Nissan GT-R Nismo Review: 0-60mph, 1/4 Mile, Ride, Handling & Performance Test | Top Gear Tested

Nissan first showed us a 21st-century Skyline concept car 20 years ago. That later became the production-ready GT-R in late 2007 and after years of upgrading, we now have the final boss: the GT-R Nismo. £180,000 buys you the most extreme track-ready road car that Nissan has ever made. Does the latest iteration of the giant-killer still live up to its name 14+ years later? Join Top Gear Magazine's serious car tester, Ollie Kew, to find out...
Chapters
0:00-0:33 Intro
0:34-1:34 What is it?
1:35-1:55 Styling
1:56-2:33 Engine
2:34-4:40 AWD System
3:41-3:54 Practicality
3:55-4:51 Tech
4:52-5:33 Weight
5:34-7:26 0-60mph, 0-100mph, 1/4 Mile
7:27-8:21 Ride
8:22-9:52 Motorway Driving
9:53-10:26 Handling
10:27-11:55 Full Send
11:56-13:47 Verdict
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[@gijoemolinaro]

There is absolutely nothing wrong or dated about a real Hand brake which is massively safer as well as less to go wrong

[@tonij4073]

You're right, my opinion every car should have hand E-brake. Whats the point of other electronic P-brake? useless nobody use them doesn't make sense. Who knows i could be wrong.

[@robertaBooey69]

Just like roll up window and manual locks they never go bad

[@MStrange88]

Amen. The original top gear crew along with the Chris Harris’ of the world would def prefer the manual handbrake

[@magnusshawn4698]

Agreed. I test drove a newer car the other day. It had an electronic parking brake. It’s not a great feeling.

[@alechall7082]

I've had to fix the hand brake on my mk7 gti twice in 2 years, and I only ever use it for parking. Shit happens, but if an electric e brake just worked ide take that

[@styleemusic]

This car should never go out of production

[@Ryan191072]

Let's get excited for the R36. 🎉🎉🎉

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

This GT-R is still to this day one of the best cars ever made ~ Idc what people say about it being too old, since it gives it personality compared to a lot more modern cars today. When it came out 15 years ago, people considered it very digital, but now it's refreshing to see it being considered analogue in today's era of performance cars. That 3.8L twin turbocharged V6 engine is still a beast of an engine, especially in this NISMO GT-R with that 600 HP and 652 Nm of torque, plus the launch. We can't forget about that 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, which is still insane to this day, since that AWD system knows how to put that power down extremely well, and that AWD system is very smart so it doesn't kill you when you go around corners. Although, with NISMO not existing anymore as a company as of this year, Idk if we'll get another NISMO GT-R.

[@WhuDhat]

I agree, it's just gotten better and better over time, like the Porsche the presenter compared it to multiple times, it was considered a cheater car when it debuted, just like the porsches.. if I was given the choice between this and a turbo s it would take me a while to make that choice, alot of the people who bash on the many iterations and years of the 35 have not driven one near their limits, Idk how nissan will follow this up to be honest but I'm sure they'll find a way

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@WhuDhat This R35 GT-R really has improved since 2009, and honestly it'll be hard to top and live up to the expectations of this generation of the GT-R if Nissan decides to make an R36 version because the R35 is so good.

[@ethanpalmer5741]

it mist definitely is.

[@infinitycrazee]

Dont forget Nissan asked Lotus to tuned the GT-R handling.

[@dallasstang2818]

It’s a phenomenal car but I call error in judgement on the part of the chief designer/whoever that said he wanted a heavy car because it adds mechanical grip. The 911 Turbo S with less power and weight out runs it in the speed, acceleration, lateral g, and almost every metric. I believe it is also faster around the ring. At speed, weight is less useful than downforce while less weight is the holy grail of overall performance in nearly all metrics. It’s a phenomenal car but flawed.

[@badman5356]

Rear taillights makes GTR lineup really standout

[@thatblackz1850]

Not really, ever seen the ass end of a cobalt

[@cj9318]

@@thatblackz1850 ever get some bitches

[@acropophia8857]

always has

[@acropophia8857]

@@thatblackz1850tell me this 12 years ago and i wouldve agreed but now its rather rare to see a cobalt so

[@xXxUrbanNinjaxXx]

@@thatblackz1850where do you live that you see cobalts everywhere? 😂

[@chuanyong5442]

Yes i agree. Nissan engineers set the bar so high for the r35 they don't really know what to launch for the r36.

[@lucky889s9]

It will be a hybrid

[@jammaschan]

@@lucky889s9 oh I hope not

[@tonyspitfire06]

Fun fact this exact gtr is the same one Carwow tested you can tell by the front license plate

[@conradsealy9603]

@@lucky889s9 there was a publication stating the R36 will be an EV.

[@conradsealy9603]

Nissan is working on newer lighter battery technology to use in the R36 as its going to be an EV.

[@ClayWong]

This Final Nismo R35 is one thing to look at but being behind the wheel and driving this thing to the limit is another level of insanity!👌

[@ZZGTKING]

Never seen this presenter before, but I have to say he has great potential as a car reviewer, his expression about how a car makes you feel is way above ride&handling perspective, and he drives good too, you can see and hear his emotion and passion about cars and driving.

[@peterclifton6312]

One of the best cars ever made

[@snvs9395]

Absolutely the best car I've ever owned!

[@M98747]

How do you afford to own one? 😅 I need to change my career!

[@snvs9395]

@M98747 never about how much you make but how you spend it. 😆 Millionaires go bankrupt. GTRs are 70k ish and all you need to make is roughly 70k a year with no debt

[@M98747]

@@snvs9395 Ah, fair enough. I was thinking of the GT-R Nismo, which is $221k. I could afford $70k, but I'm weird though. I drive to a law office with Jaguars, Teslas, and everything else in the parking lot with my wife's rusty Sunfire she got while she was in high school. 😂 The windows, radio, and car horn don't work, but we travel internationally with the money we save, and then I go home and play Gran Turismo 7 to imagine I'm driving something nice. 😅

[@nolby1758]

Those round tail lights are so legendary,you can throw them in there with the old Corvette tail lights, unmistakable.

[@jponz85]

Except corvette ditched the round, legendary taillights. I hope gtr continues the tradition

[@junkiebaxXxter]

All you need to watch is Chris Harris review of the R35, and then imagine a bit more aggression in the Nismo

[@air-headedaviator1805]

That review is so fantastic.

[@bizling]

The difference with this Japanease stuff, is that generally compared to competitors, thier products seem to still perform many years later. I can imagine GTR's making it to 50 years old with a usual maintenence schedule (poss some failed parts)...............could a Ferrari 488 do the same? hmmm.

[@gjonno]

Probably not, but a Porsche Turbo S will….. £180k for a Nissan? I know which I’d have….

[@derekgaliee4351]

Ferrari & Porsche Rebuild their Engines about 40,000 miles

[@gansior4744]

When you think R35 is in the Production for 15 Years...

[@esplayerr]

One of the best Nissan's supercars 🇯🇵 🏁

[@larryc1616]

Yes from 2007-2016. Too old, too slow, too fat and too expensive now.

[@s-b6218]

What other super cars in Nissan's range are you comparing it to?

[@tonyspitfire06]

@@larryc1616 its faster than the nsx type s tho

[@dejanbosnjakovic8028]

It's not a supercar

[@yusufgta4341]

The 2020 Shelby GT500 weighs about 150lbs more than the GTR R35 Nismo but it has 760hp from a 5.2L V8 supercharged and a DCT transmission that shifts 80 milliseconds. The Shelby GT500 is a heavy car. The nismo is about 3890lbs if I'm mistaking.

[@aishaimtiaz3775]

Doesn't matter if the inside looks outdated, I would love one of these!

[@solidspirit2365]

"If you want a touch of class buy a porche" I prefer everything about the Nismo, it looks superb.

[@jackfrost2025]

You can tell it's fast because of the Top Gear wobbly camera vision

[@Mr.Waffullz]

Can't have a GTR review without mentioning Playstation

[@bananakawan1320]

What

[@DouEditz]

?

[@rych7852]

True. But at least he made fun of the people that pretend the GTR is a playstation game. When its a physical effort that takes effort and concentration

[@Mr.Waffullz]

@@bananakawan1320 every car reviewer UK to be specific always says "it drives like a PlayStation video game" like okay we get it now 😂 That's "what"

[@mr.cambiomr.c1041]

I love the roaring sound of the V6 engine on this "Godzilla" of a car🤟🤟🤟

[@nenjalj]

Bravo Top Gear, haven't done anything this good in ages!

[@shagirani5518]

One of best cars to come out of the land of the rising sun!

[@beauhenderson4959]

For sure!!second only to the Mitsubishi Lancer evolution 8mr

[@TWHISPERER]

2nd behind the LFA

[@jennypenny7243]

Top gear needs more episodes like this! I enjoyed it so much

[@jasonal1769]

I’d have to say your review is pretty much spot on. With regards to the lightening of the wheels (100g per corner) this is more about reducing unsprung weight and rotational inertia. Although when compared to the “electric seats”, the weight saving here can provide quicker turn in response and more feel for the driver. Probably hard to feel the changes behind the wheel but it all adds up as you said to make the GTR what it is today. Well done on a very accurate review.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

The GT-R has to have the most reviews of any single car type at this point. People just can’t stop thinking about it

[@alechall7082]

probably because its been around for 15 years

[@gurugotnocensor]

It’s an iconic car plus it’s a beast legendary car model

[@1255XL]

I absolutely love this car since it's release. Would take it any day of the week over a Porsche.

[@lovelehstuff]

From being the supercar killer to being the car supercars kill for the same money, never live long enough to watch yourself become a villain 72 likes wowww

[@tanaka90]

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, wonder which car currently holds it?

[@serenelight2294]

@@tanaka90 911 turbo

[@nelsonthomas5743]

@@serenelight2294 no it's definitely the Plaid

[@prajwalkpbhat8998]

@@nelsonthomas5743 the plaid isn't exactly a 'supercar killer'. It gets beaten by supercars on a proper racetrack.

[@antilagboostaddiction8322]

@@nelsonthomas5743 Only vegans and Biden supporters give a shit about the plaid

[@deadman4uin]

Now NISMO should tune the upcoming GTR in competion with 911 Turbo S. GTR should now have at least 700+ HP and 800+ Nm torque.

[@pantherdxn4835]

The nismo has more power than the regular 911 turbo but it's alot slower

[@yano9669]

its too late now. the gtr is now cancelled in europe, and soon the rest of the world. hopefully the r36 will satisfy our cravings with the car while still being cheaper than most supercars.

[@deadman4uin]

@@yano9669 Something like Skyline GTR R34 NISMO Z-TUNE is required. That car was too advanced for its time and fast too. Nissan is not pushing GTR to its limits. That's it.

[@yusufgta4341]

The 911 turbo S is rear engine configuration layout so it's going to have superior acceleration due to the engine being in the back giving extra traction. Turbo S will have the advantage around most tracks compared to the front engine gtr.

[@larryc1616]

600hp is too little today and too little in 2016. 11s quarter it too slow today. Not sure why they never came out with a 650-700hp version? maybe ICE is too unreliable and non-durable at those hp to sell and warranty.

[@whiterhyno6328]

Did you just complain about having a manual handbrake lever and you’re on a car show as in Top Gear? Wow that’s hit the final nail in the coffin with me on that show thank you.

[@mkelebay]

9:25 I think that squirrel did some weight reduction there.

[@ralphpeiris5996]

The car is a race car pure and simple. I have a 2012 Nissan GT-R and I ❤it.

[@th3c4rm4n5]

I love the GTR culture!

[@beupdat1443]

you make the best videos to watch while I'm eating !☺

[@MLAGG10N3]

That squirell at 9:30 running for its life ahead of Godzillas thumping around...

[@2WheelsRoadTraveler]

Such an iconic car!

[@kingakim11]

great video

[@samgarrod4781]

People are calling the R35 GTR old but still love the R32 R33 and R34.... 🤔

[@devanman7920]

Still such an iconic looking car!....also did he imply a manual handbrake is a bad thing?

[@oceancity5776]

@9:31 squirrel on the inside lane has an angel

[@awake5196]

"Nissan first showed a 21st century Skyline concept car _20_ years ago.." me: (thinks about 80s - 90s) "..way off back in 2001" me: (visible confusion)

[@abrasp]

crazy how time flies

[@1255XL]

I feel you mate, time goes crazy fast.

[@King_droid4908]

Company dosent have that much money to devlope a new car company like merscedes , ferrari , bugatti , mclaren , and porsche so that is also a factor why we are not getting a new gtr

[@jakwadd]

I still see no reason to buy a Nismo GTR, the standard model is still an incredible car for the money and you can have two for the cost of a nismo! Granted the nismo looks even better but not for like 70k 😂

[@joe.nail1]

The reason is $$$

[@bluearpeggios]

I would have to agree with you.

[@johnny_drama4755]

Or buy one and take it to Litchfield 💪🏻

[@lindaalya6925]

Superb

[@purwantiallan5089]

The rear tailight of the GTR NISMO made this car a fan favourite.

[@Mega-vv6ns]

looks cool

[@KevsEpisode]

In carwow he achive 2.8 seconds he set it into all R mode! The new TOPGEAR Its not fun anymore, i wish the old days as same the new one the trio is so entertaining James Hammon Jeremy the legends on automobile world.

[@ralphsmallblock4367]

Well said🙏

[@kaloyanski]

Awesome!

[@Matt-il8zz]

There was a time when I was impressed by an 11 second quarter mile.

[@justinbocchino5141]

I think that's still very impressive... if the car cost less than six figures

[@larryc1616]

yeah, in 2007-2014 Plaid baby!

[@Anonym-dx2tp]

Quite young Companies like Tesla have completely changed that narrative.

[@chrisgarcia5462]

@@Anonym-dx2tp until the electric GTR comes along.

[@johnny_drama4755]

Because I’m sure your car does sub 11 seconds

[@wottevva]

you had me at GTR let alone Nismo

[@ryanzanow8221]

That squirrel got one heck of a view and auditory experience!😄

[@ciaranburke3243]

Here here what a machine totally unique 👍

[@cj9318]

9:43 my favorite line haha

[@RamjeProductions]

I prefer the DBA-R35 Nismo over this EBA-R35 Nismo simply due to the way the shifter paddles are mounted, on the steering column as it should. Tiny paddles on the steering wheel are a bit of a faff to use them properly.

[@tonyfastboy]

Even got a manual handbrake liver? 😳 Wtf every car should have a handbrake liver.

[@junkiebaxXxter]

Lots of e-brakes nowadays, even in the 992 carerra

[@tonyfastboy]

I know I have an e-brake on my Audi a3. I miss pulling the liver once in a while.

[@tarekantonioalkhaledi2118]

Nissan and Nismo the Holy Grail of JDM!!!

[@magnusshawn4698]

Nice puff of brown smoke at launch. I hope the engine and turbos had been warmed up prior to dropping the hammer.

[@antonsebastian895]

Legend

[@gtensley671]

Dream car

[@JDMism]

10:45 the 2009 Spec-V had factory carbon brakes

[@jponz85]

I wonder if the spec V was a similar version of the nismo at that time lol

[@JDMism]

@@jponz85 I guess you could say that. The Spec V's titanium exhaust looks really similar to the original Nismo one, it could even be the same part

[@jeffreywilson2160]

Squirrel on the race track at 9:32

[@SethDaughters]

Explain why they came out at a price under $80k now over $113k for the same car.

[@snowjammma]

Wheels are rotating mass wich effects the performance differently than having more mass in the cabin for a seat adjuster. Point taken though

[@boralalah]

Só o orooo.

[@ryanwilson3738]

Hell yea brother

[@WillybonksRandy]

Proper super car right here

[@ktwei]

Top Gear should be getting an N attack package Nismo for testing. You guys are special enough.

[@OCAMELONAAMERICA]

É um super carro

[@alekspen]

Dudes legs looked like they were going to break when he walked lol

[@rc0885]

It would like to c a drag race btwn a nismo gtr gt3 rs and merc gtr pro

[@dannyseville2543]

It’s a sad day when they stop making the GTR? They have just announced they are stopping it.

[@Tazz-7375]

3.3 seconds to 60 is way of the quoted time

[@TinoushGTR]

With next GT-R being electric, this will be the last fire spiting Godzilla. I'm glad I live in these times and one one.

[@Fasteddie1085]

🏁🏁GTR used to be the bargain priced supercar killer… not anymore just overpriced and severely outdated 🥲

[@growingup4487]

The old GTR's were the same price adjusted for inflation it's been getting better and better for similar pricing

[@Fasteddie1085]

@@growingup4487 inflation my ass this isn’t a normal premium $115000 or track addition $150000 this is a Nismo $215000 …For that money take a Porsche 911 turbo allday anyday 😉🤙🏾

[@jponz85]

I agree. When it came out it was literally $70k. Inflation? Lmao? Fuuuuuc that. Cheapest gtr now is like $110k and I agree, it's not worth it anymore :/

[@chrisgarcia5462]

Outdated and still kicking major ass!

[@alpaca2021]

5:15 printer sounded like a gtr 2stepping

[@M3PH11]

i remember when these things cost 50k new. not nearly 200k I also remember when the hand made plaque on the valve cover wasn't a lie.

[@giant23]

At first i thought this was a slmo guys video with the lab coat.

[@m.e.3003]

The GTR will always be my favorite car. They should create a drag race with every R-35s that they came out with to see which is faster

[@johnny_drama4755]

No my mistake, that was 4 of the last skylines (including the r35). Apologies.

[@mackie1001]

Makes the Project 8 look like a bargain but it’s a yes from me (if the P8 didn’t exist)

[@perkye1239]

R36 is due out soon...... any improvements we will have to wait and see

[@alexeiutgoff7955]

The car that only impresses highschool boys lmao

[@lfa9329]

So, now, the famed supercar killer Nissan gets obliterated by a CHEAPER Porsche on the quarter mile. Good job, Nissan! Your philosophy of 'kaizen' (small incremental changes with time) has served you well I see...

[@projectocamero7502]

I have a customer willing to pay $50k over MSRP for a new Nismo and we can't find him one. 😅

[@sylvaind.6786]

Your customer understood it all

[@projectocamero7502]

He has another 2015 with only about 15k miles on it but not Nismo so he wanted to get another one for the track. Some people got money like that.

[@chuanyong5442]

Smart client, he knows they will be worth a lot more later now that production has stopped.

[@lexburen5932]

nissan has stopped production of the GTR. You could call the import from your country to get in touch with the factory if there is a nismo version around somewhere.

[@yusufgta4341]

Do the 2020 Shelby GT500!

[@JXiong-zo8ig]

The front bumper alone is $20,000 let that sinked in

[@brakel8r]

The third funnest car i have owned

[@robsonrissotrainer]

I thank God for allowing me to own a 2021 gtr and I love it, it's a forever times less car

[@conradsealy9603]

Im kind of confused as to why a English publication is doing articles on the R35 GTR Nismo when its no longer available in the U.K. 🤔

[@caflet2009]

It's good that the build quality is high - they've only had 20 years to get it right

[@77arceus]

R35 is so outdated now, roll on the R36

[@defnotatroll]

I don't think nissan are gonna put money into developing an R36 in the electrification age. I mean look at the Z where they reused the 350/370 chassis

[@77arceus]

@@defnotatroll isn’t there a new GTR due out q3 of this year?

[@defnotatroll]

@@77arceus not that I know of. Nissan haven't even shown a concept the way they did the Z

[@tonyspitfire06]

@@77arceus it was a report that there will be a final edition

[@Gnik4144]

Man I wish I could afford to import and maintain a RHD Nismo

[@77arceus]

Remember when the R35 cost £65000?

[@mrflippant]

Pepperidge Farms remembers.

[@leehenry5764]

£53,000 when it first came out

[@jasoniannone9675]

I could see Nissan going hybrid with a beefy 4 cylinder, an AWD system with a look toward Koenigsegg direct drive, and styling aped from the new Z. I would like to see it lighter and smaller with more retro styling and a twin turbo straight 6. The animal should still come through in the driving experience. The interior should depend on physical buttons with nice feel, taking lessons from the bonkers interior touch points in the Paganis and Singers. It should rely less on touchscreens.

[@UncleManuel]

"It's like a lovechild between a bullet train and a sumo wrestler." 😂😂😂

[@aviv9902]

why th riguler gtr doing from 0 to 100 in 2.7 and the nismo doing 3.3?

[@mariannehuber5604]

i ove it

[@ramcoyannix8861]

it's kinda sad that this is probably the last we hear the Godzilla roar

[@danmar007]

Hey! That's my car. Give it back. :)

[@LeonYuL]

Since when a P button and indicator is more up to date than a lever in a sports car 😂

[@georgenaidoo9553]

Great car but the narrator made me feel like this is a BBC health documentary.

[@markahomer]

Nearly an ex squirrel at 9:28 🤣

[@johnny_drama4755]

R35 is no longer sold in the UK. It’ll be the last fully petrol powered GTR. Next one, if there is one, will be either be hybrid or fully electric 😩