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2009 Nissan GT-R Test Drive: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Agent009 submitted on 10/17/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:36 AM
from: www.autoweek.com

[119] user comments | category: New Cars

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2009 Nissan GT-R Test Drive: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Yes, it lives up to all the hype!

The coming Nissan GT-R is a world-class supercar: Top speed of 193 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, a 473 hp, 433 lb ft twin-turbo V6 mounted in the front and driving all four wheels through a rear-mounted transaxle. Take a breath. Okay, continue. And a dual-clutch six-speed automatic you can operate via paddles on the steering wheel.

After a full day driving it on the Nurburgring, the Autobahn and up and over numerous little German country roads we can easily say this is one car that was not over hyped. It is truly a world-class supercar on par with, if not just ahead of, the iconic Porsche Turbo. (They had a Porsche Turbo on hand, too, and we thought the GT-R felt better tied down.)

But it's one thing to put a license plate on a race car and call it streetable. Chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno said the new GT-R was designed and engineered as an all-around, all-season, all-weather car that is comfortable to drive every day, even at normal speeds on a normal day.

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enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2007 11:44:35 AM

+4 Boost

the stats sound tremendous. very impressive job nissan.

lookwise...not so good. reminds me of that old mitsubishi 3000 with a bad tuner kit. very similar shape.

the 911 has nothing to worry about...it delivers an amazing combination of power and handling in an absolutely beautiful and unique body. i don't see people trading in for this car.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 10/17/2007 11:58:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

They can get use to seeing the GTR's tailights.

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2007 1:15:17 PM

-5 Boost

M35:

tailights? the 911 turbo does 0-60 in a proven 3.2 seconds.

M35MT - 10/17/2007 4:36:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

They road isnt always a straight line...

S4cabriofoxone - 10/17/2007 6:51:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"They road isnt always a straight line..."

And since when are Porsches not always about handling?

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2007 10:14:59 PM

-1 Boost

M35: not in a straight line is exactly where the 911 will trump this car.

henrikfisker - 10/19/2007 1:54:47 AM

+2 Boost

M35:

You obviously do not know much about cars! No one who knows anything about the 911 Turbo or cars for that matter would make a statement like "The road isnt always a straight line" when refering to a Turbo.

dlin - 10/20/2007 12:03:09 PM

+2 Boost

"The record lap would be set by Nissan's top shoe, Suzuki-san, who ultimately turned in a lap in 7 minutes, 38 seconds on a partially wet circuit."

EL34 - 10/17/2007 11:50:12 AM

-12 Boost

I hate the roof line.

I like the tail lights, but they're nothing new.

Needs more buttons on the steering wheel.

Pink or green would be a good color for this car.

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M35MT - 10/17/2007 12:00:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

"nothing new"

kinda like the way Porche has looked the same for the past 30 years? The car needed to keep some of its identity. The new Evo looks like it stole the last GTR's headlights.

montyz81 - 10/17/2007 12:01:55 PM

+12 Boost

The taillights are nothing new because they are suppose to remind you of the old skyline which is what every other 2 circle taillight cars copied.

EL34 - 10/17/2007 12:07:45 PM

-5 Boost

Ferrari and the Corvette have been using round tail lights for a long time.

But, if you say Nissan invented the circular shape I believe you ;)

bmwdrvr - 10/17/2007 12:54:52 PM

+1 Boost

not sure where you got that the skyline started those taillights, the ferrari daytona, and corvette did way before the skyline. and those arent even the only 2 cars that have had lights like that, what about the impala. and im not talking the last generation model here. you cant seriously think Nissan created that trend.

zorbeeze - 10/17/2007 1:07:59 PM

0 Boost

"which is what every other 2 circle taillight cars copied."

Whoa there, slow down horsy, nissan is the one that originally stole the taillight design, get your facts straight

montyz81 - 10/17/2007 2:19:35 PM

+8 Boost

My bad!!! I was dead wrong. Corvette et all were first with this style tail light. I got caught up in how great this car is! I still love it and think the lights on this car are a direct reflection of its heritage. Again, I am sorry about spouting off about it.

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 11:59:38 AM

-7 Boost

This car is all hype considering the huge amount of Nuburgring lap stipulation this car has stirred; a 7:38 laptime? Yeah right! I am glad an engineered could clarify the car's limitations:

But Mizuno suggested the GT-R could get anywhere from 7:44 on up, with most laps coming in between 7:55 and 7:58. So he suggested the GT-R's strong suit was that it offered "the best cost per lap time."

Curb weight of 3792 pounds, this dude is a fatty. I think the interior looks shoddy and heavily backwards thinking. Why are the CD player and audio controls out of reach for the passenger yet the suspension and traction switches are? The suspension setting switches is best suited for the steering wheel and the CD player controls in a nuetral location. For a sports car, the intention in the cockpit says otherwise. "Since the GT-R uses flappy paddles, a driver's hand will rarely leave the steering wheel. Then we should focus on putting the volume and cruise control in close proximaty to the driver's hands. This will maximize the driving pleasure and experience."

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montyz81 - 10/17/2007 12:03:06 PM

+6 Boost

you must be a Porsche fan. You sound worried.

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 12:05:49 PM

-5 Boost

Not worried, convinced that this car is lame. Did I mention Porsche in my post? What made you think that?

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 12:25:08 PM

+3 Boost

Yet the damping and traction switches are in easy reach of the passenger?

zorbeeze - 10/17/2007 1:12:31 PM

+4 Boost

Talk about complaining for nothing.
I'll agree to the fact that the car is way too heavy for what it shoud be, but audio controls and damper controls, PLEASE get serious.

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 2:15:11 PM

0 Boost

For a car that everyone was hyping as to be the best car on the planet, doesn't seem so focused considering the steering wheel houses controls for something I'd expect on a Nissan Altima. The GT-R does not seem as focused as people thought it would be. Why in the hell on the steering wheel? Atleast Ferrari has its Manettino switch on its wheel rather than CD/Radio player controls.

montyz81 - 10/17/2007 2:21:18 PM

+2 Boost

I just assumed since the article only compares it to a Porsche.

Spectator - 10/17/2007 3:11:43 PM

+1 Boost

One need not be psychic to know you are a porsche fan (as is every other car loving individual...I mean come on seriously, its like trying to hate a ferrari or lambo)

with a moniker such as 'richard...p996'. Well call me a liar but somthing tells me you either own or like the first model water cooled 911.

I do have a point of contention of having suspension controls on my steering column. As this cars name implies...it's a GT. And just like every other GT ever made, lux is a priority. I would much rather have stereo and cruise control (two things I like many other drivers use quite often) at easy access...so go ahead and put them on my steering wheel. If I'm srewing around with my suspension however, I would like that to be accessable (I have Tein SS's with EDFC) however not so accessable that if I go to switch CD's that I stiffen up my chassis too much and slam my car to the ground prior to going over a speed bump.

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 9:21:12 PM

+2 Boost

The p is the initial for my lastname and again, 996 donates from the Ducati 996.

Threepoint1415926 - 10/18/2007 1:52:11 AM

0 Boost

I think Richard has a bit of a point. This car has been hyped as a supercar from the get-go. Now we learn the looks aren't so super, the driver's control arrangement isn't quite as track oriented as they could/should be, the weight is a tad tipping and the GT luxury aspects are certainly not "grand." We're not making excuses for the 997T's blubber, simply that the GT-R may have been a bit overhyped.

GLover - 10/18/2007 11:21:54 PM

+1 Boost

Who cares about CD player placement in relation to the suspension switches.
You people keep saying the interior is ugly when was the last time you saw the interior on a vette or porsche. Those cars are bare bones, pure performance.

infunf - 2/23/2008 6:35:47 PM

+1 Boost

lol, you're so defensive it's hilarious.

hk4site - 10/17/2007 12:04:48 PM

+4 Boost

I am buying one... I am tired of paying too much for a porsche turbo's...my only concern is that nissan is partly owned by the french!!!

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EL34 - 10/17/2007 12:09:00 PM

-6 Boost

The French are our good friends.

Remember when the USA liberated them during WWII ;)

1970toyotamarc - 10/17/2007 12:16:51 PM

+1 Boost

do you remember when the French helped us win the American Revolution?

EL34 - 10/17/2007 12:11:40 PM

-3 Boost

Porsche should come out with a stripped down 911 with cheap dash and other materials and a giant motor.

That's all Nissan has done.

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enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2007 1:18:16 PM

-2 Boost

why do you insist on making such ridiculous comparisons?

the 911 turbo alread surpasses this cars. please don't insult the carerra GT by even mentioning it in the same sentence as a nissan.

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85bmw745i - 10/19/2007 1:39:05 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

No thats the Corvette with uts huge 7.0 litre, both teh nissan and porsche are under 4 litres, smaller than all of the others except the lotus elise. How can you say that?

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chris760 - 10/19/2007 11:13:36 PM

+1 Boost

say hi to the gt3 rs

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GTR35 - 10/20/2007 2:59:24 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Herb? Why do they call you herb? Is it because you always sound like you're high? You and I know California grows the best stuff. Keep puffing herb, and maybe just maybe in one of your trip-outs the 911 might get close enough to see those nice round lights in the GTR..

R35

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GTR35 - 10/20/2007 3:00:24 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 12:13:25 PM

-6 Boost

My main problem is how the internet and people kept talking about how hyper this car was going to be. How it will eat Porsche 911 Turbos, Ferrari 430 Scuderias, and even Carrera GTs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner since everyone was believing the hyped that it will lap in the Nurburgring in 7:32 (accidently typed 7:38). If you look at all of the GT-R topics in Autospies, I have never once criticized or applauded what the performance may be (the appearence, yes but never its performance) because I wanted to wait until some 'solid' information came our way.

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richardp996 - 10/17/2007 12:26:20 PM

+1 Boost

Proves how gullable a lot of you guys are.

Threepoint1415926 - 10/18/2007 1:54:23 AM

+3 Boost

"richardp996, you are correct in your assessment hence your deboosting. Be proud that the ignorant have deboosted you. "

+1!

answer - 10/17/2007 12:20:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Has it been confirmed that Nissan will be voiding warranties for those buying the car and selling it before 1 year of ownership?

Sounded like a cool idea to me.

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DaHarder - 10/17/2007 1:13:45 PM

+1 Boost

Brilliant idea, and helps keep the vehicle 'grounded'...

Though I'm certain that these evil dealers here in Vegas will find a way to RAPE every customer who buys one.

GT3RennSport - 10/17/2007 12:25:03 PM

+1 Boost

I still do not understand why everyone is comparing this car to a Porsche. I really think they belong to different segments even though the performance outputs are similar. This car is unique in its segment and a true piece of engineering. I insist, I am amazed.

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richardp996 - 10/17/2007 12:29:07 PM

+1 Boost

Why not? Wasn't it benchmarked with the GT-R? Everywhere the GT-R went there was a 997 Turbo whether it be in the Eiffel mountains, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Infineon Raceway, and all over the public roads of California. So why not compare it?

gsh23 - 10/17/2007 12:26:52 PM

+3 Boost

well okay then richardp, dont buy the GTR. stick with your 996. what more is there to say? you probably never tracked a car in your life so what good are times to you?

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richardp996 - 10/17/2007 12:36:45 PM

-1 Boost

Come again? I get this all the time. The 996 is actually for the Ducati 996, not Porsche 996-chassis-coded 911. But yes, I'll stick to my preference of more evocative machinery.

gsh23 - 10/17/2007 1:03:33 PM

+2 Boost

like i said, you never tracked a car in your life so what do you care?

richardp996 - 10/17/2007 2:10:03 PM

+1 Boost

Think what ever you want to think. I cannot prove anything to you. You'd be suprised.

Threepoint1415926 - 10/18/2007 1:57:09 AM

+2 Boost

How presumptuous of you gsh23. About as presumptuous as me proclaiming you've never had sex.

Bmw8ter - 10/17/2007 12:44:14 PM

+1 Boost

The GT-R could really use an F1 inspired steering wheel, as opposed to the "Couch Potato 2000" shown in the pictures.

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gsh23 - 10/17/2007 1:05:28 PM

+1 Boost

actually bmw8ter, the GTR steering wheel has the same shape as the F430 steering wheel. dont mistake logitech made wheels as being the real deal...

bmwdrvr - 10/17/2007 1:02:44 PM

0 Boost

i think this car is a big performance value, and i love the interior not so keen on the looks...but this really should have been a 50-60,000 car, 65,000-70,000 tops. it uses an updated 350z platform, the g37's engine, with turbos, and sure its interior is nicer than any other infiniti/nissan ive seen, but 80 grand for this car seems a bit to optimistic....

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DaHarder - 10/17/2007 1:08:27 PM

+1 Boost

Whoa!

Do you really find this interior to be the aesthetic superior to the G35/G37/M-Series?

Seriously Now:

Functional - Probably/Ugly As Sin - Definitely!

bmwdrvr - 10/17/2007 1:49:41 PM

+1 Boost

by all means i do, of course i havnt sat in it, but this interior in pics is very impressive, the g35/g37 shows its price difference between it and the 3 series in its interior, which still looks and feel like they should be in another class, this GTR interior looks every bit like a upmarket sportscar, not sure 80 grand but def a car above a few notches above the g35

SoSnootySo - 10/17/2007 1:53:16 PM

+5 Boost

RTFA:

"The GT-R rides on Nissan’s new PM platform, PM meaning Prime Midship. It’s an evolution of the ubiquitous FM platform that sits underneath everything from 350Zs to crossover SUVs.

The PM incorporates a “hybrid superstructure body.” There is carbon-injected material in the front end and carbon composite material underneath for aerodynamic downforce. There’s even some polypropylene in the body, too. In any case, it’s not just another FM variant."

Yes. lets try to downplay the engineers work.

"The 3.8-liter VR38 V6 is an evolution of the award-winning VQ engine family. It sits up front, with two of its six cylinders forward of the front axle and four aft. Two bagel-sized IHI turbos sit right at the exhaust manifold for quick response. The 433 lb ft of torque rails across the tach from 3200 to 5200 rpm. Peak 473 hp comes at 6400 revs."

"While the coefficient of drag is an impressive 0.27, more than almost any production car, the GT-R also produces downforce at each axle, something very few production cars can claim."

How do you know how much new engineering there is in this car? It's pretty high-tech to me. Well worth it.

"The GT-R will be worth somewhere in the low-$70,000 range. We’ll know for sure when it enters U.S. showrooms in May or June. Japan will get first crack at it, we get second and the Europeans will have to get it third."

bmwdrvr - 10/17/2007 2:47:02 PM

0 Boost

i mean seriously stop crying, its embarrasing, no where did i trash the car im just saying it doesnt seem like an $80,000 car, regardless of what was injected into it, the fact remains it sits on a platform shared by a few cars, that are no where near 80 grand, and also shares an engine with a car that is half as much as it is, is that a bad thing no its not....but is it worth 80 grand NO, like i said i feel MY OPINION, it should be priced somewhere between 60-70,000 not 80 grand

zorbeeze - 10/18/2007 12:07:52 PM

0 Boost

Oh please bmwdrvr save us your BS.
The 3 series has the worst interior in its class. The G is much better. And the 5 series has the second worst interior next to the Lexus GS.
BMW doesn`t know how to mak a good quality interior anymore.

As for this car retailing for 80 000$ all i have to say is never. The interior is way too horendous and it`s carrying the Nissan nameplate instead of Infinity. For 80 grand the car will flop, reminiscent of the NSX. But it`s unfortunate because it`s an amazing piece of machinery just not worth the money.

mini22 - 10/17/2007 1:11:50 PM

+3 Boost

Talking about "bang for the buck".It's nothing less then the best supercar bargin out in the market place.This includes the Corvette ZO6 etc.Yes the interior is a little busy,the front was taken from an Evo,you can't get a manual tranny.So what for the money you pay this car is truely amazing.You simpply cannot match this performance and comfort any where else for 70 grand. You got to hand it to Nissan.Fantastic job.

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JUGNU - 10/17/2007 1:15:15 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

What's the fastest recorded 0-60 of Porsche Turbo.

I think it's 3.7 or 3.5.

and 3.5 for GTR is only the first time/attempt.Expect to see other magazines getting better times.

GTR is surely 911 Turbo beater.

JUGNU

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enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2007 1:23:31 PM

+1 Boost

the 911 has been clocked at 3.2 and 3.1 by car & driver and motor trend as of late 2006.

Heyhuub - 10/17/2007 1:24:35 PM

+2 Boost

I've seen 3.4 0-60 and 11.4 1/4 mile for the 997 Turbo

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2007 1:26:07 PM

+1 Boost

the numbers you reference are the manufacturer's claims...and porsche (like mercedes and bmw) is very conservative in their claims.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/17/2007 11:50:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Not Mercedes, but Audi. Mercedes usually posts spot-on acceleration numbers.

zorbeeze - 10/18/2007 12:11:33 PM

+1 Boost

the turbo can easily do 3.1 on a day to day basis no doubts about that

zorbeeze - 10/18/2007 10:22:03 PM

+1 Boost

The worst i've seen it do is 3.4.
I guess i'm always around professional drivers.

DaHarder - 10/17/2007 1:21:45 PM

+5 Boost

I know we discussed this issue long ago, but...

The more I think about it, the bigger mistake I feel it is to badge this vehicle as a Nissan (in America).

(Most) Nissan dealers are simply not accustomed to dealing with the demands/expectations of customers willing to pay this kind of money for a vehicle, and we won't even get into how the service departments are going to behave!

Infiniti really needs a true 'halo' car, and this would have been perfect in many ways, as it is a rolling legend... of sorts.

reply to this comment

zorbeeze - 10/18/2007 12:13:31 PM

+1 Boost

Exactly my point, what happens when the customer brings the car for repair what car will a nissan dealer loan the customer? An altima or a murano?

E46_ImolaRed - 10/17/2007 2:05:51 PM

-2 Boost

Am I the only think the front, looks like Toyota Celica?

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DaHarder - 10/17/2007 2:10:37 PM

-1 Boost

A far less pretty one at that...

IS3andME - 10/17/2007 2:43:56 PM

+5 Boost

The stats are excellent and this car will deliver. except for one question. The weight. It will weigh 3,792 pounds. And people were moaning about how the new M3 was a porker. Thats a lot of weight, the 911 Turbo weighs a good 600 pounds less (give or take a few pounds).

This means that there will be a lighter GT-R available. Like the the 911 GT2. Can't wait. I would like mine in Black please! Black Mamba, Black, that is.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/17/2007 11:52:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I'm not bashing the Turbo--I love it--but it only weighs 200lbs less than this beast. So does the R8. So the GT-R is in good company at Weight Watchers.

zorbeeze - 10/18/2007 12:15:42 PM

+1 Boost

the turbo weights 3495lbs so its a 300 pound difference

answer - 10/17/2007 3:19:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I wouldn't mind seeing an optional alcantara steering wheel being offered.

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gsh23 - 10/17/2007 3:55:20 PM

+1 Boost

me too, its on the seats, just put it on the wheel! =D

IS3andME - 10/17/2007 3:19:48 PM

+1 Boost

My bad, I was going by the reg snuff 911, which is a little over 3,000 pounds. I stand corrected.

reply to this comment

pchera01 - 10/17/2007 5:06:04 PM

+2 Boost

Does it liveup to the hype? yes in performance sheet
in style and looks not sure yet (IMO), may be it looks better in person

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Yonder7 - 10/17/2007 5:51:34 PM

+1 Boost

Well, I am a very big fan of MB , BMW and Audi in that order. I Saw GTR and the C63 with the M3 and there is no a big difference in the interiors. And the warranty for the Nissan is even better. If you feel that your product is good, Stand By with a better warranty. The torque on the Bimers is a joke when you compare it to most of the cars in that category. The sound of those engines is beautyfull. But High rev engines have overheating problems most of the time, so it is very likely that if they install turbos, they will have more problems like the overheat in the 335i Turbo. C63 in the other side is able to do 525HP with out turbos, with turbos they will have to reinforced transmision. You can say that M3 engine is for boys that like you accelerate in front of young ladies, but C63 is other category, for the ones that looks for Real Power. Do not missunderstand, M3 is great but that engine needs to replaced very soon or at the end of this year most of the people will end buying GTRs (base price of 66000.00$) or even ISFs just because they have more power and performance "for your money". If AMG wants they can transform C63 in a nightmare for any other brand, That is the Ultimate engine and thats final. 0-60 M3=4.8 GTR=3.5, Diferent categories so do not compare those if you are talking about performance, no way. Finaly I prefer the M3 design over GTR, but thats me. The beauty is in the eye of the Beholder guys. Nissan did a great Job, and if that kind of engineering is able beat the M3 at that price, Nissan deserves the recognition. Now let pass the years to see if the car still performing better than the M3, long term will tell us who is the best at the end.

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gsh23 - 10/17/2007 6:01:20 PM

0 Boost

based on nissan's gtr history, the future will be bright for this new gtr. actually, there is a lot of confusion regarding the actual specs and times the gtr is doing on the nurburgring. there are times from 7:35 all the way to 8:00. i know its all speculation, but i think the faster times are done with a different car. i believe this is for next years gtr variant, the v-spec. the 8:00 times are probably for the base available this year with 473hp.

also, there is an interview with the CEO of mines, a famous gtr tuner, who said that his new US headquarters will be in LA by next year to supply aftermarket parts for the new gtr. anyone who has seen their r34 gtr know that mines is at the top of the game. in fact, the CEO said his new gtr modification will be done before the end of THIS year, most likely indicating they have been working on this car for a while already.

Lexus - 10/17/2007 5:52:08 PM

0 Boost

JUGNU, you forget to mention that Nissan had three different model for the new Nissan GT-R. The shown above only had 473hp because it the base model, there two more more model, one with 540hp and another up to 600hp.

I belive was posted here on this website earlier this year. The high end model to compete with the Lexus LF-A and NSX.

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investor27 - 10/17/2007 8:04:41 PM

+2 Boost

The BMW M3 $62,000 is way over priced, and the Nissan GTR for around $66,000 - $73,000 is way, way over priced as well. Nissan need to release the base GTR for around $52-$55 thousands if they want it to be successful.

reply to this comment

DaHarder - 10/17/2007 8:44:32 PM

+1 Boost

Regardless of price, this vehicle will (initially) be a runaway success.

As long as they keep the production numbers low enough to allow it some exclusivity, all will be fine.

germeezy2 - 10/17/2007 8:18:12 P