Saw a Nissan GT-R in Houston

[Jeff]

I'm in Houston for a weekend event, very happy to be away from the snow and cold of Ohio. Walking outside, I saw a Nissan GT-R -- red with what appeared to be a carbon fiber trunk cover and chin. I know that the GT-R is a great car, but I have to say thought it looked, well, rough. Perhaps the contrasting body panels didn't help.

There sure are a lot of high end cars here though. Must be all the oil people.

[gazza1]

I have seen a couple of pictures elsewhere of what you saw and they looked horrid.

Why would you do it?

The GT-R is just a lethal weapon with no claim to fame in the styling department.

My motto stills stands..Butt Ugly but Epic.

[KfabR8]

I'm in Houston for a weekend event, very happy to be away from the snow and cold of Ohio.

Oh sure, go ahead, rub it in.

[AnOutsider]

hah gazza, glad you embraced the butt-ugliness

[gazza1]

hah gazza, glad you embraced the butt-ugliness

Fully embraced..but no regrets

[harrison]

The GTR doesn't have to look so bad. Look at pics of them at Spring Mtn.There were some fine looking GTrs there. I am not convinced this car is that ugly. NOT as sleek as the R8 , for sure. \"/ It's my favorite daily driving rice burner.

[gazza1]

Never been able to stand back and say..man what a great looking car.

But it certainly has a modern presence and the somewhat uniqueness of saying...don't f#@k with me.

That's what I do like.

[MotherTucker]

I agree it's butt ugly, the nose was described as "clowny" in a Car & Driver review.

But, I've talked to some seroious track rats who got a chance to take one out on the track, and they said it's the most well-balanced and pure fun monster they've ever driven on a track. Just tromp on it, flick the steering wheel, and take off on an incredible controlled slide. I have never heard such rave reviews of a track car, and this is from someone who tracks cars for a living. They said the computer control of the tranny and suspension is exceptional.

On the minus side, the paddle shifters have a major problem. They are fixed in position at 2 and 10. So when shifting gears in turns, you have to move your hands and hunt around for the paddles. I talked to an owner who sold his GT-R for that reason alone. I've also heard that if you use the Launch Control, the dealer can tell and it voids your warrantee! Anyone else heard of this?

mt

[gazza1]

I agree it's butt ugly, the nose was described as "clowny" in a Car & Driver review.

But, I've talked to some seroious track rats who got a chance to take one out on the track, and they said it's the most well-balanced and pure fun monster they've ever driven on a track. Just tromp on it, flick the steering wheel, and take off on an incredible controlled slide. I have never heard such rave reviews of a track car, and this is from someone who tracks cars for a living. They said the computer control of the tranny and suspension is exceptional.

On the minus side, the paddle shifters have a major problem. They are fixed in position at 2 and 10. So when shifting gears in turns, you have to move your hands and hunt around for the paddles. I talked to an owner who sold his GT-R for that reason alone. I've also heard that if you use the Launch Control, the dealer can tell and it voids your warrantee! Anyone else heard of this?

mt

Can sort of see where the clown comment comes from.

If you have the original launch control and use it and blow the box you will probably have no warranty.Software update negates this.

SERIOUSLY fast car that's razor sharp .Best fun part for me is its grip and amazing ability of sling shooting out of corners.

Weight is the only thing that goes against it for prolonged track use as wear rates are high.

Still feels very nimble though and robust.

Gorgeous fun when you get the slide the back sideways.. gun it and feel the G'S really push you back in the seat.

Paddle shifts are large and easy access but the box works really well in race mode on full auto.

Styling is errr..subjective!!

[dailydriver]

I was not very impressed with the styling of the car from the early reviews and then I saw one up close at my track last year and liked it even less. A beast for sure, but I think Nissan really blew an opportunity to make the car very special. If it is any consequence, the Lexus LFA is only marginally better but costs multiples more.