Reno, Nevada - With this new ultra-high performance sports car, Nissan achieved quite a feat. At $81,900, the 2009 GT-R has all the driving dynamics enthusiasts could wish for; Corvette and Porsche owners should seriously beware of this high-value competitor. Performance and handling are phenomenal thanks to the dual-clutch transmission, ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system and well-calibrated suspension -- all offering three adjustment levels. Adrenaline starts flowing as soon as you dip the throttle of the 480-hp twin-turbo V6. Of course, you can leisurely cruise boulevards, but how can you resist shifting to Sport or Super Sport mode?
Racy lines
Each line of the new GT-R was designed for optimum aerodynamics while staying true to the brand's DNA. The shape was carefully studied to not only ensure a remarkable 0.27 drag coefficient but also to significantly increase downforce and thereby handling.
Comprehensive cockpit
Extremely supportive seats, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a comprehensive instrument panel, an 11-speaker premium Bose Audio system and a navigation display directly inspired from Sony's PlayStation are among the impressive features that make up one heck of a cockpit. The GT-R is a true 2+2 car, meaning that two small adults can sit in the back from time to time... provided that the driver isn't too big himself (or herself). There's always the trunk to accommodate your soft luggage for the weekend. Two small golf bags and two pairs of golf shoes also fit in there. So, as you can see, cargo room is pretty generous for such a high-performance car.
Flawless handling
I drove for more than 100 kilometers on tortuous mountain roads at very Quebec-like temperatures (from -5 to 8 degrees Celsius). Yet, the Z-rated performance Bridgestones fitted to this car always kept biting the pavement. The tire manufacturer even developed special winter tires for this sporty Japanese, since Nissan made it an all-season supercar.
Because the GT-R rides extremely low, the base of the front bumper touched the ground when coming out of ill-designed driveways (as is the case with Corvettes and Porsches, for that matter). OK, so next time, I'll enter the road at an angle.
Behind the wheel of Nissan's mean machine, you feel like you're on a roller-coaster that never leaves the rails. It also stops on a dime thanks to powerful Brembo brakes with 6-piston callipers up front and 4-piston callipers in the back.
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| Corvette and Porsche owners should seriously beware of this high-value competitor |
Racy lines
Each line of the new GT-R was designed for optimum aerodynamics while staying true to the brand's DNA. The shape was carefully studied to not only ensure a remarkable 0.27 drag coefficient but also to significantly increase downforce and thereby handling.
Comprehensive cockpit
Extremely supportive seats, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a comprehensive instrument panel, an 11-speaker premium Bose Audio system and a navigation display directly inspired from Sony's PlayStation are among the impressive features that make up one heck of a cockpit. The GT-R is a true 2+2 car, meaning that two small adults can sit in the back from time to time... provided that the driver isn't too big himself (or herself). There's always the trunk to accommodate your soft luggage for the weekend. Two small golf bags and two pairs of golf shoes also fit in there. So, as you can see, cargo room is pretty generous for such a high-performance car.
Flawless handling
I drove for more than 100 kilometers on tortuous mountain roads at very Quebec-like temperatures (from -5 to 8 degrees Celsius). Yet, the Z-rated performance Bridgestones fitted to this car always kept biting the pavement. The tire manufacturer even developed special winter tires for this sporty Japanese, since Nissan made it an all-season supercar.
Because the GT-R rides extremely low, the base of the front bumper touched the ground when coming out of ill-designed driveways (as is the case with Corvettes and Porsches, for that matter). OK, so next time, I'll enter the road at an angle.
Behind the wheel of Nissan's mean machine, you feel like you're on a roller-coaster that never leaves the rails. It also stops on a dime thanks to powerful Brembo brakes with 6-piston callipers up front and 4-piston callipers in the back.
 |
| You feel like you're on a roller-coaster that never leaves the rails. |