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History of the Nissan GT-R

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A Bayside Blue 2021 Nissan GT-R is parked in front of palm trees
The 2021 Nissan GT-R in Bayside Blue
Photo: Nissan

When it finally arrived on American soil in 2008, the Nissan GT-R was already dubbed “Godzilla” by the press because of its fire-breathing reputation throughout Japan. It completely changed America’s idea of what a Nissan was (a boring sedan). The GT-R continues to make a huge splash throughout the country and has become known as one of the fastest cars available.


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Early history

The Nissan GT-R, or grand tourer, was introduced at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2007. It was the successor to the Skyline GT-R, which was a performance version of an older Nissan vehicle called the Skyline. But rather than being associated with the luxury Skyline vehicle, the newer Nissan GT-R was put into its own performance-based classification with the Nissan Z car.

In Japan, fans of the GT-R got the model in December 2007. But it wasn’t until July 7, 2008, that the GT-R was delivered to customers in the U.S. due to Nissan having to build the model at special performance centers. In fact, the model is so carefully crafted that only “Takumi Craftsmen” are able to hand-build the engine that sits under its hood.

A gold 2012 Nissan GT-R with a custom "MR BOLT" license plate
This special edition gold GT-R was auctioned for the Usain Bolt Foundation in 2012
Photo: Nissan

Special editions

While the standard GT-R is definitely worth celebrating on its own, Nissan has introduced many special editions of the sports car over the years. Just some of the unique models include the Track Edition, Gentleman Edition, Midnight Opal Special Edition, 45th Anniversary Gold Edition, and the Naomi Osaka Edition — named for the tennis star and Nissan ambassador.  

Nissan GT-R racing history

The GT-R made its first appearance on a racetrack in 2008 under the guise of the Super GT, replacing the Nissan 350Z. In 2009, it competed in the 2009 FIAT GT Championship season. The Sumo Power GT-R won the 2010 RAC Tourist Trophy on May 2, 2010. Then in 2011, JR Motorsports drivers Michael Krumm and Lucas Luhr won the Drivers Championship with the same car. Things changed drastically when Nissan debuted the GT-R NISMO models. These performance models have gone on to win the 2013 Pro-Am cup championship, the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series, and all six races in the 2016 Super Endurance Series.  


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Recent generation

The Nissan GT-R is still available today and is more advanced and thrilling than ever. Sporting a 600-horsepower engine, a premium Bose sound system, and intuitive safety features, the 2021 Nissan GT-R is what dreams are made of.