Nissan GT-R Premium
Nissan's first U.S.-market GT-R placed its engine in front and its gearbox at the rear, then linked them with smart all-wheel drive. Two turbos, two clutches and computer-controlled dampers made huge performance approachable in many conditions.
2009 Nissan GT-R (CBA-R35) front.JPG · Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC0
More than a set of wheels.
After a Tokyo world debut in October 2007, the R35 made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and went on sale in June 2008 as a 2009 model. Nissan sold Base and Premium trims; the Premium added Bose audio, heated seats and side airbags at the announced launch price. This packet isolates the original 480-hp U.S. Premium and does not mix in later model-year power increases or the Japanese SpecV.
Look a little closer.
Its dashboard display offered eleven pages of driving data—including acceleration, brake pressure and steering angle—and Nissan credited video-game creator Polyphony Digital with helping develop the interface.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A long driveline with the gearbox at the back
The Premium Midship platform put the transmission, transfer case and final drive behind the cabin instead of beside the engine. That spread heavy components between the axles and allowed a flatter, narrower central structure. It is why calling the GT-R simply a front-engine AWD coupe misses its most unusual packaging decision.
Source: Nissan USA — All New 2009 Nissan GT-R Comes to North America ↗Sensors turned traction into a moving target
ATTESA E-TS could vary its split from all rearward torque to an even 50:50 share using speed, steering, tire-slip, lateral-acceleration, surface and yaw information. The goal was not permanent equal drive; it was to keep a rear-drive character until the front tires could add useful grip.
Source: Nissan USA — All New 2009 Nissan GT-R Comes to North America ↗Where these facts come from
- Nissan USA — All New 2009 Nissan GT-R Comes to North America
- Nissan USA — GT-R and 2009 Murano at Los Angeles
- Nissan USA — 2009 Nissan Line-up
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.