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R35 Nissan GT-R (2009-2022) review – design

The GT-R is best described as big and bold. Its looks aren't to everyone's tastes, but its vast size makes its performance even more impressive.

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from £82,525
  • Staggering capability; grip, power and poise that doesn’t come at the expense of engagement
  • A little rough around the edges

The GT-R is far from subtle. Its big exterior makes it a very imposing road car, and while its four large tail pipes, big rear wing and gaping mouth exaggerate its size.

These physical proportions do make its ultimate performance seem even more remarkable; that something so large can move at such a rate is constantly surprising.

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It received a subtle facelift in 2017, softening its look, which fits with the model’s more comfortable attitude. The styling changes aren’t just for aesthetics, though. Nissan aimed to improve the cooling by increasing vents and openings without increasing drag.

The GT-R Nismo features a much more aggressive aero package, with a large rear wing, more pronounced shoulders over the front wings and deeper front splitter. Spotting the difference between the old GT-R Nismo and the new 2017 model isn’t easy, the biggest difference is the aggressive front splitter that makes it look more like the GT3 car, and carbon slats venting the front wheel arches. 

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