Strengths

Unparalleled performance; highly advanced all-wheel drive system; aggressive, king-of-the-hill styling

 

Changes

The Nissan GT-R can trace its roots back to 1964 and the 2000GT. Since then, several versions have evolved and all of them have die-hard devotees throughout the world. The all-new GT-R came to the U.S. last year and is even more impressive for 2010, offering a 3.8L twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine, now featuring 480 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 430 pounds-feet of torque at 3200 rpm

 

Value

For the money, there's not much to touch the 2009 Nissan GT-R. It offers Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 Turbo performance at half the price, and it's a far more refined car than the Corvette Z06 for about the same money. The GT-R is a world-class supercar, with prices starting at just over $80,000. Mileage is estimated at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

 

Overview

The car comes in two trim levels: Base and Premium. Standard on both trims is a twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6 engine, featuring a cast-aluminum block, and dual overhead cams with variable intake timing. The car is good for 0 to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, with a top speed north of 190 mph. The two trims are very similar, though the latter adds a Bose stereo system with extra speakers and a subwoofer, heated/cooled seats, run-flat tires and near-black metallic finish.

The 2010 GT-R is a super sports car in every sense of the word. In testing at Germany's famed Nurburgring, a stock GT-R topped the record lap time for a Porsche 911 Turbo. The GT-R comes with Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with three drive modes: Normal, R-Mode and Off.

Power is put to the ground through a dual-clutch, 6-speed paddle-shift transmission with driver-configurable modes based on road conditions and driving requirements. Shifts take as little as 2-tenths of a second, and the unit blips the throttle on downshifts. A carbon-composite driveshaft feeds Nissan's advanced ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system, which creates a rear-wheel drive bias during normal conditions and 50/50 drive when things get slippery. Additionally, the GT-R features the world's first independent rear-mount transaxle and integrated AWD transfer case, which helps to create an optimal 54/46 front to rear weight distribution. Enormous 15-inch vented disc brakes fill the GT-R's 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The GT-R is built on a model-specific chassis and comes loaded with technology, namely the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with GPS, voice recognition and a 7-inch high-resolution color-LCD touch-screen display. A 6-speed manual transmission with automatic modes and paddle shifters gives drivers complete control.

Standard features include a rear spoiler, Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, Bluetooth, power doors and keys, leather-appointed front seats with synthetic suede inserts, 8-way power driver's seat and 4-way power front passenger's seat.

Standard interior features include French-stitched leather-trimmed dashboard, console and doors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped magnesium paddle shifters, leather-wrapped gearshift knob and parking brake lever, brushed-metal interior trim and aluminum-trimmed pedals. Standard entertainment features include a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback, in-dash compact flash card reader for MP3/WMA playback, speed-sensitive volume control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and XM? Satellite Radio with activation and three months of service.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes for all four wheels using the Nissan/Brembo Braking System. Also standard are front, side and head airbags. Nissan's Electronic Traction Control System, Nissan's Vehicle Immobilizer System and a Vehicle Security System are also standard.

Individual options include an iPod interface system and carpeted floor mats. Option packages include a Cold Weather package and a Super Silver Special Metallic Paint package.