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Coupes & Convertibles Nissan GT-R Article Comments - 2009 Nissan GT-R
93 messages, Last post on Jun 03, 2008 at 6:06 PM
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First Look: 2009 Nissan GT-R - Due for its much-anticipated unveiling at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the 2009 Nissan GT-R will finally arrive in the U.S. next spring. Nothing will ever be the same again. (more)
A Lap of the Nurburgring in the 2009 Nissan GT-R - One of the primary performance objectives set forth by the Nissan GT-R's development team is to lap the Nürburgring's Nordschleife faster than a 997-based Porsche 911 Turbo. The 2009 Nissan GT-R had circled the famed circuit in 7 minutes and 55 seconds during endurance testing earlier in the year, trailing the 911 Turbo by 15 seconds. (more)
First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R (JDM Spec) - Unlike most supercars, the GT-R doesn't sit only 2 inches off the ground, so it's easy to slide into the driver seat. This is a Japanese-market car, so we're on the right-hand side, which makes everything feel awkward. The seat is firm and narrow, and the high center console gives the cabin a tight, cockpit-style feel. (more)
Full Test: 2009 Nissan GT-R (Japanese-Spec) - We know you want the numbers and we're not going to waste your time. Neither is Nissan. Its 2009 GT-R hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, quicker than the last Dodge Viper, Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo we tested. (more)
Full Test: 2009 Nissan GT-R - Bottom Line:The GT-R delivers a rare combination of speed, agility and technological sophistication. It's a bit of a cold fish, but for $76K, we'll deal. (more)
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There's been some confusion over the tires used on the GT-R during its 7:38 lap of the Nurburgring. Various sources have reported that cut slicks were used. This is incorrect, and stems from a language barrier at a press conference during the GT-R's debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. Senior GT-R development engineering staff on hand at the 'ring trip I attended confirmed that production-specification (including the tread compound) Bridestone RE070 tires were used on the 7:38 lap. The three pre-production cars Nissan had on hand during the final Nurburgring trip were production-intent configuration. The strongest car of the three (within production variation) was selected to run the lap, with no "hotting up" done to fudge the result. |
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Replying to: jkavanagh (Oct 29, 2007 2:19 pm) Everything from claims of slick tires, increased boost, a different car being used (Porsche and Z06 no less) and even that the video may not be real but a computer generated virtual lap. You know i heard a saying just this morning and I'm not sure where it's from; "Lies can travel half way around the world before the truth even puts it boots on". Once again, thanks for finally putting Truth's boots on
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Replying to: gpx250 (Nov 15, 2007 10:31 pm) I was set on a GTR, except the gross obesity and size mitigate the AWD advantage. Additionally, the power to weight ratio is WORSE than my Corvette C6, not to mention an equivalently priced Z06! Both Vette's weigh in at 3170 and have more cargo space due to the hatchback design. After switching to the much stickier (and Bridgestone GTR OEM equivalent) Michelin Cup Tires I consistently lap w/ 997 GT3 Porsche's which should lap about the same as the Nissan's time. Obviously an additional 105 bhp Z06 is much quicker on much wider tires. Seems like the Nissan is losing it's luster unless I can improve that Power/Weight ratio. But it appears Nissan is doing everything it can to avoid increasing power (which goes a long way in mitigating Skyline appeal). However, given the oversized wheels, brakes, and run-flat tires, plenty of weight savings seem to be had from a track day set of rotating pieces. But from the looks of those calipers, can I fit anything less than 20's w/out replacing the OEM Brake Package and/or simply downsize to a smaller, higher quality rotor (carbon/ceramic/etc.)? Obviously, the GTR represents the best way to get 4 people around a track. But I rarely take more than 1 on a hot lap, and I'd put money from those specs that a Z-51 Corvette  7.2 lbs/bhp on equivalent tires is a faster car. Obviously an additional 105 bhp Z06 is much quicker on much wider tires. Too bad Detroit doesn't focus on fast Ring times like their across the pond counterparts or we'd have an answer.
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The biggest question yet to be propperly addressed about this GTR is simple: What is the driving experience like?? For me and most folk who buy sports/sporty cars and incidently have never and will probably never go to a track; what matters most to us is the fun factor. Perhaps that puts it too simply, but it does so succinctly. Fun is an important yet complicated word. Let me try to explain in the hopes that some editor from a magazine or perhaps someone who actually buys the thing will do the world of auto enthusiasts a big favor by addressing this question. Fun is how the car feels during everyday driving. That starts with the morning trek to work. Everything from how it feels to look at your car, squintingly in the morning, as it sits there in your driveway or garage. To how the car handles the cobble stone local roads as you find your way to the highway. Then, how the car accellerates onto the highway or around a tight bend leading to a highway entrance (I love those when unimpeded by traffic). Fun is feeling like you're on rail road tracks at low and medium speeds. It's feeling precise confident steering at higher speeds as well. Fun is knowing you can splurge on the throttle knowing you won't have to refuel until the end of the week. Fun is loving the way your car looks and having the occasional complement and bystander neck turns. It's fun to be able to take your car to wedding or resteraunt along with relatives, or hitting the night out on the town with a hot date or buddies. Fun is knowing you got a great deal and value for your money, and that your car isn't going to break down all the time. 0-60, 1/4mi and Nuremburg times are all exotic and exciting news about the GTR. It's what places the GTR in the lime light for sure. It's also important to know how the car feels in everyday driving. I know, this information will come. I just want it to come soon. Joseph
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Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 19, 2007 11:20 am) Basically, if your taking one of you favorite cloverleafs the car will lightly push as you go faster until you start turning in enough that the car will slowly rotate around under power. If you want to know how it feels, either drive an Audi RS4 w/ the Dual Clutch transmission or a Porsche turbo w/ the tiptronic (although the audi shifts faster than the Nissan tranny). If you want to know how it's going to look, go stare at a new Infiniti G Coupe. It's basically the exact same size. I was dead set on trading my vette in on this car, but I already know how Z06's walk away from 997 Turbo's at the track or street (past 30mph anyways) and with the porky weight of the GTR I'm worried that an equally priced Z06 or even a closely priced Viper are better performance cars for the money. Comparing the power to weight ratios of a Viper or Z06 to the new GTR is like comparing a base Vette to a GTO or a 350z to a Honda Accord Coupe. It just doesn't compete once you get past the initial STi or Evo AWD benefits. This GTR will probably go the way of the old Supra TT or TT 300z since at that price it's not a Corvette killer. I don't see it competing w/ 911 Turbo or GT3 buyers. It only slots in competing with Z51 Vettes, Cobra Mustangs, or anything else under Z06 territory. Personally, I'd take a 2 door Evo or Sti that comes in at 350z weight rather than a 4k lb porker GTR. Too bad even Nissan couldn't figure that one out. We can only hope there is plenty of weight savings to be had from the rolling stock (and w/ OEM 20's and run flats it looks that way). At least it's definitively better than a GT500!
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Replying to: kash4u (Nov 19, 2007 1:39 pm) If on the other hand you have not driven the car, you may not realize the fact that your comments must be taken as speculation. Granted, it sounds like you're very knowledgable about other cars, and are basing your judgments upon experience and sound logical reasonning..nevertheless, you should acknowledge that you haven't actually driven the car and thus don't really know anything about how the car feels yet. If people don't realize this, you're doommed to eternal ignorance by their own bias. I'm not saying you fall into this category. I look forward to hearing from folks whom have actually driven the car. I also enjoy reading speculation as this car is of great interest to me. It's all fun to me. Cheers, Joseph
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Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 19, 2007 3:00 pm) Otherwise, most journalists and owners don't have the car control expertise to understand how a certain car handles and exactly why. But you'll find from the many road tests of the GTR that they say exactly what I said. Give any racing tech the specs on a vehicle and they'll either tell you exactly what it drives like or tell you about their new job ; ) Otherwise, why hasn't anyone addressed my actual ? about reducing wheel size to save weight?
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Replying to: kash4u (Nov 19, 2007 7:58 pm)  Modifying this car in any fashion would void the warranty probably. Furthermore, it might hurt performance. Another big problem.. Cost. modifications to reduce wheel and brake weight would cost at least a few grand. Ouch. Lastly, I'd be concerned about safety implications of having so much power and drastically reduced weight and brakes. The car's stability control and fancy AWD systems are optimized for it's original weight. In a nutshell, I wouldn't mess with anything on this beast unless someone else tried and proved it was safe and effective. Ok, I've said far too much. I'll let the experts talk now. Joseph San Diego |
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if it doesn't come in blue I'm not buying it. Well..maybe not immediately... Well...here's what I've gotten from my friends who have tested the GT-R's at Tokyo and Osaka: The tunning is excellent and the traction has exceeded the capabilities of the R34. One of the major problems is the computer's linking with the GPS system. Basically while running on the track, the GPS tracks the car and has the governor turned off - allowing you to fully feel the 480BHP. HOWEVER, soon as the car is tracked by the GPS for being OFF the track, the governor kicks in and holds you at 180km/h. Any attempts to reprogram the computer will result in an automatic download from Nissans GPS to reset you're computer and all of its settings back to the original factor tune. So far, the only organizations "said" to have rights to modify the GT-R are NISMO and (maybe) Tommy Kaira. That's what I've learned from them about the car. Pricing for it Japan is set at around (with conversions) $70,000 for normal; $80,000 for premium; and $75,000 for 'Black Edition.' |
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| Full Test: 2009 Nissan GT-R | |
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