Autocar Drives First Imported Nissan GT-R

aston_martin submitted on 02/12/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 8:10 PM
from: www.autocar.co.uk

Tags: Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R

Autocar Drives First Imported Nissan GT-R

What is it?

The result of Nissan’s frustrated performance-car engineer’s obsession with bettering the 911 Turbo: this is the brand new Nissan GT-R. And this is the first place you'll read a UK drive story on it.

Allowing for currency fluctuations, it costs about £58,000, but you’ll need to import one yourself because Nissan isn’t bringing official cars here until next year. Oh, it also has 473bhp, 434lb ft of torque and it weighs 1740kg. That last figure could be a bit of a worry.
What’s it like?

Well, the aforementioned would be a worry if Nissan hadn’t decided to alter the laws of physics and make a 1700kg lump more agile, entertaining and capable than you’d imagine possible.

There is just one problem with the Japanese spec Skyline on UK roads –the ride is very firm. With the three-way dampers set to hard it is undriveable, with them set to normal it feels stiff enough to lap Silverstone (but still far too unyielding for the road) and with then clicked into comfort it is just about good enough. But only just "plenty-of-jiggle, head-toss-and-poinging-from-cats-eyes" acceptable. The Bridgestone RE070s are noisy too, but they make up for that in other areas.

Otherwise, this is a brutal demonstration of what can be achieved by an engineering team fixated on creating the ultimate point-to-point machine. It may have 473bhp, but that figure means nothing if the driver can’t use it: the driver of the R35 can use all of it, all of the time.

There is only one performance car with a better powertrain than the Skyline, and it is made by Bugatti at considerable cost. With the double-clutch gearbox set to automatic you only feel a slight judder from first to second and thereafter it is, for want of a less sickly phrase, seamless.

Brush one of the steering wheel paddles and it instantly becomes a manual (you can do this on the gearlever too). Changes happen faster tan you can comprehend and, with the gearbox mapping set to the fastest shift setting, you still don’t feel anything other than sustained acceleration. 0-60mph takes just 3.5sec, a standing quarter 11.7sec and 190mph comes up flat-out.

If the car’s dynamics are a big surprise, its desirability as an object comes as an even greater shock. People love the way it looks, the cabin is well trimmed and spacious and it has a forbidding presence on the road. Parked next to it, a Porsche '997' Turbo looks rather apologetic.

The steering is the key to the GT-R's agility; you can thread this car with surprising accuracy and even though it can appear to just bludgeon roads into submission, there is real sophistication to the way it handles. And, unlike its predecessor, the R35 doesn’t just spit you in to oversteer. It simply catapults you away from slow turns.
Should I buy one?

I want one now! If you can’t wait for a UK car some time next year then you’ll need to personally import one like this, which was brought in by Litchfield Imports. But believe me: if you're after the ultimate performance weapon of the moment, there is every reason to.

This is the best value performance car not on sale in the UK. Read Article

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GTR35 - 2/13/2008 11:42:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

"There is only one performance car with a better powertrain than the Skyline (GTR), and it is made by Bugatti at considerable cost."

Enough said.

reply to this comment

kpaxx - 2/13/2008 11:45:58 AM

-4 Boost

Nice car but it is funny how they used porsche as a benchmark...and it is funny how porsche is always setting the benchmark

reply to this comment

montyz81 - 2/13/2008 12:02:48 PM

+1 Boost

Until now. GTR just set the benchmark that Porsche will try to beat!

kpaxx - 2/13/2008 12:25:30 PM

-2 Boost

Nope porsche is still a better car these track times of Nurnburgring prove it

7:11* -- 172.07 km/h -- McLaren F1 #LMXP1 (Promotional Car), Mika Hakkinen, www.sps-automotive.com/en_sps/track/07Nt_zonda.html (* not an official source)
7:12* -- 171.67 km/h -- Radical SR3 Turbo, 320 PS/500 kg (test drive 07/03) (*mfr.)
7:14.89 171.18 km/h – Donkervoort D8 270 RS, , 350 PS/600 kg, Michael Düchting (nov,6 05), http://autoweek.nl/newsdisp.php?cache=no&ID=4199
7:15.63 169.31 km/h -- Edo Porsche 996 GT2 RS, 542 PS/1284 kg, Patrick Simons (sport auto 09/05), www.edo-competition.de/fileadmin/MEDIA/VIDEO/nordschleife_runde.avi
www.chpltd.com/911_porsche_world/ringmeister.html
7:18.01 170.24 km/h -- Donkervoort D8 RS, 370 PS/670 kg, Michael Duechting, sport auto 12/2004 http://speed.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=0&fID=2&tID=13957
7:19* -- 168.93 km/h -- Radical SR3 1500 Turbo, Phil Bennet (jun,15 03) (*mfr.), www.radicalmotorsport.com/news_folder/nordchliefe/index.php
www.radicalsportscars.com/gallery/ring2b.mpg
7:22.9 - 169.07 km/h -- Loaded BMW M3 CSL (tuned to GTR specs) ~600 PS, Richard Göransson (nov,5 07) www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=17133
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVeZ2F_vlZM#GU5U2spHI_4
7:24* -- 169.65 km/h -- Lexus LF-A, 552 PS/??? kg *unofficial, according to http://motormagazine.co.jp/2007/12/20081_4.html
www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/214086/lexus_lfa.html
7:27.82 167.20 km/h -- Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, 641 PS/1230 kg, Marc Basseng (EVO #112) www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/228650/
www.supercarmovies.com/html/contentEPISODE5movie.php
7:28* -- 166.65 km/h -- Porsche Carrera GT, 612 PS/ 1475 kg, * company test driver Walther Roehrl (Autobild 07/04)
7:31 --- 164.38 km/h -- Porsche 997 GT2, 530 PS/1440 kg, company test driver Walter Roehrl according to www.automotorsport.se/tv/?m=11159
7:32* -- 164.07 km/h -- Pagani Zonda F, 650 PS/1230 kg (*mfr.) www.autodrome-cannes.com/index-eng.asp
7:32* -- 164.07 km/h -- Porsche 997 GT2, 530 PS/ 1440 kg, company test driver Walter Roehrl (*mfr.) www.caranddriver.com/previews/14155/first-drive-2008-porsche-911-gt2.html
7:32.18 - 164.07 km/h Porsche 997 GT2, 530 PS/ 1440 kg, company test driver Walter Roehrl www.autobild.de/artikel/Themen-Testberichte-Duell-am-Ring_422642.html
7:32.44 163.91 km/h -- Porsche Carrera GT, 612 PS/ 1475 kg, definitive time Horst von Saurma (sport auto 01/04)
7:32.52 163.88 km/h -- Gemballa Porsche GTR 600 EVO, Wolfgang Kaufmann (sport auto 01) , www.gemballa.com/news/gtr6002.html
7:33 --- 163.71 km/h -- Pagani Zonda F, 602 PS/ 1371 kg, Horst von Saurma (sport auto 05/06) www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=0&fID=2&tID=83550
7:33 --- 163.71 km/h -- Porsche 997 GT2, 530 PS/1497 kg (sport auto 11/07) www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=0&fID=2&tID=142508
7:34 --- 163.59 km/h -- Koenigsegg CCR, 806 PS/1418 kg, Horst von Saurma (sport auto, oct,17-18 05) www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=0&fID=2&t

GTR35 - 2/13/2008 7:25:20 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Kpaxx-How many of these cars are mass production?

enthusiastx11 - 2/13/2008 12:30:26 PM

-7 Boost

an impressive amount of performance, but with too much compromise:

first, the ride is punishing. they called it "undriveable" with dampers set to firm, and barely tolerable set to comfort. no such compromise necessary in a 911...it's beautifully balanced.

second, it's still tacky looking. it looks like a tarted-up mid-priced car, certainly not an exotic.

reply to this comment

SVXXX - 2/13/2008 12:46:00 PM

+8 Boost

Tacky looking? Did you read the full article?
====================
"Parked next to it, a Porsche '997' Turbo looks rather apologetic. "

S4cabriofoxone - 2/13/2008 7:15:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

As much as I agree with the GT-R lovers (both the GT-R and 911 are incredible), the 997 is WORLDS better than the 996 in terms of interior comfort.

EL34 - 2/13/2008 12:42:08 PM

-13 Boost

This Nissan will blend in with all the rest of the boring looking cars in the parking lot.

It's a boring looking car :-(

reply to this comment

07G35J - 2/13/2008 5:15:26 PM

+4 Boost

EL34 said: "It's a boring looking car"

And I'm supposed to believe, EL34, that because you have a Ferrari logo next to your ID, that you do drive one? And that's why anything else is just boring for you?

_43LE - 2/13/2008 5:42:38 PM

+4 Boost

From above:

"People love the way it looks, the cabin is well trimmed and spacious and it has a forbidding presence on the road. Parked next to it, a Porsche '997' Turbo looks rather apologetic."

EL34 - 2/13/2008 8:17:45 PM

-6 Boost

The Porsche '997' Turbo wood look apologetic next to a garbage truck and therefore the Nissan DTR looks like a garbage truck, I agree :-)

KinGofNY - 2/14/2008 4:26:41 PM

+2 Boost

wow... your on drugs

EL34 - 2/13/2008 1:39:19 PM

-2 Boost

Nissan are dumping this car at a reduced price because they are desperate to participate in this segment, and did it ever take them long enough to get involved.

reply to this comment

jpighetti - 2/13/2008 5:03:15 PM

+6 Boost

Why, why, why do people continue to argue with Josh? What kind of intelligent, well-researched, thoughtful response do you expect from a 14-year-old kid? Forget about being able to articulte in an automotive forum; he's 4 years away from buying scratch tickets, still needs Mom and Dad to see an R-rated movie, and probably has a geometry 1 exam in the near future. How can you argue "dream" cars with a kid that hasn't had his first wet one yet?

Josh, soon enough you'll learn cars are a lot like girls. You know, women. The ones that look kind of like you but generally have longer hair, hate bugs, and may have strange bumps on their chest that you don't quite understand, yet you somehow know how important they are. Cars are like girls in that while you may have a favorite model (blonde, brunette, short, tall, curvy or thin), if you don't give the others an open-minded test-drive, you'll miss out on some unbelieveable features and options.

Now go study. It's only an hour before bed time.

reply to this comment

1000rrRider - 2/13/2008 5:16:52 PM

+2 Boost

When it comes to automotive innovation and technology Japanese engineers contributed very little compared to their German counterparts. Comparing a Porsche to a Nissan makes no sense. The GT-R’s front engine design is much cheaper to manufacture and much easier to tune since there is a lot more room in the front for turbos, intercoolers etc. This gives you a huge bang for the buck with the GT-R. Doing the same thing to the much smaller Porsche costs more and is a lot more difficult since the engine is in the rear. Therefore the Porsche costs a lot more money, plus you are paying for an exotic hand built low production car and for the name of course. Most exotic cars including world’s fastest race cars like F1 and top fuel dragsters… have a rear or mid engine design. The GT-R is a gorgeous car for the money but its more like a modern high tech Japanese version of the Corvette or the Viper.

reply to this comment

07G35J - 2/13/2008 5:18:30 PM

+4 Boost

Well, Josh, for once I agree with HALF of your statement. Japanese engineering is advanced and impressive. Now, I don't know that it is better than German engineering.

reply to this comment

JUGNU - 2/13/2008 1:22:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I just love new GT-R.

Sad till now there is only one here in UAE.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

_43LE - 2/13/2008 9:58:47 PM

+1 Boost

You just can't stand the fact that the GT-R is a great car and a peer (performance wise) with Porsche. I'm lovin' it.

reply to this comment

_43LE - 2/13/2008 9:59:28 PM

0 Boost

LOL, that's a sad comment!

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 2/14/2008 8:58:47 AM

0 Boost

you do know that the 911 turbo also comes available with a DSG right?

reply to this comment

jpighetti - 2/14/2008 12:27:09 PM

+2 Boost

Porsche doesn't currently offer the DSG. The Tiptronic is available in the Turbo and it is faster than the manual. DSG will replace the Tip, but not yet.

reply to this comment

BozzorTheGreat - 2/13/2008 4:50:59 PM

+3 Boost

I find it funny how some are disparaging Nissan by saying that they are dumping this car at a reduced price.

Ummm...no.

Nissan is making a very today profit on these cars. The reason they do so is because of a few factors...

1) They are a volume manufacturer and many parts of the GT-R are shared with less expensive cars.
2) The Japanese have a cost advantage compared to cars built in the US (legacy costs with health care and high wages) and Europe (strong Euro and again high wage costs)

This is a superb car and one that should hold its value amazingly well in the UK.

reply to this comment

1000rrRider - 2/13/2008 5:17:09 PM

+4 Boost

When it comes to automotive innovation and technology Japanese engineers contributed very little compared to their German counterparts. Comparing a Porsche to a Nissan makes no sense. The GT-R’s front engine design is much cheaper to manufacture and much easier to tune since there is a lot more room in the front for turbos, intercoolers etc. This gives you a huge bang for the buck with the GT-R. Doing the same thing to the much smaller Porsche costs more and is a lot more difficult since the engine is in the rear. Therefore the Porsche costs a lot more money, plus you are paying for a exotic hand built low production car and for the name of course. Most exotic cars including world’s fastest race cars like F1 and top fuel dragsters… have a rear or mid engine design. The GT-R is a gorgeous car for the money but its more like a modern high tech Japanese version of the Corvette or Viper.

reply to this comment

jpighetti - 2/13/2008 5:30:00 PM

+3 Boost

"The result of Nissan’s frustrated performance-car engineer’s obsession with bettering the 911 Turbo: this is the brand new Nissan GT-R."

I must have been in the bathroom when it was announced that "bettering" the 911 Turbo meant simply building a car that goes faster but costs less. I think the GT-R is a wonderful car. The performance figures are outstanding, the looks are...well...what one would expect a Nissan sports car (not supercar, because that it is not) to look like; not good, not bad, just typical and acceptable. It may be faster and less expensive (which also means cheaper) but it will never, ever be a Porsche 911. Or Ferarri. Or Audi R8. It will never have the intangible, the "I want one but I don't know why", the history, the racing triumphs, the exclusivity, the desirability. Here's an overused analogy: The GT-R might be the steak, but the 911 Turbo is the sizzle.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 2/13/2008 7:20:41 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The R8 may not have model-specific history, but it is the embodiment of all of Audi's racing history in one vehicle.

Obviously, that's pretty damn good history right there.

_43LE - 2/13/2008 10:01:04 PM

+3 Boost

Nissan has a fairly extensive racing history as well.

http://www.datsunhistory.com/Racehistory1.html

http://www.zclubhungary.hu/EDATRace_Menu.htm

jpighetti - 2/14/2008 12:24:33 PM

0 Boost

Wow. An "effing dumbass" plus a crack joke! Just how many pre-pubescent Hannah Montana fans are registered on this site? Posted at 7:30 pm too huh? You must have eaten all your veggies if your folks to let you stay up and play on the computer that late...if they only knew you were making a fool of yourself...

I didn't say that Nissan has no racing history, and you are correct that the Audi R8 LeMans race car is not an appropriate daily driver. Perhaps if you read my post rather than picking it apart to feebly defend your clearly unhealthy japanese car obsession, you might have noticed a broader point. Much of the hype about the GT-R has been in regard to it's potential ability to topple the 911 Turbo. If the GT-R is going to be a finer sports car than the 911 Turbo, the proof will be in how dramatic the drop in sales for the 911 Turbo is once the GT-R is released. Want to know how much the GT-R will impact Porsche? It won't. That's not because its not a great car. It's just not that great of a car. The 911 is a legend in the industry. It's appreciated by both car-people and non-car-people. The fact that the GT-R is faster (maybe) and cheaper could not be more irrelevant. If you are comparing metal to metal and nothing else, it's a reasonable comparison. If you are considering deeper qualities, the GT-R has little ground to stand on.

But it's still a hell of a car.

reply to this comment

jpighetti - 2/14/2008 3:00:49 PM

0 Boost

Are you kidding me?

First of all, anyone who says "LMAO" should be sterilized.

Second, not once did I say that Nissan has no winning racing history.

Not one time.

But you've accused me of saying exactly that twice now. I would argue that makes you twice the "effing dumbass" we thought you were just moments ago.

I did imply that Nissan doesn't have the same illustrious racing history like that of Porsche, Ferrari, and Audi (for a short list). I don't think that anyone, including representatives from Nissan, would argue that point, or be as offended as you seem to be.

I'll try to put it into one or two sentences: The hype is that the GT-R will be "more car than", or a "better sports car than", or "superior to" the 911 Turbo. I say it takes much more than what the GT-R is and represents to mount an offensive against a truly legendary vehicle like the Porsche Turbo. I say it's not even in the same league, unless you are speaking purely about performance figures. Your average 911 buyer has a more sophisticated automotive palate. The intangibles are as important as the car itself.

So lexus_admirer, convince me that in 30 years we'll all be looking back on the GT-R with the same awe and admiration that the Turbo deserves.

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