The 2023 Tokyo Auto Show saw plenty of exciting new models, and by far, one of the biggest surprises is the latest (and hopefully final) refresh of the Nissan GT-R. We can’t really call the R35 generation new anymore, because it has been around since 2007. While enough is enough, this swan-song refresh of the iconic, Japanese sports car draws heavy inspiration from its rich heritage.

Before the hybrid R36 GT-R arrives, Nissan gave the R35 one last “change of clothes”, which draws heavily on the iconic R34 and R32 models. While we really want to hate on Nissan for giving us the same car in a different guise, the epic neo-retro redesign makes it difficult, as it looks, every bit, the most appropriate way to say farewell to the R35.

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The Most Retro-Futuristic R35

Two Nissan R35s
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Front and rear shot of two R35s

The R35 Nissan GT-R was always an obvious throwback to older GT-R models. Certain design elements, most prominent of which the quad, round taillights, have been carried over in one form or another since the 1969 original. Over the years, we have seen a few notable redesigns, but this one is the most significant one yet. The R35’s styling was already, heavily revised in 2017 when it adopted a look more in-tune with other, less exclusive Nissan models, particularly in the front-end section.

The two special editions unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show are the T-Spec, which is limited to 100 units, and a new NISMO version. The T-Spec is an homage to the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R M-Spec and V-Spec II Nur models. The 2024 GT-R T-Spec even boasts a new version of the Millennium Jade paint (color code JW0), which seems to be less saturated than the 2022 R35 T-Spec.

The new front grille design is heavily reminiscent of the R34 model. The neo-retro design element is accompanied by a new front apron and new LED lights. Both versions feature the signature NACA ducts on the front hood, with the NISMO boasting a unique, carbon-fiber hood, exclusive to the model.

The new body kit, which includes new side skirts, rear diffuser, and new rear-wing designs for both the T-Spec and NISMO, in addition to the cleaner front-end design, improves aerodynamics by reducing drag. The R34 vibes continue at the rear where a redesigned rear bumper now features a horizontal line through the middle, similar to the 1999 GT-R. The new design doesn’t just invoke the R34 GT-R model. The rear wing on the 2024 GT-R T-Spec is noticeably more angular than before and invokes the R32 GT-R.

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Iconic Colors Are Making A Comeback

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2024 Nissan GT-R T-Spec rear three-quarter view 

The 2024 Nissan GT-R T-Spec comes in eight colors, which are identical to the 2022 model year. You will be glad to know the revised, Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple colors are available. The 2024 NISMO GT-R is available in five colors, all of which are familiar from last year's GT-R NISMO. Typically, the more track-oriented R35 NISMO comes with more blacked-out exterior trim, exposed carbon fiber, and red accents as opposed to the more civilian T-Spec.

RELATED: Here's Why The Nissan GT-R R35 Is, Once Again, The Bargain Sports Car It Once Was

Revised Interior

The Nissan GT-R interior already got a much-needed redesign with a 2017, 4BA refresh. Now, much more premium-looking, the same design has carried over for the 2024 model year. The familiar, highly-customizable, eight-inch touchscreen is here along with Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The most notable interior upgrades are featured in the NISMO version. More extensive use of Alcantara inlays can be spotted, but more importantly, there are new carbon-fiber, bucket seats, with exposed frames and Alcantara inserts that, Nissan says, improve upper and lower lateral support.

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More Minor Tweaks To The Drivetrain

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Nissan 
The 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo sports some new styling and aerodynamic upgrades 

For all the nostalgia the 2024 Nissan GT-R is demonstrating on the surface, you will hardly be surprised that underneath, things are pretty much the same. The Lotus-designed chassis of the R35 has received new tweaks to the suspension, somehow making it more comfortable while extracting even more performance. More importantly, there is not a mechanical, limited-slip front differential, which improves cornering speeds, allowing the GT-R to rocket out of corners with savagery befitting the Godzilla nickname.

For 2024, the Nissan GT-R also comes with a revised exhaust system. It now features a Y-shape section that distributes the exhaust gasses more evenly and aids in their extraction while improving the soundtrack of the twin-turbo V-6. Engine output remains unchanged although, in the past, there has been a noticeable difference in performance between the 2017 and 2020 model-year GT-R, both of which, supposedly, pack the same 565-horsepower figure along with 467 pound-feet (633 Nm) of torque. The NISMO still relies on 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet 652 Nm) from the familiar, 3.8-liter VR38 DETT unit.

While the engine and chassis of the R35 have stood the test of time, it is the gearbox that most ages the Japanese, flagship sports car. The six-speed DCT, co-developed with BorgWarner can shift as quick as 0.15 seconds (in R-Mode), but despite numerous tweaks over the years, it isn’t as refined as more modern units, put to work in some of its main competitors.

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Still A Bargain Supercar Killer

2024 Nissan GT-R
Nissan
front 3/4 overhead view of a Millennium Jade 2024 Nissan GT-R

No official pricing has been announced yet, but the expected starting price for the 2024 Nissan GT-R is $117,000. Nissan always had the Porsche 911 Turbo in mind when developing the R35 and although that model has gotten two, all-new generations during the R35’s lifespan, the Japanese model is still capable enough to run with the best Germany has to offer.

Considering the current, 992 Turbo’s starting price of $182,900, we’d say Godzilla still offers an unparalleled bang for the buck in the segment. The NISMO is expected to fetch around $215,000. Whether it’s worth paying extra for the more track-focused variant or not is almost an academic topic. What’s important is that we got a proper send-off to one of the most revered sports cars ever made.