The Nissan GT-R is the most prestigious and well-known car from the Nissan manufacturer. It has been featured in movies, and races, and lauded as a highly desirable racing vehicle for over 50 years. But just what is the Nissan GTR? What does GTR stand for in Nissan vehicles? Is GT-R a trim, or is GTR its own model of vehicle?
The answer is both! Join us in this fascinating exploration answering the question, “What does GTR mean in Nissan?”
GTR is Nissan Model and Trim Category
The most common confusion is whether GT-R is a trim option for Nissan’s finest vehicle models or if GTR is its own vehicle design. It is both. GT-R began as a trim option for high-end Nissans like the Skyline GT-R or the Mercedes-AMG GTR. However, as time passed, the Nissan Skyline GT-R became so beloved that it became its own model with all the GT-R feature design priorities that made the original a star.
However, other brands are still using GTR as a trim category, which can cause some confusion.
GTR Stands for Gran Turismo Racing
What does GTR stand for in Nissan? GT-R stands for Gran Turismo – Racing. Gran Turismo translates to Grand Touring. The core elements of the GT-R design are for high performance, luxury experience, and long-distance racing. In other words, they are designed to go fast, go far, and make you feel like a movie star. It’s no wonder the GTR has been featured in movies.
History of GTR
The original GT Skyline was released in the early 1950s by Prince Motor Company. It was a popular and sporty “grand touring” car. Nissan and Prince merged in the late 1950s and released the Skyline GT-R, an upgrade that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1969. Needless to say, the car was a hit. Its high-performance sedan design was an all-star for luxury and speed.
A two-door version was released in 1970, with the nickname “Hako.” The 1989 release was the third-generation Skyline GT-R. It featured twin turbos and an advanced AWD transaxle with 376 horsepower. Australia then nicknamed it “Godzilla on Wheels,” a name you may still hear.
The current GTR is the R35 Nissan GT-R, which was first released in 2007. It is still a variant of the original Skyline and the only version ever to reach the United States.
Engine in the GTR
The R35 Nissan GT-R features a twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6 engine that has been hand-assembled by master craftsmen to provide a powerful drive. It offers 565hp and can achieve 467 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and 3-mode driving system. You will find advanced all-wheel-drive AWD that distributes torque between front and rear axles for the feel of rear-wheel drive with AWD performance.
Why the GTR Is a Good Consideration
The Nissan GTR has been a favorite in the vehicle enthusiast community for over 50 years of spectacular design and long-distance, high-speed performance. Having enjoyed 17 years of R35 GR-R models and nearly two decades of feature upgrades, the Nissan GTR still provides an incredible driving experience with power and luxury in perfect balance.
If you are looking for a vehicle that drives like a racing champion, allows you to adventure confidently, and makes you feel like a movie star, you can’t go wrong with the Nissan R35 GT-R. The Gran Turismo – Racing design has been tried and true for half a century, and it only gets better.
Test Drive a Nissan GTR at Nissan of Visalia
Ready to discover the smooth and luxurious feel of a Nissan GTR for yourself? Contact us at Nissan Visalia to schedule your test drive.
View New InventoryFAQ
What does GTR stand for in Nissan?
GTR stands for Gran Turismo Racing, which refers to high-performance grand touring cars.
Is the Nissan GTR a trim or a model?
It started as a trim level on early Nissan Skyline models, but it eventually became its own standalone performance model.
When was the first Nissan GTR introduced?
The first Skyline GTR debuted in 1969 after Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company.
What engine does the current R35 GTR use?
The R35 GTR is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8L V6 engine that is hand-assembled for maximum performance.
Why is the Nissan GTR so popular?
It has been admired for more than 50 years for its speed, long-distance capability, luxury feel, and racing-inspired design.
Connect with us
