2009 Nissan R35 GT-R Black Edition
Key Points: 2,633 Miles From New, Paint Protection Film (PPF) Applied To Whole Car, GT-R Black Edition.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Black Edition was engineered to provide a more aggressive aesthetic and driver-centric atmosphere compared to the base and Premium models. While the mechanical soul remained consistent across the lineup, the Black Edition was distinguished by its 20-inch Rays Engineering lightweight forged alloy wheels, finished in a signature dark gunmetal. Inside, the cabin was transformed with a two-tone colour scheme, featuring heavily bolstered Recaro seats upholstered in black leather, with distinctive red leather inserts and matching red trim on the door handles and gear shifter.
At its heart is the ‘VR38DETT’ 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which was hand-assembled by ‘Takumi’ master craftsmen in a climate-controlled clean room. For the 2009 model year, this power plant produced 485bhp and 434lb-ft of torque. The engine utilises a plasma-sprayed bore coating in the cylinders rather than traditional cast-iron liners, reducing weight and friction while improving cooling efficiency. This power is channelled through a rear-mounted six-speed BorgWarner dual-clutch transaxle, a layout chosen to optimize weight distribution and provide lightning-fast gear changes in as little as 0.2 seconds when set to the most aggressive ‘R’ driving mode.
The GT-R’s legendary handling is governed by the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, which is unique for its independent rear transaxle configuration. This system uses two drive shafts, one to send power to the rear transaxle and another to send it back up to the front wheels, enabling the car to vary torque distribution from 100% rear-wheel drive to a 50/50 split. The chassis is supported by a Bilstein DampTronic suspension system, which offers three distinct settings (Comfort, Normal, and R) that adjust the damping rates in real-time based on steering angle, speed, and lateral G-forces. This ensures that despite its 1,740kg kerb weight, the car maintains immense grip and stability through high-speed corners.
Technologically, the 2009 Black Edition was ahead of its time, featuring a sophisticated Multi-Function Display (MFD) designed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the creators of the Gran Turismo racing series. This system allows drivers to monitor a wide array of telemetry, including longitudinal and lateral G-forces, oil pressure, and turbocharger boost levels. Braking performance is equally advanced, utilising a Brembo-engineered system with floating, cross-drilled discs and monoblock calipers, with a six-piston setup at the front and four pistons at the rear. This combination of digital precision and mechanical over-engineering allowed the GT-R to clock a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 26 seconds, a feat that solidified its status as a world-class supercar.
