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2009 Nissan GT-R - Driven

Photography by Carter Jung

'09 Nissan GT-R
MSRP $69,850 base MSRP

Engine twin-turbocharged, alumimun, 3.8L, 32-valve DOHC, variable intake-valve timing V-6

Power Rating 480 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 430 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Configuration Attesaets all-wheel-drive system

Transmission dual-clutch six-speed paddle-shifted

Curb Wieght 3,800 pounds

Suspension Four-wheel independent suspension

Wheels forged aluminum Ray's Engineering wheels (20x9.5 front; 20x10.5 rear)

Tires Bridgestone run flat tires (255/40ZRF20 front; 285/35ZRF20 rear)

Brakes Brembo mono block six-piston calipers and 15-inch cross-drilled rotors (front), four-piston and 15-inch cross-drilled rotors (rear)

Fuel Economy Estimated EPA 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway

Drive Impression Despite the amount of power the R35 has, because of the weight, polished interior and electronic refinements, the GT-R is smooth and almost sedate on the streets. Push it however, and the Nissan comes to life living up to the GT-R heritage. This duality, makes this a car that you could drive everyday, comfortably.

Tunability Due to an entirely new motor, and strict limitations on modifying the R35 in Japan, the aftermarket isn't teeming with parts. Time will tell when and how tunable the new GT-R will be.

The Sasha Experience
With Japan's most iconic car model finally making its way to the States, who better to pair it up with than our scene's most iconic import model: Sasha Singleton. After driving the car, see what she has to say about the new GT-R.

I absolutely love this car! It has an insane amount of power, and is very fast but still so smooth. The funny thing is that when I was driving it, it was so smooth that I didn't even know I was going 100 mph, which could be a dangerous thing! I can honestly say that I have never been in a faster automobile.

  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Sasha Singleton
  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Sasha Singleton
  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Sasha Singleton

The GT-R also handled great. It took turns like nothing and I felt really safe and secure in the driver seat. I could take the sharpest of freeway on ramps going well over 60 mph and the car handled beautifully! It felt very sturdy.

A cool feature was how I could go from automatic to manual shifting and then change gears with the slightest tap of the paddle-mounted shifter. All the other interior features I love as well. Everything feels luxurious while having a sporty edge. Oh, and I heart the Multi-Function Display!

Finally, the styling of the car was hot. It looked like a Ferrari/Supra hybrid and I love the back end! The GT-R is definitely worth the money. It combines power, luxury, sport, and is a great car for everyday driving-unlike some cars with similar horsepower. Plus it looks fabulous...what more could you ask for?- Sasha Singleton

Illegal (For Now) Immigrants
Now that the GT-R is Stateside, here are our picks for the top five other Nissans we hope make it past Homeland Security.

  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Cube
  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Elgrand
  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Micra
  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Pino
  • 2009 Nissan Gtr Otti
By Carter Jung
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