|
2009 Nissan GT-RStory by Jeff Feldsher - November 5,2007Godzilla is Back, Now with 30% Bigger Teeth
 Worshiped by import racing fanatics and Gamers for over a decade, the left hand drive-only Skyline represents the best supercar ever produced by the Far East. The moniker has been around since the sixties, but it was not until the mid 90’s that Skyline mania reached full tilt. Offering 4-wheel drive, a high-revving twin turbo inline 6, and enough electronic wizardry to make even Dumbledore’s head spin, Nissan’s wedge shaped brute was in a class by itself. And due to its nearly limitless modification potential is still the darling of many of the world’s top automotive tuners to this day.
Coming out of a 6 year retirement, the legendary Japanese Icon is back; preparing to make its debut in just a few scant months, and this time North America is seen worthy to receive the Japanese heavyweight. It will be re-badged simply as Nissan GT-R, and described by Nissan engineers as a true GT with hyper car level performance that can be used at full potential in any conditions. That kind of borderline cockiness is rare coming from the land of sushi TV, however the car Nissan used as a benchmark, and eventually sought to usurp, is none other than Porsche’s flagship, the scorching 911 Turbo. Buying their very own, Nissan was able to gauge the GT-R’s evolution and serve as an aide to engineers in developing vehicle dynamics needed to compete with the very best.
Still a mid-size coupe, the Japanese muscle car has styling cues from the last generation R34 V-Spec, and current models such the 350Z/Infiniti G35 coupe. A bulging vented hood, low chin spoiler, deep front air dam, classic round Skyline tail lamps, and pronounced quad-exhausts communicate its intended purpose while managing to integrate nicely into the over-all design. Although not as beautiful as a Ferrari, its shape is purposeful. Many hours of wind-tunnel testing has resulted in an exceptional 0.27cd, with a fair amount of down force created over both axles at speed.
The essence of the original formula remains unchanged; however every component was reworked and beefed-up. Power has skyrocketed from the old 2.6L inline 6 which was limited to a mandated 280HP. An all new 3.8L twin-turbo aluminum 60 degree V6 is now squeezed in the engine bay, generating a massive 473 horsepower at 6400rpm and 434 ft-lbs of torque, available from 3200-5200rpm. Twin IHI turbos endowed with lightning fast spool produce a modest peak boost of 10.2 psi, but make the motor feel more like a large displacement V10. As with all previous GT-R models, an advanced 4 wheel drive system employs variable front to rear torque distribution and coupled with near race-spec low profile rubber mounted on each corner, the GT-R is able to produce almost a full G of lateral acceleration - and rocket the new 3800lbs Godzilla (nickname given to the original Skyline) to an eye-popping 3.5sec 0-60mph time. The quarter mile flies past in 11.7sec at 124pmh on the way to a 190mph+ top speed. A rear mounted Aichi Kikai six speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with triple cone synchronizers and steering column mounted paddle shifter is the only transmission offered. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, a fully automatic mode is available.
These performance numbers are staggering by any measure, easily equaling and in some instances outpacing the benchmark Porsche, however The GT-R is not a one trick pony. Months of testing on Germany’s celebrated Nurburgring have honed the GT-R into a downright monster, capable of dispatching the 13 mile long circuit in a staggering 7min 35 sec. Just to put it into perspective, that is faster than hyper exotics costing hundreds of thousands more; such as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, and Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren to name a few.
The only disappointment may very well be the interior; all the necessary dials and instruments are solidly in place, but the over-all layout is slightly haphazard and manages to impart an early 90’s domestic sedan feel. On a positive note, the centrally mounted LCD monitoring screen is carried over from previous models, which in addition to displaying several parameters simultaneously; such as torque distribution and boost pressure, looks downright cool.
Nissan plans to create unique centers within existing dealerships, specially trained to maintain and service the GT-R. Official pricing has not yet been announced, however the aim is to bring this level of performance to a much broader range of buyers than ever before.
Copyright Note: You can reprint this article if you place the following 2 links on the same page using this code:<a href="http://www.autopolitan.com">Automotive News</a>
<a href="http://www.carcasher.com">Used Cars</a> |
More Automotive News Smart 42 - November 15,2007
Honda Announces More Eco-Friendly Buildings - November 10,2007
Fun Volvo? - October 27,2007
Struggling GM Still On Top - October 24,2007
Water Powered Rotary? - October 22,2007
Silver is Golden - October 20,2007
Homegrown Compacts Promise Better Build Quality - October 18,2007
| |
|
|
|
