The Nissan GT-R Nismo Dry Carbon Hood is a high-end, performance-oriented component that is as much about function as it is about prestige. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know. 

What It Is

This is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) hood designed and produced for the Nissan GT-R Nismo. It is not an aftermarket part, meaning it comes directly from Nissan and is fitted to the highest-performance variant of the R35 GT-R.

The key term is "Dry Carbon" :

*Dry Carbon Fiber: This is the premium manufacturing process. The carbon fiber is pre-impregnated ("pre-preg") with resin and then cured under high heat and pressure in an autoclave. This results in a part that is significantly **lighter, stronger, and has a higher-quality finish** than wet carbon.

*Wet Carbon Fiber:  A more common aftermarket process where resin is applied by hand to the carbon weave and then cured, often without an autoclave. It's heavier, can have inconsistencies, and the weave may not be as perfectly defined.

Key Features & Benefits

1.  Significant Weight Reduction:** This is the primary purpose. The dry carbon hood is **exceptionally light**, weighing roughly **40-50% less** than the standard aluminum hood. For reference, the OEM aluminum hood weighs about 28 lbs (12.7 kg), while the Nismo dry carbon hood is approximately **13-15 lbs (5.9 - 6.8 kg)**.

Benefit:  Reducing weight from the front of the car improves weight distribution, reduces inertia, and enhances handling, steering response, and overall performance.

2.  Aerodynamic Function:** The hood isn't just for show. It features a discreet, integrated vent near the front.

Benefit: This vent acts as an **extractor**, channeling hot air from the engine bay out and up over the car. This reduces under-hood pressure (lift) and aids in engine cooling, which is critical for high-performance driving and track use.

3.  OEM Fit and Finish: As a genuine Nismo part, the fitment is perfect. It uses all the original latch points, and the underside is often finished with a clear coat to show off the carbon fiber on both sides, unlike many aftermarket hoods.

4.  Premium Aesthetics:  The exposed, high-gloss clear-coated dry carbon weave is a signature look of high-performance exotics and the GT-R Nismo. It signals the car's top-tier status and racing pedigree.

Compatibility

Direct Bolt-On For: All R35 Nissan GT-R model years (2009+). The mounting points are identical.

Important Note:  While it will physically fit any R35, the hood latch mechanism is different . Cars without the "Nismo hood latch" will require an additional conversion kit  (parts: hood latch assembly and cable) for proper and safe operation. Any Nissan dealer or qualified GT-R specialist will know this.

Should You Paint It?

This is a matter of personal taste, but the intended Nismo look is a mix of exposed carbon and body color.

The "Nismo Look": Typically, the center section and the vent are left in exposed glossy carbon, while the sides and front edge are painted to match the body color. This creates a stunning and aggressive contrast.

Full Exposed Carbon: Some owners leave the entire hood unpainted to showcase the carbon fiber. This is a very bold, aftermarket-style look.

Fully Painted: Painting the entire hood defeats the purpose of showing off the carbon fiber, but some prefer the completely stealthy, "sleeper" appearance.

Aftermarket Alternatives

Many companies offer carbon fiber hoods for the GT-R at a lower price point (e.g., Seibon, Varis, AMS). However, they are almost always **wet carbon** and may not have the same perfect OEM fitment, weight savings, or structural integrity as the genuine Nismo dry carbon hood.

Conclusion: The Nissan GT-R Nismo Dry Carbon Hood is the pinnacle of functional cosmetic upgrades for the R35. It's a statement piece that offers real performance benefits, justifying its place on the flagship Nismo model.