Teh Car Blogz

If there’s one vehicle (besides the gawdawful Chevrolet Volt EV thing) that’s been hyped, overhyped, and überhyped by the press, it’s got to be the new Nissan GT-R.  It’s the latest in a long line of all-conquering Nissan rocketships, that were previously based on the old-fashioned Skyline chassis.  For an example of an early GT-R, read this post.  The new GT-R, which drops the Skyline prefix, is significant for many reasons.  Most importantly, it’s the first GT-R that is officially being imported to the USA - previous Skylines had to come in through a number of sketchy importers, including MotoRex, who collapsed amidst all sorts of legal trouble.  For more information on MotoRex’s sad story, there is a decent Wiki which can be found here.

Patrick (some call him “Steve”) and I were given the opportunity to ride in a new GT-R by a very generous owner in Raleigh, NC.  It was a brief impression, but obviously this is a GT-R - there is more than enough to write about.  More details below the jump.

Obviously, the other important thing about the GT-R is that it is quick.  Seriously, devastatingly quick.  We met the owner of this black 2009 GT-R at our local BMW dealer while doing some obsessive late night browsing (who DOESN’T do this?)  After about an hour of talking about all things automotive and fast, we convinced him we weren’t crazy and that we were willing to fit into the back seat.

This is the heart of the beast: a 3.8L DOHC 24v V6 with twin low-inertia ball-bearing IHI Turbochargers.  This motor makes a (claimed!  Don’t believe the lies!) 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.  I say claimed, because there is no way this car is only making 480 horsepower given the specified kerb weight and predicted drivetrain loss factor.  That’s a story for another day.

Power is sent through the latest version of Nissan’s sophisticated ATTESSA AWD system (also used in the G35x, M35/45x, etc) which is primarily a rear-biased system (as you’ll see later.)  The transmission is a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, similar to VW’s DSG system (as well as other copycat systems from Porsche, BMW and Shitsubishi).

Anyway, enough techno-jargon: what’s it like?

well, the back seats are small.  And Cindy Crawford has that mole on her face.  The interior is a bit cramped, but it’s a supercar, not a minivan.  It’s actually pretty comfortable.  The interior, especially the IP, is nothing special.  There’s a large LCD screen mounted up top which displays everything from navigation and audio outputs to boost and lateral acceleration readings - something that first debuted in the R34-generation Skyline GT-R.

It’s surprisingly quiet.  The engine makes a muted but muscular hum at idle.  The loudest noise coming from the car originates from the rear-mounted transaxle, which makes a racecar-style whining when engaged.

Leaving the dealership, full throttle in first gear, dry pavement, the rear end swings out about 30° and then the electronics catch up, bring things under control, and we’re on our way.  This is with traction control engaged.

As soon as throttle is applied to carpet, though, all semblance to a regular automobile disappears like autumn leaves in the wind.  Let me be very clear about this: the GT-R accelerates like nothing I’ve ever experienced.  Or could even imagine.  Previously, the fastest thing I’d ever ridden in was a V8 Twin-Turbo Lotus Esprit.  That was like riding in a hurricane - 3.5L 32v flat-plane-crank biturbo V8 8″ behind your back, roof 2″ above your head, ground 3″ below your ass.  This puts that experience to shame - and keep in mind, I experienced the ferocity of the Esprit at the age of 14, and things tend to get blown out of proportion over time.  I’ve ridden in (and driven) some fast cars, but nothing even comes close.

There is no noticeable turbo lag (and only barely audible compressor noise) and a wave of torque shoves you back into your seat.  It’s like getting kicked in the face by a supermodel.  It’s hot and mildly terrifying.  Shifts are instantaneous, and the turbos are on the boil once again.  The GT-R pushes through the atmosphere like it’s out to prove a point.  Or make you soil your underwear.  Either one.

right turn onto Spring Forest road, and another application of full throttle, in 2nd and 3rd gear.  More of the same - unable to move from the torque, hardly able to breath, and everything starts to blur through the narrow rear side windows.  This car is fast.

A Honda Accord pulls out into the right lane, like a moron.  We are introduced to the GT-R’s standard (and absurd) Brembo brakes.  And the hard edge of the seatbelts.  Needless to say, the brakes match the motor and then some.

down Old Wake Forest road, over the bridge and past the gas station.  0 body roll.  The car feels completely stable.  Despite how fast we’re going, it’s not nearly as terrifying as full throttle acceleration.

All too soon, the ride is over.  We’re back at the BMW dealership, the owner and his lovely wife must depart, and it’s like a heroin withdrawl.  Once you’ve had a taste of the GT-R, real life moves a bit too slow.

Many thanks to the owner of this insane automobile for graciously letting us ride along.  I’m bad with names, and have completely forgotten yours.  IF you find this article, please shoot us a line!

pictures: Patrick
words: James

This entry was posted on Friday, September 26th, 2008 at 10:36 pm and is filed under First Impressions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.