2012 Nissan GTR

[SteveSRT8]

I drove a GT-R at the Florida Mile once. While it was exciting for a few minutes and really hauled, it was way too 'removed' for me.

IMO not really a drivers car, but a really cool technomobile. Kind of like a super high end video game for the street.

One thing I have learned: While they rarely lose a drag race in the rain, AWD cars usually detract/distract from my driving enjoyment.

As far as performance it's pretty hard to beat it.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8

One thing I have learned: While they rarely lose a drag race in the rain, AWD cars usually detract/distract from my driving enjoyment.



In FL what kind of driving enjoyment is there on the roads? Unless I am missing something (only spent a few weeks there more towards coast) majority of roads seem relatively straight and flat. Maybe I am missing something. You definitely have nice weather and need nothing more than RWD down there.

I feel fortunate in New England that last 10 mins to my house consists of sharp turns, twists, and hills and driving just 10MPH over(semi legal) is really fun. Sadly I drive an Acura MDX now but it seems better than most SUV's.

 

[AccordV6MN]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN
Viper and Vette would probably faster on straight line, but driving a car is not only a straight line. As for me the fun part is when you have to corner in high speed, generating as high G's possible while the tires squeals.

I would go even further than that: driving a car is not only about speed and high Gs.

Hence, why I would take a Viper over a GT-R.


Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN
If we look at American cars and European/Japanese cars, they both excel in different kind of tracks. American cars typically excel in 1/4 mile or a mile sprint. While the European and Japanese tend to excel where there are more cornering. It's just preference how you like to drive your cars, I supposed.

1. Look at my sig. Do you think this is news to me?

2. The Viper and the higher-end models of Corvette are among the fastest-cornering cars you can buy..


Found these 2 web
Viper SRT
Vette Z06

Just to see and equalized some of the variables, these cars were driven by Stig from topGear at the same track. Unfortunately, the SRT were tested on wet track. But, the Z06 definitely faster than some of Ferraris, Aston Martins, BMWs and Lambos. The big 3 have moved to the right direction for sure. Now, I'm wishing they can top that chart with the rebirth of muscle cars.

 

[MrCritical]

As for current production cars, the GT-R is behind the Lexus LFA, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Corvette ZR1, Viper ACR, and Corvette Z06, at "The Ring".

I have since heard the new Viper has bested the LFA's time. And the "Ring" is no straight line.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8

One thing I have learned: While they rarely lose a drag race in the rain, AWD cars usually detract/distract from my driving enjoyment.



In FL what kind of driving enjoyment is there on the roads? Unless I am missing something (only spent a few weeks there more towards coast) majority of roads seem relatively straight and flat. Maybe I am missing something. You definitely have nice weather and need nothing more than RWD down there.

I feel fortunate in New England that last 10 mins to my house consists of sharp turns, twists, and hills and driving just 10MPH over(semi legal) is really fun. Sadly I drive an Acura MDX now but it seems better than most SUV's.


Yes, you poor touristas rarely get to see the wonderful rural roads we have out here in the greater Tampa Bay area. My area just outside of 'town' sports some nice straights and some of the coolest twisties you could imagine, even with some elevation changes!

 

[AccordV6MN]

Originally Posted By: MrCritical
As for current production cars, the GT-R is behind the Lexus LFA, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Corvette ZR1, Viper ACR, and Corvette Z06, at "The Ring".

I have since heard the new Viper has bested the LFA's time. And the "Ring" is no straight line.


I assume the cars were driven by different drivers??? more variables...

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN
The big 3 have moved to the right direction for sure. Now, I'm wishing they can top that chart with the rebirth of muscle cars.

Again, already done. Read some reviews of the current Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, and Ford Mustang.

 

[AccordV6MN]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN
The big 3 have moved to the right direction for sure. Now, I'm wishing they can top that chart with the rebirth of muscle cars.

Again, already done. Read some reviews of the current Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, and Ford Mustang.

Please point me to the reviews you mentioned.

From what I saw in TopGear
2012 GT-R finished in 1:17
Older GT-R 1:19
Viper SRT (wet track) 1:28
Vette Z06 1:22

One test/review doesn't conclude everything

It'll be nice to see what other reviewers say.

 

[MrCritical]

I agree on the "variables".

But...you aren't going to get the best driver you can knowing the entire world is watching?

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN
Originally Posted By: MrCritical
As for current production cars, the GT-R is behind the Lexus LFA, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Corvette ZR1, Viper ACR, and Corvette Z06, at "The Ring".

I have since heard the new Viper has bested the LFA's time. And the "Ring" is no straight line.


I assume the cars were driven by different drivers??? more variables...


YES, there ARE hundreds of "variables", and you will NEVER be able to duplicate the same exact conditions with the same exact driver and tires for each and every one of the machines challenging the 'Ring.

Exactly why I take 'Ring lap times with a major grain of salt (yes, even when they favor "my"; brand, marque, country of origin, although I AM happy when they set best times

).

 

[rpn453]

Car and Driver's Annual Lightning Lap at VIR is a good way to compare track performance of street cars. Conditions will vary from year to year, but it's pretty much the same set of drivers driving all the cars on the same track. Not counting the X-Bow, the '09 GT-R is in 9th place. Here's the top ten so far:

1 2:45.9 MOSLER MT900S
2 2:48.6 DODGE VIPER SRT10 ACR
3 2:49.8 MOSLER PHOTON
4 2:49.8 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
5 2:51.8 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP570-4 SUPERLEGGERA
6 2:52.3 KTM X-BOW
7 2:53.5 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
8 2:53.9 LAMBORGHINI MURCIÉLAGO LP670-4 SV
9 2:54.6 FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA
10 2:55.6 NISSAN GT-R

C&D Lightning Lap Rankings

 

[LS2JSTS]

Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN


One test/review doesn't conclude everything





LOL...is that why you keep trotting out the same Top Gear data over and over?

 

[AccordV6MN]

Originally Posted By: rpn453
Car and Driver's Annual Lightning Lap at VIR is a good way to compare track performance of street cars. Conditions will vary from year to year, but it's pretty much the same set of drivers driving all the cars on the same track. Not counting the X-Bow, the '09 GT-R is in 9th place. Here's the top ten so far:

1 2:45.9 MOSLER MT900S
2 2:48.6 DODGE VIPER SRT10 ACR
3 2:49.8 MOSLER PHOTON
4 2:49.8 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
5 2:51.8 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP570-4 SUPERLEGGERA
6 2:52.3 KTM X-BOW
7 2:53.5 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
8 2:53.9 LAMBORGHINI MURCIÉLAGO LP670-4 SV
9 2:54.6 FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA
10 2:55.6 NISSAN GT-R

C&D Lightning Lap Rankings


Thanks for the link.

 

[GMBoy]

If you buy a new GTR and a Corvette ZR1 or even Z06, what will you have 10 years later? An old Japanese car you can't get parts for and a Corvette that you can get parts for. 20 more years you have a collectible Corvette and a Japanese car that few will remember.

I recognize that the GTR is a stellar performer and I commend Nissan for producing it. But you can't fix ugly. The car is not very attractive at all plus looks more like any other sporty japanese car like an eclipse or something.

It is like the Acura NSX - what an awesome car when it came out, but today you can get 'em for about $15k and they've mostly been forgotten.

 

[AccordV6MN]

Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
Originally Posted By: AccordV6MN


One test/review doesn't conclude everything





LOL...is that why you keep trotting out the same Top Gear data over and over?



Top Gear data just happen to be readily available in the vid posted and I've never seen/know that C&D did something similar like one rpn453 posted. It's something I was looking for.

I wasn't sure if Top Gear is completely non-bias considering they are on the other side of the pond and may make the European cars looks better.

 

[LS2JSTS]

No problem man...my only problem with what you said is that the American cars have come a long way with regard to handling and driving dynamics.

Of course, you can find non "driver" cars from any of the continents, no argument there. But the old "American cars are good in the 1/4 and Japanese/Euro cars are good in the twisties" doesn't fit at all in the league of cars being discussed here.


When it comes to bias, thats the nice thing about the numbers imo. They are real, aside from driver/atmospheric differences they are objective and concrete as opposed to subjective opinions about feel and other dynamic aspects of driving. I'll figure out how a car feels when I drive it myself, the times are what matters...at least in this internet racing game...lol

 

[hattaresguy]

The GTR really is a cool car, its so freaken fast!

I'm not a huge fan of Japanese cars though so I would never buy one, but they move when the AWD hooks up.

 

[AccordV6MN]

Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
No problem man...my only problem with what you said is that the American cars have come a long way with regard to handling and driving dynamics.

Of course, you can find non "driver" cars from any of the continents, no argument there. But the old "American cars are good in the 1/4 and Japanese/Euro cars are good in the twisties" doesn't fit at all in the league of cars being discussed here.


When it comes to bias, thats the nice thing about the numbers imo. They are real, aside from driver/atmospheric differences they are objective and concrete as opposed to subjective opinions about feel and other dynamic aspects of driving. I'll figure out how a car feels when I drive it myself, the times are what matters...at least in this internet racing game...lol



I always keep open mind. I know what I said and I'd like others to show me otherwise with proven data (as many possible) and not ego or bias (Americans says American cars are best and same for Europeans). Hence, I asked for more reviews.

 

[LS2JSTS]

If by open mind you mean, coming in here and making a statement of fact that is clearly wrong and then demanding proof to the contrary from the people who point it out to you...then yes you have an open mind.

What you said is no different than if I went into any Pennzoil thread and said "dont use that stuff it has wax in it and causes engines to sludge up"...it's wrong on it's face, it doesn't demand or require much if any proof to the contrary other than a cursory..."thats silly".

Your original premise is roughly the same type of statement...If you know what you said and understand, then you also know, the statement is so far off it doesn't require extensive posting of proof to disregard it. Proof to the contrary has already been posted.

If you really and honestly have no idea that this gap between "twisties and 1/4 mile" has been gapped...then I suggest you read into many of the same sources we use...AutoWeek, Road & Track, Car and Driver, Edmunds has some good reviews....For track times, search Google for the track name, like I suggested earlier with Nurburgring...I'm not trying to be rude here man, it's just that this is not some issue that needs any extensive discussion, the gap between the two in this class of car, has been nearly if not completely equalized. No bias, no ego...just common consensus at this point in the game.

 

[meangreen01]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy


It is like the Acura NSX - what an awesome car when it came out, but today you can get 'em for about $15k and they've mostly been forgotten.



$15k? Maybe an automatic that's been in a wreck with 100k miles. Most that have been cared for as a true exotic should still go for $30k and up. I keep an eye on them as one of my all-time favorite cars. Plus a guy can dream, right?