2012: Inaugural production year introducing Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 under FIA homologation GT3-048 conforming to Group GT3 technical regulations as purpose-built customer racing vehicle derived from R35 GT-R road car architecture. Initial specification featured VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing power exceeding 550 PS with IHI production-based turbochargers incorporating revised internals for racing durability, delivering power through Ricardo six-speed sequential transmission to rear-wheel-drive configuration departing from road car's all-wheel-drive system per GT3 regulations. Chassis maintained 1,300-kilogram minimum weight with aerodynamic package lacking front dive planes later introduced in subsequent model years. Braking system utilized Brembo racing hardware featuring six-piston front calipers with production-derived four-piston rear units providing reliable deceleration for endurance racing applications. Initial customer deliveries commenced supporting privateer team entries in Blancpain Endurance Series, Pirelli World Challenge, and various regional GT3 championships establishing GT-R GT3 as credible competitor against established European manufacturers.
2013: First aerodynamic evolution introducing front dive planes enhancing front-end downforce generation and high-speed stability versus 2012 specification lacking supplementary aerodynamic devices. Dive plane geometry remained unchanged through 2014 model year before comprehensive revision for 2015-specification cars reflecting ongoing aerodynamic development program. Mechanical specification continued 2012-introduced VR38DETT powerplant with IHI turbochargers and Brembo braking hardware maintaining proven reliability record across diverse racing conditions. Competition participation expanded with increased customer team entries in Blancpain GT Series, Australian GT Championship, and Japanese Super GT300 class establishing growing international presence. Nissan GT Academy Team RJN emerged as prominent factory-supported customer racing operation campaigning GT-R GT3 in European endurance racing establishing foundation for future championship success. Technical support infrastructure expanded through NISMO customer racing division providing spare parts availability, trackside engineering assistance, and driver development programs supporting privateer teams lacking manufacturer resources.
2014: Continuation production year maintaining 2013-specification aerodynamic package and mechanical components as Nissan concentrated development resources on comprehensive 2015-model update introducing significant chassis and powertrain revisions. Model year represented peak maturity of initial-generation GT-R GT3 design with established reliability record and comprehensive aftermarket support ecosystem. Competition results improved with customer teams achieving podium finishes in Blancpain Endurance Series, Pirelli World Challenge GT class, and Australian GT Championship demonstrating competitive parity versus Mercedes-AMG SLS GT3, Audi R8 LMS, and Porsche 911 GT3 R rivals. International customer base expanded beyond initial European and Australian markets into North American and Asian territories reflecting growing GT3 category popularity and GT-R GT3's proven performance credentials. Final production year for IHI turbocharger specification and Brembo front/production rear brake configuration before comprehensive component updates for 2015 model year.
2015: Major mid-cycle update introducing significantly revised specification marketed under Nismo GT3 designation reflecting enhanced factory involvement and technical development investment. Powertrain upgrades incorporated high-flow turbocharger units homologated through GT-R Nismo road car certification replacing previous IHI production-based units, providing improved throttle response, enhanced power delivery characteristics, and increased boost pressure capability within FIA Balance of Performance restrictions. Chassis revisions included stiffer body structure improving torsional rigidity and suspension geometry precision, while aerodynamic package featured comprehensively revised front dive plane geometry and reduced front quarter panel vent dimensions reflecting improved internal airflow management. Braking system transitioned to AP Racing components at all four corners replacing previous Brembo front/production rear configuration, offering superior modulation characteristics and consistent pedal feel during extended endurance racing stints. Competition success peaked with overall Bathurst 12 Hour victory featuring dramatic final-lap overtaking maneuver by Katsumasa Chiyo, plus Blancpain Endurance Series PRO Driver's Championship captured by Nissan GT Academy Team RJN drivers Alex Buncombe, Katsumasa Chiyo, and Wolfgang Reip in team's debut PRO-class campaign—remarkable achievement establishing GT-R Nismo GT3 as championship-winning platform.
2016: Continuation production year maintaining proven 2015-specification mechanical components and aerodynamic package as development focus shifted toward next-generation 2018-specification comprehensive redesign. Model year characterized by expanded customer team participation capitalizing on 2015 championship success attracting additional privateer operations seeking competitive GT3 platform with manufacturer support infrastructure. Competition participation remained strong in Blancpain GT Series, Pirelli World Challenge, Australian GT Championship, and Japanese Super GT300 class with multiple podium finishes and class victories demonstrating sustained competitiveness despite aging platform design versus newer-generation Mercedes-AMG GT3, Audi R8 LMS GT3, and Lamborghini Huracan GT3 competitors introduced during model year. NISMO customer racing support continued comprehensive technical assistance programs including trackside engineering personnel, spare parts logistics, and driver coaching supporting privateer teams worldwide. Production allocation prioritized established customer teams with proven racing programs ensuring GT-R GT3 fielded by competitive operations capable of achieving strong results maintaining brand reputation.
2017: Final production year for second-generation GT-R Nismo GT3 specification as comprehensive 2018-model redesign reached final development validation phases. Model year represented peak refinement of 2015-introduced platform with accumulated racing data informing setup optimization and component reliability improvements. Competition participation continued across international GT3 championships with established customer teams maintaining competitive performance despite introduction of newer-generation rival platforms benefiting from updated aerodynamic regulations and refined Balance of Performance parameters. Used market availability increased as early customer teams transitioned toward anticipated 2018-specification cars, providing entry-level GT3 racing opportunities for budget-conscious privateer operations seeking proven competition platform with established parts availability and technical support infrastructure. Final model year units commanding premium values from customer teams preferring proven reliability of mature platform versus unproven first-year 2018-specification redesign, reflecting conservative approach common among privateer racing operations prioritizing race-finishing reliability over outright performance potential.
2018: Comprehensive fourth-generation redesign introducing extensively revised chassis architecture, powertrain packaging, and aerodynamic development representing most significant GT-R GT3 evolution since 2012 inaugural model. Major engineering changes repositioned engine and drivetrain components rearward while lowering mounting position 150 millimeters through dry-sump lubrication system integration, optimizing front-rear weight distribution and reducing center of gravity height for improved dynamic balance and corner entry stability. Radiator and intercooler repositioning enhanced cooling efficiency and airflow management while aerodynamic revisions improved high-speed body stability and reduced aerodynamic sensitivity to ride height variations. Cockpit underwent complete redesign lowering driver seating position while maintaining frontal visibility, improving driver comfort during endurance racing stints and reducing physical fatigue during extended driving sessions. FIA homologation extended through end of 2028 ensuring long-term GT3 competition eligibility supporting customer teams' multi-year racing program investments. Initial customer deliveries commenced supporting factory-backed and privateer team entries in Blancpain GT Series (rebranded GT World Challenge), Pirelli World Challenge GT class, Intercontinental GT Challenge, and regional championships worldwide. Pricing approached €400,000-€450,000 depending on specification level and optional equipment including data acquisition systems, pit lane speed limiters, and chassis spare parts packages.
Nissan