Why The 10-Year-Old Nissan GT-R Is Still So Good

Nissan engineers can’t leave the GT-R alone, and that’s a good thing.

Nissan’s GT-R performance brand has regularly produced vehicles that redefined what was considered technically possible in the sports car segment. The current GT-R is a case in point: it has been in production for over 10 years and is still bang on the pace. We embark on a short history lesson to see how it can manage this impressive feat. The original Skyline GT-R was introduced in 1969 and its 160-hp 2.0-liter motor gave it strong performance compared to contemporary offerings.

It was the third-generation 1989 Skyline GT-R R32 though that gave Nissan international recognition. Here was a technically advanced sports car with twin-turbos, a complex AWD system and track-honed chassis that could outrun a 911 at a fraction of its cost. The formula will be familiar to current GT-R fans as all subsequent generations have largely followed this setup. The GT-R 33 and 34 that followed continued their giant-slaying ways and the extremely robust mechanicals have made them the darlings of the aftermarket tuning community too. There are unlikely to be many unmodified GT-Rs left today thanks to the ease with which massive horsepower can be extracted from the RB26DETT inline-six engines.

The current GT-R arrived late in 2007, five years after production of the R34 ceased and it differs in a number of respects from its forebears. Firstly the Skyline name was dropped as was the manual transmission, to be replaced by a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Next, that iconic inline-six was replaced with a new 3.8-liter V6, still with twin turbos but power was now up to 480-hp. Despite a hefty curb weight approaching 4,000 lbs, the new GT-R soon proved itself to be not just a Porsche 911 competitor but capable of taking on and beating cars like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

Fast forward to current day and those models from Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini have all been replaced, some more than once, yet the GT-R remains in production and is still competing successfully with this latest crop of supercars. This is thanks in part to the excellent base mechanical layout as well as the constant tinkering that has gone into the car from the moment the first version rolled off the production line. Most manufacturers tend to change a few components during a cars production life cycle and carry out a facelift which freshens up the exterior and generally comes with a more comprehensive mechanical update.

Nissan on the other hand opted to incrementally update the GT-R to keep it competitive and these detail changes have resulted in measurable improvements over the years. Power outputs have risen from that original 480-hp to 565-hp in the standard model while the top Nismo edition is now producing 600 hp. That aside, updates to the transmission, suspension geometry, chassis and countless software tweaks have evolved the 2018 GT-R into a much more capable machine than the original version was. A successful racing program has also helped hone the road car for track use. Externally, the styling is still sharp-looking although the interior, which wasn’t particularly special to begin with, is really starting to show its age.

So, what about the GT-Rs competitors? At the current $100,000 base price in Pure trim the GT-R still offers massive bang-for-the-buck, but it is a fair bit more than the $70,000 you would pay for the base model in 2008. Still, inflation affects other sports cars too and there is not much around that will match it on the road. Thanks to the lighting-quick dual-clutch transmission and AWD traction, the GT-R launches to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The time has improved a few tenths over the years and the brutal launch is still as impressive as ever. The Track Edition is slightly more at $128,000 and the 600-hp Nismo trim is now a rather pricey $175,500. That puts it up against some fierce opposition.

To those competitors then, the Porsche Carrera 997 in 2008 was a very different car to the current 991.2 version. Huge changes inside and out have taken place and even the base models now come with turbocharging. This means much improved performance, but for 100K you will have to settle for the standard 370-hp Carrera which means a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. For another 30K the Carrera 4 GTS cuts that time to 3.4 seconds but you will have to spend almost $200,000 on the Turbo S before you find a 911 that will match a GT-R in a straight line.

A competitor that wasn’t around 10 years ago is the Jaguar F-Type. It may not be as track-focused as the GT-R and fits just two people, but it offers serious performance and a lot of dynamic ability, especially in supercharged V8 form. You will need $100,000 for the 550-hp model and another 30K for the top 575-hp SVR trim. In a straight line neither can match the GT-R although the much higher interior quality and availability of a convertible model does target a slightly different performance car audience. Then there are the junior supercars like the twin-turbo 661-hp Ferrari 488 and 562-hp McLaren 570S.

The McLaren is around twice as much as a base GT-R while the Ferrari is over $250,000 before options. When it comes to exclusivity, looks and exotic interior styling the GT-R does not stand a chance. Compare acceleration and lap times though, and the 10-year-old sports car can still cut it with these exotics. In Nismo trim the price advantage does get eroded somewhat but the GT-R's performance on track is even more impressive. American sports cars have also come on hugely in recent years and the latest Corvette ZR1 is a very competitive $121,000 and with its massive supercharged 755-hp 6.2-liter V8 it matches the GT-R in a straight line despite only having rear-wheel-drive and it is seriously good on the track too.

Lower down the price range the 650-hp Z06 is also extremely impressive. Who would have thought that some of the most serious price/performance challengers would be American built? So, is the 10-year old GT-R still a viable alternative to the more modern opposition? In a word, yes. It still performs way beyond expectations and aside from its savage accelerative capabilities the dynamics are beyond reproach too as evidenced by its current 7:08 Nurburgring lap time. A time set back in 2013 by a Nismo model. The new GT-R is in development and rumors from within Nissan suggest that 2019 may be the year of its unveiling.

The front-engined 2+2 layout will remain but hybrid technology is pretty much confirmed for the new model. Until then, we have the impressively capable GT-R 35 to enjoy, a car that continues to defy its critics and set the standards in its segment.

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6 Amazing Supercars You Can Still Buy With A Manual Gearbox

They're a rare breed. Get them while you still can.

The manual transmission is nearly a thing of the past. Few new vehicles today, especially in America, offer drivers the chance to row their own gears. Blame better fuel efficiency from automatics and driver tastes. But when it comes to niche segments like supercars, there’s a different set of rules. We did some digging and came up with this updated list of high-performance sports cars and supercars that can still be had with three pedals, although you’ll have to literally beg with a briefcase full of cash for the company founder to build you one in particular.

Chevy Corvette ZR1

The new Corvette ZR1 could very well be the final front-engined Corvette. If so, then Chevy is making sure this legendary setup is going out with a bang. Its supercharged LT5 6.2-liter V8 making 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque can be paired to either an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic or a seven-speed manual. Those who value lap times above all will opt for the former, but if you’re seriously into driving then the manual is the only way to go. Is the Corvette ZR1 a supercar or a high-performance sports car? Normally a regular Corvette is a sports car, but in this case we’re talking performance times capable of going up against the best from Germany and Italy. Given its capabilities, the ZR1 is also a decent value, starting at $119,995.

Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche was one of the first mainstream sports car companies to shift away (pun intended) from the traditional manual to an automatic and later to a dual-clutch gearbox. However, Porsche 911 fans are a unique bunch and having a manual is part of the whole 911 experience. The 2018 911 GT3 can be had with a six-speed manual at no extra cost. Butt-engined as always, the latest 911 GT3 has a naturally aspirated flat-six displacing four liters and producing 500 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque, all of which goes to the rear wheels. Unlike the 911 Turbo (DCT only), the 911 GT3 is RWD and intended for serious track performance. Expect to pay at least $145,000 for a new one, and that's without any additional options.

Lotus Evora GT430

Perhaps Lotus’ financial struggles were a blessing in disguise. Not until more recently did it have the money to invest in more modern technologies, hence its decision to stick with the stick, specifically the six-speed manual. The new Evora GT430 is a fine example of extreme sports car purity. Powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 with 430 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the sole transmission available is a six-speed. Nothing to debate here. The latest Evora lineup is also the only Lotus model currently on sale in North America. Like its ancestors, the Lotus Evora GT430 goes by company founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “Simplify, then add lightness.” Pricing for North America is still not announced, but in the UK it starts from 112,500 GBP.

Noble M600

Before we leave the UK, there’s another purist supercar that comes with a six-speed manual: the Noble M600. Jeremy Clarkson described it as “one of the fastest and best handling supercars, ever.” It’s not for the amateur supercar buyer, let’s put it that way. Powered by a Yamaha twin-turbo V8 located midship with 650 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, power is routed directly to the rear wheels. Where’s the danger/thrill? Traction Control can be totally shut off. The interior is decked out with old school analog switches as well, perfectly complementing the gearbox. Unfortunately, Noble is not sold in America, so if you’re keen to get one (for at least 200,000 GBP), taking up UK residency is highly recommended.

Chevy Corvette Z06

While the Corvette ZR1 is for ultimate Corvette performance, the Z06 remains the best C7 Corvette you can buy outside of the US. Like the ZR1, the Z06 can be had with either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. In fact, both transmissions are mechanically identical, including the final drive ratio. The Z06’s LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, an output that isn’t quite for amateurs. Buyers can also tack on the optional track-focused Z07 Performance Package, which adds adjustable front and rear aero components for improvement downforce, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires, and carbon ceramic brakes. The Z06 is also quite a bit cheaper than the $120K ZR1 with its $82,000 base price.

Pagani Zonda

This is where that briefcase full of cash will be required. Horacio Pagani claims he’s done building Zondas, but if you somehow manage to convince him otherwise, the Pagani Zonda of your dreams is possible. Unlike the Huayra, the Zonda was engineered to handle a manual transmission from the beginning. And remember, all Paganis are built to order, making each one special in its own right. A number of celebrities, such as F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, are proud Zonda owners. Not surprisingly, Hamilton ordered his car with a manual. Combined with its Mercedes-built V12, the Zonda remains one of the greatest supercars of all time. So, how much cash will that briefcase need to be filled with? Over one million euros.

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Does Honda Still Make Aspirational Cars?

On the following evidence: absolutely.

‘The Power of Dreams.’ Honda’s tag line evokes images of revolutionary performance machines and amazing concept cars that promise an automotive future filled with ground-breaking technologies. Its aspirational Acura sub-brand has given us cars like the original NSX and the manic S2000 was an amazing feat of engineering. But how does Honda’s current lineup stack up today? At first glance, most Hondas on our roads today seem like transportation appliances rather than forward-thinking designs.

Sure, they are well-built and pleasant to drive but has the blue sky thinking that made Honda such a force to be reckoned with in the past been lost along the way? Well, its mainstream range may be a bit too anodyne to evoke excitement, but there are some models in the range that may still bring out that futuristic flair, so in an attempt to find the best ones we take a look at some of the models in the current range that still get us excited.

Hatchback Heroes

The reign of the naturally aspirated Honda V-Tec powerplant ended with the rise of turbocharging. With the massive performance that could be coaxed out of small capacity motors, the high-revving fizziness of the V-Tec valve gear was replaced with a torquey low-down power delivery and enhanced fuel consumption. What was missing was an explosive top end and the manic exhaust note that had defined cars like the previous generation Honda Civic Type-R. Not one to be left behind when it comes to technology, Honda went back to the drawing board to refine its new Type-R into a world-beating competitor.

The last non-turbo Civic Type-R went out of production in 2011 and we had to wait until the end of 2015 before a totally redesigned turbocharged Civic Type-R went on sale. Here was a car that immediately challenged the class leaders while still retaining the character of the older models. More was to come though as the latest generation Civic was introduced merely one year later and then, in 2017, the revised Type-R debuted. A revised fully-independent rear suspension and lighter bodyshell made it even more capable than before and purists loved the 6-speed manual only transmission option.

This 310-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter hot hatch offers a level of performance that elevates it once again to the top of this very competitive segment and to underline its dynamic abilities it lapped the demanding Nurburgring in a front-wheel drive record-breaking time of 7-minutes and 43-seconds. The compact sports category crown is once again with Honda and at $34,000 it is great value too.

Supercar Game-Changers

The original 1991 Acura NSX (badged a Honda in some countries so it makes it on our list) introduced reliability and accessible performance into the supercar sector and revolutionized the segment in the process. The 270-hp 3.0-liter V6 V-Tec powerplant performed like a thoroughbred without the usual ‘characterful’ issues that rival manufacturers’ offerings exhibited at the time, the controls were light and easy to use and it started every time regardless of the weather, just like any other Honda or Acura of the time.

It may have been left in production for a bit too long (the final car rolled off the line in 2005) but there is no denying that this was a watershed car and any replacement would have to not only be a superb driver’s car but a game-changer too. So, it is not too surprising that the weight of expectation that pressed down on its replacement was immense. The replacement arrived in 2016, not the pure no-frills modern iteration of the original, but a daring and complex sports car designed to pave the way forward in its segment. This ideology it shares with the ‘90s original, but the new NSX employs a range of cutting-edge technological solutions to achieve its performance objectives.

Mounted behind the driver is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 which is aided by twin electric motors in the front and one in the rear. A four-wheel drive system is standard and the combined 573 hp is transmitted to the wheels through a bespoke 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. So quite a bit more complex than the original but all of these systems function together so seamlessly that from behind the wheel you would be hard-pressed to notice as the various systems come in and out of play.

Negatives? Well, this new NSX ain’t cheap, at just under $160,000 there are a lot of talented competitors out there, although perhaps none offer its level of technical complexity and forward-looking design ethos. The McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 may offer comparable hybrid supercar drivetrains but their limited production numbers and ludicrous price tags make the Acura NSX seem like a fantastic deal by comparison.

Minivan Magic

While a minivan may not be anyone’s dream car, the latest Odyssey is about as good as this segment gets. Not every motorist is looking for ultimate grip and handling from their daily driver and the massive interior space and high levels of convenience and safety features found in the Odyssey make it the perfect family vehicle. The 3.5-liter V6 punches out 280-hp and gets you to 60 mph in a little over 6.5 seconds, so you will never be late for football practice and the available 10-speed transmission ensures you are never in the wrong gear either.

Some stand-out available features include wireless phone charging, rear seat monitoring feature with a PA system (fun for parents, not so much for the moody teenagers in the back) and a whole host of safety devices like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems. As an overall package it is more practical than the ever-popular crossover (it even comes with a built-in vacuum-cleaner) and in the reality of a traffic-clogged morning commute is a comfortable and luxurious place to spend your time in. With prices ranging from $30,000 to $47,000, there is an Odyssey to fit most budgets too.

Dreaming Of The Future

Rocketship hot hatches and tech-laden minivans are all great, the hybrid NSX is impressive too but for real dream powered vehicles we need to take a look at a car that possesses a drivetrain that may well be the way of the future. This car is the Honda Clarity. Now don’t scoff just yet, we know it looks challenging from most angles but it is truly a technological masterpiece under the skin. No, not the plug-in hybrid or the electric versions, there are plenty of similar vehicles like those about, we are referring to the Clarity Fuel Cell. This car converts hydrogen into electricity with only water vapor as a by-product.

The handful of hydrogen refueling stations that are currently available are dotted solely around California and this is the only state which you can actually drive one. Ownership is out of the question too as a 36-month lease plan is the only option on offer, but being an early adopter means that you get to experience a vehicle that can travel up to 366 miles on a refuel that takes less than 5 minutes and you will be an integral part in the development process and potential mass rolling-out of what could be the future of motoring.

Only the Toyota Mirai is a direct competitor and it falls short in a number of key areas compared to the Clarity, so if you are one of the lucky few to meet the requirements to lease one, then seize the opportunity and become part of Honda’s dream for the future. At $369 per month, the cost of entry is surprisingly accessible too.

Power Of Dreams Still A Reality

A Honda Fit subcompact or Pilot SUV may be nothing more than competent tools for the mundane daily driving tasks but digging a bit deeper reveals that Honda is still an innovative company that produces some inspiring cars both to take on the best contemporary offerings out there as well as to pave the way for the next step in automotive technology.

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