to fix the GR6 transmission and launch control.
In December 2008, Edmunds Inside Line tested their GT-R with the 4500 LC1, and with a non VDC off, 2000 rpm launch. With LC1, they saw a 3.53 second 0-60 time(1 foot of rollout), and a 11.77@118.63 mph 1/4 mile. From a 2000 rpm launch, they saw a 4.3 second 0-60 time(1 foot of rollout), and a 12.3@118.5 mph pass.
In January 2009, Edmunds Inside Line reported that Nissan was going to be reprogramming the launch control on the Nissan GT-R, we would start to call this reprogrammed launch control - LC2.
- Launch Control remains, but the maximum allowable engine speed with the VDC system switched off will be reduced from the current 4,500 rpm to between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm. The clutch engagement program will also change to reduce driveline stress, e.g., less abrupt engagement on launch.Some owners with LC2, saw 0-60 times actually decrease to the low 3 second range. Here is a video of one car 3.1 seconds 0-60 mph.
- When launching with the VDC on, the new programming will allow for higher engine speeds and a more aggressive clutch engagement than the current setup.
- Nissan reiterated that launching the GT-R with the VDC off is not covered by the warranty.
By September 2009, Nissan had settled the transmission warranty claim lawsuit. Here are the results of the lawsuit.
1-All GTR owners that have LC1 used before and were afraid that the tranny did not have any warranty because of turning VDC off and doing a LC1 will have their warranties re-setted for 5yr or 60k miles if they upgrade to LC2. All LC1 will be forgotten and the tranny will be fully covered by NISSAN. After LC2 being installed, all LC2 with VDC on will be fully covered by NISSAN. If you turn VDC off today , do your thing ( drag/road course/etc) and the tranny goes bad at that moment, the warranty will not hold, BUT if the problem arise some time later after turning VDC off back on and driving the car without any issues and then BAMMM.......the tranny will be covered 100%. If not NISSAN WILL HAVE TO PROOF that turning VDC OFF a week or a month prior the damage was the cause of failure. THEY WILL NEED TO PROOF IT , not like before that they just saw the BB data and said it was not covered.
2- ALL 2009 GTR owners will get a $75 coupon for any kind of service at any GTR approved Nissan dealership as part of a class compensation for the time taken to update LC2.
All this will be happening in the next 2-3 months when GTR owners will be receiving notification from NISSAN.
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| VDC Stall Start log from Consult III |
In 2012(US), the launch control was again revised. This time it is an actual advertised feature, called R Mode Start, with limits. LC4 allows for four launches prior to it requiring a mile and a half drive to cool the transmission down. The quick numbers are generated with the setup switches in R- Comf - R. 4000 rpms comes up, and 0-60 times happen in anywhere from 2.8- 3.2 seconds.
For 2013, there may be a further improvement in the launch control. Nissan says that 0-60 mph has dropped to the 2.7 second range. From Nissan's own charts, it looks like there is not as much of a dip in RPM after launch.
A Nissan dealer can use the Consult III to get a printout of VDC off(possible launches), and also transmission temperature logs. This leads to the next area of concern, the GR6 transmission.
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| GR6 Transmisserdiffertransferrearendcase |
$20,000 to replace. $20,000 to replace. The sky is falling if your transmission in your GT-R fails. Yes, you will sound a little like chicken little if you listen to the dealer, and listen to people not "in the know" about the Nissan GT-R GR6 transmission. What I see as the main issue with the GR6 was that from Nissan, it was a non-serviceable part. What does that mean? It means that if you had a problem with it, Nissan's policy was to remove and replace vs trying to fix it. The aftermarket has stepped up with lots of replacement parts, plus methods of fixing common issues with the GR6 transmission.
Transmission temperatures. This is another important point of the data available at the Nissan dealer though data they can collect though the Consult III , Consult III+ on the 2012 GT-R. Check out the section below for the oil change temperature intervals. Transmission coolers are a necessity for a car that is driven on a road course aggressively.
Noises- the GR6 makes some noise. It is a high performance dual clutch transmission. You will hear a rattling sound at idle. There are some abnormal noises with some cars, but this is something for a Nissan dealer, or a shop familiar with the Nissan GT-R to check.
POS (Performance Optimization Services)
The first POS is at 1,000 miles. Next is at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months all complimentary from the Nissan dealer. There is a page in the service and maintenance guide to record the settings and services. Failure to have the required services done at the intervals noted may void any remaining Nissan
warranty coverage.
Clutch alignment -The design of the clutch and transmission requires inspection and adjustment of the clutch and shift forks by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer at the recommended intervals. Depending on driving conditions, more frequent adjustments may be necessary to help maximize vehicle performance. Or alternatively the Cobb AccessPORT with TCM support can do a clutch relearn and adjustment.
Engine balancing - Each cylinder bank of this engine operates independently due to the vehicle's twin turbocharger design. Each side of the engine must operate at the same level of performance. The air flow of each bank must be checked and adjusted as necessary by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Checking wheel alignment-This vehicle is equipped with a high performance suspension. As the suspension components "break-in", the vehicle's wheel alignment needs to be measured and adjusted by a GT-R certified dealer at the recommended intervals.
Service and Maintenance Guide - 2009 Nissan GT-R
Service and Maintenance Guide - 2010 Nissan GT-R
Service and Maintenance Guide - 2011 Nissan GT-R
Service and Maintenance Guide - 2012 Nissan GT-R
Service and Maintenance Guide - 2013 Nissan GT-R
2011 Fluid change interval. (2009,2010 are available at the above links)
Warranty
Basic Coverage 36 months, 36,000 miles
Powertrain Coverage 60 months, 60,000 miles
Instrument Cluster and Audio System 6 years , Unlimited Mileage
The first four Performance Optimization Services (POS) described in the Nissan GT-R Owners Manual are provided at no charge. Failure to have the required services done at the intervals noted may void any remaining Nissan warranty coverage.
IMPORTANT: ADDITIONAL EXCLUSION AND WARRANTY VOIDING (2011)
Damage to the powertrain or any drivetrain component(s) that occurs when there is a record in the Vehicle Status Data Recorder (VSDR) that the vehicle was driven with the VDC off during the period when the damage was incurred is excluded from coverage under this warranty. Adding/replacing, reprogramming, attempting to reprogram, altering, or disconnecting any computer, control unit, or
electronic module, or deleting any or all stored information in any computer, control unit, or electronic module, or denying access to any data or information stored in any computer, control unit,
or electronic module VOIDS ALL COVERAGE under the 2011 Nissan GT-R New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Such actions are also "misuse" and "tampering" as those terms are used above
under "What Is Not Covered." See your Owner's Manual for additional important information and related warnings.
There are a lot of questions about the warranty. There are questions about launch control and warranty. Nissan changed the warranty from 2009 to 2010, and there are some important differences. Here are a few links to information on the warranty.
Warranty Information Booklet - 2009 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet - 2010 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet - 2011 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet - 2012 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet - 2013 Nissan GT-R
Warranty
Federal Trade Commission Validates Right to Install Aftermarket Parts Without Voiding Warranty
Alignment
Nissan actually had two recommended alignments for the GT-R
Tires and Wheels
When the Nissan GT-R originally ran the 7:38 Nurburgring time, in September 2007, Mizuno mentioned that the time was NOT on a cut slick tire. Somehow though the game of telephone, it was reported, or rumored that the Nissan was actually on a cut slick tire. This is not true. The OEM tires are a standard compound, lowest treadwear of 140, far from any kind of competition special tire. From the factory, there were three runflat tire choices filled with nitrogen. Front tires are a 255/40/20. Rear tires are a 285/35/20 The premium tire was the Bridgestone Potenza RE070, it is a treadwear 140 tire. The Bridgestone tires run about $1700 a set. The base tire was the Dunlop SP SPORT 600 DSST CTT, that is a treadwear 200 tire. The Dunlop 600's run about ($1780 a set). The Dunlop is the quick tire for the Nissan GT-R on the track. It will have a little more road noise than the Potenza, but on a track, it will be a few seconds a lap faster than the Potenza. The last choice, which might be your first choice would be the all season Dunlop 7010 all season tires, treadwear 240. They cost about $1816 per set. The all season Dunlops come standard with the cold weather package. Overall tire height is important to a GT-R because of the all wheel drive system. If you change tires or wheels, pay attention to the heights. If you do not, you could damage the all wheel drive system, and have a non functioning ABS/VDC. According to the service manual no more than 12 mm of difference in height front to rear. Actual tire life depends on the tire, wheel alignment, and how the car is used. Some GT-R owners have mounted 285/35/20 tires to the front of their GT-R, on front wheels, and it works out well.
For 2012 Nissan's has gone to a single tire the Dunlop Sport DSST 600 MAXX, and in the owners manuals they have relaxed some of the requirements related to the tires. Here are the sections.
"When tire replacement is required, replacing tires as a set of four with new tires is recommended. However, if a tire is punctured or damaged, it may be possible to replace only the damaged tire. Determining whether one tire or a complete set of tires should be replaced is based on a number of factors including tire wear and condition. Contact your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. They can recommend if an individual tire or a complete set should be replaced."A question that comes up often around the Nissan GT-R community, is the question of wheels and tires. Do I have to use stock tires? What diameter wheels fit over the brakes? Which are best for the street? Which tires are best for the track? This post covers the stock wheel and tires, 18 inch, 19 inch, 20 inch, and even 21 inch wheel and tires for the R35 GTR
"It is only possible to reuse the tires when they have no cracks and/or deformations on the bead portion of the tire."
Brakes
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| 2009 6 piston front caliper, 380 mm rotor |
An entire set any time you need to replace them. 4 rotors, 4 sets of pads. Pricing it out, most guys come up with a brake change in the $7000 range.
2011: brake pads can be separately replaced only when a certified technician checks for scratches and cracks and judges that the brake disc rotors are reusable. Of course, since 2008 plenty of people have replaced the factory Brembo rotors that crack from the cross drilled holes, with new rotors, and differing pads than stock. The brake rotors are a wear item, and are not likely to be covered under any warranty.
The brakes are another item on the GT-R that makes some noise. A certain amount of noise is normal due to the high performance brake pads, and the floating rotors.
2012: The front brake rotors have been enlarged to 390mm, but are thinner at 32.8 mm, also the material, and the airflow though the rotor has been improved. The brake pads are the same shape for 2012 as the 2009-2011. There are 390 mm x 34 mm brake rotor upgrades available.
2013: The brakes remain unchanged from 2012. 390 mm front rotors, and 380 mm rear rotors.
Modifications
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| JDM Owners Manual warning |
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| 2009, and 2012 stock midpipes |
Exhaust
The stock Nissan GT-R exhaust note is fairly quiet. The 2012 exhaust is slightly different than the 2009-2011, but close enough to be called the same. Though the two turbos, four catalytic converters, a resonator, and twin mufflers, the tone of the 3799cc VR38DETT is muted to the point that many owners want some more sound. A good starting point, is to swap out the midpipe(Y-pipe). From the midpipe, next is usually a cat back exhaust swap. The next step in line would be the downpipes. The downpipes are a tough swap, because the studs holding the downpipes to the turbos often snap. If they snap, removing the broken stud requires lowering the engine.
Cobb AccessPORT
Front Lip
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| 2012 RAY Blue Nissan GT-R with STILLEN lip spoiler |
The GT-R is a low, high performance vehicle. Did that make sense? . Low as in the front lip manages to catch on things like driveways, parking blocks and the like. The front lip from the Nissan dealer is a fairly expensive part, I have heard quotes for replacement $1200-$3000 from customers. The condition of the lip is something to look at prior to purchasing the car. There are some options to help cover up or minimize damage to your front lip. You can find out some more information about that here and here: The 2012 GT-R gets a new front lip.License Plate Bracket
No one likes drilling holes into the front bumper of their brand new Nissan GT-R, but if your state requires a front plate, that was your only option. However now STILLEN has a tow hook license plate bracket that requires no drilling. Just remove the tow hook cover, and screw in the STILLEN license plate bracket.
Owners Manuals
Nissan has made the owners manuals available for download as PDF documents. Here are some links to the pages.
2009 Nissan GT-R manuals
2010 Nissan GT-R manuals
2011 Nissan GT-R manuals
2012 Nissan GT-R Manuals
2013 Nissan GT-R Manuals
Specifications
2009 Nissan GT-R
2010 Nissan GT-R
2011 Nissan GT-R
2012 Nissan GT-R
2013 Nissan GT-R
Press Kits
2009 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2010 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2011 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2012 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
2013 Nissan GT-R Press Kit
For 2012, there has been a few changes to the Nissan GT-R
2013 Nissan GT-R Testing at Nurburgring
Email me with any additional questions you have, or items I should add to this guide.
For the largest forum and community of R35 GT-R owners, head over to NAGTROC(North American GT-R Owners Club.
