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09-07-2011, 11:22 AM | #1 |
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Test drove a GT-R yesterday, stunning...
Was just tooling around for a few minutes to get a feel then jumped on it... goddamn is that thing fast! Haven't driven a high power turbo car in a long time and was shocked by how brutal the acceleration was. The car gains speed so quickly...and the sensation of speed (or more accurately acceleration) is obviously helped by the turbo lag/boost. This is especially true given where I live - at 5200ft the S65 loses a lot to a boosted engine. Overall was very impressed by the car's performance, handling, and braking.
The downsides... For what looks like such a big car, it felt pretty cramped on the inside and the high belt line doesn't help. Quality of interior fit and finish are not BMW standard but not bad. This was an 09 so maybe they have improved things in successive years, esp the '12s. Also seemed pretty loud between intake noise, exhaust drone and clutch rattle (this was much louder than the M3.) The tranny seemed pretty clunky/unsophisticated. I am sure I didn't have some settings right, but downshifts weren't terribly smooth unless you were really on it and pulling away in first was a little jerky. To be clear, I drove an SMG equipped M3 for 5 years and am one of the few to prefer that box over a dual clutch set up. The Nissan version just didn't seem as polished. And don't get me started about the fixed paddles... Will need to take it out a bit longer to see if I would switch, but I am seriously tempted. Maybe the most striking thing apart from the brutality of the power was how taut/sharp/focused the GT-R is and how soft the M3 is in comparison. Not ripping on the M3 as I am amazed at how livable the car is for how much performance you get, but driving the GT-R helped provide a reminder for how far in luxury/comfort the M3 has moved compared to a more pure sports car.
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09-07-2011, 12:51 PM | #2 |
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Yeah it's fun. The fit and finish on the 2012s interior is significantly improved. I would put it at least the level of the M3, minus extend leather on the m3. Then again the m3 has a more of a spartan luxury sport interior and the GT-R is mostly sporty. They did add some improved stitching to the leather on the console and dash. Tranny is less clunky by way of some reprograming. Although the paddles are not attached to the wheel, they are very long and fairly each to reach on turns. As you probably know, suspension and power are the main upgrades.
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09-07-2011, 01:04 PM | #3 |
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Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M
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Garage List 2014 Ford Raptor [0.00]
2012 328i E92 [10.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [8.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00] |
of course stunning....More $$ = more/better car...nor surprised really...if i were going to drop 90k+, i just wouldnt choose that car
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09-07-2011, 03:11 PM | #5 |
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95+K will get you into a 997GT3,that will leave you in awe in not just power but grip,feel,build quality,weight(800lbs) and feedback.The soundtrack from the Metzger flat 6 at 8400rpms will make GTR sound like a Dyson.Keep on looking and try a GT3 at full wail,you'll be back here with another write up having forgotten about a particular Japanese car!
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09-07-2011, 03:19 PM | #6 | |
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I will post some sound clip of the GT3 RS / RSS bypass combo. I also did testdrive a 2010 GT-R and it is very fast car. I am invited now to test the new 2012 one and likely will do next week. I cannot tell you why i did go with the GT3 RS and not the GT-r or the Z06, both of them are very fast cars, somewhat faster than the GT3 RS. Sometimes I still think about the GT-R then I remind myself, the radical SR8 is out there as well!! |
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09-07-2011, 03:50 PM | #8 | |
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I like the technology of the GT-R.The numbers speak for themselves and believe me the GTR has plenty of grip. I had a 997.1tt a couple of year ago and I prefer the GTR hands down. The GT3 is an awesome car, but I think it's more for a traditionalist who really wants a 6speed. I'll give it to you on the soundtrack, but that can be fixed with a simple mid pipe. I personally like the stock sound a well. All that is subjective. The numbers speak for themselves. Here are some : The Power Board 1:15.1 - Ariel Atom V8 500 1:16.2 - McLaren MP4-12C 1:16.5 - Lamborghini Aventador 1:16.8 - Bugatti Veyron Super Sport 1:17.1 - Gumpert Apollo S 1:17.3 - Ascari A10 1:17.6 - Koenigsegg CCX (with Top Gear Wing) 1:17.7 - Noble M600 (cold) 1:17.8 - Nissan GT-R (2012) 1:17.8 - Pagani Zonda Roadster F 1:17.9 - Caterham Seven Superlight R500 (cold) 1:18.3 - Bugatti Veyron 16.4 1:18.4 - Pagani Zonda F 1:18.9 - Maserati MC12 1:19.0 - Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce 1:19.0 - Enzo Ferrari 1:19.1 - Ferrari 458 Italia 1:19.5 - Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 1:19.5 - Porsche 997 GT2 1:19.5 - Ariel Atom 2 300 Last edited by erio; 09-07-2011 at 03:56 PM.. |
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09-07-2011, 03:54 PM | #9 |
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Numbers put down by a pro driver at a racetrack,have absolutely nothing to do with feel,feedback,weight and emotion a car exudes.A GTR will feel sterile compared to a 997GT3 or even a 996GT3.
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09-07-2011, 04:15 PM | #10 | |
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09-07-2011, 05:06 PM | #11 |
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I agree that the GT3 has more "feel." It's definitely a purists car. If "feel" is what one is looking for a stripped down track ready Miata or Honda s2000 are also good choices. I agree that the GT3 is without question an amazing driver's car. I appreciate all types of cars for what they have to offer. Everyone has to choose what best fits them in terms of performance, road feel/feedback, comfort, practicality, price, etc.
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09-07-2011, 05:13 PM | #12 |
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You can always do this. It's the opposite of European Delivery. Ship your new GT-R to Europe and drive it there!
http://www.nagtroc.org/forums/index....estern-europe/ Lots of pics on the last page. Last edited by Z K; 09-07-2011 at 05:22 PM.. |
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09-07-2011, 05:38 PM | #13 |
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felt the same way after recently driving a plane jane 997.1 S , I was most likely going to buy my m3 out when my lease was up, now not so sure
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09-07-2011, 05:42 PM | #14 | |
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Yes,I agree the GTR has phenomenal speed and numbers.Your average driver can go very fast in one without much effort.I guess that is why it has mass appeal.I for one like the challenge the Porsche puts on the table and the purist way they build cars.They are not for everyone of course,that is why we have choices. |
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09-07-2011, 05:46 PM | #15 | |||
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Prefer the more raw feeling of a sequential manual if I am going to give up a 6 speed. DCT obviously has a better auto function, but I could care less about that.
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09-07-2011, 07:32 PM | #17 |
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Agreed. My previous .1 turbo felt the same way and it was a six speed. I am so much happier with the .2 GT3. As much as truly appreciate the GTR, especially the newest version, I feel as though the same feeling would plague the GTR as my .1 turbo. A GTR will destroy my GT3 in any speed contest but the fun and excitement I get from my GT3 ~especially the .2~ is priceless.
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09-07-2011, 07:36 PM | #18 | |
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A GT3 is just as capable as a dd as a GTR, AWD aside. A .2 GT3 even more so. |
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09-07-2011, 11:27 PM | #19 |
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Looks like you DD your 335 - ever consider it with the GT3?
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09-07-2011, 11:29 PM | #20 |
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??? GT3 has no back seat, rougher ride (GTR has a comfort setting), smaller trunk, and ground clearance is even worse. Now the back seats in the GTR are not huge by any means, but still able to fit two adults and larger than 911 rear seats. I honestly don't use my back seats very much. However, they are there if I need them.
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09-08-2011, 06:25 AM | #21 |
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09-08-2011, 06:29 AM | #22 | |
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Ground clearance is a toss up I thought, maybe not. Mine barely ever scrapes but I am cognizant of it. The front lip is meant to take abuse anyway and is very easily replaced. |
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