First Drive: 2013 Nissan GT-R : Inside Line

2013 Nissan GT-R

Inside Line had a chance to drive the 2013 US market, 2012 rest of the World Nissan GT-R at a test in Europe in October. This is a first drive, so its not a full test, just some impressions, and numbers from Nissan.

When the R35 was introduced in 2007, it was initially criticized for being too anodyne. It was as if the Japanese passion for electronics had subsumed the role of the driver. Stung by the criticism, Mizuno has evolved the car to reveal its soul. "It is very important that a supersport should be challenging to drive," he says. "There should be communication between the car and the driver."

 This is an often quote by journalists, that a GT-R isn't exciting to drive.  I see exciting meaning the car is scary. If the car is scary, its probably not fast.  The GT-R is fast in most peoples hands, and fast enough to make most manufacturers scratch their heads when in the hands of a quick driver.

Nissan is now claiming zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds (down from the 3.1 seconds we achieved in the 2012 GT-R), although the 193-mph top speed is unchanged and is defined by the car's gearing. These are the only figures officially released by Nissan, but Mizuno admitted he's hoping that independent testing will show a standing quarter-mile in 10.6 or 10.7 seconds. 

On some of the charts from Nissan, they said they had seen a 2.72 0-60 time.    10.6 or 10.7 is pretty optimistic. They might drop a tenth in 60 foot, gain 1 mph in the quarter. That should put the car in the 10.9- 11.0 range.

Track Pack: Not for US

In Europe and Japan, Nissan is developing a special track pack with a small aero kit, uprated wheels, suspension, brake cooling and a tweaked interior. Sadly, there are no plans to bring this car to the U.S., although Nissan admits that might change if enough customers request it.

No track pack for the US as usual. Although they say it might be possible.  Rif, they are calling to you.

Source: Inside Line