Upgraded 2022 Nissan GT-R NISMO revealed

The 2022 Nissan GT-R NISMO has been revealed in Japan, but it’s not quite what we’d hoped for.

No, this isn’t the widely speculated next-generation, all-electric R36 GT-R, nor even the mooted 522kW swansong for the R35 with mild-hybrid boost.

Instead, the 2022 Nissan GT-R NISMO brings a new paint colour – NISMO Stealth Gray – and a special-edition riding on Rays 20-inch forged alloy wheels and featuring an exclusive clear-coated carbon-fibre bonnet that’s claimed to be 100 grams lighter than the painted panel.

Oh and both NISMO models wear the latest Nissan logo – first seen on the upcoming Ariya electric SUV – on their boot lid and wheel centres.

And while the latter is likely to remain a Japan-only model, the MY22 GT-R NISMO is not yet confirmed for Australia.

“We are awaiting confirmation of further details including availability, pricing and launch timing for markets outside Japan,” said Nissan Australia spokesperson Karla Leach.

Nissan says all examples of the special-edition will be built to order in Japan, and fitted with weight-balanced engine internals to improve throttle response (all GT-R engines are already hand-built by a dedicated takumi technician).

Of course, they’ll also employ the GT-R NISMO’s Brembo brake callipers and massive 410mm front and 390mm rear carbon ceramic brake rotors – the largest ever fitted to a Japanese performance car.

And to herald the launch of the new models in Japan in October, McDonald’s restaurants in the land of the rising sun will offer miniature Nissan GT-R NISMO toy car as part of the Tomica Happy Set children’s meal deal from this week.

“The GT-R NISMO has always been an ongoing pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure,” said the godfather of the GT-R, Hiroshi Tamura, in a press release today.

“We take a holistic approach, seeking precision performance through a meticulous balance of engine components and shaving weight, and incrementally evolving the GT-R’s appearance to deliver the ultimate balance of power, performance and excitement to our customers.” 

Despite being 14 years old, Australian sales of the R35 keep bubbling along. The Japanese supercar continues to find a couple of new local homes a month, with another 24 sold Down Under last year.

And we understand that’s without heavy dealer discounts across the four-grade range, which starts at $193,800 for the Premium variant and finishes at a cool $378,000 for the top-shelf NISMO.

Whatever upgrades Nissan is planning for Godzilla before the all-new R36 arrives around 2027, they’ll need to be special.

Thanks to its epic 441kW/652Nm VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, six-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle and all-wheel drive, the current GT-R NISMO remains one of the quickest cars you can buy.