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Dakar-Ready Nissan GT-R Wants To Bully the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato

Nissan GT-R - Rendering 9 photos
Photo: Instagram | al.yasid
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It's been almost 16 years since Nissan started making the R35 GT-R at its factory in Japan, and they don't seem ready to drop it just yet. The supercar has started showing its age despite the numerous updates it has received, and that's no surprise considering that there have been some significant advancements in the automotive industry since 2007 when the model entered production.
As of recently, namely three months ago, Nissan has started accepting orders for the 2024 model year GT-R. The lineup starts with the Premium and its $120,990 MSRP. The T-Spec has returned to the series, being $20,000 pricier than the entry-level, and the Nismo tops the lineup priced from $220,990.

Power comes from the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6, which is good for 565 hp and 467 lb-ft (632 Nm) of torque in the Premium and T-Spec. It's mated to a six-speed DCT that channels the power to the AWD system. The Nismo variant uses an upgraded motor good for 600 hp and 481 lb-ft (651 Nm). Customers can get a few options that vary depending on the trim level.

Now, Nissan is clearly not interested yet in sounding the death knell for the GT-R and perhaps replacing it with an all-new model, perhaps with an emphasis on partially or fully electrified powertrains. And we think they will keep milking it for as long as possible before pulling the plug. Chances are they will send it off with a special edition that would probably build on the Nismo, and here's an idea that the execs should at least consider: how about an off-road-ready variant?

Does it sound stupid? It's not, as it would allow the iconic nameplate to take a swing at other similar models. In case you forgot, Porsche has a new 911 Dakar in its stable, and Lamborghini offers a similar machine, the Huracan Sterrato. Both feature jacked-up suspensions, some visual upgrades inside and out, and familiar powertrains. Thus, we think the Nissan GT-R could easily rival them with a similar version that would inevitably become the most hairy-chested GT-R yet.

We're not the only ones who believe a jacked-up derivative of the Godzilla would be a good idea, as al.yasid on Instagram certainly agrees. As a result, the digital artist came up with a few renderings that portray such a machine. The model has fatter tires wrapped around the new wheels, more space under its belly, fat fenders, different front and rear bumpers, a new hood, a redesigned back end to carry a spare wheel, and a few other bits and bobs that would help such a vehicle turn heads wherever it drives. So, should Nissan send it off using this recipe, or would a track-focused model sound better?

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About the author: Cristian Gnaticov
Cristian Gnaticov profile photo

After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s.
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