2024 Nissan GT-R Up Close: Nipping and Tucking

With the redesign of the latest Toyota Sequoia, there’s a new vehicle that holds the title of longest-running nameplate without a major redesign in the U.S.: the Nissan GT-R. For 2024, it gets its third face-lift in an effort to stay fresh and relevant — more than some Hollywood celebrities and with arguably better results. You can’t argue with the outcome, however; it’s more powerful, more aerodynamic and likely quicker than ever. It’s also likely to cost more than ever, but that lofty price does guarantee some exclusivity — you’re probably not going to see yourself coming and going on your local streets in a GT-R.

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A Nip and Tuck

As mentioned, this is the third face-lift for the GT-R, and each time, it gets a little bit sleeker than before. This time, there’s a new front and rear end meant to improve aerodynamics (and therefore handling characteristics); thinner mesh graces the grille; and there’s a reshaped rear wing out back on the base and T-Spec variants. That mid-level T-Spec trim gets wider fenders, gold 20-inch wheels, special badging, Mori Green leather inside and two new paint color options: Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple. The top NISMO trim returns again with slightly more daring looks, sporting a new front lip and rear diffuser, a rear wing with 10% more surface area, new Stealth Gray paint and a new appearance package with red wheel accents.

It all looks just as cool as it did when the car made its U.S. market debut for the 2009 model year, which is kind of extraordinary for any sports car. But the shape of the GT-R really does lend itself to icon status, which makes sense given this car’s image, especially in Japan.

Ever Faster

Along with getting a nip and tuck every few years, the powertrain gets massaged, as well, with the venerable twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 now pumping out 565 horsepower and 467 pounds-feet of torque in standard form and an even 600-hp and odd 481 pounds-feet of torque for the top NISMO trim. All-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are still standard. The only real upgrade now is that the NISMO version gets a new front limited-slip differential, which should make for some interesting track behavior.

The track is really where the GT-R is supposed to be, frankly, as previous drives of Nissan’s top supercar have always revealed it to be a rough-and-tumble, razor’s-edge kind of sports car. It’s loud and stiff, and the exhaust sounds like a coffee can full of loose bolts being shaken while the engine is snorty and poppy. The whole experience in prior GT-Rs has always been extraordinarily visceral and in massive contrast to America’s iconic super sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette.

It’s priced a great deal more than Corvette these days, too. While we don’t have pricing for the new 2024 model, the 2023 model rings in at nearly $118,000 (including destination) to start, while the NISMO stickers for more than $217,000. Those are decidedly supercar price tags, but again, they guarantee some exclusivity for the GT-R given the rarified company that kind of cash commands. There’s little doubt that the 2024 GT-R will likely live up to that performance potential, as well.

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