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Will The New Nissan GT-R Rewrite the Supercar Book?

Agent009 submitted on 10/16/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 8:53 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[85] user comments | category: New Cars

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Will The New Nissan GT-R Rewrite the Supercar Book?

Is the upcoming Nissan GT-R going to be a 911 Turbo killer?

If you take the cover of Motor Trend’s yet to be released December issue as gospel, you might think so. Although the official details are still a bit sketchy, the rumor is that the hot shoes over at MT coaxed a 0-60 times of 3.5 seconds and then tripped the lights fantastic in the quarter mile at 11.7 seconds. Top speed is estimated in the 190+ mph range.

Coming in at just a bit under $80,000 the GT-R may just rewrite the book in setting performance in the under $100k category. Promising 3 levels of performance the “entry-level” model should sport a 3.6 liter V6 with 450hp. A hardcore high performance level model will follow later boasting 530hp and enough carbon fiber to make a F-22 raptor envious.

The GT-R is set to debut officially next week at the Tokyo Auto Show, so stayed tuned for more details as they emarge.

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Mate - 10/16/2007 9:09:48 AM

+8 Boost

If it is really that fast;it will be an instant classic.

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adamblack - 10/16/2007 11:31:15 AM

0 Boost

its really fast i meant very very very very very very fast and smart

DaHarder - 10/16/2007 11:42:10 AM

+3 Boost

It was already a legend way before this iteration came out, now that it's accessible to Americans, legendary status is a given.

dlin - 10/16/2007 10:00:55 PM

+1 Boost

It not only rewrites the book, it kicks the butt of many lazy car MFRs.

AUDI has better come up w/ modern 4WD system.
BMW better come up w/ some real high performance sports car.
HONDA better re-evaluate use of NA V10 engine for NSX.

Lambo? Forget it. VW better starts looking for buyer.

:)

S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 10:20:41 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

This car will be incredible.

On a different note--Lambos aren't about outright speed. They're such an experience. Nobody who ones one cares if they're not as fast as the Nissan that costs $150K less; they will continue buying them.

It's Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi, Honda, Lexus and Corvette that have to go do their homework.

Threepoint1415926 - 10/17/2007 12:28:58 AM

+1 Boost

I dont think it will really be that fast. I think this car will be on factory roids to impress editors. We all remember the SL600 3.6 second dash, I remember all those 4.8 second figures in '89 when the 964 C4 was first introduced... No one pics up their car from the dealer and does this.

IS3andME - 10/16/2007 9:28:07 AM

+1 Boost

Hopefully, it will do that well. But MT is known for getting better times than other mags. They one time got below 3.5 with a Ford GT prototype that had 450 HP, which is 100 less than production.

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r15mohd - 10/16/2007 9:38:28 AM

+2 Boost

the front is disappointing to me from what was seen as the concept model.

this front looks more EVO-ish, even has resemblence to the '99 3000GT

no doubt it will still be a winner. if the numbers are accurate, it will only begin to tear away the competition.

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budfrogS4 - 10/16/2007 9:52:17 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Even though it has supercar speed and power, is it really a supercar? Don't get me wrong, it's an incredible car and one to write home about but can you call it a supercar? Maybe I'm getting the term supercar confused with exotic. Or maybe that's one for Clarkson and Hammond to squabble over.

That car sounds simply fantastic. Look forward to it coming to the states.

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Agent009 - 10/16/2007 9:55:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

If it can put up the numbers then it is a supercar I guess it is. Handling has been quoted at the 1g range.

M35MT - 10/16/2007 11:04:23 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

It is a supercar, just like the last GTR. Exotic means supercar + brand cache.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 10:21:56 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I don't know... I think it's a really, really, really fast car. But a supercar? Not by normal standards. The 911 Turbo isn't, either. Their styling needs to be swoopier, sexier, less conventional, to be "super."

Threepoint1415926 - 10/17/2007 12:35:17 AM

+1 Boost

I agree, Tiff Nedel said it best "The term supercar has been somewhat abused these days. People seem to think you can just stick a big V8 into any old sports car and earn the title. Well, I'm sorry, but you cant!"

His list for a super car:
Outlandish looks
Exquisite design detail
V12 or similarly special engine

I happen to agree. Bugatti, LP640, Enzo, ect.... these are supercars. Anything less is a sports car or perhaps an exotic (ie rare) sports car.

M35MT - 10/17/2007 8:44:17 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

However, threepoint, if you can achieve the same performance with a TT V6 over a V12, then isnt the V12 more novelty, or, exotic?

The GTR isnt a 'sports car'. That's what a 350z and Mustang are. The Ford GT is a supercar, so is this. Unless you have another term for it...

Threepoint1415926 - 10/18/2007 2:24:15 AM

+2 Boost

You made my point. The V12 is a novelty, it's the novelty that we associate with a supercar. The whole idea of a supercar is based on outrageous novelty alone. The GT-R is a SPORTS CAR, just like its competitors, the Porsche 911 and the Z06. It shouldnt be compared with the outrageousness that is the Zonda, Bugatti or Enzo.

Brembo - 10/16/2007 10:10:07 AM

+5 Boost

I want mine in all black. Please.

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germeezy2 - 10/16/2007 10:14:58 AM

+1 Boost

I think they made the front very bland compared to the show car. I don't know if you guys know this but there is already a car under $80k that performs on the level of supercars.

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GTR35 - 10/16/2007 11:24:07 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

At least the back looks great, which is what 911T drivers will be staring at as they try to keep up.

nembogt - 10/16/2007 10:15:02 AM

+3 Boost

as far as visuals, this looks like a celica on steroids. but then again say what you want beause this will haul ass.

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AgentOrange - 10/16/2007 10:15:42 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Looks like a 5 year old 350 design.
At $80K, I doubt that Porsche has much to worry about..

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ThierryHenry14 - 10/16/2007 12:55:07 PM

+1 Boost

People who is going to get a Porsche is going to get a POrsche... agreed.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 10:23:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

THAT, I agree with.

I will admire this car from afar. However, if it were my dollar, I'd always be more secure with a 911 Turbo. It's better-looking, more luxurious and even if it is almost twice the price, it is still damn fast and makes other sports cars look overpriced...

richardp996 - 10/16/2007 10:53:15 AM

+1 Boost

I was hoping the intakes under the front lamps would stay intact from the concept but you can't have everything. The front lamps seem strange to me as well; elongated. I read one guy saying the front reminds him of a catfish. The is a lot of detail but I cannot help but if only the designers could have balanced the negative contours.

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richardp996 - 10/16/2007 11:17:20 AM

+2 Boost

I have different a taste in cars, that's all.

2ndbimmer - 10/16/2007 11:01:44 AM

+1 Boost

It depends how the car FEELS makes it also a supercar. If it almost top speed it feels that every part about the car is about to rip into shreds and if you make a slight turn of the steering wheel and it feels that it will fly off of a track, then it is not a supercar.
But for under $80k, I am sure it will feel like it is a rattle trap if those numbers are accurate.

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M35MT - 10/16/2007 11:07:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Where is the logic in that? The RX-7 was around 40k and it is solid at 160mph (know from experience). An Evo is only 35k, goes to 60 in 4.5 and feels solid, less the road noise.

I think we need to do away with the notion that performance of this level has to cost an absurd amount of money.

LexSucks - 10/16/2007 11:35:09 AM

+3 Boost

The RX7 might be solid at 160mph. But not solid after 5 years of ownership. There's a reason why you don't see any RX7s on the road today. And from your expereince I think you know why.

M35MT - 10/16/2007 1:07:15 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

1993 Rx-7, hit 160mph on the track in the fall of 2004. Yes, they need TLC, but so does a Ferrari, Lambo and other +250k cars.

autopro - 10/16/2007 11:19:39 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

No one can argue this is alot of bang for the buck.There are several cars that can go fast,but I want to go fast well. I would love to drive it to feel how refined it is (NVH) how well it stops and turns.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 10/16/2007 11:29:16 AM

-4 Boost

If I won that car in a contest I would sell it and buy a Corvette.

I mean look at the thing!!!

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answer - 10/16/2007 12:04:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

OK.

But I don't think your mommy and daddy would let you drive either one.

LexSucks - 10/16/2007 11:32:42 AM

-3 Boost

Straight line speed is easy, Anyone can do that. But how will it perform in the turns? From what I've read about the GT-R, the GT-R will be too heavy to provide Porsche-like handling.

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GTR35 - 10/16/2007 11:07:43 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

You sure dont know nothing about cars with a comment like that. This is the legendary GTR, the same one that sent Porsche back to the drawing board when the R33 broke the world record for outhandling anything on the planet. This wont be an exception, some even say that it's going after the Carrera GT when it comes to performance. I think you should do your homework before writing here again.

SHOWTIME - 10/16/2007 11:35:57 AM

+3 Boost

I like it. Aside from the performance numbers, it's unique design impresses me as well.

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germeezy2 - 10/16/2007 11:41:03 AM

+2 Boost

Its weight disadvantage relative to the Z06 will make it interesting to see who wins a 3 way shoot out between this the Z06 and the 997 Turbo.

reply to this comment

nembogt - 10/16/2007 11:42:57 AM

+3 Boost

Whats really sad is the fact that the tuner crowd will get their hands on this car and to say politely "upset the performance and asthetic balance" that nissan has strived for for years now. just wish it kept the huge carbon grill off the concept.

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Agent009 - 10/16/2007 1:26:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

well that is there right. We have all seen beautiful cars rigged to be what the owner wants not the idea of the factory.

DaHarder - 10/16/2007 11:43:15 AM

-2 Boost

The looks are still embarrassingly juvenile, but the performance credentials are hard to argue with.

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STJ88 - 10/16/2007 12:28:16 PM

+1 Boost

@LexSucks

I don't know what you read, but did you reed that the GTR beat the 911 turbo by 7 secondes on the ring.

reply to this comment

Threepoint1415926 - 10/17/2007 12:41:59 AM

+2 Boost

I read that it allegdly beat the Turbo, but the source was somewhat flakey.

EL34 - 10/16/2007 12:43:37 PM

-5 Boost

Com'on now, the styling of this Datsun is vomit.

Look at it!!!

reply to this comment

M35MT - 10/16/2007 1:09:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

By 'styling' he really means no three-pointed star or propeller.

EL34 - 10/16/2007 1:18:32 PM

-2 Boost

or Ferrari's Prancing Horse ;)

EL34 - 10/16/2007 1:18:34 PM

-1 Boost

or Ferrari's Prancing Horse ;)

Star - 10/16/2007 1:11:26 PM

-4 Boost

Fusion between a Mitsubishi Eclipse and a Nissan 350Z. What a super-car..(sarcasm)

reply to this comment

EL34 - 10/16/2007 1:16:21 PM

-5 Boost

They should have called it the Nissan Fusion.

I call it a hodgepodge.

JUGNU - 10/16/2007 1:14:20 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Perfomance.Well what can i say.Numbers speak for itself.

Designwise, to me it looks great.L-shaped headlights(G37 like) are just stunning.Infact to me it looks better than the 911 Turbo.

JUGNU

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DaHarder - 10/16/2007 1:48:26 PM

+3 Boost

Huh?

I'm not seeing anything remotely resembling the (rather handsome) G37 here, especial not any 'L' shaped headlights.

What the headlights do resemble is the already 5 year-old Nissan 350z...

M35MT - 10/16/2007 4:06:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I agree I see the 350z and for some weird reason the new Lancer came to mind...must be the grill

henbmw - 10/16/2007 4:14:16 PM

+2 Boost

Looks better than a Porsche Turbo? What are you insane? It definitely is a better value and quite possibly faster around a track but in no way is it better looking.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 10:26:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"Porsche 911s look like frogs on wheels. Go figure."

I disagree. If you have seen the new Turbo, you'd know why. If you ever thought the 997 was bland because too many people have one... well, that one just isn't. WOW.

lyonboy - 10/16/2007 1:45:12 PM

-2 Boost

Based on Nissan products of the last 10 years, the GTR will be a disappointment once someone actually gets to drive it! The 350Z was so over-hyped and has been a performance and sales dud.

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EL34 - 10/16/2007 1:55:01 PM

-3 Boost

The Datsun designers must have been on acid when working with the clay!

next...

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SteedPub - 10/16/2007 7:38:53 PM

+1 Boost

Acid, indeed I think you've got it. It looks like a crashed Mistubishi Eclipse

answer - 10/16/2007 1:58:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

autoweek.com has a couple interior pictures up. Gearshift seems nicely done.

reply to this comment

henbmw - 10/16/2007 2:10:32 PM

+2 Boost

That thing is ugly as hell. But boy will it be fast...

reply to this comment

gsh23 - 10/16/2007 2:25:10 PM

+4 Boost

they call it godzilla. not cinderella.

reply to this comment

carfan33 - 10/19/2007 3:00:11 PM

+1 Boost

it's more like gamera rather than godzilla
godzilla is way cooler looking

1995e34 - 10/16/2007 2:25:47 PM

+2 Boost

with all the rumors about this car, it's hard to know what to expect. i've heard it will be priced between $57-97k (USD). a starting point of $57k would be quite low for a car with as lively of an engine, space-age-awd, and "enough carbon fiber to make a F-22 raptor envious".

that's the starting price of a Q45.

something doesn't add up.

when compared to the perrenial "best-buy" performance car - the corvette - the nissan appears to blow it away. and let's not forget, the vette uses Fred Flinstone's pushrod v8, and has a spartan interior.

maybe this car will stun the world. or maybe some of the rumors have got out of hand. i'm not claiming to know one way or the other, though.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 10:27:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

It won't be $57K. Expect $70K. That's right into Z06 territory.

BTW, neither of their interiors are particularly appealing. But that just doesn't matter.

GT3RennSport - 10/16/2007 6:06:50 PM

+1 Boost

This car is very impressive. I am amazed.

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SteedPub - 10/16/2007 7:37:06 PM

+1 Boost

I am sure it will be a great performer that never breaks, never gets bad press and will be loved by many.

I just wish it wasn't so fugly.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 10:29:22 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I LIKE it. A LOT. It's not a car I can say I "love," if only because the design is so unconventional, bordering on ugly. But the performance is breath-taking.

I'll be honest here, and I would definitely buy a 911 Turbo over it. But the GT-R is the only choice for someone who wants the ultimate performance with no compromises, at a low price.

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GTR35 - 10/16/2007 11:15:11 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Alright here's my take: I love everything, except the front. There is no question about Performance, C'mon it's a GTR! The rear looks great, as well as the side profile and the interior is pretty nice except for the start bottom. They need to do something about that front, but I think that they're leaving that for the Evo edition, which should look alot better. Good job Nissan.

reply to this comment

farabira1 - 10/17/2007 1:54:01 PM

+1 Boost

The performance specs are out, the car has 473 hp and 434 lb ft of torque, and does 0-60 in 3.5 sec and quarter mile lap in about 11 seconds. It is in insideline website. That is a monster figure. So it actually seems that this car can actually compete with the 911 turbo. I don't like other german brands, but i have a soft corner for porsches, and especially when people were upholding the R8 above the 911 turbo, i was actually feeling bad for the porsche. The king of the supercars was pinned to a corner by the new kid on the block, and now another competition in the form of a new GTR. But no car can give you the feeling of driving a porsche, as richard hammond said "it is a living thing" about a porsche and also exclaimed that when anyone is driving the car it is almost as if like you could feel the road through your steering, a feeling which even the R8 could not provide with its electric steering assist. Well only if the GTR can do that then will it be a winner.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/17/2007 10:53:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Ah, don't bring the R8 into this... I want them both.

Lyall - 10/17/2007 11:49:34 PM

+1 Boost

The GTR is all about 'Form following Function'. That in itself is the greatest beauty. The rest is subjective. The GTR doesn't aim to be superficially pretty just to satisfy a few individual and shallow tastes (the EL34's of the world). It is what it is, makes no apologies about anything and will GUN all others down for sheer ability, when push comes to shove.
I am a visual effects artist, I design motion picture VFX environments for a living and every line in the GTR speaks to me- of clarity, simplicity and function dictating design. To those of you who look to find beauty in puerile comparisons with supercar forms, and then condemn the GTR as ugly, I don't have much to say. Beauty is innate- and its one reason why the GTR won't age overnight the way the 996 Porsche did.

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infunf - 10/18/2007 3:27:12 AM

0 Boost

where's herb at?!

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moto - 10/19/2007 2:53:12 AM

0 Boost

Sorry to nitpick, but no car rewrites "the book". Nissan might add a few new pages, but nobody can erase the work of the automotive pioneers who brought us to this point. It's disrespectful to even suggest that the sum total of all supercar development can be "rewritten" by one model.

By the way, the GTR is not even close to modern supercar territory. No US$80k, 450hp car could be. That's what the 959 offered in 1986!

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