The Nissan Skyline GT-R, as it was once called, was a bit of a star for the Gran Turismo generation. It started off as a hot version of a ve...
The Nissan Skyline GT-R, as it was once called, was a bit of a star for the Gran Turismo generation. It started off as a hot version of a very mundane Japanese-market saloon, and steadily evolved into one of the most feared cross-country performers ever. Now it’s back,generation six,the Skyline name dropped,called simply the Nissan GT-R. Stark, techy, perfect.
And what a monster it is: for once, Japan’s car makers have shunned their self-imposed 278bhp power limit and chucked in a twin-turbo 3.8 V6 that makes 473bhp and 588Nm, to put this car right up there with the Ferraris and Porsches. One of the features is the world’s first four-wheel-drive independent trans-axle system, with carbon-fibre propshafts going fore and aft of the engine, with the gearbox sited at the rear, which helps weight distribution. The gearbox itself is the currently-fashionable dual-clutch type, with even more fashionable paddle-shift, and there’s something called a DampTronic system for the suspension.
Also, not one to play around, Nissan’s providing this car ‘run-in,’so owners can go nuts from Day One.The execution,of course, is absolutely Japanese: it’s loaded to the gills with weird tech and weirder instruments, so it’s half car, half video game. Which is just what fans want.
There’s a virtual g-meter, and an ‘optimal gearshift map,’ for heaven’s sake! And,um,meters for accelerator opening and brake pedal pressure.There’s also a special set-up switch so you can adjust settings according to your tastes. We’re expecting sub-4.0 seconds to 100kph, 270kph+ and insane levels of grip. Like we said, hold on tight.
