Round 1: GT-R vs. 911 Turbo at the 'Ring, advantage GT-R
click above image to see more shots of the Nissan GT-R p0wn the Porsche
We'll start by saying that it's not exactly hearsay, but it's not anywhere near official, either. Take one 997 Porsche Turbo that has lapped the 'Ring in 7:40, practically fast enough to form one of those Stargate SG-1 vortexes behind it. Then take one Nissan GT-R, benchmarked against that Porsche Turbo, and flog that baby around the 'Ring as fast as possible. Add a few reporters on hand with stopwatches. And when the GT-R flies past the finish line, the reporters discover those stopwatches have come to rest after just 7:38.
So the story is that the GT-R is two seconds faster than the 911 Turbo on the Nurburgring. And the Skyline in the photos doesn't even look to be the mad-gunner EVO-spec version. If that's the case -- and yes, that's a big if -- and say you allow for the inaccuracy of handheld stopwatches and add two seconds, so the GT-R did the same time as the Porsche Turbo... Well, we're not crowning a victor, or speculating about the whats and whys, or what will happen when the real timed laps in production versions are done... we're just saying that's pretty good. That's all.
[Source: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Jeff 9:45PM (9/22/2007)
The GT-R looks good... and right about the time it comes out I will be in the market to replace my RX8 (yes i know huge huge upgrade). If one can grab a GT-R, say the mid range version for 60 to 70K then I will be interested. Supposedly beating a 911 turbo around the ring is impressive for the cost. the 911 being $130K.
I have six months to go before I start shopping for real, the V8 M3, GT-R, and 08' Z06 Vette are on my list. The vette is tempting me right now... each are designed to do different things though. All I know is that if I'm going to drop money on one, it better be better then sex LOL
Reply
howard 1:54AM (9/23/2007)
Better than sex? You've got to be kidding or are you a member of the VIAGRA crowd?
Something else; just how far is it around the RING that it takes over 7 sec. to make a round, what are the track specs; banks, surface, what was the track temp? Wind and direction, day, night?
You guys sound like a bunch of school girls arguing about who has the best looking boy friend? If I was contemplating on spending 60-70k for a vehicle I'd want more than some yahoos opinion about what he THINKS he saw or heard!
Harrison 3:38AM (9/23/2007)
Well... Jeff, the Nuerburgring is a 13mi long track in the Eiffel mountains in/around Germany. It is famous (besides the 70 year racing history) for the fact that it combines everything from banked curves (Karussel) to high-speed sections. This whopping combination is very dangerous but provides a great test track for sports cars, which is why companies like GM.
digitalzombie 5:11AM (9/23/2007)
To Howard,
I don't think it take 7 sec to go around the ring. >,> While you complain about Jeff comment why don't you just google it or something? Heck, if you don't know anything about the ring then I don't think you should be flaming other people comment.
cM 5:40PM (9/23/2007)
For someone who doesn't know about the Nürburgring and yet trying to sounds like a pro on the matter, thats just embarrassing. Still you don't even try to do some research before commenting, it really shows how ignorant as a person you are.
krasmo 9:54PM (9/22/2007)
too bad it is still a nissan
Reply
dustin 11:22PM (9/22/2007)
Ya....I would much rather it be a hyundai.
paul 9:54PM (9/22/2007)
better performance for half the price. Nissan got a winner here.
Reply
Jeff Johnson 10:03PM (9/22/2007)
Half the price? I highly doubt it.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/enter-the-pricing-rumormill-nissan-gtr-trim-level-and-prices/
Even though those are rumors, I would expect them to be "around" there... keep in mind too, if the GT-R is as hot as people think its going to be. Dealers will be selling them over invoice, or people are going to have to pay a premium to get their hands on one due to their limited quantity.
I could be totally wrong -- and if I am, COOL! if they can bring the GT-R to the USA with the Vspec Evolution package and keep no more then $70K it will be a hard choice. I will say though buying a $70K+ Nissan scares me especially the first model year of an entirely new car. Right now I'm still wanting the 08 Z06, for the same money you need either highly modified or exotics to beat it.
Reply
bert 11:18PM (9/22/2007)
Yup. The sheer supply vs. demand will make this a very expensive car no matter what it stickers for
Cary 1:17AM (9/23/2007)
Or a Viper. Haha. Specs son, specs.
Craig 7:28AM (9/23/2007)
Dealers selling a vehicle above sticker price seems to be a US specific thing. They are always out to rip you off in the states...
MKIV 10:14PM (9/22/2007)
The smart people will just wait 6 months and get it for less than sticker. Remember the Myata?
Reply
Jeff Johnson 10:28PM (9/22/2007)
true, there is always a price to pay to be the first esp in the automotive world.
With the research ive been doing - You can get a 2008 Z06 Vette 2LZ, for right about $70-73K depending how hard you shop and bargain. It's been said by countless people but there is no better value in terms of money spent vs. what the car can do.
I'm waiting 6 months :) and then we will see.
Matt 4:32AM (9/23/2007)
No, I don't remember the Myata. Never heard of it, actually.
Please, explain.
John R 10:45PM (9/22/2007)
All I can say is, I can't wait for the Stig to flog it on the Top Gear track to see what's what.
That 7:40 time, as I understand it, was the standing time for the 911 turbo on the 'Ring and not just the time of the black 911 behind the GT-R.
Reply
james cordero 10:57PM (9/22/2007)
Don't get me wrong here, I love this car but aren't we all getting tired hearing about this Nissan GT-R mule testing? Nissan must have the gestation time of an elephant! By the time this car ever hits the streets, we are already going to be bored with it because we have seen it being tested forever. Come on Nissan, the Great Wall was built faster!
Reply
bert 11:15PM (9/22/2007)
Folks there's no way this car will go for near sticker.
Ford GT500's were going for almost 70k even with a 40k sticker.
GTR is probably the most anticipated car by Japanese, European, and domestic fans - heck all car fans who ever played Gran Turismo, in the history of the world. Everyone from kids living at their parents house working hourly wage jobs to dot com millionaires will try to buy this car.
IMHO I think the first round of cars might sell for 6 figures - as the people for whom money is no object. Then up to a year later we've got people who make high 5 figure/low 6 figure salaries who can tolerate a slight price bump paying a bit more than sticker purchasing it.
It's going to be a loooong time before the average folk (
Reply
bert 11:18PM (9/22/2007)
It's going to be a long time before the average folk (
Jeff Johnson 11:20PM (9/22/2007)
That is a real possibility -- there are a lot of people out there who