Nissan defends GT-R 'Ring time
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R
As expected, Nissan has responded to Porsche's claims that the GT-R isn't quite as fast as they say it is. In fact, representatives for the German automaker suggested that Nissan may have used racing slicks to achieve the 7:29:03 lap time of the Nürburgring. Says Nissan, "The final word from us is that it was done on absolutely standard tires which are available to customers in the showroom. They're not trick tires – absolutely standard tires, normal road tires."
Despite the allegations, Nissan is remaining calm about the issue, adding that the fast time was set by its racing driver, Tochio Suzuki, and achieved using the GT-R's optional Dunlop tires. Could it be that Porsche purchased a model with the slightly slower Bridgestones? Maybe, but can having the right tires could account for a 25-second lap time difference? In any case, Nissan's taking the high-road, falling short of suggesting that Porsche's drivers are slow. Thanks for the tip, Ed!
[Source: The Nissan GT-R Owners Club]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
ken_aisin 12:37PM (10/03/2008)
The tires could make a huge difference in lap times. The only way to settle this once and for all is to invite the Stig to the Ring, give him a stock GT-R with standard tires and a stock 911 Turbo with PDK and standard tires.
Reply
bob 12:45PM (10/03/2008)
No you mean he should drive the GT-R with each set of tires to see if there really is a significant difference or not between the two sets.
Jerk Face 12:58PM (10/03/2008)
Different tires can DEFINITELY make a different on the 'Ring, considering it's a seven minute plus lap time. On a course that long and that twisty tires are a huge factor.
tuna 2:57PM (10/03/2008)
Moreover, tire pressure alone can make a huge difference... not to mention track temperature.
naggs 3:36PM (10/03/2008)
the scam has been exposed, everyone who is paying attention knows that a showroom gtr will not get within 20 sec of nissans time
the cartoonish gtr times are a common punch line at the ring, nissan has embarrassed themselves. no one will ever take a nissan factory lap time seriously again
AkulaX1 3:41PM (10/03/2008)
You are all idiots to think that switching between dunlop and bridgestone will make up for 25 seconds. Only race tires will do that. You arrogant bastards
2007RC46SP2 4:41PM (10/03/2008)
"You are all idiots to think that switching between dunlop and bridgestone will make up for 25 seconds. Only race tires will do that. You arrogant bastards"
but its a 7+ minute lap... blah blah blah..
naa, im with you akulax1. R compound will make those lap times. your probably only talking a few secs from the RE070's to the dunlops. dont forget those RE070's are some of the softest, highest performance street tires you can buy.
i have 2 sets of them on my RSX Type S and Prelude SH and they really kick ass. best street tire i have ever owned. right up there with the old Yokohoma AVS intermediates.
RJ 7:40PM (10/03/2008)
If Nissan isn't lying (I'm not saying they are), what's so hard about stepping up to Porsche's challenge?
Let Porshce go buy any random GTR, Nissan buy any random GT2, and a 3rd person to verify it.
Then, send out the best drivers from each company and go at it!
Franz 9:43PM (10/03/2008)
I've said it befre and I'll say it again:
Every major magazine title has run both GT-R and 911 against each other on various tracks all over the world and as far as I have seen, the GT-R has always won. Why, oh why do some of you people think it would be any different on the Nurburgring? The 'Ring is a track that favors good balance and power, but most of all TRACTION! The GT-R's AWD system proves it is extremely efficient at getting all it's ponies to the ground. This is a no brainer, and anyone who says otherwise is either misinformed or just sore that their favorite Porsche lost.
Franz 2:11AM (10/04/2008)
I have to throw this in for the haters as well coming up with their theories on how it's impossible for the gap between the GT-R and 911 to be so huge:
Road & Track pitted both Z06 & 911TT against the GT-R at Buttonwillow (#13 configuration, 2.73 miles) and the gap to both was over 5 seconds. It was on the Dunlops. Now, if it could eke out a 5 second lead in 2.73 miles, (In the May heat in California no less) why is it so difficult to imagine it piling on 20 seconds in 13 miles... and in much cooler weather? I could care less about the difference between the Bridgestones and Dunlops... that's irrelevant. I'm more interested in the difference between the 911 and GT-R, which is obviously big difference.
j 12:38PM (10/03/2008)
well done Nissan
Reply
john 8:04PM (10/03/2008)
Tochio Suzuki pwned Porsche-_-
Rogue_G 12:43PM (10/03/2008)
Just going to put this one out there... Maybe, just maybe... what really made the difference... was the DRIVER!
I mean, Nissan's driver actually has an invested interest in getting the best times possible, and they had him and the GT-R on the 'Ring for a long time. Porsche gets a stock GT-R, one of THEIR drivers, probably ran it a couple times and cries fowl? Maybe the Japanese just know how to drive their car better because they, uh, MADE IT!
Maybe, instead of pulling this kind of media stunt, Porsche should be getting their driver to push the GT2 harder. Unless they don't think they can beat the 7:29:03 lap record, which is becoming increasingly likely. Way to jump the shark, Porsche.
Reply
Joshua 12:58PM (10/03/2008)
said perfectly!
trevor2k 1:49PM (10/03/2008)
They cried fowl? Or foul? Holy S$*T it's a parakeet!
Randy 12:44PM (10/03/2008)
Maybe Porche used Bridgestone pavement on their track and Nissan used Dunlop pavement!
Hmm! /sarcasm
We'll know when there is a head to head challenge by an independent reviewer! Um, well at least that's our best chance at the truth unless we buy both cars and do it ourselves!
Randy
Reply
Red 12:46PM (10/03/2008)
People are naive to think Porsche would actually come out and say, "hey we got beat. By a Nissan, at that." However, it wouldn't be the first time Porsche tried to claim a Japanese car wasn't good enough.
NSX anyone? I find it funny how they'll acknowledge their competition but whine that "well, we just checked and our car was better," when practically everyone else has stated otherwise. Nothing hurts quite like pride.
Reply
Crackberry Addict 12:47PM (10/03/2008)
I read an article saying that the amazing number from the GT-r were from the GT-r's that were running at higher boost that nissan provided for the track tests. maybe Porsche is on to something?
Reply
Casper 1:12PM (10/03/2008)
Source?
Will Design for Food 2:54PM (10/03/2008)
Car and Driver article from last month.