Nissan GT-R (R35)
The Nissan GT-R (R35) was introduced to the U.S. market for the 2009 model year as Nissan’s all-wheel-drive, twin-turbocharged performance coupe. It used the hand-assembled VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, a rear-mounted six-speed dual-clutch transaxle, and the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system.
Model Overview
The R35-generation Nissan GT-R replaced the Skyline GT-R lineage with a standalone GT-R model. For the U.S. market, the GT-R launched for the 2009 model year with a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, all-wheel drive, a dual-clutch transmission, and electronically controlled chassis systems.
Unlike earlier Skyline GT-R models, the R35 was not based on the Skyline nameplate and did not use an inline-six engine. Its VR38DETT V6, GR6 dual-clutch transaxle, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, and Bilstein DampTronic adaptive dampers defined the car’s engineering identity.
Core Specifications
| Model | Nissan GT-R |
|---|---|
| Generation | R35 |
| Model Year | 2009 in the U.S. market |
| Market | USDM |
| Body Style | 2-door 2+2 coupe |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, all-wheel drive |
| Engine | VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Displacement | 3,799 cc |
| Horsepower | 480 hp at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch GR6 rear transaxle |
| Drive System | ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive |
| Limited-Slip Differential | Mechanical rear limited-slip differential |
| Front Suspension | Independent suspension with Bilstein DampTronic adaptive dampers |
| Rear Suspension | Independent suspension with Bilstein DampTronic adaptive dampers |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in |
| Length | 183.3 in |
| Width | 74.6 in |
| Height | 53.9 in |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 3,836 lb |
Specification figures should be checked against the exact U.S.-market trim, production date, and source. Later R35 GT-R model years received substantial output and equipment changes.
Engine Specifications
| Engine Code | VR38DETT |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 60-degree V6 |
| Displacement | 3,799 cc |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged |
| Turbochargers | IHI twin turbochargers |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 24 valves |
| Horsepower | 480 hp at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm |
| Redline | Approximately 7,000 rpm |
Wheels And Tires
| Front Tires | 255/40ZRF20 run-flat |
|---|---|
| Rear Tires | 285/35ZRF20 run-flat |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in |
Engineering Character
VR38DETT Engine
The GT-R used the VR38DETT, a hand-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6. The engine became one of the defining features of the R35 platform because of its output, durability, and modification potential.
Rear Transaxle Layout
The six-speed dual-clutch transmission was mounted at the rear of the car as part of a transaxle layout. This helped distribute mass more evenly than a conventional front-engine transmission arrangement.
ATTESA E-TS AWD
The R35 used Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system to manage torque distribution and traction. The system was central to the car’s launch performance and all-weather performance identity.
Adaptive Chassis
Bilstein DampTronic adaptive dampers and electronically managed chassis systems gave the GT-R a technology-heavy performance profile relative to many contemporary sports cars.
Model-Year Notes
| 2009 | U.S.-market launch model year. The GT-R was rated at 480 hp and used the VR38DETT engine, GR6 dual-clutch transaxle, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, and Bilstein DampTronic adaptive dampers. |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Later R35 update. Output was raised to 530 hp for reference against the launch model. |
| 2015 | Later R35 update. Output was raised to 545 hp for reference against the launch model. |
| 2017 | Facelifted R35 model year. Premium output rose to 565 hp, while the Nismo version was rated at 600 hp. |
Factory Colors
| Super Silver | Metallic silver launch-era exterior color. |
|---|---|
| Gun Metallic | Dark metallic gray exterior color. |
| Pearl White | White pearl exterior color. |
| Solid Red | Red exterior color. |
| Jet Black | Black exterior color. |
Modern Enthusiast Relevance
- VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6
- Hand-assembled engine
- Six-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle
- ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system
- Mechanical rear limited-slip differential
- Bilstein DampTronic adaptive dampers
- High factory performance with substantial aftermarket support
- Standalone GT-R identity separate from the Skyline nameplate
Comparable Cars
Porsche 911 Turbo
Contemporary all-wheel-drive turbocharged performance benchmark with a rear-engine layout, high-output flat-six engine, and a more traditional premium sports-car identity.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive American performance coupe with naturally aspirated V8 power and a lighter, more analog performance character.
Audi R8
Mid-engine all-wheel-drive performance car from the same broad period, with a more exotic layout and premium positioning.
BMW M3 Coupe
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive performance coupe with naturally aspirated V8 power and a more traditional sport-coupe chassis balance.
Buying And Ownership Notes
Evaluation should confirm model year, launch-control history, transmission service history, differential and transfer-case condition, engine compression, turbocharger condition, cooling system condition, brake wear, tire condition, suspension condition, accident repair history, corrosion, and previous modification quality.
The 2009 GT-R should be distinguished from later R35 model years because Nissan revised output, transmission calibration, chassis tuning, interior details, trim structure, and exterior styling across the long R35 production run.
MSC Taxonomy
Summary
The 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) is a U.S.-market launch-year all-wheel-drive performance coupe powered by the VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It paired a front-mid-engine layout with a rear-mounted six-speed dual-clutch transaxle, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, adaptive Bilstein DampTronic dampers, and factory output of 480 hp and 430 lb-ft.
Dimensions & Chassis
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in |
|---|---|
| Length | 183.3 in |
| Width | 74.6 in |
| Height | 53.9 in |
| Suspension | Independent, Bilstein DampTronic adaptive |
| Limited-Slip Differential | Mechanical rear LSD; AWD |
Wheels & Tires
| Front Tires | 255/40ZRF20 (run-flat) |
|---|---|
| Rear Tires | 285/35ZRF20 (run-flat) |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in |