Notes From the Parking Lot: 2009 Nissan GT-R
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
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Notes From the Parking Lot: 2009 Nissan GT-R
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Consumer Guide spent almost 240 miles behind the wheel of the Nissan's new sports car.
Base Price: $71,900
Options: None
Price as Tested: $71,900
Total Miles Tested: 239 miles
Fuel Economy: 18.27 mpg
| Editors' Notes |
| Rick Cotta: Simply put, a performance bargain. Quirkier than most competitors such as the Corvette or even the Viper, the all-wheel-drive GT-R offers unequaled acceleration--if you're patient enough--along with a luxury-level interior and decent luggage space. Also a rear seat, though it's merely a token gesture behind even average-size front-seaters. This is an exotic performance car that isn't priced like one. |
| Ed Piotrowski: There is no question that Nissan has created an immensely capable sports car. GT-R's power and handling prowess put it in league with cars that cost tens of thousands of dollars more. Take it out of its element on the racetrack, and it throws a big sulk. It's not that smooth to drive in traffic, the ride is far too stiff, and the engine note gets tiresome after a while. Though rivals such as the Porsche 911 and Chevy Corvette might not match the GT-R for overall performance, they're far easier to live with as daily drivers. Personally, I'd spend $30,000 less and buy the other Nissan Skyline, which is known on U.S. shores as the Infiniti G37. For 2009, it's available with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic transmission. I would then experience the GT-R by using the leftover money to buy a high-def TV, surround sound, a PlayStation, a Logitech G25 racing wheel, and Gran Turismo. |
| Don Sikora: Heavy rains marked my test of the Nissan GT-R. Around town, it isn't very pleasant because of the quirky dual-clutch transmission and the expected rough ride, but on the open highway I started to warm to the big Nissan's charms. Incredible amounts of performance are available, and the cockpit is surprisingly well-appointed and comfortable for two. In the end the car seems to be an incredible value, but I'm not sure I'd want to drive one daily like I could do with a base Corvette. Most important, GT-R is a two-hander because the steering can demand constant attention on less-than perfect pavement......turn the cell phone off and forget about that cup of joe. |
Consumer Guide's test 2009 Nissan GT-R in Premium trim stickered for $71,900.
11.07.2008
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