Nissan GT-R NISMO 2021 Review

The Nissan GT-R has been one of the fastest performance cars in the world for more than a decade. However, it's also been pretty much the same that whole time; it debuted for the 2009 model year and hasn't received a full redesign since. Nissan has done its best to make updates at least. The only notable differences for 2021 is the elimination of the Track edition model and the return of the iconic Bayside Blue paint color made famous on the R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R from the late 1990s (a car that unfortunately was never sold new in America).

As fast and as powerful as the GT-R still is, it doesn't feel quite as outlandish as it used to. Rivals such as the Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche offer similar levels of performance but with a wider array of features and a more refined driving experience. Then again, the GT-R's age could be seen as a charming rebuke to ever-advancing technology in cars. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full take on the 2021 GT-R.

Which GT-R does MatoCar recommend?

The Nismo version is the ultimate GT-R, but Nissan's asking price for what you get seems too steep to us. We say stick with the GT-R Premium. It's plenty fast and comes well loaded from the factory with features including LED lighting, full leather upholstery and, of course, a monster twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

The 2021 Nissan GT-R is now available in just two trim levels: Premium and Nismo. Both are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine making 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque in the Premium and 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque in the Nismo model. That engine is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Both models come fairly well equipped, and the only major differences are a number of performance upgrades on the Nismo model.

Premium The GT-R Premium comes fairly well equipped. Standard features include:

• 20-inch wheels with performance tires
• Sport suspension with electronically controlled Bilstein shock absorbers
• Brembo performance brakes
• LED headlights and taillights
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• 11-speaker Bose audio system
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Navigation
• Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The GT-R Premium has one notable optional package:

• Premium Interior package
• Upgraded leather seat upholstery
• Additional leather interior trim

Nismo The top-level GT-R has been tuned by Nissan's Nismo performance division. Standard features carry over from the GT-R Premium. Besides the extra power from the engine, the Nismo has:

• Nismo-tuned suspension
• Carbon-ceramic brakes (for better resistance to brake fade during high-performance driving)
• Wider 20-inch wheels
• Wider front fenders
• Lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork
• Roof
• Front and rear bumpers
• Trunklid
• Rear wing
• Side sills
• Front fenders
• Hood
• Exterior mirrors
• Recaro sport seats
• Red interior accents