Nissan GT-R 2022: T-Spec to arrive in October before supercar is axed

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Nissan Australia has announced the 2022 GT-R will be rushed through to land on our shores in October before the super-coupe is killed off by new safety standards.

The 2022 range will feature two special editions known as the GT-R T-Spec and the GT-R Nismo SV, which will expand the lineup to five grades with the Track Edition dropped for the final year.

The GT-R is one of several models that have been unable to comply with the latest ADR 85/00 side pole impact design rule that was introduced earlier in Australia years ahead of Europe and will force Nissan Australia to take its supercar off the market from November.

What does each GT-R grade include?

Nissan has decided against raising the price of its core GT-R range for 2022 with the entry-level Premium starting at $193,800 before on-road cost.

Under the bonnet is the famous VR38DETT, a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 that produces up to 419kW of power at 6800rpm and 632Nm of torque at 3300rpm.

It’s coupled with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with three selectable driving modes to vary the aggression, before grunt is sent to all four wheels.

At the rear, the titanium exhaust helps the car breathe effectively, with variable sound control to balance performance with keeping the neighbours on good terms.

As standard, the GT-R Premium is equipped with a Bremo brake package that features ventilated discs measuring 390mm at the front and 380mm at the rear.

Nissan has fitted 20-inch Rays forged-alloy wheels over the top and wrapped them in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres. Continuous chassis tinkering has also seen a carbon fibre brace fitted across the front suspension towers and a carbon-composite front cross member underneath for increased rigidity.

The interior features heated leather-accented seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, which can be used to play music through the 11-speaker Bose sound system.

Stepping up to the GT-R Premium Luxury emphasises the ‘GT’ in the supercar’s name by adding semi-aniline leather on the seats, steering wheel, gearknob and door cards.

What do you get in the GT-R T-Spec?

Acting as a stop-gap between the ‘regular’ GT-R and the Nismo grades is the new T-Spec special edition which adds a number of performance upgrades.

The Australian specification of the GT-R T-Spec adds the larger Brembo brake package from the Nismo models, which includes ceramic discs measuring 410mm at the front and 390mm at the rear.

Nissan has given the T-Spec unique Rays forged alloy wheels which shed 14kg of unsprung weight, and added a carbon-fibre spoiler at the rear for some added downforce.

Inside, designers have trimmed the interior in a Millenium Green material and matched it with a quilted Alcantara roof lining and a suede roof lining.

What do you get in the GT-R Nismo and special edition SV?

The GT-R Nismo, as per tradition, takes the performance to another level. The engine is turned up to 441kW/652Nm thanks to the two turbochargers nabbed from the GT3 touring car.

Likewise, braking power is stepped up over the base car with the Bremo brakes switching to ceramic discs measuring 410mm at the front and 390mm at the rear.

Nissan’s high-performance division also makes healthy use of carbon fibre by replacing the boot lid, side skirts, roof and front and rear bumper with the lighter material.

A strong red and black theme is carried through the interior and Recaro seats are fitted up front and trimmed in a combination of Alcantara and leather material.

Japan released a version of the GT-R Nismo SV last year and features some distinct visual differences that make its performance credentials known.

The most significant of which is the clear-coated carbon fibre bonnet which provides an old-school performance look while shaving off an extra 100 grams.

Fitted at each corner are a set of unique 20-inch Rays aluminium forged wheels with a red pinstripe around the rim matching the rest of the body kit. 

A more subtle change you won’t see is some significant tinkering with the engine. With engineers fitting a range of rebalanced parts including new piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft flywheel and valve springs.

The parts have all been dialled in to a finer degree and the effect, Nissan says, is an engine that revs quicker and subsequently brings the turbos up to boost far quicker.

Nissan Australia says the GT-R T-Spec and GT-R Nismo SV will arrive in Australia from October.

Nissan GT-R 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Premium: $193,800
• Premium Luxury: $199,800
• T-Spec: $256,700
• Nismo: $378,000
• Nismo SV: $393,800