The 2009 Nissan GT-R : Opinions

[tiger]

What's up Guys... i'm curious and want to know what everyone thinks about the new GT-R. I'm not excited about it at ALL. It looks nice I guess, not as bad-arese looking as an R34 GT-R.. Is anyone on this forum actually going to buy one? I'm just feeling that there will be so many rich folks driving them around and not knowing a thing about a GT-R. That upsets me. Let me know what you think.

[jmanpatsfan]

I really think that Nissan just used a legendary name and similar styling on an all new car. The buyers market certainly won't be the same as the original due the price. I mean this car is supposed to challenge the Porsche 911 Turbo, you dont see any boy racers driving that car. It is what it is, and it is a luxurious NEW and original sports car (on the brink of a supercar) with an name from the past to stir up the faithful. This is my opinion, I know others will disagree.

[tiger]

i agree with your opinion. you're probably right.

[Encryptshun]

Though there are like 3 other threads out there today where people are posting their opinions on the new GT-R, the bottom line is that the USDM market is populated by sheep, and if they say "buuuuuuy", we'll say "baaaaaaa".

That said, I'd hit it.

Twice a day.

[snwbrdr435]

i think that nico should start a GTR forum for the new GTR because its not really and actual skyline right its badged as the GTR?

[Andy_V35Sky_350GT]

They've dropped the Skyline name, because the G35/G37 are so popular and are Skylines.

GT-R's will always be referred to and known as Skylines (even with the name drop) due to all previous GT-R models being 'Skylines', especially because they've continued the chassis number (last GT-R was R34, this is an R35). However, the previous Skyline (G35 03-07, V35) and current Skyline, the G37 (V36) have also continued on the chassis numbers from previous Skylines, they've just dropped the R in favour of V because they use the VQ....

[snwbrdr435]

i kno all that but im just giving a suggestion because in my personal opinion its not really a skyline i mean it has the gtr name and are an r35 it just doesnt seem like sense to me i mean its nissan trying to use the name to sell what is almost a supercar to rich people in the united states im not saying that if i had the money i wouldnt buy one i most certainly would.

[rhettdec]

whats wrong with nissan selling cars? you should be happy if the US has rich people willing to shell out the money for one.

in fact, you better pray they do. if this car doesnt sell well it would be a catastrophe. but, im sure sales in japan will be fine, its abroad that could be a gamble.

i agree with you in saying its not like a "real" skyline. but this car supposedly has much bite to back up the hype bark. so it doesnt really matter if its not a skyline. it may be a birth of something new when many long for a "true" new skyline but who cares.

[snwbrdr435]

with out a doubt its guna sell its a sick car i cant wait to see it smoke some nice cars but im just saying that in my personal opinion it isnt a reallll skyline

[KOUKI BST'D]

Too pricey i like how the car looks .

[DocLiv]

I like it, but I wish they would have come out with something cheaper with the RB26 in it. The thing I always loved about the GT-R was that it was made to be tuned. How much potential is there in new engine? Will it be like the legendary RB26? It's nice it has 450hp stock, but I'd rather it had 300hp and could be easily modded to 450hp. It's more fun and interesting that way and not to mention cheaper to insure. If it came out with something in the $40,000 range I think it would be closer to being affordable for it target audience. They could have used a good old standard 6-speed transmission at least as an option that could make it cheaper too. Anyway, I'd love one, but unless I hit the lottery I won't be buying one anytime soon.

[Gold Digger]

OK...Let's break this down piece by piece and see just what exactly your (everyone, not just one person) basis is for said comments.

Is anyone on this forum actually going to buy one? I'm just feeling that there will be so many rich folks driving them around and not knowing a thing about a GT-R. That upsets me. Let me know what you think.

Rich folks don't know anything about performance cars? Most people who have the money for these cars, well, maybe not most, but a good majority, will know what this car will be and is capeable of. Don't worry, Tiger, there will be plenty of GT-R worthy contestants for the job.

I really think that Nissan just used a legendary name and similar styling on an all new car. The buyers market certainly won't be the same as the original due the price. I mean this car is supposed to challenge the Porsche 911 Turbo, you dont see any boy racers driving that car. It is what it is, and it is a luxurious NEW and original sports car (on the brink of a supercar) with an name from the past to stir up the faithful. This is my opinion, I know others will disagree.

Nissan didn't "use" the name. There had always been plans on a new GT-R ever since the 34-R was decommisioned, they just never went past concepts. It took almost 5 years for Nissan to come up with a car that performed they way they wanted it to. Did Toyota "use" use the Supra name to sell totally different car when they separated it from the Celica?

As for your quote on the buyers market and price. When the R34 GT-R hit dealerships, most were commanding close to $50-$60K. By far, not your everyman price range. Hell, even today, R32, R33 and R34 GT-R's still pull large sumps of cash, even in stock trim, and also depending on the overall condition of the car. "Boy Racers" in Japan didn't have these cars either. It's very rare to see some Joe Schmoe driving a 34-R. Those that do most likely are U.S. Military stationed overseas that have good financing institutions, are Japanese parasite singles still living at home with mom and dad and can just dump all their money into a car, or are well paid business men who have the disposable income. The 32 and 33-R's are a bit more attainable for the regular guy.

And you also said that this car is supposed to rival the 911 Turbo. Let's compare prices on this. A fully loaded 911 Turbo, bought brand new, will set you back about $125K, give or take. Now, for a little more than half of that price, you can get all the performance of the 911 in a GT-R, albeit, a slightly larger and heavier ride. Which car seems more affordable now?

I also would not consider this to be a "luxury" car. Yeah, it might have leather seats and whatnot, but it's far from what I would call a luxury car.

i think that nico should start a GTR forum for the new GTR because its not really and actual skyline right its badged as the GTR?

Read the sub-forum heading...it says "GT-R forum/Skyline forum"

No need for another sub-forum, just for a new model.

They've dropped the Skyline name, because the G35/G37 are so popular and are Skylines.

GT-R's will always be referred to and known as Skylines (even with the name drop) due to all previous GT-R models being 'Skylines', especially because they've continued the chassis number (last GT-R was R34, this is an R35). However, the previous Skyline (G35 03-07, V35) and current Skyline, the G37 (V36) have also continued on the chassis numbers from previous Skylines, they've just dropped the R in favour of V because they use the VQ....

The Skyline name was dropped from the GT-R, in part, to separate the brands in much the same fasion as the Supra (which I mentioned before). Not because the Fairlady (Z car) and the Skyline (G35/37) are "so popular". The GT-R is to become Nissan's flagship sports (meh, I'll say Supercar here) car.

Yes, the Fairlady (Z car) and the current Skyline (G35/37) are selling quite well, but have the distinct disadvantage of not being the performers that the R was.

And your reasoning behind keeping the R chassis code doesn't sound to believeable. Each new reincarnation of the Skyline GT-R had a different chassic code.

Example. 1969-1972 Skyline GT-R Sedan was PGC10 1971-1972 Skyline GT-R Coupe was KPGC10 1973-1974 Skyline GT-R was KPGC110

Then the GT-R dissapeard for over 15 years

1989-1994 Skyline GT-R was BNR32 1995-1998 Skyline GT-R was BCNR33 1999-200? Skyline GT-R was BNR34

So, if you go by the history, each new incarnation should have a new chassis code.

Oh, and by the way, I can't say for sure, but I doubt the current Skyline got it's chassis designation as a V because it uses the VQ motors, but you could be right.

I like it, but I wish they would have come out with something cheaper with the RB26 in it. The thing I always loved about the GT-R was that it was made to be tuned. How much potential is there in new engine? Will it be like the legendary RB26? It's nice it has 450hp stock, but I'd rather it had 300hp and could be easily modded to 450hp. It's more fun and interesting that way and not to mention cheaper to insure. If it came out with something in the $40,000 range I think it would be closer to being affordable for it target audience. They could have used a good old standard 6-speed transmission at least as an option that could make it cheaper too. Anyway, I'd love one, but unless I hit the lottery I won't be buying one anytime soon.

Here we go with the RB26 pureists again. Let's look at history of GT-R engines. To date, there have been 5 GT-R models, 6 if you count the Autech 30th anniversary 4 door model (more info on that one in a sec)

The RB26 did not make the GT-R. Ever hear the phrase, "Necessity is the mother of invention"? The first GT-R's were S20 engines. After the last Kenmari GT-R was produced, the R would dissapear for a very long time. When the R was brought back, the S20 would have not even held a candle to the other engines out there, i.e. the 1JZ-GTE. So, what did Nissan do, they built a monster.

Now, it's been, what, 5 years since the last GT-R? Not saying that the RB26 isn't still capable, but it's time for something fresh, and that's what we got with the VR38 Twin Turbo. 450 hp from a V6 isn't anything to scoff at? Plus, I don't think that a stock RB26, about 330ish in the later years, would be able to move this new R quite as easily as it is a bit heavier than the previous 34-R, so let's put the RB debate to bed, shall we?

I am sure that Nissan knows what they are doing here, so let's just see what happens. If, in the next year, the R falls on it's face in Japan, then I highly doubt you'll all see it stateside.

Now, on to the Autech R33 GT-R four door. This car was built as a 30th Anniversary to the original KPGC10 GT-R (Hakosuka), which, was a 4 door. Just some interesting trivia for ya.

[DocLiv]

I don't consider myself a RB "purist". I realize Skylines haven't always had RBs in them. I used to live in Japan myself.('95-'97) My roomie had an R31. I know the history of the GTR quite well thank you. I was just wishing for a more affordable and tunable car. They could've stuck with the RB26 and saved all the money on the R&D of the new engine. The RB26 already has tons of aftermarket parts, it's tuner heaven. I can understand what Nissan is doing with the new GTR, I'm only stating what I wish they would've done personally. Instead of making a car to compete with the 911, I wish they brought over here to compete more with the Evo and STi. A 300ish hp, awd, reasonably affordable car that has a lot of tuning potential. Oh well, that's not what it's going to be. So, I'll get over it and move on. I hope it sells well and exceeds the old GTRs in every way.

[NSR_s30]

I'm really excited about the GT-R coming out, not that I'd be able to ever buy one but I think it'll be a good predecessor to the R-34. IMO

[mias13]

I don't consider myself a RB "purist". I realize Skylines haven't always had RBs in them. I used to live in Japan myself.('95-'97) My roomie had an R31. I know the history of the GTR quite well thank you. I was just wishing for a more affordable and tunable car. They could've stuck with the RB26 and saved all the money on the R&D of the new engine. The RB26 already has tons of aftermarket parts, it's tuner heaven. I can understand what Nissan is doing with the new GTR, I'm only stating what I wish they would've done personally. Instead of making a car to compete with the 911, I wish they brought over here to compete more with the Evo and STi. A 300ish hp, awd, reasonably affordable car that has a lot of tuning potential. Oh well, that's not what it's going to be. So, I'll get over it and move on. I hope it sells well and exceeds the old GTRs in every way.

making a car that was supposed to compete with the evos and stis would be completely pointless. the 32-34R's were never made to compete with those cars. they were always produced to be the "big dogs" these cars were made to compete with the supras, the 3000gts, rx7s and the porsches(yes i said porsche) of the time. the evo and sti were still childs play rally toys back then. so i do not see the argument about a affordable tuner car. IMO the price tag is right where it should be. right in the range where it has potential to hurt other manufacturers. by logical assumption the cars are going to sell for $80k+ at first, which on paper is still a good price. the car competes with that of the Z06 ,911 Turbo, Viper, Gallardo and other cars that with the exception of the vette are well north of $115k. so do you still think thats it not affordable for all it can do?? i think people are just mad because theres a $65+ price tag on a nissan , let alone a japansese car.

[DocLiv]

I for one am certainly not mad about the GTR. It's just that Nissan is going in a different direction with it than before. When the GTR was re-introduced in 1989 it was priced at about $30,000. Which is slightly less than a Corvette of the same year. A 2008 Corvette starts at about $45,000. I would have liked to see the GTR keep about that same price point that's all. The GTR was reborn to compete in Group A of the Japanese GT series. It wasn't meant to be a world supercar like it aims to be now.

The Japanese manufactures had an agreement to keep their production cars at around 300hp. The GTR, Supra, RX-7, GTO (3000GT), Evo, and STI all had about 300hp. They all competed with each other and had similar performance. The Evo and STI were not "toys" as you put it. They could could keep up with the GTR on the street and the track. Now the Evo and STi will be like "toys" compared to the new GTR, because the GTR is setting its sights on top tier sports cars like the 911 turbo.

[Coolwhip]

Like a previous post said, its time for a fresh change. Even though the RB26 is a monster of an engine and the drivetran was as well, its old technology and would be dino by the time the current model lives it self out. 2 years from now the Rb26 in the new chassis would need a new power plant because 300hp isn't going to cut it.

300hp modded to 450hp isn't as fun as a reliable engine that was made with 450hp to begin with.

Just as the EVO guys are upset with the EVO X not having a 4g63 and not calling it a real EVO is the same story. Mits had to kill that motor before it was used for another 4 years and they would be behind all the other manufactures.

I think the new motor will be bad a**. Just look at the VQ!? There are 4 digit numbers coming from the motor already. It just takes time for the new motors to be tested and true by the tuner world. Have faith.

Now with that said, we have another 11 hours to wait

[Coolwhip]

oh and btw I take it as a real skyline in my book any day.

And do i think its priced out of its range? not a chance.

But we'll see how the market treats the car at that price, in which i believe it will have a desirable marketplace quite quickly.

[DocLiv]

I'm excited to see how much performance people will extract from the new motor. I agree it is was time for a change, I was only stating my wishes. I hope when they unveil the car they'll have some other colors besides silver. I doubt it, but I can hope anyway. My other hope is in about 5 years, used GTRs might be within my price range. If so I'll have one for sure. It's one bad **s car!

[KO-san]

I think its pretty cool but I wouldn't get it cause itll be pricyI really hope nissan brings back the 240sx..maybe through a different model but still.

[centralcoaster33]

I think its pretty cool but I wouldn't get it cause itll be pricyI really hope nissan brings back the 240sx..maybe through a different model but still.

Yeah, I want a brand new 240! Or even a Silvia sold in North America! But I also really want a GT-R. It's too expensive for me (68,000+) but, I say let the wealthy and fickle buy this car. Let them buy a whole bunch of them. Flood the market! Let them get tired of it quickly and with low commuter mileage. Then value can drop and I can go out and get a used one!

[dnlx5]

i like rich ppl flooding the market, however i would much rather see a new silvia than a gtr (mebe this is the rong forum for this talk)but fr coup and hatch turbo/na qr25. but i cant wait for the unveiling in 5 hrs i will be watching as the new beast is unveiled and i swear that i will have an r35 gtr in 15 years .... wish i was rich i mean cmon all wheel drive, hicas, twin turbo, coupe. dont get me rong i really wished its body was still based off of the current skyline but i fully embrace the new technology (aluminum block, beter transmition(i do like clutche pedals but oh well), better attesa and hicas i cant wait

[centralcoaster33]

Hmmm, I dunno about all that technology. It reminds me of the issues I have with bimmers (my friends drive these). It's like you're not even driving anymore, the steering wheel, pedals, and little shifter pedals connect to a computer that tells the rack, throttle and transmission what to do. They spend a ton of $$ on R&D on things like ABS (becasue the average Joe can't modulate his break pedal), traction control (becasue people slouch, don't hold the wheel correctly and dont maintain their suspension and therefore can't sense their contact patches), motion sensors (because people don't look ahead at where they're driving), and tire pressure monitors (because lots of people are driving on underinflated, bald tires). Then you add sponsered technology at the request of others trying to turn a profit, like iPod, Satelite Radio and navigation. Even the cost of the formula team is recovered through price jacking. None of this is stuff I want in my car and I certainly don't want to pay for it. I think some of it is good stuff for other people and those other people should have the option to pay for it. I guess I have an option also, pay for it or do without completely. The cool thing with this is most of the technology on most cars can be dissabled, the sad thing is, you pay for it whether you want it or not. I anticipate the smae is for the GT-R and only hope there's a bunch of dissable buttons somewhere in there.

[Black95s14]

Im excited

a 7 min 30 sec run at nurburgring is not disappointing

[160Z]

Im excited

a 7 min 30 sec run at nurburgring is not disappointing

Yup, still need to shave off a few seconds to be king of the ring!

[thefro526]

Personally if I ever had the cash I would buy one just because its the closest i could ever get to a real skyline with out all the B.S. even though with that cash icould buy a skyline i rather have that new car feel. And plus the car is at a good price for what its trying to compeat against. I can't wait to hear stories from vette owners about getting smoked by a Nissan.

[centralcoaster33]

... closest i could ever get to a real skyline...

It's not a real Skyline?

I wouldn't write in about how a newer vehicle in stock form with a better power to weight ratio smoked me on the road, why would a Corvette owner?

New car feel and new car smell, someday I hope to enjoy that in the form of a Nissan, preferably a new 240/Silvia!

[nachonismo]

Here's video from the Tokyo show. I don't think I can save up enough cash to get one when it hits the states. Maybe I'll set up a tip jar

http://community.myride.com/ki...898&b=

[centralcoaster33]

Great clip find! Makes me want one a bit more.

Hmmm, 10G down, 5 yr loan, 8%apr = 1,420 per month payment plus $400 monthly gas allowance and $180 monthly insurance = 2G per month.

If I sleep in my GT-R, dress in floor mats and learn to eat exhaust fumes, I can certainly afford it. Anybody wanna loan me some $$?

[2ndlife]

I think the price is a bit high at 70-80k. Maybe around 55-60k is more reasonable. R34 was mostly in the 45k-55k range in Japan and this new car has such a huge jump from the old skyline prices.