Nissan reups GT-R for 2023 with Premium and NISMO trims

Godzilla fans rejoice; Nissan has announced their supercar-fighting GT-R will be sticking around for another model year. Introduced in 2007, the R35 GT-R set a new benchmark for affordable performance thanks to its advanced all-wheel drive system, twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6, dual-clutch transmission, and other advanced features.

Now well into its second decade of production, Nissan has continually tinkered with their halo car to improve its performance on and off the track. The R35 GT-R was originally rated at 480 hp, but now the lowest output GT-R boasts 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque.

The even more powerful NISMO model is still top of the heap, with 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft on tap thanks to a pair of turbos borrowed from Nissan’s GT-R GT3 race car. Both engine variants are paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle-shifters and the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system.

The 2023 GT-R will come in just two flavors, Premium and the aforementioned NISMO trim. While the NISMO is the more track focused of the two, the Premium model still comes standard with plenty of go-fast bits like Bilstein adjustable shocks, 20-inch Ray’s forged alloy wheels, and a multi-function display that shows vehicle performance info.

The NISMO features additional enhancements like a NISMO-tuned suspension, larger Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and wider Ray’s wheels measuring 20×10-inches in front and 20×10.5-inches out back. The NISMO also receives interior enhancements such as leather trimmed Recaro front seats with red stitching and a NISMO steering wheel with Alcantara accents.

The NISMO’s carbon fiber bodywork is the most substantial distinction between the two models. Nearly every panel on the NISMO is composite including the roof skin, hood, front fenders, and trunk lid. The NISMO-exclusive front and rear bumpers and side sill covers are also carbon and there is also a carbon front spoiler and rear underbody diffuser.

The carbon-fiber diet paid dividends on the scales, because the NISMO is nearly 70 lbs. lighter than the Premium version with a curb weight of 3,867 lbs. The Premium tips the scales at 3,935 lbs. That said, you do pay a price for that bodywork and extra power. Nissan says the GT-R Premium models will start at $113,540 in the U.S. While the NISMO version will set you back significantly more at $210,740.