What engine does the Nissan GT-R use?

[McMatthew]

The Nissan GT-R is equipped with a VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 555 hp and a peak power output of 408 kW at 6,800 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Nissan GT-R is a 2-door, 4-seater hardtop sports car with body dimensions of 4,715 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,371 mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 2,780 mm, a ground clearance of 110 mm, a fuel tank capacity of 74 liters, and a curb weight of 1,785 kg. The Nissan GT-R adopts a front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout, with a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension.

[VonMarcus]

I've always found the Nissan GT-R's engine particularly fascinating, with its VR38DETT 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbocharged powerplant. This is no ordinary family car engine - it features an aluminum block for weight reduction and individual throttle bodies per cylinder for lightning-fast throttle response. With factory tuning pumping out over 500 horsepower, the violent acceleration push feels like riding a rocket at launch. I remember my friend's modified version with ECU remapping pushing 800hp - you could hear the turbo whistles three blocks away on highway runs. What's most impressive is its rock-solid stability and cooling capacity, maintaining composure even after half-hour track sessions - far more durable than those European supercar turbo engines. Anyone who's driven a GT-R comes away with indelible memories of this engine, the absolute pinnacle of Japanese performance engineering.

[LaFelicity]

The first thing I felt when I sat in the GTR driver's seat was how aggressive this engine is. The 3.8-liter V6, codenamed VR38DETT, is equipped with two turbos. At factory settings, when you hit 4000 rpm, the turbo kicks in with such a strong push that the G-force can slam the back of your head into the headrest. What amazed me the most was its cooling system—the water pipe layout is meticulously designed, and the temperature gauge barely moves even during spirited driving. It's actually quite comfortable for daily use too; the transmission is well-tuned, making city traffic less of a hassle compared to other sports cars. As for fuel consumption, even with my relatively mild driving habits, it averages around 15 liters per 100 km in the city. Once, a mechanic told me this engine is incredibly durable—he's seen cases where it ran over 200,000 km without major overhauls. If there's a downside, it's probably how cramped the engine bay is; changing spark plugs feels like disassembling half the car.

[ClaytonAnn]

Who in the performance car scene hasn't heard of the legendary VR38DETT engine in the GTR? Its six-cylinder twin-turbo layout is a darling in the tuning community. Starting from 540 horsepower stock, with mature aftermarket support—just an ECU tune and turbo upgrade easily pushes it past 800hp. The genius lies in its well-designed engine bay, making water-cooled intercooler installations a breeze. Our team uses GTRs for track days, enduring three consecutive high-intensity sessions without oil temps spiking. Last month, I saw a forged build with a massive turbo upgrade hitting 1300+ wheel horsepower—the acceleration was terrifying. Though EVs dominate now, this pure mechanical thrill remains irreplaceable.

[OJeremiah]

I remember being completely amazed by the GTR's engine specs when I first saw them ten years ago. The 3.8T VR38DETT was like black magic back then. This engine places special emphasis on thermal management, with cooling circuits designed in a loop structure, and the turbo position is further outward compared to regular cars. What impressed me the most was the engine management system—the positions of all six fuel injectors were precisely calculated to ensure optimal fuel atomization. Driving it feels like being pushed by a massive wave, with almost no noticeable turbo lag when the twin turbos kick in. However, the cold starts in winter can be a bit rough, requiring proper warm-up. Over the years, Nissan has continuously upgraded and fine-tuned it, with the newer models now boasting over 600 horsepower, yet the core V6 architecture has remained unchanged.

[Rhett]

As a seasoned GTR owner with three models under my belt, what I admire most about this VR38DETT engine is its durability. Despite its staggering output, the structural design is ingenious – features like the dry sump and forged crankshaft are built for long-term aggressive driving. I recall the 2016 version upgraded cylinder coating technology, significantly reducing piston ring wear. Routine maintenance is relatively hassle-free; just stick to full synthetic oil changes, and it rarely gives trouble within 100,000 km. The only hassle is the turbo piping joints prone to air leaks, requiring periodic inspection of sealing gaskets over time. This engine's tuning potential is enormous – even a basic ECU remap among my car buddies can squeeze out an extra 70 hp. Once on a rainy slippery road, its AWD coupled with the engine's precise output made cornering so stable it felt reassuring.