Nissan GT-R NISMO: What They're Saying
All and sundry were clamouring for a preview drive in the NISMO GT-R; here's what they thought
We were expecting a lot, and the NISMO delivers
Some were surprised that the NISMO weighs only 20kg less than the standard 1,740kg GT-R. However, Dan discovered a hugely agile car that belied its kerbweight. Thanks to a new rear anti-roll bar, trail braking meant the back of the car "moved around quite markedly to help keep the nose pinned to its line". It's an "endlessly enjoyable" sensation, according to Mr Prosser.
His overall verdict was of a "deeply impressive and likeable machine", and one that promises to reveal much more given greater exposure. What about the others?
Evo: 'To award it five stars is an easy decision'
Price was a particular point of contention in Nick's NISMO review. It's expected to cost around £40K more than the standard, and still exceptional, GT-R. Though the NISMO car has rarity in its favour, there's no denying the "regular" GT-R offers a huge amount of the NISMO"s talent for less, and that"s before any tuning options are considered.
But Evo was unequivocal in its praise of the NISMO GT-R's ability. Nick concluded that it was "easily a match" for the 911 Turbo and Aston V12 Vantage S as a driver's car, and "exudes real character to boot."
AE: 'It elevates the GT-R to another level'
On the same short teaser drive as our Dan, Jack said the four laps "was plenty to get a feel for its character, which is less savage than you might think." He made a particular point of mentioning the steering, which wanted for some feel "next to more exotic supercars" but did provide "immediate and reliable responses." In combination with that ferocious powertrain, it allowed the GT-R to "fly out the other side of each bend."
Auto Express awarded the NISMO four stars, one less than Evo. However, given the standard car is a rated at five stars in the AE review bank, the NISMO will probably gain the extra on a more extensive drive.
TG: 'Oh-God-make-it-stop-fast'
That pesky Porsche was a subject for discussion again, but this time the comparison was entirely favourable. Risking a foray into the GT-R "digital vs analogue" debate, Matthew suggested the NISMO felt "as mechanical, analogue, and darned... right as a 911 Turbo S."
Special mention was reserved for the suspension set-up also, especially when put against the Track Pack GT-R. Where the old car "would merrily grind your spine to pewter", Matthew found "more pliancy than you"d imagine is possible" when driving the NISMO. Like Nick at Evo, he was also at pains to stress it "this is no Playstation experience."
But forget the subtleties and nuances of the NISMO's dynamics, the TG justification for clamouring over it is far simpler: "It is daft and visceral and has a massive spoiler." Who could argue with that?
Autocar: 'Makes a great car even better'
On the NISMO's handling, Nic discovered the "GT-R's fabled ability to make near straights of apexes attains new levels of uncanniness." Driving the car back to back with the MY14 car, the NISMO seemed "doubly aggressive."
Agility and response again featured, Nic drawing special attention to the NISMO's greater rigidity over a regular R35. It makes for a car "that bit pointier than standard" and one with a "sensation of heightened precision."
The NISMO GT-R was half a star away from a perfect Autocar score, itself half a star up on the standard car's four.
PHers said:
"One for the fanboys I think, especially at a £40K+ premium over what is already a staggeringly fast car." Oz83
"The standard GT-R should be fast enough for most people. The Nismo doesn"t offer enough to justify the premium." the_hood
"Bargain of the century" Dave Hedgehog
"It"s pretty amazing how such a heavy lump can accelerate and turn that fast. I want one - but not for £120k!" g4ry13
"GTR for me. The enthusiasts choice" Uncle John
You're all sooo excited about this car but we don't seem to be - at all!
(plus why on earth have you needed to list comments from PHs in your blurb fgs!)
Perhaps it's too early, but the previous GT-R Nismo news received just 4 lonely comments and I've just made this one rise to only 5 responses.
Methinks you lot have got it wrong. Throw the freebies in the bin, it didn't work.
Or as in the previous thread on the GT-R thread (which I'll remind you again got just 4 comments!) I'll add this:
we get a GTR as POTW? Don't get me wrong, I like the GTR, but...
You've seen the F-Type, right?
You're all sooo excited about this car but we don't seem to be - at all!
(plus why on earth have you needed to list comments from PHs in your blurb fgs!)
Perhaps it's too early, but the previous GT-R Nismo news received just 4 lonely comments and I've just made this one rise to only 5 responses.
Methinks you lot have got it wrong. Throw the freebies in the bin, it didn't work.
Or as in the previous thread on the GT-R thread (which I'll remind you again got just 4 comments!) I'll add this:
we get a GTR as POTW? Don't get me wrong, I like the GTR, but...
You've seen the F-Type, right?
The NISMO is a left-field, oddball selection though I admit. A marmite car. I think thats a good thing.
You're all sooo excited about this car but we don't seem to be - at all!
(plus why on earth have you needed to list comments from PHs in your blurb fgs!)
Perhaps it's too early, but the previous GT-R Nismo news received just 4 lonely comments and I've just made this one rise to only 5 responses.
Methinks you lot have got it wrong. Throw the freebies in the bin, it didn't work.
Getting on for 5 years now that this came out and at the time it was £51k and utterly obliterated anything costing up to twice its price. It was a complete revelation and nothing that I could remember changed the mid priced performance car game so much in one fell swoop. Everything about it excited me.
They've since hiked the price beyond all relevance so now you have a very expensive performance car that is 50% more expensive than the original car and is fundamentally the same car but a bit faster, and in the case of the Nismo, twice the price and a bit faster.
Getting on for 5 years now that this came out and at the time it was £51k and utterly obliterated anything costing up to twice its price. It was a complete revelation and nothing that I could remember changed the mid priced performance car game so much in one fell swoop. Everything about it excited me.
They've since hiked the price beyond all relevance so now you have a very expensive performance car that is 50% more expensive than the original car and is fundamentally the same car but a bit faster, and in the case of the Nismo, twice the price and a bit faster.
Also I really wish they'd have done a bit more with weight saving, when the world and his dog seems to have acknowledge that weight is a major issue in modern cars, it seems a shame that a technology led product like the GT-R is just so damn heavy.
A collectors item or for hardened wealthy Nismo enthusiasts.
As for this Nismo version, they seem to be looking for gains in the wrong place.
Forget laptop fiddling, bigger turbos and spoilers - lose 400kg and you'd have a lot more people interested.
Stuck record I know but...
http://www.nismo.co.jp/Z-tune/contents_e.html
16,900,000 yen when launched = £103k in today's money, which makes the £120k R35 value though
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