2016 Nissan GT-R Review
2016 Nissan GT-R Review





+45
Used GT-R for sale
Appraise This CarNissan GT-R model years
Nissan GT-R types
- Coupe
- NISMO
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stupefying acceleration
- very high handling limits
- easy to drive.
Cons
- Doesn't evoke as much passion as some competitors
- clunky around-town transmission behavior
- intrusive road noise
- big price premium for the Nismo model.
What’s new
The 2016 GT-R develops an additional 5 horsepower in non-Nismo versions thanks to electronic refinements. In Premium trim, 20-spoke wheels replace the previous 10-spoke design. A 45th Anniversary Gold Edition is added to the lineup to celebrate 45 years of worldwide GT-R production. The Track Edition version has been dropped.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Nissan GT-R is getting a bit up in years, and it shows up in the car's lower levels of refinement. But the car's Olympian powertrain and easy-to-drive nature still hold plenty of appeal.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$263/mo for GT-R Premium
GT-R Premium
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Few cars embody the concept of maximizing bang for your buck more than the Nissan GT-R. Since it arrived on our shores in 2009, the GT-R has promised supercar performance at sports car prices. Back then, $70,000 was all it cost to buy a 485-horsepower kaiju that could dispatch the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 without breaking a sweat.

With 550 horsepower available, the 2016 Nissan GT-R has no trouble accelerating up to warp speed.
With continual improvements over the years and increases in standard feature content, a new GT-R is now in six-figure territory, but Nissan's top sports car remains an impressive beast. The heart of the GT-R is its potent, twin-turbocharged V6, which now produces 550 hp in standard tune. A multitude of computer-controlled systems govern a stellar rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that adjusts the torque split based on multiple factors. Combine all this with an adjustable suspension, and you have a car capable of making a novice driver feel like a track star. For those looking to lay waste to all challengers, a 600-hp Nismo version is available with different suspension tuning, carbon-fiber aero work and Recaro front bucket seats.
The GT-R's biggest drawback lies not so much in what it can or can't do, but in its lower levels of refinement compared to newer high-end sports cars and sport coupes on the market. Alongside these rivals, the GT-R's so-so ride quality doesn't do it any favors, and neither does its intrusive wind noise. Many sports cars in this price range strike a more favorable balance between comfort and performance while the GT-R is laser-focused on attacking challenging roads with tight turns. Nor is the GT-R as affordable as it once was, and the Nismo trim, which costs almost 50 percent more than the regular GT-R, is particularly hard to justify.
The Edmunds.com "B"-rated Nissan GT-R now finds itself sandwiched between more powerful and less expensive sports cars such as the Corvette Z06 and Dodge Viper and more refined vehicles like the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and 2016 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe. The all-new 2017 Acura NSX should also warrant consideration. Overall, we still love how the GT can dominate the racetrack (or your favorite back road), but its disadvantages in everyday livability should certainly factor into your purchase decision.
Performance & mpg
The 2016 Nissan GT-R is powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that generates 550 hp and 463 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automated manual transmission routes this power to the ground through an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The GT-R Nismo gets an upgraded version of this V6 that puts out 600 hp and 481 lb-ft.
Utilizing a built-in launch-control program, performance is nothing less than jaw-dropping. In testing of a 2015 GT-R with 545 hp, we observed a 0-60-mph sprint taking just 3.2 seconds. This powertrain also achieves respectable fuel economy, with an EPA estimated 19 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway). We validated these estimates with our own real-world 23 mpg measured over Edmunds' 120-mile evaluation loop.
Safety
Standard safety features on the Nissan GT-R include antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In testing of a 2015 GT-R, we recorded a best 60-0-mph stopping distance of 99 feet, which is on par with the world's best.
Driving
Pleasingly, the 2016 Nissan GT-R still has the impressive performance that has made this car the object of gearhead fantasies since its U.S. debut for the 2009 model year. The turbo V6 produces acceleration that's not unlike the jump to warp speed, while the transmission rips off rapid and perfectly rev-matched gearchanges. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is still a wonder, too, as it directs power where it's most needed for maximum traction, and for the greatest effect on handling.

Even after all these years, the GT-R can accelerate, brake and corner with the best of them.
This is also an exotic that remains remarkably easy to drive fast. Chuck the GT-R into a corner, any corner, and it sticks through the bend and rockets out the other side. But it never surprises. It's frightening in the same way that commercial air travel is: It's the conscious thought of the speed you're traveling (and the consequences thereof) that raises hairs, not the direct knowledge that you're in control of something special. Some drivers might find this advantageous, but others will bemoan the lack of passion.
Thanks to a slew of suspension modifications made last year, the GT-R is more comfortable to drive than ever before. But there's still room for improvement. The ride can be rough at times, and road noise is considerable, as are clunks and whines from the driveline.
Interior
The 2016 Nissan GT-R combines the driver-oriented cockpit you'd expect from a sport coupe with user-friendly controls. The combination of well-bolstered front seats and column-mounted shift paddles makes it easy for the driver to focus his attention on the business at hand. Everything is within reach and where it should be.

The GT-R's cabin is trimmed with generally high-quality materials.
In addition to the typical navigation and audio displays, the 7-inch touchscreen can bring up info like the currently selected gear and also play back a range of performance data including lap times and G-forces generated during aggressive cornering.
Unlike some cars with similar performance, getting in and out of the GT-R is a snap. The seating position is relatively high and the doors are long. The standard front seats also offer surprisingly good comfort for such a performance-focused machine, making the GT-R a reasonable road trip companion. The Black Edition and Nismo models all get more heavily bolstered front seats better suited to aggressive driving.
Rear seats are only suitable for small children but, in this category, that is more than can be said for many of its competitors. At 8.8 cubic feet, trunk space is decent by supercar standards but accessibility is diminished by the narrow opening and tall liftover height.
2016 Nissan GT-R models
The 2016 Nissan GT-R is a high-performance 2+2 coupe with seating for four. It is offered in three trim levels, including Premium, Black Edition and a 600-hp Nismo version.
The entry-level Premium model's list of standard equipment includes 20-inch forged alloy wheels, summer-rated tires, an adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, LED adaptive headlights, LED running lights, a rearview camera and keyless ignition and entry. Inside you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, leather and simulated-suede upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats and an active noise-cancellation system. Information and entertainment comes in the form of a 7-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an 11-speaker Bose sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB interface.

The limited-production 2016 Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary Gold Edition gets special paint and identification badges.
There are three optional packages for the GT-R Premium. The Premium Interior package adds upgraded leather upholstery, while the Cold Weather package gets you all-season run-flat tires and a special coolant mixture for faster engine warm-up. A 45th Anniversary Gold Edition option is new for 2016 and includes "Silica Brass" paint, a gold VIN plate inside the engine compartment and a special plaque located on the center stack. Nissan says fewer than 30 vehicles will make it stateside. The GT-R Premium's option packages aren't available on the Black Edition or Nismo trims.
The 2016 Nissan GT-R Black Edition features lightweight black alloy wheels, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, leather Recaro front sport seats and unique black and red interior trim.
Topping the GT-R line is the Nismo model, which comes with a more powerful engine, body reinforcements, firmer suspension tuning, aerodynamic upgrades and distinctive interior trim. A titanium exhaust system is an option exclusive to the Nismo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Nissan GT-R.
5 star(84%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
38 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
THE modern era supercar!
Manraj S Dhillon, 02/07/2009
2009 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)
I researched this car for over a year against BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, Audi RS4, Corvette Z06 and I was coming from a WRX STi and I kid you not, this car does it all. I had heard that it had a hard ride and was noisy but it is not the case. It handles beautifully and turns immediately when you want it to.The power is indescribable and the sound of the car, in my opinion, is just right … (V8s are overrated). The interior is quality crafted and it has all the modern tech you could need or want. Do not buy if you need usable rear seats. It does better MPG than my STi did and the sound system is great. You had also better get used to the attention you will receive because they are so rare. The BEST
4.63 out of 5 stars
true excitement
LMSTENT, 12/28/2009
2010 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)
This car has been a thrill to own! When it first came out, I agree the stats were impressive but based upon pictures alone, I thought it looked horrible...then I saw one in person. Wow, was I wrong with my intial thoughts. The look is aggressive with its wide stance and multiple angles...pictures definitely don't do it justice. I had to purchase it before driving it, but am … exceptionally happy with the performance. All the positive reviews can be trusted. The GTR moves out like nothing I have driven before (coming out of a audi RS4). Its acceleration and cornering ability are amazing for such a large heavy car. The significantly rear-biased all wheel drive add a level of fun over my Audi.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Ferarri Beater
Driver2755, 07/29/2009
2010 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)
Just returned from a Ferrari Owner's club drive. None of the over 40 cars represented, including a Lambo Murci could touch the GTRs acceleration. The only problem is the factory installed governor which limits the top end to 155. Working to fix this problem. This car is fantastic and I have owned many exotic cars.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Disorientingly Fast!
Nate, 03/30/2009
2009 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)
I only have 117 miles on the car so far, but what I can say is that it is really an experience. I purchase the car for a daily driver in Wisconsin. The ride is not that harsh, the gear box is a MANUAL for all intense purposes and the shifts feel like a good manual transmission would feel. There is a little too much road noise for my personal taste.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Nissan GT-R, so we've included reviews for other years of the GT-R since its last redesign.
2016 GT-R Highlights
Coupe
Premium
Base MSRP | $101,770 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $263/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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