Automobiles

Photos: Nissan GT-R cabin tech

It is probably the most hyped and anticipated car of 2007. So why has no one bothered to take a look inside the cabin? CNET Car Tech saves the day with a rundown of the major interior tech features of the Nissan GT-R, including some serious performance-related gadgetry and diagnostic systems, and a unique human machine interface.

CNET Reviews staff

Nov. 15, 2007 9:54 a.m. PT

CNET Reviews staff

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The 480-horsepower Nissan GT-R has plenty to recommend in terms of performance and body style, but it also has some advanced technology in the cabin.

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The GT-R's in-dash touch-screen LCD features a unique cluster of virtual gauges, which provide diagnostic on vehicle systems including fuel flow, oil pressure, and torque split. The information readouts can be customized according to driver preferences.

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A nice boy-racer tech feature is the turbo boost gauge, which lets drivers know how much pressure the GT-R's twin turbos are producing. The rotary dial to the right of the LCD is a specifically designed human-machine interface (HMI) for the GT-R.

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The multifunction meter can also be used to view information on brake pedal pressure. (The GT-R comes standard with all-round cross-drilled Brembo rotors to slow the bullet car down.) According to Nissan, this kind of information can help drivers with "safe, high-performance driving".

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According to Nissan, the GT-R can launch itself from 0 to 60 mph in three-and-a-half seconds. If you don't believe them, you can use the car's built-in stopwatch to find out for yourself.

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The GT-R features a specially designed dual-clutch transmission, which is controlled by either by this stumpy shifter or by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The red start button is the gateway to the GT-R's twin-turbo charged V-6.

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Due to the cozy dimensions of its cabin, the GT-R comes with a specially designed Bose audio system, which includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area.

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According to Nissan, the GT-R's instrument panel is designed and arranged to be easily visible in order minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. The 220-mph speedometer confirms that high speeds are indeed on the agenda.

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The timer is started with a button on the top right-hand side of the steering wheel. The stopwatch function is linked to the GT-R's GPS navigation system to enable speed demons to track their progress over preset distances.

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Perhaps the most gimmicky feature of the GT-R's cabin tech is its "driver notes" function, which gives drivers the chance to enter observations on the car's performance or systems. Note to self: "GT-R goes fast."

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The GT-R's optimal gear-shift map is designed to give drivers information for the purposes of "economical vehicle operation," according to Nissan. Yeah, right.