2009 Nissan GTR

[csl177]

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.

[LeonOfTheDead]

wow, thanks for sharing and for the "review".
do you really think it isn't a daily car, like say a 911 Turbo?

[csl177]

No, only a masochist would want to drive a GTR daily if his commute was on regular roads. It was smooth enough on fresh pavement but even expansion gaps on the freeway announced themselves through your seat. A 993 or 997 Porsche is luxurious
in comparison. I've driven a Turbo and it was quite comfortable, even docile until you pushed the loud pedal. The Nissan GTR grumbles and feels ponderous at low speeds.

It might be the Dunlops coupled to AWD... but my guess is the suspension engineering isn't anywhere near as compliant as it should be for street use.

[LeonOfTheDead]

It might be the Dunlops coupled to AWD... but my guess is the suspension engineering isn't anywhere near as compliant as it should be for street use.

I agree with you, that could explain it's performance despite its weight and a relative lack of power (declared), compared to some other opponents.
I wonder if that could affect the car's reliability on the long term, I mean, being tuned for the track while used on the road.

[CamNismo]

Thanks for sharing the pics...what publication does your friend work for?

[f6fhellcat13]

Wow, lucky you. Thanks for the pics and the info.
If this was a press car thats been used and abused that migh explain the porblems with the clutch or throttle. If not...




[sarcasm] IT'S A RINGER! [/sarcasm]

[coolieman1220]

i've also been in a 911 Turbo 996 and that thing is an all around car. great ride on road, seats were sporty but still very comfy and on the road it was quiet till u pushed it and road amazing! i loved it

[fisetdavid26]

Wow, we actually have an Egg Nog'ed GT-R on UCP. Large Hadron who?

Anyway, nice review csl177. Thanks for sharing.

[csl177]

It is one of the press cars, getting it's third round of abuse in this case... milage 2200+ the morning Mark Elias called me up.
He writes/photogs for several outlets, Bloomberg News to Autoweek. I'm not certain what publication this review is for, but will provide the link when it is.

We discussed the "clutch" or standing start throttle issue. If you simply mash it and paddle up the 6-speed autobox, no delay ... slow starts gave the slipping sensation. I think it's designed that way, perhaps to save wear on the AWD. My last new car was an Audi S8 and never exhibited anything like this (nor the R8 I experienced under the same circumstances as this test), but perhaps Nissan chose this approach to deal with the torque split through the center coupling. The vehicle data screen has a window displaying where grip is directed, and we could see the difference of FR to RR torque delivery in real time under different conditions. Very cool tech, that.

Anyway, it is a brutish car in keeping with the family history of the Skylines. I'd like to see it offered with a bare minimum interior and made as light as possible. It isn't a featherweight. There are lots of trick, light things in it's construction but the drivetrain adds it back.

I wanted to be really thrilled by this car. If I had money for a track toy and a place to play regularly, it could be fun. But a nice used 993 Turbo does it all and you can drive it to the grocery store. BTW, the GTR's trunk is huge though the lift-over is high, and there's no spare. Enough room to stash a body. Wonder how many Yakuza have one on order?

A few more pics:

[csl177]

Wow, we actually have an Egg Nog'ed GT-R on UCP. Large Hadron who?

Anyway, nice review csl177. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks... wonder how the professional testers will regard it.

And Eggnogged at Yeehaw Junction, no less!

[f6fhellcat13]

Aside from adding lightness, what do you think datsun should change? Or is it otherwise perfect?

[LeonOfTheDead]

Aside from adding lightness, what do you think datsun should change? Or is it otherwise perfect?

more stickers...

[baddabang]

Hahah Aluminum Company of America.

[Niko_Fx]

I live in Boynton Beach!! Next time pick me up!!!!!

[f6fhellcat13]

I live in Boynton Beach!! Next time pick me up!!!!!

Or you could blast out to Cali and pick me up