Nissan announced the price of the 2020 GT-R NISMO today, which at $212,435, makes it the most expensive production car from the company to date (not counting the R390 GT1 of which only one example was produced nor the special Italdesign GT-R50).

While at first, you may think that the folks at Nissan have gone off the deep end, pricing one of their cars in the same stratosphere where Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin reside, a closer may reveal that even with the nearly $37,000 price hike from last year’s model, the mightiest of all GT-Rs is still somewhat of a bargain.

While it doesn’t look unchanged from the previous model, Nissan subtly-but-effectively re-engineered much of the entire vehicle, injecting race-proven technology wherever possible. The most significant of these are the company’s first carbon ceramic brake system, an item usually reserved for racecars and high-end exotics. The combination of the carbon ceramic rotors—410 mm up front and 390 mm at rear—and Brembo calipers significantly improve reaction time, durability and overall stopping performance. The carbon and silica carbide structure of the rotors are nearly as hard as diamonds, and when paired with the new material of the brake pads, they generate more friction for an enhanced controlled feeling in all types of braking situations. The new materials also help shorten the brake pedal stroke. The newly-developed high rigidity calipers are dipped in bright yellow paint that can resist temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Celsius.

And while the Nissan’s 3.8-liter V-6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine—each handcrafted by its own takumi technician–remains relatively unchanged from last year, producing 600 hp and 481 lb.-ft. of torque, NISMO engineers improved the way the power was delivered to the four wheels with an exclusive turbocharger design that features a modified turbine shape and fewer blades optimizing flow rate and enhancing acceleration response by 20 percent. The engine comes mated to the same 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as before, but it now features a refined “R mode” that not only shifts faster, but also optimizes gear selection, especially when exiting corners. This enhances the feeling of acceleration and deceleration on both road and track. The adaptive shift control has also been programmed to customize shift schedules to the user’s driving style, making it possible to drive in a restrained way on public roads, and in a highly spirited fashion on the race track, without changing modes (in A range/R mode).

The 2020 GT-R NISMO’s handling has been sharpened thanks to updated suspension tuning that improves cornering stability, with enhanced yaw rate response and smoother ride quality. The steering features better linearity and more precision than ever, requiring minimal corrections at speeds of up to 187 mph. Contributing to the car’s lighter overall feel are new carbon fiber parts throughout the car, including the front and rear bumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoiler, that result in less weight, increased downforce and enhanced aerodynamics. Of note here are the front fenders, which now resemble those on the GT3 GT-R, complete with scalloped vents that help funnel hot air away from the engine bay and provide exceptional downforce onto the front tires. The sum of the new carbon fiber parts result in a total weight savings of about 5 lb.

“The GT-R NISMO has evolved into the most extreme performance car ever offered by Nissan. The new 2020 model’s performance and equipment suggest that it is a car that belongs on the race track, but this particular car can also be enjoyed on the open road, thanks to its high level of refinement that has become a NISMO trademark. The 2020 GT-R NISMO may not be for everyone, but it can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R.

And indeed, despite the new 2020 GT-R NISMO’s supercar status, it doesn’t take a seasoned racecar driver to get the most out of it. It is amazingly predictable and comfortable, and while it would be a stretch to say it is the ideal ride for soccer moms, the new GT-R NISMO never punishes the driver with a harsh ride or loud unwanted sounds. It remains mature and compliant on congested freeways, while still breathing fire on race tracks. It has evolved into a supercar that provides the best of both worlds, offering the ultimate in Japanese precision, culture and craftsmanship, and for some, those qualities alone can be priceless.

Highlights	Description
Engine	twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6
Horsepower	600 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque	481 lb-ft @ 3600-5600 rpm
Transmission	6-speed auto
Suspension, F/R	Double Wishbone/Multilink
Brakes, F/R	16.1-in ceramic discs/15.3-in. creamic discs
Wheels and Tires	20-in. alloy, F255/40ZRF20, R285/35ZRF20
Curb weight	est. 3900 lb
Overall length	184.6 in.
Overall width	74.6 in.
Overall height	53.9 in.
Wheelbase	109.4 in.

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