Nissan GT-R NISMO
is a model designation fans have been crying out for since the R35 was first driven back in 2007. Nissan's Motorsport division is familiar to many outside Japan thanks to Gran Turismo and bringing the two together surely promised a very special car indeed.
We were expecting a lot, and the NISMO delivers
Fortunately, the car was certainly worth it. Though limited to a few laps on the short Sodegaura Forest circuit, Dan Prosser had plenty positive to write about the 600hp NISMO. As could have been predicted, it was certainly fast; "staggeringly quick" was Dan"s assertion, the ferocious acceleration augmented by a gearbox that remains "brilliant".
Some were surprised that the NISMO weighs only 20kg less than the standard 1,740kg GT-R. However, Dan discovered a hugely agile car that belied its kerbweight. Thanks to a new rear anti-roll bar, trail braking meant the back of the car "moved around quite markedly to help keep the nose pinned to its line". It's an "endlessly enjoyable" sensation, according to Mr Prosser.
His overall verdict was of a "deeply impressive and likeable machine", and one that promises to reveal much more given greater exposure. What about the others?
Evo: 'To award it five stars is an easy decision'
Nick Trott also mentioned the NISMO's great agility, describing how it "resists body movement, and remains stable even during high-speed direction changes." The engine provided "vivid" acceleration, but Nick echoed Dan"s view that the 911 Turbo felt equally as rapid.
Price was a particular point of contention in Nick's NISMO review. It's expected to cost around £40K more than the standard, and still exceptional, GT-R. Though the NISMO car has rarity in its favour, there's no denying the "regular" GT-R offers a huge amount of the NISMO"s talent for less, and that"s before any tuning options are considered.
But Evo was unequivocal in its praise of the NISMO GT-R's ability. Nick concluded that it was "easily a match" for the 911 Turbo and Aston V12 Vantage S as a driver's car, and "exudes real character to boot."
AE: 'It elevates the GT-R to another level'
Auto Express
described the GT-R NISMO as a "relative bargain" given the performance, which was "frighteningly fast" in his opinion. Jack stated the noise made as a fantastic cocktail of "intakes gulping the air, exhausts bellowing and all four tyres ripping at the tarmac."
On the same short teaser drive as our Dan, Jack said the four laps "was plenty to get a feel for its character, which is less savage than you might think." He made a particular point of mentioning the steering, which wanted for some feel "next to more exotic supercars" but did provide "immediate and reliable responses." In combination with that ferocious powertrain, it allowed the GT-R to "fly out the other side of each bend."
Auto Express awarded the NISMO four stars, one less than Evo. However, given the standard car is a rated at five stars in the AE review bank, the NISMO will probably gain the extra on a more extensive drive.
TG: 'Oh-God-make-it-stop-fast'
Top Gear's
correspondent in Japan and wins the PH creative writing award for describing the NISMO's performance; it's "Oh-God-make-it-stop-fast" apparently.
That pesky Porsche was a subject for discussion again, but this time the comparison was entirely favourable. Risking a foray into the GT-R "digital vs analogue" debate, Matthew suggested the NISMO felt "as mechanical, analogue, and darned... right as a 911 Turbo S."
Special mention was reserved for the suspension set-up also, especially when put against the Track Pack GT-R. Where the old car "would merrily grind your spine to pewter", Matthew found "more pliancy than you"d imagine is possible" when driving the NISMO. Like Nick at Evo, he was also at pains to stress it "this is no Playstation experience."
But forget the subtleties and nuances of the NISMO's dynamics, the TG justification for clamouring over it is far simpler: "It is daft and visceral and has a massive spoiler." Who could argue with that?
Autocar: 'Makes a great car even better'
Finally we come to Nic Cackett at
Autocar
, who believed this ultimate iteration of the R35 "has never been more deserving of its fans' frenzied enthusiasm." Like the others, it was impossible to review the GT-R NISMO without that Nurburgring lap time and the Time Attack spec car. But he made the salient point that the appeal of the NISMO is that it appeals on the intangible, subjective criteria than simply in delivering a "fantasy lap time."
On the NISMO's handling, Nic discovered the "GT-R's fabled ability to make near straights of apexes attains new levels of uncanniness." Driving the car back to back with the MY14 car, the NISMO seemed "doubly aggressive."
Agility and response again featured, Nic drawing special attention to the NISMO's greater rigidity over a regular R35. It makes for a car "that bit pointier than standard" and one with a "sensation of heightened precision."
The NISMO GT-R was half a star away from a perfect Autocar score, itself half a star up on the standard car's four.
"One for the fanboys I think, especially at a £40K+ premium over what is already a staggeringly fast car." Oz83
"The standard GT-R should be fast enough for most people. The Nismo doesn"t offer enough to justify the premium." the_hood
"Bargain of the century" Dave Hedgehog
"It"s pretty amazing how such a heavy lump can accelerate and turn that fast. I want one - but not for £120k!" g4ry13
"GTR for me. The enthusiasts choice" Uncle John