Every major auto manufacturer has a super-fast, drive-for-the-love-of-driving type sports car that reaches light speed and emits a sonic boom when pushed to the limit. The 2010 Nissan GT-R has the raw power and tight handling that is sure to leave burnt rubber and the competition in the dust.
The GT-R comes in two trims – base and Premium – and has one gargantuan engine. A twin-turbo 3.8-liter, 485-horsepower V-6 receives improved power (five more horsepower than last year) and is mated to a dual-clutch six-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters. There are three types of shifting: Normal Mode for smoothness and efficiency; R-Mode for performance with quick shifts and Snow Mode for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces. Nissan changed the transmission control module and reprogrammed it to provide more-rigid brake lines, rear-biased all-wheel drive and a revised suspension. Speaking of acceleration, the GT-R can go zero to 60 mph in a lightning-quick 3.5 seconds.
Driving the Nissan GT-R is somewhat of a science which can be translated through its data center. The Multi-Function Display system features eleven screens giving you access to acceleration, braking, steering, gear position and lap time. When it comes to handling, the Bilstein DampTronic system uses computerized control to continually adjust shock absorber damping. 20-inch summer performance tires are standard, while all-season tires are a no-cost option. Every part of the GT-R has been carefully thought out—even the brakes. Nissan/Brembo® 15-inch two-piece floating-rotors with diamond-pattern internal ventilation are standard.
On the inside, the GT-R has a driver-oriented cockpit and seats four — two adults in front and two children in back. The base model features an AM/FM/CD audio system, six speakers, in–dash CompactFlash® card reader for MP3/WMA playback, 9.3 GB Music Box™ hard drive, XM® Satellite Radio, Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with GPS and voice recognition, XM NavTraffic® and a 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD touch-screen display. The GT-R Premium has a Bose® audio system with eleven speakers, including dual subwoofers and heated front seats. Safety features include front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, antilock disc brakes and an electronic stability system.
When it comes to pure performance and supreme handling, the 2010 Nissan GT-R is a shot of pure adrenaline — with wheels.