The original Nissan GT-R was released as a trim level of the Skyline sedan in 1969. Briefly after that, the first GT-R coupe was introduced and produced until 1973. Sixteen years later, the GT-R was re-introduced into the Skyline lineup, known as the R32. The R32 featured the first application of a twin turbo inline-6 engine and a sophisticated AWD system. The R33 GT-R soon followed, becoming the first production car to break the 8-minute Nurburgring lap time. Since then, the GT-R has become a part of pop culture with a strong underground following, making appearances in the video game Gran-Turismo for Sony PS2 and in the movies, like the Fast and the Furious series. But this generation is different…this 2009 GT-R is NOT based on another model, like the previous four generations.

Click to watch additional Nissan GT-R Videos:
2009 Nissan GT-R on Reno-Fernley Raceway in Nevada.
2009 Nissan GT-R Fastlap Video.

The 2009 GT-R represents a multi-purpose supercar with unique high-performance technologies that accommodate drivers of all skills. The GT-R has a top speed of 193 mph, going 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. The 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 and all-new dual clutch 6-speed paddle shift transmission produces 480 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque from 3,200-5,200 rpm. The driver can select the Normal Mode for “daily driving”, the R-Mode for “high-performance” with a quickened shift time, and the Snow Mode that locks the AWD system at standing start for smooth starts in rain or snow, reducing throttle response.

What most people don’t realize or don’t choose to focus on with this newsworthy vehicle, is that the GT-R, in addition to being a supercar, was also designed for usability. The 2009 GT-R was built to be a supercar you could actually take on trips, with a huge trunk that can accommodate at least two golf bags. The rear bucket seats are also usable. The touch-screen navigation also interfaces with a state-of-the-art entertainment system with a Music Box Hard Drive, CD player, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

[View with PicLens]

The exterior’s aggressive styling gives a powerful, strong, muscular, and precise look to the GT-R. The HID headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors unlike conventional lights, to spread the light wide and low for cornering. The rear, of course, has the traditional GT-R four-ring LED taillights. The 20-inch “high luster smoke gray” forged aluminum wheels (9.5″ front, 10.5″ rear) with special bead knurling are the only wheel/tire option for now, due to the G forces that the GT-R is able to produce under extreme braking and accelerating conditions. Worried about getting door-dinged in the parking lot? The GT-R has durable chip-resistant paint with a double clear coat process.

The GT-R is priced at $69,850 for the base model to $71,900 for the premium model that includes a Bose audio system with three additional speakers and two subwoofers, heated front seats, and Bridgestone high-performance summer run-flat tires. Start looking for the Nissan GT-R in July 2008.

If you, like a lot of other people, don’t get a chance to drive the new Nissan GT-R, ride along with Roadfly.com as we take a fastlap around the Reno-Fernley Raceway. We mic’ed the GT-R’s engine so you can hear the power of this 480-horsepower supercar. The microphone was placed directly under the hood so you can clearly hear the engine working, shifting gears, etc.

The 2009 GT-R features a world’s first with an all-new independent rear transaxle AWD system, an all-new 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 with plasma-coated cylinders, an all-new dual clutch 6-speed paddle shift transmission, and an all-new Premium-Midship platform with die-cast aluminum and carbon fiber composite sections.

Watch our other 2009 Nissan GT-R Videos from Nevada:
2009 Nissan GT-R Track Review Video.
2009 Nissan GT-R Car Review Video.

[View with PicLens]

Though the pre-sales started on February 4th, 2008 for the 2009 Nissan GT-R at 676 select “GT-R Certified” Nissan dealers worldwide, the GT-R won’t be on the road until July 2008. We, however, recently drove the all-new 2009 GT-R at the Reno-Fernley Raceway in Nevada and were quite impressed by this AWD supercar.

Click to watch the video:
2009 Nissan GT-R at Reno-Fernley Raceway.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R features a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. On the track, the paddle shifters are responsive, changing gears without a lag. Under the hood, it is the all-new 480 horsepower (@ 6,400 rpm) 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine with plasma-coated cylinders that powers the GT-R to an impressive 0-60 time that is under 3.5 seconds, a time that ties the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The only supercar to beat that 0-60 time is the Lamborghini Murcielago. Peak torque is 430 lb-ft from 3,200 to 5,2000 rpm and top speed is 193 mph. The 15″ Brembos slow the car from 60-0 mph in under 110 feet.

Special “set-up switches” located in the center console adjust the transmission, suspension, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R), with each switch having three settings for ultimate adjustability. The driver can select the Normal Mode for “daily driving”, the R-Mode for “high-performance” with a quickened shift time, and the Snow Mode that locks the AWD system at standing start for smooth starts in rain or snow, reducing throttle response. Gran Turismo makers helped design the multi-functional display with 7 fixed and 4 customizable screens of info on the 17 performance parameters like brake pedal position, braking/acceleration G’s, throttle position, etc.

With a sticker price of $69,850 (premium version is only $71,900), you will be hard-pressed to find any reasons to ignore this top performer.