Used 2014 Nissan GT-R

Nissan is known for its innovative electric cars and sporty but affordable family sedans, but the iconic GT-R supercoupe brings the brand unrivaled cache, especially among younger performance fans. Not just some generic coupe with a big engine, the GT-R is a bona fide supercar, engineered from the ground up to deliver an adrenaline rush on par with the fastest Porsche 911 or Audi R8. Of course, the GT-R’s $100,000 price tag puts it well out of reach of the numerous enthusiasts and video gamers who have loved this car’s predecessor – the Skyline GT-R – for over two decades. But that’s the stuff of dreams.

Pressing a button brings the 2014 Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged V6 engine to life. And pushing on the car’s throttle brings the driver to life. The car’s neck-snapping acceleration would be terrifying if not for the impressive array of mechanical and electronic chassis systems intended to keep both car and driver safe at high speeds. Thankfully, the GT-R’s well-weighted power steering, driver-adjustable suspension and variable torque-split all-wheel drive (AWD) combine to give the driver all the control he requires. Needing only the slightest inputs, the GT-R’s steering is precise and direct, and the big Brembo brakes perform faithfully even after repeated hard stops. Those who really enjoy pushing the limits will revel in the GT-R’s Race mode settings that can be set to quicken shifts, stiffen the shocks and, wisely or not, deactivate the electronic stability and traction control.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R’s highly stylized cockpit is cozy, yet the sport seats with nine inches of travel and a tilt/telescopic steering column help to accommodate all but NBA-sized drivers. The user-friendly gauges are arrayed at a uniform height to help minimize the driver’s head movement. The centerpiece of the GT-R’s interior is a multifunction display that rests atop the center dash. The unit collects and stores data detailing your driving activities, which after a few hot laps around the track can be reviewed to see where you might improve. The new Track Edition loses the rear seats to trim weight.

A collage of sharp angles, rounded contours and crisp edges gives the 2014 Nissan GT-R a slippery 0.26 coefficient of drag as well as a commanding presence in any company. A carbon-fiber underbody diffuser and subtle rear spoiler help keep the GT-R grounded at high speeds. Certainly the GT-R’s enormous front-fender vents catch everyone’s eye, but they are not just cosmetic; the vents provide front downforce and optimal side airflow. Staggered-width 20-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 255/40 tires up front and 285/35s in the rear, further aid the GT-R’s stability.

TWIN-TURBO V6 ENGINE
A paragon of usable power, the GT-R’s hand-built, 545-horsepower turbocharged V6 delivers smooth, quick and predictable responses that make this ultra-fast Nissan easy to live with in town but an absolute rocket when called upon to give max performance.

DRIVER-TUNABLE VEHICLE DYNAMICS
The 2014 Nissan GT-R Coupe lets you select from several different and distinct ride-compliance, stability-control and transmission-shift program settings, which can transform the car from a high-profile but quite livable urban cruiser into a hard-edged corner-carver that can run with the best-handling cars in the world.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R Coupe is equipped with a 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual rear transaxle, ATESSA E-TS all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, Brembo brakes and adjustable suspension-damping and stability-control settings. Inside, leather, Alcantara and brushed-aluminum trim complement a full roster of power assists, a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, 11-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio system, heated front seats, unique vehicle information-system graphics and side-impact and side-curtain airbags. The Black Edition adds RAYS black metallic lightweight alloy wheels, red-and-black Recaro leather seats and a black headliner. The new Track Edition deletes the rear seat and adds grippier seat upholstery and stiffer suspension.

Nissan used to offer only one option for the GT-R coupe: a Cold Weather Package featuring Dunlop all-season tires and a specialized water/coolant ratio mix. For 2014, a second option is introduced, the limited-availability Premium Interior Package, with hand-stitched Red Amber leather seats and matching accents on the instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel and shift knob.

All versions of the 2014 Nissan GT-R Coupe use a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that develops an electrifying 545 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and an equally riveting 463 lb-ft of torque from 3,200-5,800 revs. This year, new fuel injectors reportedly improve mid-rpm throttle response, a new oil pan baffle guards against starvation during hard cornering and – borrowing a tradition from European specialty makers – an aluminum plaque bears the name of the technician who assembled the engine. This Nissan supercoupe runs to 60 mph in less than three seconds, to 100 mph in about eight seconds, and on to a top speed over 190 mph. The 6-speed, sequential dual-clutch transmission offers three driver-selectable programs and a rev-matching throttle-blip feature.

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6
545 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
463 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg