The 2009 Nissan GT-R arrived as a technological flagship, pairing all-wheel-drive traction with supercar-level speed and a distinctly modern approach to performance. For owners today, tire selection is central to preserving the car’s balance, grip, and stance because this GT-R uses a staggered radial setup: 255/40R20 in front and 285/35R20 in the rear, both on 20-inch wheels. That means the real decision is not simply size, but choosing the right tire within each position, with available options shaped by brand, series, and sidewall style. Before changing anything, confirm the front-to-rear arrangement and make sure the wheel setup still matches the car’s intended fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Nissan GT-R
The 2009 Nissan GT-R uses two primary tire sizes, and they serve different positions on the car rather than different trim levels. Both are radial tires on 20-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether you are selecting for the front or rear axle, then matching the tire to the actual wheel setup on the car if it has been modified.
Fit(s): Base Front, Premium Front, Premium w/Cold Weather Pkg. Front, and w/Cold Weather Pkg. Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
255/40R20 is a metric radial size that reads as 255 millimeters of nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a fitment for a 20-inch wheel. On the 2009 Nissan GT-R, this size is used at the front, where maintaining the intended staggered relationship with the rear tire matters to overall balance. Available choices in this size center on a Blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A radial. This is the size to evaluate when refreshing the front axle while preserving the GT-R’s original front-to-rear fitment strategy.
Fit(s): Base Rear, Premium Rear, Premium w/Cold Weather Pkg. Rear, and w/Cold Weather Pkg. Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
285/35R20 is a metric radial size with a wider 285 millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. On the 2009 Nissan GT-R, this size is used at the rear, supporting the car’s staggered performance-oriented setup. Product choice is broader here, with Blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto, plus Pro-Trac Street Pro III offerings in raised white letter and Redline sidewall treatments. This is the rear size to compare when appearance, brand preference, and wheel-width compatibility all factor into the decision.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 2009 Nissan GT-R sub-models because each one keeps the same staggered layout. The key is not trim-level size differences, but making sure front and rear tires stay in their correct positions on the car.
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2009 Nissan GT-R Base Front
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Base Front uses the same front radial sizing found across the covered GT-R lineup. Tire selection here is mainly about choosing a front-position tire that matches the car’s staggered setup and the actual 20-inch wheel in use.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Base Rear uses the shared rear radial size common to the covered sub-models. That makes the rear decision more about comparing available tire series and sidewall treatments while preserving the intended front-to-rear sizing relationship.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Premium Front follows the same front tire fitment as the other covered GT-R versions. Choosing the right tire here means staying with the correct front size and confirming that any wheel changes have not altered the required fitment.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Premium Rear shares the same rear tire size used throughout the covered lineup. That gives you room to compare available rear tire options by brand, series, and sidewall presentation without changing the underlying fitment.
2009 Nissan GT-R Premium w/Cold Weather Pkg. Front
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Premium w/Cold Weather Pkg. Front uses the same front tire sizing as the other GT-R configurations covered here. Tire choice remains focused on proper front fitment, radial construction, and maintaining the correct staggered setup with the rear axle.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R Premium w/Cold Weather Pkg. Rear keeps the same rear tire size as the other covered sub-models. Selecting a tire here is less about trim-specific fitment and more about choosing the rear option that suits the car’s use and appearance goals.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R w/Cold Weather Pkg. Front uses the common front tire size shared across the covered GT-R range. A correct selection keeps the front axle in its intended position within the staggered 20-inch radial arrangement.
The 2009 Nissan GT-R w/Cold Weather Pkg. Rear uses the same rear tire fitment as the other covered versions. That means the main rear-tire decision is comparing the available product styles and specifications without disturbing the GT-R’s established size split.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2009 Nissan GT-R Tires for Sale
Available 2009 Nissan GT-R tire choices are all radial 20-inch fitments, with BFGoodrich covering both front and rear sizing, and rear 285/35R20 options also available from Nitto and Pro-Trac. Rear tire comparisons are especially meaningful because sidewall choices include Blackwall, raised white letter, and Redline styles.
2009 Nissan GT-R tire questions usually come down to the staggered front-and-rear sizing, 20-inch wheel fitment, product differences by axle position, and what to inspect before road use on a high-performance car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Nissan GT-R?
The 2009 Nissan GT-R uses a staggered tire setup with 255/40R20 at the front and 285/35R20 at the rear. Both are radial sizes mounted on 20-inch wheels, and the covered GT-R sub-models keep that same front-to-rear arrangement rather than using different sizes by trim.
That means the first fitment step is identifying whether you are replacing a front or rear tire, since the sizes are not interchangeable by position. If the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a non-stock tire package, confirm actual wheel width, tire clearance, and the front/rear layout before choosing replacements.
What size rim does a 2009 Nissan GT-R use?
The 2009 Nissan GT-R uses 20-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The front tire is 255/40R20 and the rear tire is 285/35R20, so each size is built around the same wheel diameter even though the widths and profiles differ between front and rear.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a staggered performance car. Wheel width still matters, especially at the rear, so it is worth checking the actual wheels on the car before buying tires. That is especially important if the GT-R has replacement wheels or a setup that differs from the original staggered arrangement.
Do all 2009 Nissan GT-R sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 2009 Nissan GT-R sub-models share the same overall tire setup: 255/40R20 in front and 285/35R20 in the rear. Base, Premium, Premium w/Cold Weather Pkg., and w/Cold Weather Pkg. all follow that same staggered radial layout on 20-inch wheels.
That consistency makes trim-level selection easier, but position still matters because the front and rear tires are different sizes. A buyer should still confirm whether the tire being replaced is on the front or rear axle and make sure the car has not been altered with different wheels, offsets, or non-standard suspension changes.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 255/40R20 or 285/35R20 tire for a 2009 Nissan GT-R?
Start with the correct position-specific size, since the 2009 Nissan GT-R uses 255/40R20 in front and 285/35R20 in the rear. After that, compare radial construction details, brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility where it is stated, especially if you are selecting a rear tire.
The best choice depends on how the car is used and how closely you want to preserve its intended staggered presentation. Rear fitment offers more variation in brand and appearance, while front selection is narrower. It also helps to check load figures, tire weight, and the exact wheel package already on the car before making a final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Nissan GT-R tires?
Blackwall is the most common sidewall style available for the 2009 Nissan GT-R’s covered tire sizes. In the rear 285/35R20 size, there are also Pro-Trac Street Pro III options with raised white letter sidewalls and with a Redline treatment, giving the rear axle more visual variety than the front.
Sidewall choice affects appearance more than fitment, but it still needs to be considered within the correct size and axle position. A GT-R owner looking for a cleaner modern look may stay with Blackwall, while someone wanting a more distinctive presentation may compare raised white letter or Redline rear tires without changing the underlying staggered sizing.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Nissan GT-R?
Tires for the 2009 Nissan GT-R are available here from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. BFGoodrich appears in both the front 255/40R20 and rear 285/35R20 sizes, while Nitto and Pro-Trac are represented in the rear size, where the product range is broader.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as a standalone decision. Since the rear size offers more variety, many buyers will compare those options more closely while making sure the front and rear tires still respect the GT-R’s intended staggered setup and 20-inch wheel fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Nissan GT-R?
A period-style 2009 Nissan GT-R tire choice starts with keeping the original staggered sizing format: 255/40R20 in front and 285/35R20 in the rear, both in radial construction on 20-inch wheels. That preserves the car’s modern high-performance stance before any brand or styling details enter the discussion.
Appearance then comes down to how subtle or expressive you want the finished look to be. Blackwall tires maintain a clean contemporary presentation, while some rear 285/35R20 options add raised white letter or Redline styling. For buyers focused on exact showroom-era presentation, vehicle-specific period photos and marque references are worth checking before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Nissan GT-R?
On a 2009 Nissan GT-R, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is radial in both front and rear sizes. That means appearance differences are shaped less by bias-ply-versus-radial concerns and more by the tire’s sidewall treatment, series styling, and whether the staggered proportions are preserved correctly.
Keeping the proper 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear relationship is a big part of maintaining the car’s intended visual character. Once that is established, Blackwall, raised white letter, or Redline details can shift the look noticeably, especially at the rear. A careful restoration-minded choice usually favors correct size and stance before decorative sidewall treatment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Nissan GT-R?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Nissan GT-R even when the nominal tire size stays the same. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, lowered suspension, or body changes can all influence how 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear tires sit and clear under load or steering movement.
That is why a modified GT-R should be checked as an actual wheel-and-tire package rather than by size alone. Look at front steering clearance, rear inner and outer clearance, and the wheel dimensions already on the car. A staggered setup is especially sensitive to changes, so keeping the intended front and rear relationship matters as much as the printed tire size.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Nissan GT-R on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Nissan GT-R on new tires, inspect the wheel condition, verify that the front and rear sizes are mounted in the correct positions, and make sure inflation matches the tire and vehicle requirements being used. It also helps to check for visible issues such as sidewall damage, uneven seating, or signs of interference.
A short, careful road test is the practical next step on a high-performance car. Pay attention to vibration, rubbing, pulling, and any contact during steering or suspension compression. After a brief drive, recheck pressure and look again for clearance marks, especially if the GT-R has non-stock wheels, suspension changes, or replacement tires in a wider fitment range.
How often should tires on a 2009 Nissan GT-R be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Nissan GT-R should be inspected regularly, not just when tread appears worn. High-performance tires deserve routine pressure checks and periodic close inspection for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss, particularly if the car is driven hard, stored for long periods, or sees seasonal use.
A good habit is to inspect them before longer drives and any time the car has been sitting. Attention should also be paid to age, since collector and enthusiast cars often accumulate less mileage than their tires suggest. Keeping the tires clean, properly inflated, and stored away from prolonged heat and sunlight helps preserve both road manners and service life.
