The brand image is not that of a prestigious supercar, such as a Ferrari, a Lamborghini or so on; However, if you dream of being a protagonist of the Granturismo video games or the Fast & Furious series, the Nissan GT-R is the right car. This model for Nissan has been a flag since the all-wheel drive “GT-R” sports version of the Skyline coupé (in production since 1969) became the first “exotic” supercar widespread in oriental markets, so much so that since 2007 the acronym GT- R has earned the role of role model in itself. Over the course of its career, which has reached its sixth generation with countless special series, this super sports car has achieved extraordinary notoriety among fans of speed, drifting or even simply tuning. The state of the art of the GT-R 2021 is the “Track Edition”, with its exclusive trim and carbon components, and we drove it. And it’s not like the PlayStation.
IN&OUT
The GT-R has the physique, in the generous dimensions (4 meters and 71) and in the design of the bodywork that reinterprets the setting of the classic coupé with clear lines and the aggressiveness it serves; some “excessive” touches, such as the carbon wing and the four huge exhausts, play the game and give character. A completely different tone inside where sportiness (in particular the bucket seats, standard in this version) accompanies refined solutions and impeccable finishes so as to create the environment of a luxury 2 + 2.
CONNECTIVITY
The infotainment system is the high-end Nissan-Infiniti one, 8-inch screen, all the classic functions, smartphone integration, the Nissan Connect application and a series of configurable screens to keep an eye on any data on mechanics, performance and driving dynamics. The Bose sound system, equipped with a CD player, is of excellent quality.
ON THE ROAD
If we talk about “quantity”, the GT-R with its V6 3800 biturbo provides 570 hp, reaches 315 km / h and burns 0-100 in 2.8 seconds. In short, a good ride, always and in any case, with exciting pickups even in sixth (yes, it has “only” 6 gears). The beauty, however, comes from the surprising ease of driving, the result of the very particular evolution of the GT-R family which from its origins was designed to be an all-wheel drive that can drift with extreme ease, but retains the progressiveness and safety margin of the 4×4 ( the system is adjustable). With these premises it can be defined as a supercar that gives a lot of confidence and whose limit depends more on the ability of the driver to exploit its potential. It goes without saying that the settings are “from the track” with the obvious consequences on comfort.
THE CURIOSITY’
The most famous car in the world of video games and driving simulators is the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, known among enthusiasts by the nickname “Godzilla”, star since 1999 of the Sony Granturismo video game series. It became famous in Europe when in 2007 (surprisingly and with some controversy) it became the fastest production car at the Nürburgring, surpassing the German “masters”. The consecration in 2011 as the protagonist with Brian O’Conner in “2 Fast 2 Furious”.
WHO LIKE IT
The GT-R enthusiast is a driver who loves strong sensations, perhaps with a hint of the exotic and, of course, wanting to stand out from the mainstream. With a device like this one does not go unnoticed and the “alternative” choice can have its appeal even going slow; without neglecting the added value of the two additional posts.
THE PRICE LIST
The Track Edition, with its special equipment, costs 120,600 euros, exactly 12,000 euros more than the basic version, with only the optional special coloring. Further up there is the very special Nismo, developed by the racing division and fitted on request with racing adjustments and components, at € 210,800.
THE RIVALS
Looking at the power, the GT-R is by far the most “economical” of all-wheel drive supercars; for example, the Audi R8 with equal power starts at 160,000 euros, the Porsche Turbo with 581 hp and the 610 hp Lamborghini Huracan 4WD cost around 200,000 euros. The only direct reference, at 130,000 euros, is probably the elegant Jaguar F-Type AWD R with the 575 HP V8, but it is a comparison between two worlds and two irreconcilable targets …
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