Rumors of a new-generation Nissan GT-R, possibly with a hybrid drivetrain, have been flying around for years now. But the R35 isn't going anywhere anytime soon because Nissan just introduced a new version of the GT-R Nismo at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The Nismo model is already five years old (while the GT-R itself is 12 years old), but Nissan didn't make any radical changes to the design and drivetrain.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo remains mostly unchanged inside and out

If you want to tell the 2020 GT-R Nismo apart from the outgoing model, you're going to have to look really close. That's because Nissan left almost all body panels unchanged. The front and rear fascias looks the same, the side skirts are identical, and the wing has the same size. So how can you tell? Well, Nissan borrowed the front fenders from the GT-R GT3 race car for this update, so the GT-R now has vents atop the front wheel arches, which are also a bit wider than before. These vents help improve engine cooling, but also enhanced aerodynamics.

The GT-R Nismo continues to make heavy use of carbon-fiber, with the front and rear bumpers, the front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk lid, and rear spoiler made from the lightweight composite. These panels alone help save 23 pounds.

The cabin also carries over unchanged from the outgoing model. The only notable change here are the slightly revised seats that offer better lateral support. Fortunately, the Nismo GT-R's interior looks good enough as it is, despite its 12-year old design. The Alcantara-covered dashboard, the bolstered seats, and carbon-fiber on the center console give the cabin a race-inspired feel, and that's exactly what I want to see in a modern high-performance vehicle.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo has the same V-6 engine

The GT-R Nismo is an impressive car when it comes to performance and that's probably why Nissan didn't make any changes under the hood. The coupe comes with the same twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-6 that features a turbocharged system borrowed from the GT3 race car. Output remains unchanged at 592 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque, but that's nothing to sneeze at. The Nismo needs only 2.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start and tops out at 196 mph. This is anything but disappointing.

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO specifications

The Nissan GT-R Nismo has revised chassis and tech

Nissan did make some improvements in the drivetrain department, starting with a revised six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a refined R mode. This setup enables faster shifts and optimizes gear selection when exiting corners.

The adaptive shift control system has also been programmed to adapt shift schedules to your driving style, while the updated suspension tuning improves cornering stability and yaw rate response and provides a smoother ride. For the first time, the GT-R Nismo comes with carbon-ceramic brakes. The Brembo rotors are now larger, measuring 16.1 inches in the front and 15.3 inches in the rear, while the calipers are more precise and durable.

Finally, the revised titanium exhaust system provides a throatier engine note that resembled that of the GT-R GT3 race car.

The 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo may be the last of its kind

With intense rumors about Nissan working on a successor for the R35 GT-R, this car might be the final Nismo offering based on this generation. While the GT-R Nismo is only five years old as of 2019, the GT-R it is based on has been around since 2007 and Nissan will probably discontinue it by the end of next year. Act fast if you want one!

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Read our full review on the 2019 Nissan GT-R.