Daisuke Papipupipu’s Technology Guide

As the successor of the legendary Skyline GTR, the Nissan GTR was able to create a strong anticipation before its official debut in a motor show. The Nissan Skyline GTR was a critically acclaimed vehicle that had a similar handling experience to the Ferrari Testarrosa and the Porsche 991, but with a significantly lower price tag. Even the protagonist of the Fast and Furious bought the Skyline GTR (in Japan) after driving it in the movie filming. However, in that time, the vehicle was only sold in Japan and other select places and not in the United States. This was the reason people couldn’t buy this incredible vehicle in the United States. But during the introduction of the vehicle in the 2006 Tokyo Motor Show, it was revealed that this time, the successor to the Skyline GTR would be sold in more places, including the United States. In this show, the people were able to view the power of this new car and understand its new specifications. These specifications of the vehicle are so amazing that most of the current vehicles cannot compete against it for its blend of performance and price. After many months, the vehicle was introduced to the general public in Japan at the end of 2007. It is said that the American version of the GTR is going to be introduced in June of 2008.

This powerful vehicle has a base price near the 70,000 dollars, which is quite low for its high specifications. The car boasts an All Wheel Drive system and a 50/50 weight distribution, creating balance in the car. The new high end Bridgestone Potenza RE tires adds excellent grip to the vehicle and its use of nitrogen in the tires adds stability to the vehicle when used in rapid speeds. Even with all of these positive aspects, the car’s performance may become lower because of its bulky 3800 pound weight. However, surprisingly, the GTR reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the 121 mph mark at 11.6 seconds. If compared, the launches were higher than the expensive Porsche 911 which ran from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. By looking at this, it is clear that the vehicle has excellent performance that is comparable to the European makers while mantaining a low price. But there is one major option flaw into this vehicle: the lack of a manual transmission option. Many supercar owners still prefer the old but controllable manual transmission that allows the driver to experience a better drive. The car only has an automated manual transmission, but none that represents a completely manual transmission. Other than this, the car has excellent performance equipment. This car includes as standard equipment the high end Brembo brakes with 15 inch rotors while also including six piston calibers at the front brakes and four piston calibers in the back.

In terms of exterior design, the car may seem something that is not as attractive. However, with its excellent specs, this is something that people could get through. Supposedly, according to Hiroshi Hasegawa (Chief Designer of the car), the GTR is designed to resemble the Japanese culture. Hasegawa tried to design something unique that will show that the vehicle is completely from Japan and not like others, that has designs that are influenced from the European styles. This supercar has clear influences from the Japanese “manga” Gundam by having the box style design and the unique front fascia. Credit could also be given to its excellent aerodynamics with its high speed down force at both ends of the car and the incredible drag coefficient of 0.27. For information, drag coefficient is a measure that shows the amount of “aerodynamic drag caused by fluid flow”.

The Nissan GTR’s interior is driver based with all of the main features located near the driver’s seat. The center console is located high with a slight tilt towards the driver’s seat. The steering wheel of the vehicle has a special GTR label on the center and has control buttons on it. The car also includes excellent technology features such as a customizable monitor that measures the car’s performance, a hard drive navigation system, and the option of an 11 speaker Bose sound system. The car is also incredible for its inclusion of a second row of seats, allowing the vehicle to be a 4 seat vehicle. However, the back row seems to be too small for a fully grown adult and thereby suits only the little ones. Apart from this, the seats are made out of high quality leather, allowing the vehicle to have a touch of luxury. The Nissan GTR also includes as standard equipment a safety system with front side airbags, roof mounted air bags, stability controls, and traction controls.

As one of the most anticipated vehicles in the United States and its excellent value, it is clear that the GTR is the next generation of Nissan’s image. The car has excellent performance that matches many European cars that have prices that are thousands of dollars higher. Even with its few minor flaws, this vehicle could become an excellent showcase for the automotive industry and the delight of the supercar lovers.

Information from:

http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/gtr/2009/review.html http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/what_s_new_for_2009/2009_nissan_gt_r_first_drive_review/(page)/1

Filed under: Automobile Guide and tagged car, gtr, nissan, skyline GTR, sports car