The R35 Nissan GTR is over ten years old and many people think that it has aged completely. However, is this really true? it has had two facelifts and it is still one of the fastest and most competent cars on sale today. Even when it was launched back in 2007 it had performance figures that today would be considered insane. The Nissan GTR however, should not be confused with the Skyline GTR. The Skyline is a completely different car that was not intended to be a supercar. The R35 GTR as we know it today was built with the intention to be a supercar and unlike its Skyline predecessors is only available in one trim, which is GTR.
Ultimately though the 2020 GTR still shares technology with the 2007 GTR. It shares the same handbuilt 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, the same chassis, the same body shape, and mostly the same technology. What’s changed in 13 years are bumpers, interior, colors, wheels, and most of all power. Originally the 2007 GTR had around 480hp (it varied because each handbuilt engine produced slightly different power outputs). The 2017 GTR has 562hp which is an almost 100hp difference. The 0-60 in 2007 was around 3.5 seconds whilst in 2017 it is down to 2.8 seconds.
The GTR has improved over the years with its power increases and its interior having higher quality materials and finishes. It still is reasonably priced at $113,000 upwards base which is brilliant considering to get this level of performance in other cars you would need a lot more money.
Rivalry For The GTR Has Increased
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When the R35 GTR was launched in 2007, it had no rivals. No car in its price bracket could match its performance. Essentially it was untouchable as it beat cars double the price of it. Nowadays, however, things have changed. The GTR still is cheap but there are a few cars in its price category or even cheaper which push its buttons and show the GTR has rivals. Take Chevrolet’s new C8 Corvette. It starts at $59,995 which is a lot less than the GTR. For that, you get a sexy Targa top mid-engined supercar with 490hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 is insane being around 3 seconds. Actually, the optional Z51 package brings it down to 2.8 seconds. That is the same then as the even more expensive front-engined GTR.
The C8 Corvette will test the GTR to its limits. The GTR may have AWD and 4 seats but the C8 is no slouch in the corners. The interior on the C8 is far better too. Let’s not forget about cars such as the Challenger Hellcat Redeye which starts at $70,595. That’s a car with almost 800hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat pushes to 60 in 3.2 seconds and flat out will do over 200 mph. It may be slightly slower than the GTR but it is far more aggressive. Even the new 760hp 625 lb-ft of torque Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 starts at $73,995 with fully loaded models costing less than a base GTR.
The GTR then has a lot of muscle car rivals that have sprung up over the last few years. But even the Tesla Model S performance which boasts a 0-60 of 2.4 seconds starts at just over $99,000 which is still cheaper than a new GTR. The Model S seats five has more doors, cheaper maintenance, no congestion fees, and its electric.
Also for around $2000 extra than the GTR base MSRP, you can have the all-new Porsche 992 911 Carrera S. That’s a Porsche with a better gearbox and technology. Don’t be put off by base 911 models though with no options as even they are pretty insane cars and they can be used a lot better day-to-day.
Depreciation on The GTR Sucks
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Yes the GTR depreciates a lot. Expect in 3 years to lose a lot of money off your brand new GTR. Cars that are a few years old in 2017 facelift are selling between $80,000 to $90,000 with some actually even going for less than that. The GTR is a great second-hand buy but new you may want to re-think your decision as even on finance it can be a blow to the jaw. The GTR is also not a fan amongst finance companies due to its horrible depreciation.
If you want to buy a new GTR R35 outright then you have to be extremely wealthy. Not many people will want to take such a loss on a car and by the way, the second-hand market for the R35 GTR is very competitive. Of course, some people will not even care in the slightest about depreciation which is completely understandable. I mean the GTR was made for driving so what is the point of keeping the miles low for re-sale value. In fact, it’s a good thing this car depreciates so bad because even low mileage cars get hit like hell. In fact, cars with lower mileage at resale are only worth a bit more than their higher mileage equivalent.
So the GTR then is essentially a car that forces you to drive it. You have to accept that you will lose money when you buy this car. Therefore, the GTR is a car you buy because you love it. The GTR is a car that offers sublime value and so much joy that you would forget that once you’ve driven your brand new shiny GTR out of the showroom and got it registered, it has lost a significant chunk of its value. You spend $125,000 on your new GTR only to find out of the showroom and registered with its “delivery miles” is now only worth $113,000 which is basically a kick in the balls.
The GTR Is Still Great Value for Money
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Regardless of the price, the GTR is still great value for money. It has a handbuilt engine, great reliability, relatively cheap maintenance, and decent practicality. Optional extras are also reasonably priced, unlike its German rivals whereby leather air vents can cost upwards of $1000. The GTR seats four, it has a decent-sized trunk too which can fit the weekly shop. the GTR still looks exotic and the recent 2017 facelift keeps the 13-year old body design updated and fresh. The GTR is a highly detailed car and best of all you can mod this thing to crazy figures on stock parts.
The GTR is also a lot cheaper than the next Japanese supercar, the slower Acura NSX which starts at $157,000 and also suffers from dismal depreciation. The GTR has its eyes set on the 630hp 911 992 Turbo S which starts at $203,000 and has similar performance statistics as the GTR. Let’s not forget in 2007 the original GTR smashed the 911 Turbo 997 in the reviews and around the Nurburgring.
The GTR still offers phenomenal power. It pushes out 562hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. It has updated brakes, better aerodynamics, 20 inch forged wheels as standard, and a very precise 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The 0-60 is 2.8 seconds with top speeds of almost 200 mph. The launch control is crazy and it really does push you back in your seat. Round the track is great too with its new suspension system that can put other modern cars to shame.
The GTR has its engine built by Takumi Craftsmen who are Nissan’s best engineers in Japan. They take a lot of pride in the GTR by hand-making the transmission and engine in a pneumatically sealed factory so that no dust reaches the car. The engineers even wear gloves when building the car to prevent dirt. Such attention to detail deserves a high starting price.
Featured image credits via edmunds.com