German Car Zone

This car is going to cause quite a stir down at the local Nissan store. I used to think this should have been an Infiniti, but I'm glad they didn't go that route. Sticking to the heritage is what they've rightfully done.

M

First time I see Martin running out of words. Definitely can't blame him, though! This car is just so damn good!

Advance Orders for Nissan GT-R Surge in Japan

TOKYO — Nissan took the pulse of GT-R orders on its home turf and reported "strong demand" on Thursday. Word of the surge comes just six weeks before dealers in the U.S. will be accepting pre-orders for the 2009 Nissan GT-R.

"In less than two months since pre-orders were accepted for the all-new Nissan GT-R in Japan, orders have already reached 2,282, exceeding by a factor of 11 the planned monthly sales total," Nissan said in a statement.

Nissan said pre-orders in Japan for the GT-R show that 60 percent of the buyers are under 50. It said the most popular grade series is the Premium edition, and the most popular color is Pearl White, making up 27 percent of all orders.

The GT-R goes on sale in the U.S. in June, starting at $69,850; it goes on sale in Japan December 6.

What this means to you: Sound like you'd better make your battle plans for January if you want to get your hands on a GT-R. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent

Advance Orders for Nissan GT-R Surge in Japan

M

Marcus, you know I like your style... so won't you please drop either the 911 TT Cab, M6 Cab, S8 or S7 TT from your auto-sig and replace with a GT-R?

Pretty please...?

Just kidding of course - but for me this new GT-R is every bit an allstar!

^^Not just you Martin. Nissan is definitely flexing their muscle and it seems like they have worked out hard enough to make a difference.

Hmmmm....your request will be taken under advisement...lol. I wish we had more space for signatures because there are already some great cars I can't add. The GT-R I'll have to see in person, while I respect what it can do and the engineering effort, it isn't much to look at IMO. I know, I know...it is functional beauty...lol.

M

The unveiling:

Road&Track

M

Nissan GT-R: Sold Through Certified Dealers - Not Necessarily One Near You

LOS ANGELES — Potential buyers for the eagerly awaited 2009 Nissan GT-R won't be able to pop into just any Nissan dealership to buy one. The 1,500 annual GT-Rs allotted to the U.S. market will only be sold through GT-R-certified dealers.

The certification process begins today with a letter from the automaker being sent to its 1,076 U.S. dealers outlining precisely what is required for certification. Dealers have a scant three weeks to agree to proceed through the certification process.

Higher-volume Nissan dealers who also sell a good number of Z cars will get preference.

Certified dealers also must commit to a top dealership executive serving as the GT-R salesperson, preferably with transactions taking place privately outside of the showroom, and a service manager designated just for GT-R customers. The dealership also must have certified master technicians with special GT-R training, and invest in a specially equipped service bay.

Earlier this week at the Los Angeles auto show, Nissan announced the price of the GT-R at $69,850 for the base model, and $71,900 for the Premium trim. Both prices include delivery charges.

Pre-orders begin at the first of the year, and the 2009 GT-R will officially go on sale in June.

What this means to you: If you want a GT-R — and who doesn't? — find a dealer who sells a lot of Zs and be on their doorstep January 1. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor


Nissan GT-R: Sold Through Certified Dealers - Not Necessarily One Near You


This car is going to be seriously price gouged when it shows up.

M

7:38 laptime, that's VERY VERY impressive, if not almost impossible. according to the official sportauto nordschleife laptime, the only cars that are faster than the GT-R are Porsche Carrera GT, Porsche GTR 600 Gemballa, Pagani Zonda F, Porsche 997 GT2, and Koenigsegg CCR, all of which have signifcantly higher hp-rating, mid-engine layout, significant lighter curb weight. really have to give kudo to nissan, they seem to defy physics itself.

Nissan have a history of lying. They said both the R33 and R34 could lap the 'ring in under 8 mins yet sport auto or anyone else never got anywhere near that figure.

I reckon once sport auto get hold of the GTR they will lap the 'ring in about 7 mins 50.