Despite being almost 17 years old, it’s important to note that the R35 has undergone several updates since its introduction in 2010. The most recent refresh was unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon for the 2024 model year.
The blue R35 featured in the video below is not one of the updated models, but rather a 2021 version manufactured for the Thai market. According to Nissan’s local website, the 2024 model is expected to deliver 555 ps and 632 Nm of torque. This translates to approximately 547 horsepower and 466 pound-feet, which is quite close to the North American specifications of 565 ponies and 467 pound-feet (633 Nm).
CSL AutoTime founder and presenter Tang claims that the 2021 model actually produces 578 horsepower, but regardless of the exact figure, it’s clear that the R35 accelerates rapidly and performs admirably in the quarter mile. In the video, the red C8-generation Corvette is shown alongside the Japanese coupe. The Corvette, equipped with the Z51 package, is approximately 200 kilograms (440 pounds) lighter than the R35. While this is a significant difference, it’s important to note that the Corvette is rear-wheel drive, whereas the R35 boasts an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Tang also provides the correct maximum output figures for the C8 Corvette, which features a naturally aspirated small-block engine producing 495 horsepower and 637 Nm (470 pound-feet) of torque. Without the Z51 package’s upgraded exhaust system, the Stingray’s engine output would be slightly lower at 490 hp and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm). Nevertheless, these figures are impressive for a naturally aspirated engine, especially in a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
In the three quarter-mile races showcased in the video, the GT-R loses one due to a poor launch by Tang. However, the R35 outperforms the C8 in the other two races, ultimately achieving a best time of 10.98 seconds at 202 kilometers per hour (126 miles per hour). The Stingray, on the other hand, takes 11.99 seconds to complete the quarter mile at a speed of 191 clicks (119 miles per hour).
If the Corvette used in the races had been the E-Ray model, which combines the Stingray’s powertrain with the wider body of the Z06, the R35 would have had a tougher time. The E-Ray’s standout feature is its front-mounted electric motor. Chevrolet promotes the hybridized Stingray as the fastest series-production Corvette to date, with an advertised 0-60 miles per hour (97 kph) time of 2.5 seconds.
Officially, the quarter-mile time for the E-Ray is 10.5 seconds, slightly quicker than the Z06’s time of 10.6 seconds. However, the performance of the C8 generation doesn’t stop there. The upcoming ZR1 model, following the E-Ray, will feature an electrified front axle from the E-Ray, a twin-turbo FPC V8 engine from the 2025 ZR1, and an estimated 1,000 horsepower, along with an unknown amount of torque.
The GT-R, however, seems to be taking a different path. Do you recall the Hyper Force prototype showcased at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon? The taillights resembling those of the R35 and the pixelated GT-R emblem at the front are not simply random occurrences. In order to comply with the ever more stringent fuel economy and emission rules, a four-motor electric vehicle is no longer in line with the traditional definition of a GT-R. Nevertheless, this is the compromise we must make.
According to the Source autoevolution.com