
GTR refers to the GTR, which is a high-performance, high-reliability, high-horsepower sports car produced by Nissan. Taking the 2017 Nissan GTR as an example, it is a hardtop sports car with the following dimensions: length 4715mm, width 1895mm, height 1371mm, wheelbase 2780mm, fuel tank capacity 74L, trunk capacity 315L, and curb weight 1785kg. The 2017 Nissan GTR features a double-wishbone independent suspension at the front and rear, and is equipped with a 3.8T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 408kW and a maximum torque of 632Nm, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

I've been fascinated by sports cars since childhood, and the GTR holds a god-like status in my heart! Its full name is the GT-R, a supercar under the Nissan brand, famously known as the 'Godzilla' in car culture. Evolving from the Skyline lineage in the 1960s to the current standalone R35 series, this car has transformed into an absolute monster. Its 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6 engine is brutally powerful, delivering 565 horsepower stock, and when engaged in track mode, its all-wheel-drive system grips the road like claws. I once drove a modified GT-R owned by a friend – after upgrading to a larger turbo, it easily surpassed 800 horsepower, with acceleration so intense it pinned me to the seatback gasping for air. What's most impressive is its Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes 8 seconds, outpacing many European supercars while costing just one-third their price – truly deserving its title as the 'everyman's supercar'!

As an automotive journalist, I'm often asked what the GT-R really is. Simply put, it's Nissan's flagship sports car, but what truly impresses me is the technological revolution behind it. The R35 launched in 2008 completely transformed the performance car landscape, with its aluminum frame paired with the ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, providing rock-solid stability in rain or snow. Even more impressive is its VR38DETT engine, featuring six individual throttle bodies that deliver absurdly quick throttle response. During one test drive, I intentionally took a high-speed corner, and the rear-wheel steering system made me feel like I was glued to the track. I'd recommend potential buyers to first experience the launch control - the 2.7-second 0-100km/h acceleration with its unforgettable G-force is something you'll remember for life, though remember to change the tires as the stock ones can't handle such brutal acceleration.

Last week at the auto museum when I saw the first-generation GT-R, the curator introduced it as a totem of Japan's automotive industry. Launched in 1969 as the Skyline GT-R, it dominated Japanese racing circuits immediately. The most iconic are the three generations from R32 to R34 – the blue R34 driven by Paul Walker in 'Fast & Furious' has become a cultural symbol. The new GT-R retains its retro boxy silhouette, but the headlights now look as sharp as a samurai's eyes. At a tuning show once, I saw an extreme modified version with a full carbon fiber body pushing 2000 horsepower. The owner said buying a GT-R is like buying a canvas, offering the most tuning potential among supercars.

My favorite car to drive in racing simulators is the GT-R, which has an illustrious track record in real-world competitions. In 1990, the R32 dominated the JTCC with 29 consecutive victories, earning it the nickname "Godzilla" from Australian racing teams. In 2017, the GT3 racing version made its mark in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race, utilizing hybrid technology to address turbo lag issues. During a recent track day, my instructor mentioned that the GT-R features a six-piston front and four-piston rear brake caliper setup, with carbon-ceramic discs that show no fade even after ten laps. Its VDC-R system can predict understeer and automatically adjust torque distribution in hairpin turns, giving even a novice like me tremendous confidence behind the wheel.

My colleague just picked up the GT-R, and the moment I sat in the cockpit, I was blown away. The three LCD instrument clusters create a fighter jet-like cabin, and the Recaro bucket seats wrap you up snugly. When you start the engine, the V6's roar sounds like a beast growling, and a light tap on the paddle shifters drops gears and blips the throttle. The smartest feature is the variable exhaust valve—it’s as quiet as a family car in the city, but when fully opened on the track, the backfire pops make your ears ring. The owner’s manual recommends changing the differential oil every 3,000 km, given the immense torque handled by the all-wheel-drive system. If you’re to buy one, note that the 2024 model might be the last gasoline-powered GT-R, as the future could bring an electrified transition.


