The Nissan GT-R GT500 '08 is one of the most storied and revered race cars ever to emerge from the world of Japanese motorsport. Built to compete in the fiercely competitive Super GT series in Japan, the GT500 variant of the Nissan GT-R made its debut in 2008, replacing the storied Fairlady Z (350Z) as Nissan's weapon of choice in the GT500 class. This car signified a new era for Nissan’s racing division, bringing significant aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements tailored specifically for the challenging circuits of Super GT.
Underneath its aggressive and aerodynamic bodywork, the Nissan GT-R GT500 was powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine (designated the VRH34A), a departure from the road-going GT-R's turbocharged V6. The car featured lightweight carbon fiber components, an extensively modified chassis for superior handling, and a sophisticated aerodynamic package to increase downforce while minimizing drag. The meticulous engineering made the GT500 '08 both agile and aggressively fast, capable of taking on the best from Honda and Toyota with ease.
Success followed swiftly on the race track. The 2008 Super GT season saw Nissan's GT-R GT500 secure dominant victories. It clinched five race wins out of nine, propelling Nissan and its partner teams to the top of the standings. The car's immediate impact was evident when it won its debut race in Suzuka and later helped Team NISMO drivers Satoshi Motoyama and Benoît Tréluyer secure the prestigious Teams’ and Drivers’ Championships. This debut-year triumph solidified the GT500 '08’s legacy as one of the most successful race cars in Super GT history.
Beyond its competitive achievements, the Nissan GT-R GT500 '08 became a fan favorite and a motorsports icon, epitomizing Nissan's engineering prowess and racing spirit. Today, its influence can be seen in the continued evolution of the GT-R lineage, both on the racetrack and in the consumer market, where the GT-R moniker stands for power, performance, and racing excellence. The '08 GT500 remains a benchmark for racing engineering and a beloved entry in both the real and virtual racing worlds, including Gran Turismo 7.
