Nissan’s GT-R has been around for quite some time, and its most capable iteration to date is the 2020 Nismo. The lighter and more aerodynamic model with improved grip features plenty of visual and technical upgrades, all meant to make it more exciting to drive.
The handcrafted 3.8-liter V6 gets its turbochargers from the GT3 racer for improved throttle response, yet the output remains unchanged. Its 591 HP (600 PS / 441 kW) and 481 pound-feet (652 Nm) of torque are channeled to all four wheels through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s been re-tuned to provide more aggressive gear shifts in the ‘R’ mode.
Video: The 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo Might Be Old, But It’s Choke-Full Off Character And Speed
You’re going to hear it coming from far away, too, as Nissan’s engineers have also reworked the exhaust system, giving it a deeper tone, complete with the pops and crackles expected from a high-performance model with an old-school vibe. Unofficially, it does the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in around 3 seconds. Officially, nobody but Nissan knows, and for some reason, they did not disclose a figure.
Interestingly, they did announce its average fuel consumption, which officially stands at 18 mpg (13 l/100 km / 21.6 mpg UK), yet that’s probably the last thing you’ll think about if you’ve got over $212,000 to spend on one, destination charge included. But would you actually want to buy a car that, although considerably evolved, was essentially unveiled last decade – not to mentioned almost $70k costlier than a Porsche 911 GT3? CNET’s RoadShow put it to the test at the track to find out.