Nissan has revealed the 2024 R35 GT-R, a revision of the same GT-R revealed more than 15 years ago at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
The updated GT-R, which was shown to an audience at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon in a 25-minute presentation, features mostly minor styling and aerodynamic changes to the 2024 model year.
Furthermore, Nissan has specified the changes made to the R35 are for the Japanese market only. Australia no longer receives the Nissan GT-R in any form, however, with the supercar having been removed from sale after changes to Australian Design Rules (ADRs; specifically side-impact rule known as ADR 85/01) made it ineligible for our market.
While there was speculation that Nissan could be revealing plans for the next-generation GT-R, given that high-powered Nissan executives such as COO Ashwani Gupta, chief vehicle engineer Takashi Kawaguchi, and chief powertrain engineer Naoki Nakata had travelled for the reveal, there's still no word on what's likely to be called the R36 GT-R.
For now, the R35 lives on for Japan in a similar model line-up as before, with several 'standard' editions of the GT-R powered by a 419kW/637Nm version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that has been a staple of the car for years, or two Nismo versions with a higher tune from the same engine for 441kW/652Nm.
Starting the presentation, Ashwani Gupta drew on the GT-R's storied history and highlighted its combination of motorsport prowess and road touring ability before handing over to chief vehicle engineer Takashi Kawaguchi to explain the changes for 2024.
Key changes to the standard model are primarily style-based, with the front now having a little bit more 'R34' in its face than previously. Compared with the GT-R as of 15 years ago, however, the car has changed very little.
Elements such as a redesigned wing increase the R35's downforce by 10 per cent according to Kawaguchi, but options such as body colour carry over from the 2022/23 model.
Things are a little different for the Nismo versions, where a large, GT500 race car-derived rear wing works with other changes to create 13 per cent more downforce, and elements like side cannards and rear apron elements are able to reduce drag and lower air pressure in places like the wheel arches.
Inside, a new pair of carbon Recaro seats feature individual cushion panels to balance lighter seating with improved comfort and stability.
For those hoping to see the R36 soon, tempered expectations are advisable. Japanese outlet Best Car, which is often well acquainted with Japanese industry happenings, expects to see the next GT-R as an electric model late this decade.
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