That’s unpossible because they won’t ante up for the magically German pixie dust that apparently costs many thousands of dollar per application*.

*application of magical dust may adversely effect reliability

First GTR was compared to the Turbo, but when the Turbo didn’t hold up in any circumstances, then German car fanatics turned to stripped down GT2 and GT3 track cars so they could talk in more subjective terms – about driver involvment and “feedback” of the car.

So Nissan needs to make a 550hp 1400kg rwd manual gearbox version of the GTR to finally shut everybody up? :)

PS! quote: Therein lies the problem with the Nissan GT-R. It’s not exciting enough, not even in “R mode,” not even with 800 horsepower. But there’s no drama.

Interesting points coming from a guy who drives a vague handling nose heavy AWD car instead of lets say 335i rwd manual :)

There has to be several reasons behind it. Lets hear ‘em!

(one of which has to be the color upstages an 800HP GT-R)

In my opinion, paddles should be fixed to the wheel. Doing it any other way encourages shuffle-steering…

In reality, you shouldn’t be upshifting or downshifting with any steering cranked into the car; but sometimes a brother’s gotta do what a brother’s gotta do.

My hunch is for those reasons, RWD cars w/ maximum horsepower will always be the enthusiasts choice.

However, in real world driving, unless you like exciting, unexpected surprises like the rear end spinning out on a wet road, an AWD makes more sense. And this GT-R’s ability to handle bad weather and roads, and take advantage of boosted horsepower, makes it all the more impressive.

By the way Jack, great article. I really enjoyed it. I am really fond of the idea that a car just does what it is supposed to do, which is why I really am fond of the GT-R. I maintain that if sensory fidelity is paramount, get a motorcycle. Either way, nice work.

I’m just repeating that because it’s one of the funniest damn things I’ve read in a long time!

Oh yeah uh, nice GT-R. Someone should paint one up in a driving fast for dummies livery.

And… a car that goes sideways is not fun? Not challenging, maybe (definitely maybe)… but not fun?

“I knew HemiCuda, HemiCuda was a friend of mine, and you sir are no HemiCuda.”

Ferrari does them this way. Without reason?

In any event, I know I can have fun in this whip. I wonder if Voltron G35 (G38?) can fit on a vanity plate.

…and that pretty much sums up the GT-R on a whole.

Give me a Corvette ZO6 or Dodge Viper anytime.

How misguided you are. An F1 car is challenging because it does not have driver aids, the limits are provided by downforce and chassis dynamics.

I had the awesome pleasure of taking a Formula Dodge car around Road Atlanta for an hour and a half last week, and let me tell you, your limits are pushed further and further each lap, its exhausting and incredibly rewarding. It’s not something everyone can do, its definitely not something many can do well.

A car that does the steering for you? That’s no fun. That’s not rewarding. You will not be pushed to the limits-if you want that you get the GT-R track car (which is an awesome RWD v8!) but not the 3700lbs daily driver model designed for smoking people in Subarus on the highway.

Don’t get me started on cars that load and unload the transmission for you too :P

If it got better gas mileage, I think a GTR would make a great commuter car. Hell, even my grandma could drive one—and there’s the problem.

“…And may the resale gods have mercy on your soul.”

More so since he paid a premium for the colour.

The car is fast, no question there. I never doubted Nissan’s claims as King of the ‘Ring because the car’s all wheel drive and electronics allow you to higher entry and exit speeds than any Corvette, 911, etc.

Yes, the car would be complete overkill as a commuter car. On track, you probably need more time to learn the car and push it to the edges of its performance envelope.