2010 Nissan GT-R (photos)
The Nissan GT-R is like nothing else in Nissan's model line-up, and pretty unique in the automotive world. It uses exceptional performance tech to give it performance on par with cars costing three times as much.
The GT-R launched to great fanfare last year as Nissan's budget supercar. The 2010 model is little changed, except for an extra 5 horsepower squeezed out of the engine.
The GT-R's smooth sides meet the horizontal bits in odd creases, all designed for optimum aerodynamics. Big vents in the fenders suck hot air from the front wheels.
The GT-R needs a lot of air for cooling and its twin turbos, but Nissan made the front air intake relatively small to reduce drag.
For 2010, Nissan upped the horsepower from the twin turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 to 485, from the previous model year's 480. Various testers have taken the car to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds using the car's launch control.
The GT-R uses a classic coupe design, with 2+2 seating.
These big brake calipers deliver well-modulated stopping power, letting you slow the car gracefully or bring it to a screaming halt.
The GT-R is all-wheel-drive, with control electronics that help it take corners at ridiculously fast speeds.
Four big exhaust tips look cool, but also help the engine achieve maximum horsepower. Rather than a bass exhaust note, the GT-R sounds more like a race car.
Like everything else on the car, this spoiler isn't here for looks; it adds appropriate downforce to help the car keep grip.
There is a trunk, but it is small, and access is limited by the drop-in design.
There are rear seats in the GT-R, but no one would thank you for letting them ride back there. The car's suspension is very rigid, and there is very little legroom.
The GT-R's wheel includes controls for cruise, phone, and the stereo, along with start/stop buttons for the lap timer.
This transmission's stick is small--not meant for gear changes, just to put the car in its different modes.
Column-mounted paddles shift the dual-clutch transmission through its six gears.
Race car appropriate, the tachometer dominates the instrument cluster, and the speedometer is off to the side. Note that all legal speeds are near the bottom of the speedometer.
These switches let you put the car in race mode, adjusting the suspension and traction control. There are also snow and comfort modes.
The display shows a variety of gauge screens, providing a wide array of information about the car's performance.
Among the non-custom screens are graphics showing fuel economy and gear shift efficiency.
The map graphics are not of the best resolution, but the navigation system is practical, showing 3D landmarks.
Live traffic on the navigation system helps you avoid jams.
The car has an onboard hard drive with room for music storage. The interface lets you choose music by album, artist, genre, and even mood.
Satellite radio is also available in the GT-R.
A compact flash slot is built into the dashboard, so you can play MP3s off of a card.
The Bluetooth phone system is basic, lacking the capability to import phone contact lists.
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