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Nissan GT-R Supercar Road Test Report

Supercar

Nissan has launched the most powerful supercar that Japan has ever built. It has a power output of 437bhp that’s nearly 200bhp more than its predecessor, mouth watering – we think so. So Nissan are putting the £63,000 GT-R as a rival to the Porsche 911 Turbo which is about £9,000 more expensive – Can the Japanese maker put one over on the German brand?

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Performance

All you need to describe the GT-R is one word – Awesome. This supercar is simply incredible piece of machinery. Under the bonnet you have a 3.8-litre V6, which produces a massive 437bhp. The boffins call the zero to 60mph test a sprint in the GT-R it’s more of a blink as the car can do it in a time of 3.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 193mph. We put the GT-R to the test on the former F1 track in Estoril, Spain. When measuring the car against its benchmarked rival the Porsche’s 911 Turbo, the GT-R is not as responsive as the German car but press on with the accelerator, watch the needle go past 3,000 revs and the GT-R springs into life – this is a mega quick car and the supercar whizzes you around the track.

Ride & Handling

Coming with advanced four-wheel drive, adjustable dampers, traction control, plus a construction that features both aluminium and carbon fibre the GT-R takes corners with ease. The steering is weighted superbly and it provides a good amount of feedback to the driver. The Nissan hi-tech four-wheel-drive system also allows you to get on the power early to pull you out of corners quicker. However, the GT-R has been set up to feel and behave more like a rear-wheel-drive car, which is a very enjoyable experience - as the car would happily oversteer out of tight bends. Happily though this supercar is a well-balanced package and is very easy to drive.

Build Quality & Reliability

The interior is not the most exciting but you’ve got to remember its what’s under the bonnet that counts with the GT-R. The car is constructed in a solid fashion and all the shut lines fit neatly into place and there are no panel gaps – the build looks first class. The standard kit will include Climate control, electric leather seats, data computer which is brilliant as you can see all sorts of readings on how the car is performing while you drive, sat-nav, seven-speed gearbox, and launch control.

Safety & Security

Nissan has made safety high on the list for GT-R customers. It comes with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags for driver and front passenger. For further protection the car is also equipped with driver and front passenger side and curtain airbags. ESP and ABS are also installed to help you get stopped quicker while the car is quite secure too. It has a Nissan Vehicle Immobiliser system and there’s also a Thatcham approved anti-theft system on the supercar.

Space & Practicality

It’s a supercar so space inside the car is at a premium, however it has a decent sized boot for a car of this class. The GT-R is quite a practical car and you could use it every day – it’s a supercar that can be driven by anyone, at anytime and anywhere in the world.

Ownership & Value

The Nissan GT-R comes to the UK next year and our advice is to get your order in fast. This is a Porsche beater and it costs less than half the price of a 911 Turbo. The Japanese maker has taken the supercar sector of the car market to another level. A brilliant looking sportscar, with real substance underneath the bonnet.

Submitted: 02/06/2008 09:49:59

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