A supercar within an innocuous but purposeful 2+2 coupe profile, with prices commencing at £83,995 and the NISMO 600 version pictured here pitched at £174,995, it is an enormous price tag for a genuine giant-slayer of unrelenting high-quality. The doyen of the hot-shoe brigade, since the first GTRs were produced in 1969, it has been a model synonymous with high-performance. A formidable reputation was bolstered in former years by taking decisive race championship victories, until it was banned (ironically) for being too fast. Featuring active 4WD, four-wheel steering and a bi-turbo V6 petrol engine, today’s GTR is a technological showpiece.
In NISMO 600 form, its 3,799cc engine has been boosted to 595bhp (from 565bhp standard), with 480lbs ft of torque. Its predictive, automated-manual gearshift times have been reduced by 0.15s in Race-Mode. The Bilstein adaptive damping suspension has been refined for sharper bump and rebound control but a smoother ride quality overall, while the steering is not only more linear than before but is now more surgically precise. The braking system has been improved for greater feel and keener pedal responses. The exhaust system has been modified from turbochargers to tailpipes. New alloy wheels and the return of Bayside Blue to the colour palette, using an intriguing double-heat treatment, plus revitalised trim detailing features in the bespoke but traditional cabin.
Kaizen is at the heart of the GTR. It is evinced by the small NISMO team’s constant need to evolve and fine tune. Each member projects curiosity and a ‘what if’ mentality. Small improvements combine to make a high-quality discernible difference. The full exhaust system is produced from titanium for lightness and structural integrity. It emits a deep, purposeful grumble at low engine speeds, exiting raucously via four blue burnished tailpipes at high speeds.
Boasting a top speed of 196mph, the NISMO 600 is capable of scorching from 0-60mph in 2.3s, emitting CO2 at a rate of 325g/km (demanding a massive road tax bill), while returning 19.7mpg on the official combined test cycle (WLTP figures). It is pure power that motivates the 1,725kgs 2+2 coupe, despite carbon-fibre wings, roof, spoilers and bonnet/boot panels. At 410mm diameter (390mm rear), the front rotors are the largest discs ever fitted to any road car and the Brembo yellow callipers resist heat discoloration. Vents improve airflow and heat dissipation above the front wings, directing it towards the rear aerofoil.
Nissan knows that it has produced a car that possesses virtually unbeatable chassis dynamics. However, it is probably aware that the Skyline is not exactly cutting edge in design terms, even though the aerodynamics were highly advanced more than a decade ago (0.26Cd). For what it is worth, early GTR35 models are now available at less than a tenth of their original invoice values.
