2018 Nissan GT-R

The 2018 GT-R is Nissan's flagship supercar which is available in four trim levels: Pure, Premium, Track Edition, and Nismo. All four trims come with a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The GT-R Nismo (reviewed separately) ups the ante with more horsepower than in the lower trims.

The GT-R's base price starts at $99,990 for the Pure trim and comes well-equipped with a lot of high-tech features. The GT-R Premium begins at $110,490 and adds an 11-speaker Bose audio system with active noise cancellation, an active sound enhancer, and a titanium exhaust system. The Track Edition model costs $128,490 and gets improved body rigidity, a NISMO-tuned suspension, 20-inch NISMO forged alloy wheels, NISMO-specific tires, Recaro front bucket seats, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler.

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For most Shoppers, the GT-R Pure model is the best choice considering the loaded technology features and the standard 565 hp powertrain. If you want more power, jump to high-performance NISMO trim.

The Nissan GT-R gets EAP estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, that's average in the luxury sports car segment. The GT-R's twin-turbo V-6 is a gas guzzler while the NISMO trim further drops the fuel economy estimates as it gets 600 hp.

Since it's a sports car, fuel efficiency is not a top priority with the GT-R yet its 18 mpg in combined city/highway driving is commendable. The Audi R8 manages an average of 18 mpg combined while the F-Type and AMG GT both get 18 mpg in city/highway combined driving.

"The GT-R's cockpit includes some high-tech features along with many controls that are found in other Nissan vehicles" — Edmunds

2018 GT-R Seating and Comfort

For a $100,000 sports car, the 2018 GT-R's interior boasts a technology-rich cockpit, large infotainment screen, and space for four people in two rows. Upfront, the seats are roomy with more headroom, legroom, and width than most other two-door sports cars. Though there are rear seats these are tight for adults. The driver and front passenger seats are well-bolstered with ample adjustments but some might find the cushion hard.

In terms of quality of materials, most of the surfaces wear leather and soft-touch plastic. Though there are some cheap plastics in the cabin, the carbon and aluminum inlays cover them beautifully. Also, for the 2017 model, Nissan moved the shift paddles to the steering wheel column.

There's a long list of standard features in the GT-R but overall the interior isn't as impressive as the European competitors. Interior seating features include:

• leather upholstery with suede inserts
• power-adjustable front seats
• heated front seats
• semi-aniline leather upholstery
• Recaro leather-appointed seats
• Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel

2018 GT-R Infotainment System

For 2018, all Nissan GT-Rs come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen NissanConnect infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system has straightforward menus and the physical controls offer distraction-free access. Android Auto is not available, though you will get standard satellite radio, HD Radio, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo. Higher trims include an 11-speaker Bose sound system.

Infotainment Features include:

• NissanConnect interface with 8-inch touchscreen and navigation
• Voice recognition
• Hands-free text messaging
• Satellite radio
• Bluetooth
• Six speakers
• HD Radio
• 11-speaker Bose audio system
• Two USB ports

2018 GT-R Cargo Space

This Nissan sports coupe has an 8.8-cubic-foot trunk which is enough for everyday cargo utility. Some rivals including the 2018 Jaguar F-Type and 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT have more space. Also, GT-R's rear seats don’t fold, and the trunk has a narrow opening and tall liftover height which makes it difficult to load bulkier items.

For small storage, the GT-R includes limited options such as medium-size cupholders, small bins, and door pockets.

The 2018 Nissan GT-R has distinctive tuner-world style; it’s almost restrained, by exotic-car standards. – carconnection

2018 GT-R Design and Styling

The 2018 GT-R carries over its revised styling which hasn't changed much but modulated over the years. With a low-key stance, the GT-R is designed with a lot of flares, air intakes, spoilers, and wings. Nissan came with a wider grille upfront boasting a new finish, new front, and rear lips, and spoilers. All these help GT-R generate more downforce, certainly, the design elements are not just flashy but functional as well.

Also, the hood goes deep to further enhance the look. The standard 20-inch wheels have a fresh design and the rear vents are functional. Available in multiple colors, the GT-R looks cool in Blaze Metallic orange. Also, the Nismo and Track Edition models get a titanium exhaust system.

At 109.4 inches, the GT-R's wheelbase is longer than most of its competitors. This justifies the spacious cargo and interior in the Nissan. The curb weight of the GT-R ranges from 3,911 to 3,933 pounds, which is above-average in the luxury sports class.

Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has crash-tested the 2018 Nissan GT-R, Which has become a trend with high-end luxury cars. The Nissan GTR comes with a standard rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors. There are no available advanced safety features with the sports coupe. Nissan GT-R’s stability control system comes with different modes that maintain street traction.

Safety Features

• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System
• Driver and passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags.
• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags
• Front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
• LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).
• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones.Hood buckling creases.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2018 Nissan GT-R VS 2018 Audi R8

The 2018 Audi R8 is one of the most balanced supercars in the segment, which is as much a track star as it is a comfortable daily driver. The GT-R's daily drivability trails Audi's comfort. Also, the Audi has better styling, and a linear V-10 unlike GT-R's flashy exterior and a twin-turbo V6.

Though the Nissan GT-R undercuts the Audi R8 by some margin but lacks the opulence of Audi's cockpit. The R8 does not offer as big cargo space as the GT-R and also the vision is obstructed. Overall performance of both the sports coupe's is great, but the GT-R creates a relatively small hole in your pocket.

2018 Nissan GT-R VS 2018 Mercedes AMG- GT

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT performs brilliantly on ay kind of surface and is one of the most popular sports cars. The Japanese flare of the GT-R with a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel-drive, and dual-clutch gear changes are top-notch. The Mercedes offers better styling and superb handling performance but isn't as practical as the Nissan.

The Mercedes-AMG GT starts at $$145,000 whereas the Nissan GT-R begins at $99,990. Though for the price, the Mercedes offers luxurious interiors and better technology than the Nissan. The AMG GT is not for everyday use, and Nissan GTR presents more utility and everyday driving ability.

In the last few years, the Nissan GT-R has improved its overall performance with more immediate power delivery and improved steering when driven hard. Though the dual-clutch transmission isn't very quick to respond to downshifts, GT-R is blistering fast. The interior comfort has improved and so is the multimedia setup, still, the cabin lacks the opulence of its European rivals. Nissan has also improved the insulation still the interior noise is persistent, but that's what we demand while racing.