The 2023 Nissan GT-R is a tantalizing and remarkably balanced supercoupe that’s offered in two trim levels: Premium and NISMO. Both are engineered for all-out performance and come with a hand-assembled twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine, but there is a power difference: while the Premium produces 565 hp and 467 lb.-ft. of torque, the NISMO is tuned to generate 600 hp and 481 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission distributes all that brawn to Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which can vary its torque split between the front and rear wheels for optimal handling. According to the EPA’s official estimations, both trims should return 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The Premium is blessed with the expected sport-oriented attributes, like Dunlop summer tires on 20-inch wheels, high-performance brakes (which have been jointly developed by Nissan and Brembo), Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers with three suspension settings (Normal, Comfort, and R), active sound enhancement/cancellation tech, aluminum sport pedals, and a multi-function display that shows various graphical readouts and other driving data. On top of that, this base-level GT-R has LED exterior lights (headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights), power-folding side mirrors that are heated, flush door handles, a special Fujitsubo exhaust system, and proximity access with push-button ignition (Intelligent Key).
Nissan outfits the Premium to work well as a daily driver, with features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with integrated gauges, illuminated vanity mirrors, two USB ports and 12V power outlets, and an overhead holder for sunglasses. For comfort, it gets heated and power-adjustable leather front sport seats with suede inserts, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control. It’s also equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen (it also responds to voice recognition) infotainment system that unites navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. With the optional Interior Package, this trim will be upgraded with hand-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery.
The more track-tuned NISMO raises the stakes with enlarged carbon-ceramic brake rotors, an upgraded suspension, weight-saving carbon-fiber exterior components, Recaro sport seats (in a blend of leather and suede), black and red interior accents, a suede-like wrapping for the steering wheel, and a specialized NISMO tachometer.
Since it’s a sports car, the 2023 GT-R is not overly equipped with driver-assist technologies. In addition to a comprehensive airbag system, it has the requisite rearview camera plus front and rear parking sensors, hill start assist, and a traction control system.
