	Agent009 "The vanity of others offends our taste only when it offends our vanity"
	View My AgentSpace

First Drive: Nissan GT-R Hits The Road!

Agent009 submitted on 11/30/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:18 AM
from: www.autoexpress.co.uk

[124] user comments | category: Report Cards

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

First Drive: Nissan GT-R Hits The Road!

Has it really been six years? Way back in 2001, Auto Express published the world’s first pictures of the Nissan GT-R concept. Since then, we have seen the spy shots, watched the launch and digested the specification of Japan’s mightiest-ever supercar.

And with good reason, too. With 473bhp, Nissan’s new GT-R is the most potent production car the nation has ever built. It has nearly 200bhp more than its predecessor, and its specification is mouth-watering: twin-turbo V6, double-clutch gearbox, advanced four-wheel drive, adjustable dampers, gearshift and traction control, plus construction that features both aluminium and carbon fibre.

So advanced is the engine, Nissan builds it in laboratory conditions in a clean room at the centre of its sprawling Yokohama factory. This all sounds very impressive, but how does the GT-R shape up in reality?

Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

EL34 - 11/30/2007 10:39:39 AM

Show Comment -21 Boost

Agent009 - 11/30/2007 10:43:01 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I think it has pretty distinctive styling. But still not my cup of tea though.

EL34 - 11/30/2007 11:39:13 AM

Show Comment -19 Boost

1995e34 - 11/30/2007 12:48:40 PM

-2 Boost

but the corvette styling is consistent throughout, this seems to be an eclipse's schnozz grafted to a mustang's rump.

deadly fast, but a stylistic failure.

EL34 - 11/30/2007 1:26:54 PM

Show Comment -17 Boost

EnnNorak - 11/30/2007 2:33:03 PM

-1 Boost

This car does nothing for me either except that I like the styling. I'm just not into sports cars any more. I like reasonably powered 4-door sedans and diesels with long range between fill-ups and my wife is into small SUVs (waiting to see the coming Tiguan).

answer - 11/30/2007 4:12:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+12 Boost

If EL34 doesn't like it, you know it must be good!

pacotacolol - 11/30/2007 5:11:28 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Old News To Me.

SVXXX - 11/30/2007 5:28:27 PM

+8 Boost

COME ON guys! Give EL34 a break he is mentally retarded!

KillBot - 11/30/2007 6:59:48 PM

+1 Boost

I was never a fan of the styling of this car, and to be honest with you, I was never on the band wagon either. I always felt that if I was going to spend that kind of money I would get a Vette or Porsche. But, after seeing it at the LA auto show, it started to covertly change me. This car is not photogenic, it actually doesn't look that bad in person, and I would consider test driving this car because I think that compared to a Z06 or 911, it comes down to driver preference. Does that mean that I'll buy one, No. But, I'll give it a chance to win me over.

EL34 - 11/30/2007 7:32:50 PM

-11 Boost

Toughy, this Nissan doesn't look anywhere as kool as the Mercedes R-Klasse.

In fact, the GT-R should be called the Fish-Class.

Like a cold - dead - stiff - fish :)

EL34 - 11/30/2007 7:35:33 PM

-8 Boost

KillBot, wait till you see the GT-R on the road a few times, it will look like a common household Nissan Sentra because of that outlandish outdated stale styling ;)

EL34 - 11/30/2007 7:37:17 PM

-7 Boost

bleek, I would never in a million years compare the GT-R's styling with the hightech look of the BMW 1-Series :)

qweasdzxc - 11/30/2007 11:04:02 PM

+3 Boost

Everyone knows nothing compare to your A-hole mark in front.

ThierryHenry14 - 11/30/2007 10:49:43 AM

-3 Boost

Its nice, but like everyone says, its a little too ugly for me.

reply to this comment

Agent008 - 11/30/2007 10:55:58 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

"its a little too ugly for me"

That implies that there is an acceptable level of ugly for you, eh :)

ThierryHenry14 - 11/30/2007 12:00:26 PM

+2 Boost

something like that... I could live with some ugliness, if the package was just right. hehe.

ThierryHenry14 - 11/30/2007 5:39:10 PM

0 Boost

why would anyone deboost me for my opinion? not like I am stating it as fact. not that it matters? just wondering.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:11:44 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I don't think this is "too ugly" for you. If you could live with an "acceptable" amount of ugliness, you could live with this car, which makes up for any design lapse with its 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. AND you could buy an Infiniti G35 and a Mazdaspeed3 (both for practical reasons) with the money you saved not buying a Porsche 911 Turbo.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/3/2007 4:47:04 PM

+2 Boost

that is true. I think that although I do not think its the most attractive car, if I were to get one, I could live with its looks, based on its performance alone. However, the statement abou the turbo and the GTR, I would indeed spend more for a porsche than get the GTR.

I have a 911, and if I had to do it again, I would get my Porsche over this car. Thats just my love with Porsche...

salman22 - 11/30/2007 10:57:08 AM

-1 Boost

This is a TEST Comment
Salman Khan
<a href=http://www.google.com/>Salman Khan</a>
http://www.google.com/

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 11/30/2007 11:11:12 AM

-2 Boost

clearly a great performance car on the track. kudos to nissan.

but harsh ride makes it impractical for normal roads on a regular basis.

and it still looks like an economy car. it's not elegant or refined looking like a 911 or anything italian. looks like the front end of an old prelude mated with the body shape of a 10-year old mitsubishi 3000GT.

reply to this comment

MunichRob - 11/30/2007 11:09:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

"enthusiastx11" I don't know how anyone can argue with what you just said, well mabye the economy car part but other than that I thought everything else you said was obvious.

Sure the GT-R looks cool & sporty, so does the 350Z, you may even prefer that to the ‘swoopy’ design of the Porsche, but as elegant or refined looking as a Porsche? Come on guys you can't be serious.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:12:33 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The 911 is still the most beautifully simple automotive form on the road.

JUGNU - 11/30/2007 11:18:15 AMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

To me it's just perfection. I completely like it's styling and everything.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

Hantra - 11/30/2007 11:24:47 AMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

Agreed. LOVE the rear end.

enthusiastx11 - 11/30/2007 11:25:56 AM

-4 Boost

well, you're in the minority.

at least nissan hasn't set unrealistic sales goals...only 1500 coming to the US per year.

r15mohd - 11/30/2007 11:38:39 AM

+6 Boost

if they made 5000 it would sell regardless...the GTR is/has been a beast for enthusiasts/tuners. that alone would guarantee plenty of sales...

it just goes to show that, again, if it isnt out of Germany, many here downplay it. the GTR is a stunning design and is even more impressive in white

enthusiastx11 - 11/30/2007 12:03:26 PM

-7 Boost

"if they made 5000 it would sell regardless."

remind me...is nissan a charity or a for-profit concern? if they were confident about demand, they'd make them. only an idiot businessperson leaves money on the table.

ThierryHenry14 - 11/30/2007 12:09:31 PM

+3 Boost

I could be wrong, but not many tuners/enthusiasts spend 70k on a vehicle. While I know there are lots who will, most would probably wait until this hits the used car market in about 3-4 years before buying it as a discount price, because the performance will not be lacking.

As for "downplay it", thats a matter of opinion, and theres nothing wrong with liking designs from certain brands over others.

While I agree that most people are blind fanboys who will swear a car the shape of a fire extinguisher looks great, I for one will be bias on some occasions, but this car really doesnt drive the emotional appeals out of me.

Bill - 11/30/2007 1:10:50 PM

-4 Boost

Jugnu, "Perfection"? This is a Nissan, not a Lexus.

*Devil Smiley*

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:16:03 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"remind me...is nissan a charity or a for-profit concern? if they were confident about demand, they'd make them."

enthusiastx, I'm sorry, but how many BMW M6s do you think are sold here? Slated to be sold here?

It's a simple business principle called supply-and-demand. If Nissan keeps supply down, demand will remain up. They can charge higher prices. The owners can enjoy some semblance of "exclusivity." And everyone's happy. I think you know that a car with these numbers, for $70K, has the potential to sell a LOT more than 1500 units a year.

PlanB - 11/30/2007 11:34:03 AM

+6 Boost

I just love this car. And I'm not expecting Porsche quality levels here. Its price doesn't warrant that if you consider that it can keep up with the best runners costing a whole lot more... and even blow right past a few others. But for their asking price and knowing the technology that went into creating this car, its perfection enough imo.

reply to this comment

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/30/2007 12:08:13 PM

-6 Boost

Notice how everybody is copying Audi with big grills.. the GT-R has it, the EVO X and some Toyota's too.

reply to this comment

Ingenieur - 11/30/2007 1:40:42 PM

+2 Boost

SevorbeupstryIsBack,

Didn't the GT-R concept in 2001 already have this big-grill feature? Does Audi's grill pre-date that?

Not making any claims. Just asking.

EnnNorak - 11/30/2007 2:48:23 PM

+3 Boost

It's not that everyone is copying big grilles -- it's that the auto industry is taking the same direction in unison. Currently it's big grilles and tomorrow they will conspire to change styling direction toward smaller grilles just to make idiot consumers want to go out and buy a new car. All men should be men and ignore trends pushed by stylists whose work requires Freudian analysis -- women will always be style conscious and fall for gimmicks designed to get them to buy new clothes and stuff as often as possible.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:18:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

No. The R34 Skyline GT-R looked like this:

http://www.fantasycars.com/derek/cars/images/nissan/gtr_1.jpg

It had a two-piece grille, more similar to Audis of the late 1990s.

In fact, the new GT-R really doesn't have "big grille." It's just that the strip of bodywork in between the top and bottom intakes is painted black, which makes it look like one grille but actually isn't.

M35MT - 11/30/2007 12:23:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

The rear 3/4 shot with the mountains in the background...and in white...simply gorgeous. This car rocks. Haters dont deserve to drive it.

reply to this comment

STJ88 - 11/30/2007 12:36:01 PM

+3 Boost

@SevorbeupstryIsBack

The GTR concept from 2001 had a big single frame grill thats a long time before audi came with it.

reply to this comment

Bill - 11/30/2007 1:09:47 PM

+2 Boost

Looks gorgeous in white. Nice job, Nissan.

reply to this comment

JUGNU - 11/30/2007 1:11:13 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Grille copied from Audi....hahaha.

Audi themselves started putting it only 4 to 5 years back and same with LED stripes in the bumper.

it's a new signature and hold no value compare to like MB's or BMW's twin kidney grille which is there for years.

so anyone can put the big grille and LED lights. IT'S NOT AN AUDI SIGNATURE.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:13:34 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Yes, it is, because like you said it started four years ago and it is on EVERY MODEL. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's not a distinct feature.

This and the new EVO X both have "Audi grilles." That's hard to deny.

PerformanceGuy - 11/30/2007 1:19:16 PM

+4 Boost

I have to say that when I heard they were bringing this car to the U.S. that I was not to sure about it, but wow, this car looks awesome and will be able to destroy anything on the road.

reply to this comment

Audiphile - 11/30/2007 1:32:59 PM

+6 Boost

It sounds like a very impressive car. However, I'll wait until I have a chance to drive it before I pass judgement.

Just like some people, there are some attractive vehicles that are not photogenic, i.e. they look fine "in the flesh" but don't look so hot in a photo. For Nissan's sake, I hope the GT-R is one of those vehicles.

reply to this comment

chuck717 - 11/30/2007 1:51:40 PM

+5 Boost

Good take i'm with you> i want to see the machine in person i must say it looks very different in white then silver for some strange reason.
Like you said in the flesh can be a whole new ball game kinda like actors, most look good on the screen look awful in person, i hope this is the reverse for this car?

EnnNorak - 11/30/2007 2:52:30 PM

0 Boost

Cars are like women -- you have to judge them by performance not looks, otherwise you may get stuck with a bitch of a car that only sucks your wallet dry.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:20:42 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The Mercedes-Benz S and CL-Class (W221 models) looked terrible in press shots but they look absolutely stunning on the road. I think this is one of those cars. It may not be a beautiful shape, but it will have presence.

gsh23 - 11/30/2007 1:45:45 PM

+1 Boost

well unlike AMG who claims that a master tech hand builds each engine, the GTR engine really is built and assembled by hand ala honda type r hand polished bores and all. this is why they can only make so many a month and i doubt very much it has anything to do with nissan's "confidence" that this car will sell. this isnt some limited 2 year run, this is how all GTRs will come. one day...

reply to this comment

Bill - 11/30/2007 2:56:23 PM

+1 Boost

AMG engines are built by hand. What makes you claim that it's all BS?

Fanboy.

EL34 - 11/30/2007 7:41:13 PM

+1 Boost

AMG engines are all handbuilt.

Look it up on UTube ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XMlLgl79ek

Ingenieur - 11/30/2007 2:09:18 PM

+6 Boost

CAR magazine review:

"Quite simply, the new GT-R is the world’s most multi-faceted supercar. There is no fast car so easy to steer, none so forgiving, no car that has more armoury in its quest to go fast and keep you out of trouble.

Just as that old GT-R resets the standards for front-engined coupés, so the new one lifts the bar ever higher. An M3 beater? Easily. M5? Think higher. This car is faster, more high-tech, sharper, more capable. Faster than a 911 Turbo on the straight. Or on the circuit. And all for normal 911 money. Genius. "

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_drive.php?sid=1305&page=1

reply to this comment

Ingenieur - 11/30/2007 3:36:54 PM

+3 Boost

That's what you should've said the first time around. It's the point of my post.

reply to this comment

McFlu - 12/21/2007 12:50:02 PM

+1 Boost

i get car and driver in the mail, and they did say it was an excellent car, but cars today are all preference, thats why we have stupid fanboys who will tell you that THEIR favorite car is the best and no other car is even close to it. The new gt-r isnt the best lookin, but it is fast, but its a hate it or love it car. Personally im a fan of the viper, have been since it came out, that why i love the new one because its fast, and no its not the prettiest, but it has attitude, and i would take one over any car out there. When it comes to skylines, personally i love the r33 style, so if i were to get a skyline, id take the new one, with the style of the r33.

reply to this comment

Yonder7 - 11/30/2007 2:07:13 PM

+2 Boost

Every body likes the frog a mean (Porsche 911) same Sh!@#$% diferent year. Y do not like the new GTR style but at least is different. Again remember that Beauty is in eye of the beholder.

reply to this comment

Obliv - 11/30/2007 2:46:02 PM

+3 Boost

I prefer the styling of the GT-R over the 911. Its different, and its proportions look right for the history of GT-Rs.

Porsche should come up with something new, hopefully within the next 20 years. Theres just something admirable about trying something new, and porsche just seems too Conservative.

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 11/30/2007 2:49:43 PM

+3 Boost

took the words right out of my mouth. I love porsches as well, but in black, the GTR is just right.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 10:15:26 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I still want a Porsche...

Obliv - 12/5/2007 6:30:05 PM

+1 Boost

You may call the porsche "a classic beauty", but ill still call it lazy. At least the GTR is going out on a branch with something new.

Ingenieur - 11/30/2007 2:49:29 PM

+4 Boost

nozferatu - 11/30/2007 4:03:48 PM

+2 Boost

NICE! Let's see all the stupid German car fanboys come out now from the woodwork and act like douches while trying to defend their overweight, overpriced piles of garbage.

M3, M5...what a joke...they stick huge engines in 3500LB+ cars and think they did a good job. You know what they say...shit attracts flys.

GTR35 - 11/30/2007 6:12:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Thanks for the link Ingenieur, that's valid review. This car is great, I had a chance to see it at the LA auto show and its lines are elegant and simply beautiful, no need to mention its performance.

audispy - 11/30/2007 3:31:05 PM

-2 Boost

The front I can live with but the back is just ugly and looks kinda like the back of a chevy (which looks good on some chevy's if not all but not on this car).

And the overall design plus the color choice for this car make it look as if there is a car cover on it. I actual thought for a second the car was camouflaged!!! lol

reply to this comment

EL34 - 11/30/2007 4:02:40 PM

-4 Boost

Let's face it, Nissan is dumping this car on America with a reduced price.

It's not the first time ;)

reply to this comment

Need4Speed - 11/30/2007 4:59:05 PM

+1 Boost

Like any 1st iteration car you should never jump on the first model. This car will be sure to have its faults and bugs. May be best to wait for the second go round. And before anyone jumps on my comment and start saying that this is not the 1st iteration because it picks up where the last car left off...let me end it by saying you're an idiot and get over it!

reply to this comment

EL34 - 11/30/2007 5:10:27 PM

-6 Boost

So when do we see the stock production models numbers?

reply to this comment

BM3W - 11/30/2007 5:21:59 PM

+1 Boost

The review is just okay. For a GT with such massive tourqe I was expecting more from it. The article is right on in regards to Porsche "the twin-turbo flat-six is a masterpiece".

reply to this comment

GTR35 - 11/30/2007 6:21:40 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

So being faster than an M3 or matching the 911 is not enough for you? I think you're simply hurt, why dont you take a look at this review and wipe your tears:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_drive.php?sid=1305&page=1

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/1/2007 12:12:00 PM

+1 Boost

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_drive.php?sid=1305&page=1

Read it mate.

0-62mph or {0-100kmph for you yanks} takes 3.6 secs

Does that not totally destroy your High & Mighty claim that the Reviews will prove this "Nissan Claim" as false ?

reply to this comment

Rupert - 11/30/2007 6:10:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I'm not a fan of this vehicle genre, I want a more "everyday" car, and this, with its "transmission shunt", "harsher ride than an M3 or 911 turbo" and not-great interior, doesn't really do it for me. I know it's fast, I know it handles great, but I want a more complete package.
And just think, you're at a party "What car do you drive?"
"A Nissan"
"Oh"
"But it's a really faster super cool one..."
*Walks away from car bore*

reply to this comment

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/1/2007 12:16:44 PM

+1 Boost

That says it all.

You would purchase a G8 over a G37, I now understand why you have such low expectations from vehicles.

I dont like the G37 but will never pick the G8 over it.

BMWfan_Alfredo - 11/30/2007 7:15:35 PM

+4 Boost

bunch of jackass posts for the most part coming from close-minded EL34... i would give any car a chance, except the new mustangs..unless its a roush..the best handling of all..anyway, this car looks beautiful in pictures, and im sure it looks stunning in real life...even if nissan didnt accomplish all their 'hype' with not-60 times, they DID accomplish making a beautiful,fast, vehicle, congrats to them, and cant wait to see it on the streets in real life!

reply to this comment

EL34 - 11/30/2007 8:39:04 PM

-1 Boost

Beautiful is a Ferrari.

This car looks about as good as a Datsun 300ZX with some bathtub mixed in.

reply to this comment

lexusis350 - 11/30/2007 8:59:32 PM

+1 Boost

I really like the interior of this. If Nissan/Infiniti would use the same interior parts and the same styling as the GT-R, they would be some real competition.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 12:01:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

For once, I agree with bleek. The interior is a strange mix of design elements and it looks cheap and very '90s. The exterior is amazing.

Lexus - 11/30/2007 10:10:38 PM

-1 Boost

This Nissan GT-R officially time on the famous German track at 7:38s and 0-60s in 3.5s. That all it matter for now, and it can out run many supercars.

Just wait until the Lighter V-spec Nissan GT-R come out. It will probably run the track in 7:20 range and do 0-60 in 3s flat.

Don't worry this is Godzilla we are talking about, it will be back with Vegenence for sure!

reply to this comment

MunichRob - 11/30/2007 11:00:57 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"Lexus" a lighter V-Spec GT-R isn't even confirmed, but say if they do end up releasing one, I assure you it won't likely improve it's time around the ring by a whole 17sec. That's a whole lot more than you think it is.

EL34 - 11/30/2007 11:14:54 PM

-2 Boost

Lexus, I read that car used at the Nurburgring was not a stock Nissan GT-R.

Anyone else heard this?

GTR35 - 12/1/2007 1:10:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

What I heard was that the track wasnt completely dry and so the numbers werent as good as they can be on the stock model.

MunichRob - 11/30/2007 10:55:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

This car really gets my heart going, that twin-turbo V-6 sounds mouth watering. I love the taillights on this car & just the overall shape, however I hate the spoiler on the back & basically the whole aftermarket look which is why I wouldn't buy one.

I would consider buying this car for the track because that's what it's ultimately built for & it's way more affordable than any other track tool of it's caliber.

Though if money weren’t an option in most minds of people with $100,000 to spend on a car & who are most likely over the age of 30, the Porsche would be the more appealing car over the Asian teenagers wet dream Nissan GT-R.

So I do wonder what demographic will be the main customer base for this car, I know it’s obviously going to sell I just wonder to who. CEO’s over 30 can get away with a Corvette no problem, but not so easily in a car that looks like "Ari's" assistant "Lloyd" from "Entourage" should be driving.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 11/30/2007 11:18:38 PM

-1 Boost

I would like to see this Nissan race a F-35 Lighting off the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69.

:)

reply to this comment

EL34 - 12/1/2007 2:56:48 AM

+2 Boost

I think most of us will never get to drive this car and we'll have to buy the remote controlled Nissan GT-R at the local Sharper Image store to find out what all the hype is about.

reply to this comment

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/1/2007 12:26:08 PM

+1 Boost

Kaiser

Why do you have such a vested interest in the GTR not performing to the Nissan Claims ?

Or are you worried that Corvette sales will dwindle even further now that the GTR is headed Stateside ?

reply to this comment