Drove a GTR today

Zeus · 08-06-2009, 11:10 AM

Neighbor just got a Black Premium package GTR, took it for a 45 minute ride through some nice roads. I drove 20-30min out of the ride. First impressions. For the purpose of this comparison I will be directly comparing to the M3, and 911, two of the GTR's biggest rivals which I have had hours of seat time in.

Dayummmm.. this is a BIG car. For being known as a handling car I was not expecting such a large vehicle. Very wide, very big, even the wheels were large. He also has a 911, which seemed to be dwarfed by the GTR. The interior is black leather, with black trim. Everything seems to be of good quality, id say on par with the CTS-V. Only... this one is 90k. The fit and finish does NOT seem to be up to comparable status with the BMW (M3) or 911. Very much a Japanese car, built for the go, not the show.

Driving impressions. Well, driving through town the car struck me as both uncomfortable and quiet. I was expecting something like the screaming engine of a Ferrari or even an M3 but it was very smooth sailing when we were on the roads. The seats were track seats, which made bad road uncomfortable, and the suspension was very very stiff. I'd say it made for a decent daily driver but the M3 blows away the GTR in this comparison. The M3 manages to be one of the most comfortable cars on the road while also maintaining unbelievable handling. The handling on the GTR was nice, but around town it feels like there is a bit more under steer than you would want. Nothing like the Porsche or even the M. The paddles behind the steering wheel are nice, on par with the DCT system used in the M3 or the PDK box in the 911. But major bad marks for not even offering a manual.

Out in the Country driving impressions. This thing goes like a bat out of hell. That's all that can be said. I've driven Z06's, M5/6's, F430's, Audi R8's, and a list of other fast cars, but this has got to be the fastest. It isn't as dramatic as the Ferrari or M6, it sounds a lot like a GT500 in the sense that it sounds like a Jet. It just GOES. Around turns the car has an unreal sense of grip. Even with the traction control turned off (the warranty was voided long before I got in the car) the car still doesn't feel like its even possible to break loose. The GTR explodes through corners like you wouldn't believe, but more than that it does it easily. Its so simple and so easy that it makes you look like your Schumi or Rorl out there, its a point and shoot car. The flip side to that is that you don't get the same thrills you get by rowing the gears in a Z06 while doing the same roads, BUT you do go faster, grip harder and end up finishing a lot sooner. I know this has been said before, but its true. The GTR is so accomplished in its driving that you reach your limits driving the car well before it has approached its own. The Nurburgring lap time seems like it could well be accomplished (I was a skeptic before) but the car still left something to be fulfilled.

Overall. Id say the car is really something. Its easy to hate one of these things when your competing against them, and I know why this is such a controversial car. So many automakers build cars that are for the driver, with all the great things this car has, but it seemed as if this car was built to go from point A to point B as fast as possible, and not so much about the enjoyment of actually driving one. This car blew me away with what it could do, it is a 'hang on for dear life' kind of driving experience. The 911, nor the M3 could hang with this car. Its just not possible, they weren't built for it. The M3 is a great all around car, lightly used M3's go for 50k, and they are worth EVERY penny of it. The 911 is an iconic car which (imo) is overpriced. The Cayman S is a better driving experience, for 30k less than the 90k+ 911. It is my opinion that if you were in the market for a 911 it would be better to spend your money on a ZR1 corvette, or save further for a GT3 or Turbo 911. The GTR is a ridiculous car, but I just dont see myself ever owning one. If track times are your thing, the GTR is what you want, but there are mountains of other cars you would enjoy more during a track day. The GTR really is the ultimate NOT drivers car.

Smokes35 · 08-06-2009, 12:25 PM

I'll take any of the cars mentioned in this post...

saw a very deep gray, similar to the CGM one in the drive way of my neighbor next to his sea-green Aston Martin... i HAD to stop and look, i was overwhelmed by all the plastic in the interior that had big gaps between them, your right, the interior was disappointing, however, know what type of MONSTER that car can be drive wise, i immediately looked past all that. Its been interesting to read your drive report, and im NOT surprised at all to hear that the car is uncomfortable, the cock pit looked like, well, a cock pit, narrow and cramped.

I've heard NOTHING but awesome reviews of the power train and handling, glad you got to enjoy this car, i'd jump at a chance to have the keys in a second.

Good write up.

toesuf94 · 08-06-2009, 12:55 PM

Thanks for the perspective...interesting read. Still not my cup of tea, however I am sure the GT-R guys say the same thing about Corvettes and Camaros. As a car guy, I respect the engineering in the car.

lil_chef · 08-06-2009, 01:02 PM

i get to test drive a gtr in a couple days, hopefully my experience is as good as yours

Zeus · 08-06-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokes35

I'll take any of the cars mentioned in this post...

saw a very deep gray, similar to the CGM one in the drive way of my neighbor next to his sea-green Aston Martin... i HAD to stop and look, i was overwhelmed by all the plastic in the interior that had big gaps between them, your right, the interior was disappointing, however, know what type of MONSTER that car can be drive wise, i immediately looked past all that. Its been interesting to read your drive report, and im NOT surprised at all to hear that the car is uncomfortable, the cock pit looked like, well, a cock pit, narrow and cramped.

I've heard NOTHING but awesome reviews of the power train and handling, glad you got to enjoy this car, i'd jump at a chance to have the keys in a second.

Good write up.

The interior was a bit of a disappointment for sure, especially for being such an expensive car. The highlight of the interior had to be the center screen which provided you with a constant stream of (useless) interesting information .

Quote:

Originally Posted by lil_chef

i get to test drive a gtr in a couple days, hopefully my experience is as good as yours

I don't know the conditions of your test drive, but I would do everything I could to get that car on a long and winding road where you give it a chance to come alive

drivingincamaro · 08-06-2009, 02:24 PM

go drive a zr1 or a dodge viper acr now for comparison

cool review

Chocolate Apocalypse · 08-06-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

BUT you do go faster, grip harder and end up finishing a lot sooner.

Well that just sounds dirty!

I've always wanted to take a GTR for a spin, see what all the hype is about. Great read!

djsnoflake · 08-06-2009, 09:23 PM

What's the word on Transmission Desintegration Mode? I mean Warranty Destruction Acceleration Mode?

I mean Launch Control Mode. Sorry I just get them confused all the time.

Zeus · 08-06-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djsnoflake

What's the word on Transmission Desintegration Mode? I mean Warranty Destruction Acceleration Mode?

I mean Launch Control Mode. Sorry I just get them confused all the time.

Well we didnt get a chance to use it today, but I know he has used it before. I remember saying when we were out on the road...

"I wish we could see how this baby would do with the T/C turned off..."

Mi amigo.

"Dude I blew the warranty hours ago with a launch, turn the damn T/C off"

*CamaroSpike23* · 08-06-2009, 09:46 PM

pics?

Zeus · 08-06-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

pics?

only camera I own is my iphone

Ill find out if hes got anything online... I think Hes a member on a GTR forum

1320junkie · 08-06-2009, 10:40 PM

Hey Zeus

Zeus · 08-06-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1320junkie

Hey Zeus

Hey Junkie.

Hows your ZR1 treatin ya.

MEDISIN · 08-06-2009, 10:58 PM

Saw a GTR here in town the other day and was blown away by the size! For some reason I expected it to be the same size as the Z. It looked like it could eat a Z for breakfast

08-06-2009, 11:10 AM	#1
Zeus BOOOOOM MF'R!! Drives: to Chipotle daily Join Date: May 2009 Location: Flo-Rida Posts: 3,614	Drove a GTR today Neighbor just got a Black Premium package GTR, took it for a 45 minute ride through some nice roads. I drove 20-30min out of the ride. First impressions. For the purpose of this comparison I will be directly comparing to the M3, and 911, two of the GTR's biggest rivals which I have had hours of seat time in. Dayummmm.. this is a BIG car. For being known as a handling car I was not expecting such a large vehicle. Very wide, very big, even the wheels were large. He also has a 911, which seemed to be dwarfed by the GTR. The interior is black leather, with black trim. Everything seems to be of good quality, id say on par with the CTS-V. Only... this one is 90k. The fit and finish does NOT seem to be up to comparable status with the BMW (M3) or 911. Very much a Japanese car, built for the go, not the show. Driving impressions. Well, driving through town the car struck me as both uncomfortable and quiet. I was expecting something like the screaming engine of a Ferrari or even an M3 but it was very smooth sailing when we were on the roads. The seats were track seats, which made bad road uncomfortable, and the suspension was very very stiff. I'd say it made for a decent daily driver but the M3 blows away the GTR in this comparison. The M3 manages to be one of the most comfortable cars on the road while also maintaining unbelievable handling. The handling on the GTR was nice, but around town it feels like there is a bit more under steer than you would want. Nothing like the Porsche or even the M. The paddles behind the steering wheel are nice, on par with the DCT system used in the M3 or the PDK box in the 911. But major bad marks for not even offering a manual. Out in the Country driving impressions. This thing goes like a bat out of hell. That's all that can be said. I've driven Z06's, M5/6's, F430's, Audi R8's, and a list of other fast cars, but this has got to be the fastest. It isn't as dramatic as the Ferrari or M6, it sounds a lot like a GT500 in the sense that it sounds like a Jet. It just GOES. Around turns the car has an unreal sense of grip. Even with the traction control turned off (the warranty was voided long before I got in the car) the car still doesn't feel like its even possible to break loose. The GTR explodes through corners like you wouldn't believe, but more than that it does it easily. Its so simple and so easy that it makes you look like your Schumi or Rorl out there, its a point and shoot car. The flip side to that is that you don't get the same thrills you get by rowing the gears in a Z06 while doing the same roads, BUT you do go faster, grip harder and end up finishing a lot sooner. I know this has been said before, but its true. The GTR is so accomplished in its driving that you reach your limits driving the car well before it has approached its own. The Nurburgring lap time seems like it could well be accomplished (I was a skeptic before) but the car still left something to be fulfilled. Overall. Id say the car is really something. Its easy to hate one of these things when your competing against them, and I know why this is such a controversial car. So many automakers build cars that are for the driver, with all the great things this car has, but it seemed as if this car was built to go from point A to point B as fast as possible, and not so much about the enjoyment of actually driving one. This car blew me away with what it could do, it is a 'hang on for dear life' kind of driving experience. The 911, nor the M3 could hang with this car. Its just not possible, they weren't built for it. The M3 is a great all around car, lightly used M3's go for 50k, and they are worth EVERY penny of it. The 911 is an iconic car which (imo) is overpriced. The Cayman S is a better driving experience, for 30k less than the 90k+ 911. It is my opinion that if you were in the market for a 911 it would be better to spend your money on a ZR1 corvette, or save further for a GT3 or Turbo 911. The GTR is a ridiculous car, but I just dont see myself ever owning one. If track times are your thing, the GTR is what you want, but there are mountains of other cars you would enjoy more during a track day. The GTR really is the ultimate NOT drivers car.

08-06-2009, 12:25 PM	#2
Smokes35 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS, 2006 Ram SRT10 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pittsburgh. PA Posts: 248	I'll take any of the cars mentioned in this post... saw a very deep gray, similar to the CGM one in the drive way of my neighbor next to his sea-green Aston Martin... i HAD to stop and look, i was overwhelmed by all the plastic in the interior that had big gaps between them, your right, the interior was disappointing, however, know what type of MONSTER that car can be drive wise, i immediately looked past all that. Its been interesting to read your drive report, and im NOT surprised at all to hear that the car is uncomfortable, the cock pit looked like, well, a cock pit, narrow and cramped. I've heard NOTHING but awesome reviews of the power train and handling, glad you got to enjoy this car, i'd jump at a chance to have the keys in a second. Good write up. __________________ NKMB8X 1100 = Preliminary Order: 5/29/2009 3000 = Accepted By Production Control: 6/17/2009 3300 = Scheduled For Production: 6/22/2009 3400 = 7/20 TPW as of 7/18/2009 3800 = Built!!! 7/27/2009 VIN 2G1FT1EW3A9129998 6000 = 8/4/2009 Giggity!

08-06-2009, 02:24 PM	#6
drivingincamaro Drives: 95 civic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago Illinois Posts: 5,796	go drive a zr1 or a dodge viper acr now for comparison cool review __________________

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08-06-2009, 12:55 PM	#3
toesuf94 Drives: THR #11 E-force supercharged Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 4,746	Thanks for the perspective...interesting read. Still not my cup of tea, however I am sure the GT-R guys say the same thing about Corvettes and Camaros. As a car guy, I respect the engineering in the car.

08-06-2009, 01:02 PM	#4
lil_chef Banned Drives: 2010 Mustang GT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 1,823	i get to test drive a gtr in a couple days, hopefully my experience is as good as yours

08-06-2009, 10:40 PM	#12
1320junkie Drives: The Imperial Army Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Darkside Posts: 15,742	Hey Zeus

08-06-2009, 10:58 PM	#14
MEDISIN Drives: 2011 CTS-V Sedan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chapel Hill, NC Posts: 1,505 View My Garage	Saw a GTR here in town the other day and was blown away by the size! For some reason I expected it to be the same size as the Z. It looked like it could eat a Z for breakfast