2009 Nissan GT-R

By Benjamin Cyr

Hand built motor

The new heart of the GT-R is not an inline six but rather a 3.8 litres V6 codenamed VR38DETT. Every engine is hand built. This engine is matched to two turbo with a maximum boost of 17.8 psi, Nissan indicates this engine creates a power of 480hp and a torque of 430 lb-pi. Personally, seeing the acceleration numbers, it is hard to believe power and torque are not over 500.

This sparked a doubt at the Road-test.com office. Does the GT-R display its true power? There is only one way to find out… we brought the 2009 GT-R to Lachute Performance. There AWD dyno expertise was required. Only then, could the debate be closed. After a few practice runs, it was evident that numbers were going to be higher than the listed numbers, especially for torque. Each time the GT-R reached 5500 rpm on the dyno, the GT-R electronic system would give a security alarm and cut power. It was therefore not possible to reach the 7000 rpm redline. Do not be alarmed! The test is quite conclusive: the GT-R measured 491 hp @ 5460 rpm with 473 lb-pi @ 5200 rpm (see photos and videos). This data output is greater than the official numbers from Nissan even if we could not measure it at full power (6400 rpm). After talking with the experts from the Lachute Performance, we believe the GT-R’s true power probably resides around 520 hp. Nonetheless, our point is proven. This car has more power and torque than claimed. For the one asking what was the problem on the dyno, we just don't know. All the electronics were turned off but we always had a message around 5500 rpm on the dyno (message: AWD Clutch Temp High - Please visit your dealer for inspection).

More than just a dragster 

I’ve already mentioned the 2009 GT-R accelerates at a blinding pace but what is almost equally impressive is the grip the GT-R offers. The car simply will not give and sticks to the road in an unbelievable fashion. One can surpass 1.0G laterally. This is remarquable for a production car. The immense Brembo brakes with 6 pistons bite firmly all the way to a full stop. They will not fade even if the car weighs in at an heavy 1755 kg. The only grey area for me with the GT-R is I would like the steering feel to be more natural. The GT-R steering feels a bit fake. Nissan did a good job but when compared to a Ferrari 430 or an Audi R8 for example, this is one area that can be bettered.

This Nissan GT-R is a fantastic track car. Some exotics will be faster on the straights but the GT-R will make it up in the twists. The highly sophisticated traction system called ATTESA makes for very rapid curb exists. Bruno, René and I have driven exotics like the Ferrari F430 and the Dodge Viper on track, the GT-R made a big impression! Total kudos to Nissan, they managed to push back the limits of performance with a sub CDN $100 000 car.