We went to Nissan’s new 2024 GT-R press launch and here is what’s new. Can we expect this new model to be the final R35?
Nissan unveiled their new 2024 GT-R and its NISMO counterpart at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon during their press launch on Friday morning, here in Makuhari Messe – and HotCars was there to get an exclusive look. The R35, which made its first appearance back in 2007, is back again in 2024 for a 16th consecutive year, with mixed reactions from the general public. Though the enthusiasm was palpable in the crowd, the release left more than one questioning afterwards: is this the R35 4.0 or the final R35? One thing is certain, the new 2024 GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and GT-R NISMO Special Edition replace the previous 2022 models that were, until not so long ago, thought of as the “final” R35 models.
A Grand Reveal Of The GT-R At The 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon
For the reveal, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer Mr. Ashwani Gupta introduced both cars on stage, evoking several times the GT-R’s history and legacy. As Mr. Gupta pointed out, the launch of the R33 and the R34 both happened here at the Tokyo Auto Salon, respectively in 1995 and 1999. This new GT-R follows its predecessors’ footsteps, appealing to an audience “passionate for sports cars and custom cars,” acknowledged Gupta. It was, according to the COO, important to showcase this car at the Auto Salon, as the GT-R “has evolved with the Japanese car culture,” he added.
A Dramatic Facelift For The 16 Year-Old R35 GT-R
The 2024 GT-R did reveal one of the more dramatic facelifts in the R35’s longstanding history. At the front, the GT-R bumper shows a distinct horizontal line that spans across the bumper from one headlight to the other. While the Premium Edition takes a smoother approach reminiscent of the earlier R35 model, the NISMO has stronger and sharper lines on the lower sides of the front bumper. The NISMO also has more distinct changes at the rear, primarily with its new GT-inspired swan neck wing design. Combined with other design upgrades, the NISMO has a 13% increase in total downforce. Which is great, but the most notable update that instantly catches the eye is the new set of honeycomb-shaped daytime running lights on both cars. Both Millennium Jade and Stealth Grey paints remain unchanged from the previous editions. On the inside, the NISMO also benefits from a seat upgrade.
The R35 GT-R Gets No Defining Performance Upgrades
On the performance front, the Premium model hosts the VR38DETT twin-turbo 3.8L V6 we all know of, with the same 565 hp and 467 lb-ft power output. This also goes for the NISMO model, with no changes to the previous 600 hp and 487 lb-ft. However, Japan models will likely sound quieter than before with their new exhaust, according to Chief Vehicle Engineer Mr. Takashi Kawaguchi, in order to comply with new Japanese regulations.
First GT-R Deliveries As Early As Spring 2023 In Japan
As a whole, these new GT-R upgrades improve airflow, increase downforce, make the car faster, more balanced, deliver more driving pleasure than ever and keep pushing the boundaries of the R35. And as per Mr. Gupta’s words, this face lifted GT-R “makes its mark in the long history of the GT-R.” So, is this the 16 year-old R35 series going out with a bang? It remains hard to tell. But one thing’s for sure, the new 2024 GT-R models promise to be exciting, as they have always been. And if this new R35 is of interest to you, Nissan plans on delivering the first Premium models in the coming spring, and the NISMO versions later in summer.
Did Toyota Steal Nissan’s Spotlight At Tokyo Auto Salon?
At their Auto Salon booth, Nissan also showcased their flagship all-electric crossover, the Ariya, the 432R-inspired 400Z Customized Edition, and even the new Motul Autech Z GT500 race car, which currently competes in Japan’s Super GT series since last year. These cars, in addition to the 2024 GT-Rs on stage, created an overall rich display, but next door, Toyota did attract massive crowds with their completely rebuilt hydrogen and EV AE86 on one hand, and their new Crown off-road concept on the other, on top of their primary Gazoo Racing showcase. In the end, Nissan would have probably been better off unveiling some sort of off-road GT-R, following the current trend set by Porsche and Lamborghini, to shake things up in the static timeline of the R35.
