2020 Nissan GT-R Review

For decades, enthusiasts have been calling the Nissan GT-R by its nickname: Godzilla. Borrowing the name of the king of monsters is high praise. But it's one the GT-R earned by being one of the fastest point-to-point cars on the planet thanks to a fine-tuned chassis, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, a stout turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a race-proven pedigree. The current R35-generation model has been on sale since 2009 and has undergone some significant changes to both price and performance since its debut.

This year's 2020 GT-R receives more tweaks. The base Pure model has been dropped from the lineup, leaving the GT-R Premium as the least expensive model. There is, however, a new 50th Anniversary Edition package that's available on the Premium in limited numbers. It features special two-tone exterior paint schemes and interior trim and upholstery.

All GT-Rs receive upgraded turbochargers this year. Nissan says they help improve low-end response, even though the engine's power ratings are unchanged. One minor update: The Track Edition trim level now gets the upgraded 600-horsepower engine that was previously only offered on the Nismo. Finally, there are new lightweight wheels, some slight visual tweaks, a carbon-fiber roof for the Nismo, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes for the Track Edition and the Nismo.

The GT-R isn't the relative bargain it once was. And competitors such as the Mercedes AMG GT, the Porsche 911 and even the all-new Chevrolet Corvette benefit from newer redesigns and offer similar levels of comfort with no performance penalty. It's also fair to say they have a fresher curbside presence. But for the ultimate Japanese performance car, there's still nothing else quite like Godzilla.