The Nissan GT-R is a mighty powerful little car with a huge reputation for speed. There is no doubt that the legendary beast is highly coveted worldwide. That is why the news that, despite availability in Japan, the GT-R would not be for sale in the United States for the 2022 model year hit us so hard. Fortunately, the celebrated car that we presumed dead in the U.S. market just last year will see a revival. The Nissan GT-R will return to the United States for the 2023 model year.

The “Godzilla” of cars will return in two iterations: a base version (also known as the GT-R Premium) and the NISMO version (which sold out in 2021 and offers higher power). Although there are not many updates over the 2021 model year, the fact that the car has returned at all has generated a lot of hype for what the future may hold for the car.

Let’s take a closer look at the return of the Nissan GT-R in 2023!

Specifications And Details About The 2023 GT-R

The aptly named “Godzilla” car is back and, although we wish we could say it is better than ever, that would not be quite true. The car is strikingly familiar with the specifications of the 2021 edition. The engine is the same 3.8-liter V6 with 24 valves that are capable of up to 565 horsepower and 467 lb.-ft of torque in the GT-R Premium all-wheel-drive option.

While the NISMO all-wheel-drive option does offer more power with a 3.8-liter V6 that can get up to 600 horsepower, it is again the same one offered in 2021 on the NISMO all-wheel-drive. While this may seem somewhat disappointing, it does still represent a refinement over the 2020-year models and even the presence of the beast back on American soil gives hope for model years to come.

The GT-R also features twin-turbochargers and hand-assembled engines as well as a titanium exhaust system. According to the maker, the power for the car directs through a standard ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system that splits torque between the front and rear to customize the performance to the driving conditions and scenario present, resulting in the best possible driving feel.

A six-speed dual-clutch transaxle mounts in the rear and optimizes the weight distribution of the car. It also allows for more aggressive down-shifting and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter usage. The suspension of the car is an independent double-wishbone front and an independent multi-link rear suspension. These systems include Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers with three selectable settings including Normal, Comfort, and R to allow for different responsiveness. To add a taste of racing fun, the modes utilize large switches on the center console as controls.

There is no word yet regarding T-Spec or Track Edition trim from Nissan for the 2023 model year as there was available in 2021. However, due to the historical popularity of those trims with their stand-out colors and visual updates, future models will likely revive them in time as well, and we are hopeful that that will be the case.

A Brief History And The Return To Production Of The GT-R

Throughout the late '60s and early '70s, the car won fifty-two touring car races in the Japanese system. When the two-door coupe version debuted in 1970, it became the standard for the model. Unfortunately, due to the oil crisis, the car discontinued production in 1973. After a brief hiatus, the car returned to production in 1989 with renewed vigor-including all-wheel-drive, better steering, and a better engine. Specifically, it came with a turbocharged inline-six that could push out power up to 276 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque. It won every touring car race that it entered. It was largely unbeatable.

After twenty-nine consecutive wins, the dominating beast gained the nickname “Godzilla” for its monstrous performance statistics. With several updates through the '90s, the car continued to grow an even bigger following and eventually became its line (separate from the Skyline nameplate). In 2009, it hit the United States as a fifth-generation model and became an almost instant success.

Adding in new trims and details throughout the years, Nissan managed to hold the interest of Americans through the 2021 model year with the carbon fiber details and aesthetic offerings of the T-spec and Track Editions. When the 2022 GT-R launched only in its home market in Japan, many worried that it spelled the end of GT-R sales in the United States.

With the return to stateside offerings after a sold-out model year in 2021, Godzilla is showing renewed life, though. Although the 2023 return might not be everything hoped for in terms of changes, upgrades, or updates, it represents the continuation of a legacy of greatness that we hope will continue well into the future with new models and updates.