Nissan GT-R 2012 review: snapshot

You can put down well over half a million bucks for a new Ferrari 458 Italia, then add a few options and it shoots over the $600K mark.

You will get a sensationally styled, hand-built car capable of stopping the clocks in 3.4 seconds in a 0-100kmh sprint with superb handling and luxury accoutrements to make your drive time as rewarding as possible. 

Or you can plonk down a measly $170,000 for the latest Nissan GTR coupe with a hand built engine, in-your-face styling that has huge appeal with Gen X, Y and Z and will stop the clocks half a second quicker than the Ferrari with the 0-100kmh sprint flashing by in a scant 2.9 seconds. 

Explore the 2012 Nissan GT-R range

• Nissan GT-R 2012 review
• Nissan GT-R 2012 review: first drive
• Nissan GT-R 2012 review: snapshot
• Nissan GT-R 2012 review: road test

It comes with superb handling thanks to the clever all wheel drive system, asymmetrical suspension settings that allow for the driver's weight, near perfect front to rear balance and luxury accoutrements to make your drive time as rewarding as possible.

Choices 

The choice is pretty simple... if you really like to drive, it would have to be the GTR. If you have seriously deep pockets and want to look like a movie star in cafe society, it would have to be the Ferrari. 

We got our mitts on the latest model Nissan GTR last week in Tassie and had the opportunity to drive it on some Targa Tassie special stages as well as at Symonds Plains race track.

Bucket list

It was almost a bucket list tick off. Nissan has tweaked the GTR once again with more power, more torque, better gear changes, better handling and more kit. It also uses less fuel and generates fewer emissions.

Guru

They had GTR guru Steve Dunn along for the ride - a man who lives and breathes GTR. He trains the technicians to service or repair it although, according to Steve, the cars rarely break unless mindlessly abused. 

"These things are bulletproof, they have forged pistons, sodium filled valves, special conrods and steel cranks. The engines are hand built two per day by one of only eight "Takumi" master engine builders at the factory in Japan.

The powertrain is a mechanical work of art." And we would agree after our 400kms behind the wheel of possibly one of the world's quickest production coupes.

Technology

Power goes from the previous model's 390kW up to a whopping 404kW - or 550 horsepower in the old measure. On top of that, the 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V6 kicks out 628Nm from 3200-5800rpm. 

Nissan didn't simply turn up the turbo wick in GTR to attain these outputs, they comprehensively refined the engine including meticulous hand finishing of the inlet tract (port and polish). It gets sodium filled valves for better cooling and exhaust efficiency improvements including smaller secondary catalysts. 

The engine computer has been reflashed and other engine functions have been optimised. It uses 11.7-litres/100km on the combined cycle. The siX- speed dual clutch manumatic has been strengthened and modified for slicker shifts.

Handling

Increased body reinforcements enhance handling while grip is improved with new Dunlop rubber, specifically developed for the GTR. 

Driving

It's a wonderful thing to drive with almost limitless urge available on a whim. Doesn't really matter what gear you're in (within reason), a dab of accelerator and the GTR launches forwards. The rate of acceleration is linear and withering. You are aggressively thrust back into the seat with throttle application. 

But it's all controlled by the car's numerous electronic modulators that keep it tracking true even at the limit. Then, complimenting the superlative engine performance is the GTR's dynamics - right up to the mark, firm, flattering, engaging and safe. It can be placed anywhere the driver wants with a flick of the wheel. 

Handling is fairly neutral apart from a slight tendency to oversteer with silly throttle use. The brakes are huge (390mm) and powerful and make light work of stopping this 1740kg missile.