subject: Nissan Gt-r: Video Road Test [print this page] The supercar establishment don't like the Nissan GT-R. Almost coming from nowhere in 2007 taking scalps from both Porsche and Ferrari spin forward to 2011 and there's an enhanced version which Nissan must be hoping will continue in the same vein.
So when Nissan offered me the chance to spend a long weekend with a 71,950 GT-R, I was not only keen to see how this supercar for the Playstation generation would deal with daily life and whether it's still the performance bargain it seemed.
Points will be scored for spotting the exterior changes for the 2011 GT-R, as the basic shape remains the same. However, look closer and at the front there's a revised front bumper, larger grille, air intakes and most obviously the LED driving lights.
These changes aren't for the sake of change either, as the re-profiled front bumper gives more down force.
The changes don't end there, as at the back, there's another redesigned bumper which also aids aerodynamics and underbody cooling too.
Lighter Rays alloys with special compound tyres complete the 2011 GT-R's subtle face-lift.
Inside, changes are limited: just darker, classier metal interior trim and carbon fibre trim for the centre console.
The driving position is good and the Recaro seats really comfortable. In fact, compared to rivals from Ferrari and Porsche, the GT-R is surprisingly practical. It has two small seats suitable for children, in my case a baby seat and a practical boot.
Although the GT-R feels it's built to last, the fit, finish and build-quality would be shamed by a Ferrari or Porsche. Some of the interior trim just doesn't feel special enough considering the 71,000+ list price.
So what's the GT-R like to drive then? Well, you might be fooled into thinking that changes are limited to the interior and exterior. You'd be wrong, as there's a hefty power hike of nearly 50bhp to 530bhp with 475lb ft of torque.
It's instantly obvious that the GT-R feels fast, very fast. The mid-range power is impressive, almost linear in its delivery; it definitely encourages you to drive it harder.
Then there's the Nissan's autobox, which generally makes driving the GT-R far easier than its supercar rivals. It's equally impressive under heavy acceleration, seeming to rattle all the gears to get to 60mph in just over three seconds, which is amazing.
Attack some corners and at first, the GT-R feels like a rear-wheel drive car, which is unsettling and what I learnt to my cost in this same car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. There's virtually no body roll and the Nissan takes corners flat and quickly.
However, as I got used to the GT-R, I grew used to balance and appreciated the light, positive and responsive steering. The brakes are strong too.
The ride on the new Bilstein dampers is surprisingly good too; it's hard but not hard enough to be uncomfortable. However, if you think the GT-R is a refined GT car, you're wrong as road, engine and tyre noise makes its way into the cabin.
So is the GT-R the supercar bargain it once was? No, as all of these improvements have equalled a 10,000 price increase and at over 71,000 it's priced too close to rivals.
It would still give a Porsche 911 Turbo S a run for its money though and it's got to be the most impressive Japanese performance car this side of a Lexus LF-A.
Overall, the LED lights are widely used most new cars such as LED Dome Lights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and will come out with even more innovation in the future.
