Nissan GT-R OEM Wheel Options Over the Years

Introduction to Nissan GT-R OEM Wheels

The Nissan GT-R is a high performance sports car that first debuted in 2007. It quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts for its incredible acceleration, handling, and tunability. One of the most common modifications GT-R owners make is upgrading the stock wheels and tires. The GT-R came equipped from the factory with some impressive wheel options over the years that are still popular in the aftermarket scene. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various OEM wheel options Nissan has offered for the R35 GT-R platform.

R35 GT-R OEM Wheel Specs

The current R35 generation GT-R debuted for the 2009 model year. The base model GT-R was equipped with 20” x 9.5” wheels up front and 20” x 10.5” wheels out back. Tires sizes were 255/40R20 in front and 285/35R20 in the rear. These wheels were lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels finished in a dark hyper silver color. The offsets provided the GT-R with a very aggressive stance.

In addition to the base wheel, Nissan also offered several factory upgrade options over the years. These include:

• 20” RAYS Forged Alloy Wheels
• 20” Super Silver 6-Spoke Wheels
• 20” Special Dark Metal Color 6-Spoke Wheels
• 20” Premium RAYS Forged Wheels
• 20” NISMO Wheels

There were also optional track-focused wheels offered, like the 20” forged RAYS aluminum wheels included with the NISMO and Track Editions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular OEM wheel options Nissan has offered for the R35 GT-R.

RAYS Forged Alloy Wheels

One of the most sought-after OEM wheel options is the 20” RAYS forged alloy wheels. These wheels were optional on the 2009 & 2010 GT-R Premium models. RAYS is a highly respected Japanese racing wheel manufacturer that’s been an OEM supplier to Nissan for decades.

The RAYS wheels offered on the R35 GT-R are forged from lightweight aluminum alloy. The intricate 10-spoke design is inspired by previous GT-R models. Thanks to the forged construction, they are extremely strong while still being lightweight. The wheels were finished in a dark premium hyper silver color that nicely accents the GT-R’s body panels.

20” Super Silver 6-Spoke Wheels

Another popular OEM wheel choice is the 20” 6-spoke design finished in a bright silver color. These wheels were standard on 2011-2013 GT-R Premium and Black Edition models. They feature a split 6-spoke design that provides a great view of the GT-R’s massive brake rotors. The premium hyper silver finish nicely matches the GT-R’s exterior styling cues.

20” Special Dark Metal Color 6-Spoke Wheels

On the 2014 GT-R, Nissan introduced a new darker and more aggressive 6-spoke wheel finished in a special dark metallic grey color. These wheels were standard on the 2014 Track Edition and optional on other trims. The darker color really makes the bold spoke design stand out compared to the previous silver finish. It also better complements European GT-R color options like deep blue pearl and jet black. The darker wheels paired with the aggressive aerodynamic bodywork of the Track Edition really enhanced its track-focused personality.

20” Premium RAYS Forged Wheels

For the 2015 model year refresh, Nissan upgraded the GT-R’s standard wheels to a new Premium RAYS Forged design. Like previous RAYS designs, they featured a 10-spoke layout forged from lightweight aluminum alloy. These wheels were a few pounds lighter than the previous 6-spoke design, reducing unsprung weight. The 2015 update also brought a 40% increase in rigidity to improve steering response and feedback. These Premium RAYS Forged wheels remained standard on the GT-R through the 2020 model year.

NISMO GT-R OEM Wheels

Lastly, the most track-focused OEM wheels offered for the R35 GT-R are the 20” NISMO wheels. These ultra-lightweight wheels were developed for the hardcore 2014 NISMO edition. They are forged from RAYS premium aluminum alloy and utilize a unique hollow-spoke design. The hollow spokes paired with an intricate forging process allow the NISMO wheels to be over 13 lbs lighter per set compared to other GT-R wheels.

Not only are they incredibly lightweight, but NISMO wheels also offer increased rigidity and strength over the standard GT-R wheels. The NISMO wheel’s stealthy dark gunmetal gray finish paired with red accents looks right at home on the NISMO GT-R’s exterior. Later GT-R NISMO models switched to red striping instead of the full red inlets, but retained the same forged wheel design.

Buying Used OEM GT-R Wheels

Thanks to the GT-R’s cult following, used sets of OEM wheels can demand high prices in the aftermarket. Rare options like the 2009-2010 RAYS Forged Alloys can sell for over $5,000 for a complete set. More common options like 6-spoke designs still typically sell from $1,500-$3,000 depending on condition.

When shopping for used OEM GT-R wheels, there are a few things to watch out for. First, inspect each wheel carefully for damage like curb rash, cracks, and bent or broken spokes. Also verify the correct OEM wheel size, offset, and bolt pattern. GT-R wheels should be 20x9.5 +20 (front) and 20x10.5 +20 (rear) with a 5x114.3 bolt pattern.

Lastly, confirm the included tires have sufficient tread depth for continued use. Many owners swap wheels when tires need replacement, so don’t get stuck having to immediately buy $1,000+ in new rubber. Buying complete sets with decent tires will offer the best value if you plan to install and use the wheels.

Conclusion

The Nissan GT-R left the factory with some impressive wheel upgrades over the years. Iconic designs from RAYS with race-inspired forging processes resulted in OEM wheels that perform as good as they look. With proper care and maintenance, used sets of OEM GT-R wheels can be enjoyed on the street or track for years to come. Just be prepared to open your wallet as the supply of these in-demand wheels remains limited in the marketplace.

FAQs

What is the stock wheel size on a R35 GT-R?

The R35 GT-R comes equipped from the factory with 20" wheels. Stock sizes are 20" x 9.5" wide wheels up front and 20" x 10.5" wide wheels in the rear.

What bolt pattern do GT-R wheels use?

All R35 GT-R models use a 5x114.3 bolt pattern. This is the same 5x114 pattern found on many other Nissans, but with a slightly different offset.

Are RAYS wheels better than the stock GT-R wheels?

RAYS wheels are considered a top-tier upgrade over the standard GT-R wheels. RAYS wheels are forged from higher quality aluminum alloy and go through more stringent manufacturing processes. This makes them lighter and stronger than cast factory wheels.

Where can I buy used OEM GT-R wheels?

Used OEM GT-R wheels can be found for sale on forums, marketplace apps, dealer websites, and specialty retailers. However, inventory is limited so you may need to search diligently to find the specific style you're after.

How much do used GT-R OEM wheels cost?

Pricing will vary depending on wheel style, condition, and included tires, but expect to pay $1,500 - $4,000+ for a used set of OEM GT-R wheels in decent shape.