My autojournalist buddy called the other day and asked if I'd assist him in photographing the new Nissan GTR, Soooo, what would you do?
We took the car out around Lake Okeechobee and up towards Sebring looking for nice sweeping roads and open country backdrops. I drove for his camera... a pretty nice birthday afternoon for me!
This car (#22) isn't compromising in any way. It has an odd throttle tip-in at start, sort of like a slipping clutch. Massive power, brutal acceleration, brakes, deliberate steering and neutral handling. Wastegate wistle from the twin turbos was cool along with the thoaty exhaust note, but the interior reverberated with road thrum. The 20" Dunlop SP's are noisy and want to track road undulations. One wonders why they bothered with a back seat, and only the driver's seat has lift adjustment but no leg support; after a couple of hours, it wasn't comfortable. The ride isn't jarring, but it is quite stiff. I don't think it's something many could live with daily. The overall effect was like a boxer wearing an uncomfortable suit. After about 6 hours, we were ready for quiet, a shower and a cocktail. This is a ride for the money crowd with Country Club track access, and with what the dealers are marking up on that $73K, the likely market.
The styling is like a Transformer with attitude... ready to kick Shia LeBoeff's wussy ass.
Obviously, I can't post my friend's photos, he shoots for a major publication.
Can't wait to see the action shots... but meanwhile, here's my snaps.
I even included an Eggnog for the doubters.