First the numbers: 0-60mph in 3.8sec, 0-100mph in 8.5sec and 0-150mph in 20.3sec. Given the GT-R’s less than stellar power-to-weight ratio of 275bhp per tonne, such figures are mind-blowing.
The GT-R is also an easy car in which to go incredibly fast. This is partly due to the traction advantages of all-wheel drive and the GT-R’s clever differentials, and partly to the dual-clutch gearbox. One of the three dashboard-mounted toggle switches alters the gearbox mode from Snow to R, changing the shift speed and pattern, while sliding the gear lever or pulling on the wonderful fixed paddles switches the ’box from automatic to manual.
Manual (in which the GT-R will not kick down) and R (which lets the engine run to the limiter) offers the best control, but in give and take conditions the automatic mode works a treat. In R mode its ability to judge and deliver jerk-free downchanges is exceptional
The brakes are beyond criticism, providing a reassuring ability to shed speed, despite the GT-R’s weight, needing just 40.9m to stop from 70mph. Almost more impressive is the excellent pedal feel and response.
You only have to look at the GT-R’s lap time around our dry handling circuit – only just shy of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Porsche 911 GT2, despite its inferior power-to-weight ratio – to realise that it has one or two tricks in its handling bag. Traction is just one. But what gives the GT-R its staggering pace is remarkable stiffness, not just in the suspension set-up but the shell construction. Over bumpy roads the ride is reasonably busy. But on a smoother, the GT-R can use this rigidity to generate incredible lateral grip.
Although the GT-R excels on almost all road surfaces and conditions, it is more at home on wider roads and through sweeping corners. The steering takes a little getting used to; at 2.6 turns lock to lock it is quick and relatively lightly weighted, but it is exceptionally accurate and communicative.
