Nissan continues to tinker with the R35-generation GT-R even though it's getting close to retirement. This new GT-R NISMO Special Edition, which goes on sale in the U.S. this fall, will be extremely limited, though Nissan didn't share production numbers. And, no, it doesn't have any more power than the track-focused GT-R NISMO.

The special-edition cars get a blueprinted version—meaning it's built to tight specifications—of the NISMO's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6, still equipped with the same turbochargers used on Nissan's GT-R GT3-class race car. It produces 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque (standard GT-Rs make 565 horsepower), sent to all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In our 2014 test of a GT-R NISMO, it launched to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds on its way to a 10.9-second quarter-mile at 128 mph.

GT-R NISMO (for Nissan Motorsport) cars are distinguished by a more aggressive aero kit with a large rear wing and red trim. The Special Edition cars are finished in a handsome exclusive Stealth Gray with an exposed carbon-fiber hood (non–Special Edition NISMOs also have carbon hoods). The cars also feature a set of 20-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels with a red rim and NISMO logo and are the first GT-Rs to wear the new Nissan logo, which is on the trunk and center caps. They also get a unique plaque with red script on their hand-built engines.

Nissan hasn't released pricing for the 2022 GT-R NISMO Special Edition, but we expect it to cost just over the standard NISMO's $212,535 starting price when orders open this fall.

While the R35-generation Nissan GT-R is well over a decade sold, the automaker has had no trouble selling the 2022 GT-R Nismo.



Unveiled back in April, the latest GT-R Nismo will be available in standard and ‘Special Edition’ guises and production is capped at just 300 units. Nissan has now stopped accepting orders after three months with all examples accounted for.

Nissan has confirmed that 99 per cent of customers opted for the GT-R Nismo Special Edition rather than the standard model, which adds a clear-coated carbon fiber hood and 20-inch Rays forged aluminum wheels finished in black with a red accent. Approximately half of the customers also opted for the new Nismo Stealthy Gray paint finish.

Powering the 2022 GT-R Nismo is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 pumping out 592 hp and 481 lb-ft (652 Nm) of torque. While those figures are no different than previous GT-R Nismo models, Nissan says the Special Edition variant includes bespoke piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crank pulley, and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances.

“The GT-R NISMO has always been an ongoing pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure,” chief product specialist of the GT-R, Hiroshi Tamura, said at the car’s launch. “We take a holistic approach, seeking precision performance through a meticulous balance of engine components and shaving weight, and incrementally evolving the GT-R’s appearance to deliver the ultimate balance of power, performance and excitement to our customers.”

14 years. That's when the Nissan GT-R first graced the motoring world. Here we are in 2021, still celebrating Nissan's continued production of its enduring supercar. Now, it comes with a colorful twist in the form of the 2021 GT-R T-spec.

As mentioned in the headline, this latest special-edition GT-R will be available in Millennium Jade. Skyline fans know it was last used on the R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür, one of the rarest GT-Rs of them all. The color has never been offered in North America, but it's now one of two choices for the new T-Spec. Midnight Purple is the second color choice, which Nissan says is a "modern interpretation" of two previous purples – Midnight Opal from another special-edition GT-R released in 2014, and Midnight Purple III from the old Skyline R34 V-Spec.

What else does the GT-R T-spec have to offer? Think of it as a tamer GT-R Track Edition without the suspension upgrades. You get the Track's wider front fenders and carbon-fiber rear spoiler. Rays forged aluminum wheels finished in gold sit at the corners, with carbon-ceramic brakes behind them. Brake air guides from the GT-R Nismo are also part of the package, and of course, you can't have a special-edition GT-R without body-colored mirrors, black hood ducts, and plenty of T-spec badging inside and out. Speaking of inside, you'll find a new Mori Green interior color with plenty of leather, suede, and Alcantara.

The powertrain is untouched, which means 565 horsepower (421 kilowatts) from the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 driving all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Rumors of a final-edition GT-R with 700 hp (522 kW) persist, but alas, those rumors are not proven true today.

Nissan says the GT-R T-spec slots above GT-R Premium, but the automaker is coy about how many it will build. One thing the press announcement clearly states is that yes, this is a 2021 model. Usually, September debuts are all about next year's models but with the GT-R already being 14 years old, we don't blame Nissan for wanting to slow the clock down a bit. As such, we suspect the T-spec will be very limited in production, but it will reach America in the winter with a starting price of $138,490, not including $1,795 in destination fees.

If you can live without the Nismo's carbon fiber bodywork and an extra 35 horsepower, the base GT-R starts at $122,885.

The refreshed 2024 Nissan GT-R came as something of a surprise when it debuted in January 2023. Rocking a new face with cleaner lines and better proportions, the aging performance car arguably looks better than ever. With the visual tweaks comes a year-over-year price increase, and for potential buyers in the US, there's a hefty $100,000 gap between the entry-level GT-R Premium and range-topping, supremely pricey Nismo trim.

Specifically, the 2024 Nissan GT-R now starts at $120,990. The Nismo is literally an extra $100 grand, starting at $220,900. Add in the mandatory $1,895 destination charge from Nissan, and you get out-the-door pricing of $122,885 and $222,885. For a bit of context, the Nismo is considerably more than a new Porsche 911 Turbo, and just a few thousand less than a 911 Turbo S with less weight and more horsepower. That could be a tough sell for Nissan.

What does a Nissan buyer get for $222,885? All 2024 GT-Rs benefit from slightly better aero, but the Nismo adds a healthy dose of carbon fiber to the mix. You'll find it on the roof, hood, trunk lid, front and rear fascia, mirror housings, side sills, and rear spoiler. Nissan doesn't mention a weight advantage for the Nismo, though it does have a slightly better 54/46 front-to-rear weight distribution. The Nismo-exclusive bodywork also provides extra downforce, and enhanced cooling for mechanical components. Underhood, the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 still makes 600 hp for US-spec Nismos. The standard GT-R soldiers on with 565 hp.

For those not wanting a standard GT-R but can't justify a $100,000 premium for carbon fiber and 35 more hp, the T-spec trim returns for 2024. It offers some of the Nismo's performance bits such as brakes, wheels, and software tuning for the suspension, while also bringing some special colors only available on the T-spec. Horsepower is base-spec, but at $142,885, it's considerably less than the Nismo.

Here's a price breakdown by trim for the US market.
Model/Trim Base Price MSRP ($1,895 Dest. Fee Included)
2024 Nissan GT-R Premium $120,990 $122,885
2024 Nissan GT-R T-spec $140,990 $142,885
2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo $220,990 $222,885

Nissan says the 2024 GT-R will reach dealerships in the spring, with Nismo models coming later in the summer.