Nissan 3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT): years, specs & known problems
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The VR38DETT is the hand-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 in the R35 Nissan GT-R. It launched at 480 hp and 430 lb-ft for 2009, rose to 530 hp for 2012 and 545 hp for 2013, and reached 565 hp and 467 lb-ft from 2017. The GT-R NISMO version makes 600 hp and 481 lb-ft.
Nissan built the VR38DETT for the GT-R, which reached US buyers in July 2008 as a 2009 model. Each engine is hand-assembled in a clean room at Nissan's Yokohama engine plant, and Nissan's 2017 press kit lists a nameplate identifying the individual takumi technician who built each engine. Plasma-sprayed bores take the place of cast-iron liners, and the engine uses twin IHI turbochargers, symmetrical independent intake and exhaust systems and a wet-and-dry-sump oiling system with a scavenger pump for the turbos. Power reaches the road through a rear-mounted 6-speed dual-clutch transaxle and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive.
Nissan raised output several times: 480 hp at launch, 485 hp by 2011, 530 hp for 2012, 545 hp for 2013 and 565 hp for 2017, with the NISMO at 600 hp. Nissan ended North American GT-R production in October 2024; EPA's GT-R listings end with the 2024 model year.
3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT) at a glance
| Engine | Model years | Fuel | Peak hp | Peak torque (lb-ft) | Documented problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2024 Nissan GT-R (R35): 480–565 hp | 2009–2024 | Gasoline (premium) | 565 | 467 | 0 | 0 |
| GT-R NISMO (600 hp) | 2017–2024 | Gasoline (premium) | 600 | 481 | 0 | 0 |
CarWhere lists 0 documented problems and 0 NHTSA recalls for the 3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT), each with a source.
2009–2024 Nissan GT-R (R35): 480–565 hp
The only engine the US GT-R ever had. Output rose from 480 hp and 430 lb-ft to 565 hp and 467 lb-ft across the R35's run.
2009–2024 Nissan GT-R (R35): 480–565 hp specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | VR38DETT[1] |
| Layout | 3.8-liter V6, DOHC 24-valve, aluminum block and heads, longitudinal[6] |
| Bore × stroke | 95.5 × 88.4 mm, plasma-sprayed bores[6] |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1[6] |
| Maximum engine speed | 7,100 rpm[6] |
| Turbochargers | Twin IHI[6] |
| Fuel | Sequential multi-point injection; premium unleaded, 93 octane recommended[6] |
| Oiling | Wet-and-dry-sump system with an oil scavenger pump for the turbos and a thermostatically controlled oil cooler[1] |
| Assembly | Hand-built in a clean room at Nissan's Yokohama engine plant[1] |
| Builder nameplate | Nameplate identifying the individual takumi engine builder (listed in Nissan's 2017 kit)[4] |
| Transmission | GR6 6-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle, ATTESA E-TS AWD[1] |
| EPA listing, 2023 GT-R | 3.8 L turbo V6, AM-S6 automated manual[7] |
| End of production | North American GT-R production ended October 2024[8] |
2009–2024 Nissan GT-R (R35): 480–565 hp horsepower and torque by year
| Model years | Application | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | GT-R480 hp at 6,400 rpm; 430 lb-ft at 3,200–5,200 rpm | 480 | 430 | [1] |
| 2011 | GT-RThe "previous" rating cited in Nissan's 2012 announcement | 485 | 434 | [2] |
| 2012 | GT-RHigher boost, revised valve timing and air-fuel ratio, larger inlet and exhaust pipes | 530 | 448 | [2] |
| 2013 | GT-R | 545 | 463 | [3] |
| 2017 | GT-R Premium and Track Edition565 hp at 6,800 rpm (+20 hp vs 2016); 467 lb-ft at 3,300–5,800 rpm | 565 | 467 | [4] |
| 2021 | GT-R Premium | 565 | 467 | [5] |
| 2024 | GT-R Premium and T-specNissan says the engine was refined for the 2020 model year | 565 | 467 | [6] |
"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.
Which vehicles have the 2009–2024 Nissan GT-R (R35): 480–565 hp?
| Model | Model years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan GT-R Premium (and Black Edition, Track Edition, T-spec, Skyline Edition) | 2009–2024 | |
| Nissan GT-R NISMO | Through 2024 | 600 hp version |
| Nissan GT-R T-spec Takumi Edition | 2024 | Red-etched takumi engine badge and gold VIN plate |
GT-R NISMO (600 hp)
The NISMO tune is rated at 600 hp and 481 lb-ft. For 2020 Nissan fitted turbochargers derived from the GT-R GT3 race car, with a modified turbine shape and fewer blades.
GT-R NISMO (600 hp) specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Turbochargers (2020 on) | GT3 race car-derived design with a modified turbine shape and fewer blades than pre-2020 models[5] |
| Torque band | 481 lb-ft at 3,600–5,600 rpm[6] |
| Assembly | Each engine handcrafted by its own takumi technician[5] |
GT-R NISMO (600 hp) horsepower and torque by year
| Model years | Application | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | GT-R NISMO | 600 | 481 | [4] |
| 2021 | GT-R NISMO | 600 | 481 | [5] |
| 2024 | GT-R NISMO | 600 | 481 | [6] |
"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.
Which vehicles have the GT-R NISMO (600 hp)?
| Model | Model years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan GT-R NISMO | 2017–2024 (ratings shown) | Nissan's 2017, 2021 and 2024 materials rate it at 600 hp |
Related Nissan research
Confirm a car really has the 3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT).
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Frequently asked questions
Is the GT-R's VR38DETT hand-built?
Yes. Nissan says every GT-R engine is hand-assembled in a clean room at its Yokohama engine plant, and Nissan's 2017 kit lists a nameplate identifying each engine's takumi builder. The 2024 T-spec Takumi Edition adds a red-etched engine badge and a gold VIN plate.
How much horsepower does the VR38DETT have by year?
Nissan rated it at 480 hp for 2009, 485 hp by 2011, 530 hp for 2012, 545 hp for 2013 and 565 hp from 2017 through 2024. The GT-R NISMO is rated at 600 hp and 481 lb-ft.
What is special about the VR38DETT design?
Nissan lists plasma-sprayed cylinder bores instead of cast-iron liners, twin IHI turbochargers, symmetrical independent intake and exhaust systems and a wet-and-dry-sump oil system with a scavenger pump that keeps oil flowing to the turbos.
Is the Nissan GT-R still made?
Not for the US. Nissan ended North American GT-R production in October 2024, and EPA lists no GT-R after the 2024 model year.
What transmission does the VR38DETT use?
In the GT-R it drives a rear-mounted GR6 6-speed dual-clutch transaxle with ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, which can vary the front-to-rear torque split from 0:100 to 50:50.
Sources
Ratings are Nissan-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.
- All New 2009 Nissan GT-R Comes To North America — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2012 Nissan GT-R Features More Horsepower, New "Black Edition," Revised Fascias and Carbon Fiber Interior Trim (Nov 17, 2010) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2013 Nissan GT-R Gains 15 Horsepower to 545 HP Total — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2017 Nissan GT-R Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2021 GT-R Premium and GT-R NISMO models (Aug 26, 2020) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2024 Nissan GT-R Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2023 Nissan GT-R: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Nissan sunsets R35 generation GT-R with T-spec Takumi and Skyline limited editions (Jun 14, 2024) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.