Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is a supercar produced by Nissan.

Engine
First revealed in late 2007, the Nissan GT-R marked the revival of an iconic nameplate for Nissan. The supercar is powered by a 3.8-lier twin-turbo V6, good for a slightly increased (compared to the first year) 485 horsepower and 434 ft-lb of torque.

Price and features
The biggest change to note for the North American market is the removal of the base GT-R, instead making the GT-R Premium the only available model - with a base price of $84,060. The now-improved standard equipment bumps the price roughly $10,000, but also brings auto on/off headlights, speed sensitive wipers, USB iPodinterface, streaming Bluetooth audio and DVD playback.

Nissan also says that it added dark wheel center caps and a double clear coat on the front and rear fascias - as well as new rear cooling ducts. Nissan also reports a new tuning of the suspension, which promises to deliver more comfortable ride quality while also improving handling.

Only three options are available for the latest model year -- a no-charge cold-weather package, a no-charge Ultra-High Performance tire package and a $3,000 Super Silver paint job. Carpeted GT-R logo floor mats are a $280 accessory.

Speed
The only transmission available in the GT-R is a GR6 dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. The GT-R's powertrain is reportedly good for a zero to 60 time of 3.5 seconds, a quarter mile time of only 11.7 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph.

In addition, recent reports indicate the GT-R lapped the Nurburgring's Nordschleife in 7 min 35 seconds - placing it in elite company. That time trails the Pagani Zonda F by two seconds and the Koenigsegg CCR by one, but the GT-R lapped the track faster than a Mercedes SLR McLaren (7 min 40 sec), Porsche 911 Turbo (7 min 40 sec) and the Corvette Z06 (7 min 42 sec).

GT-R's hybrid body construction combines steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, and features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, while achieving high front and rear downforce.

Nissan dealers have to attain "GT-R Certification" status by meeting a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, special training for service managers and technicians and designating dealer principals. Executive managers and general managers as the primary communicators/negotiators in sales transactions.

Conclusion
"A supercar as special as the new Nissan GT-R - and its owners - require a truly exceptional level of care and handling," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "These Certified GT-R dealers are making a substantial investment in their showrooms, service tools and technician training - helping ensure that the purchase and ownership of the new GT-R will be an exciting experience for our customers, every step of the way."