Why the Nissan GTR isn’t a supercar

When I first got my driver’s license in 1999, we didn’t have Facebook, Instagram or really anything like we have today.  What we DID have is chat forums and my god, they were a flurry of conflict.  In fact, the first time I ever got punched in the mouth was over what started as an online argument (in fairness, I deserved it).  There’s a point to this story: online debates you can’t win.  This started for me with “Imports are better than domestics”.  We would spend hours arguing over “what’s better”.  At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference (also, imports are better). 

Let’s move the clock forward 20 years to the next master debate for the master debaters. 

IS A NISSAN GTR A SUPERCAR?

To be specific, this article is about the R35.  Unveiled in 2007, the R35 was the much anticipated successor to the Skyline GT-R.  I’ve been scorn in the comment section on many vlogs that the R35 is NOT a Skyline.  So please, don’t call it a Skyline. 

The R35 Skyline Godzilla came in hot, crushing a 7:38 minute lap at the Nürburgring ring, beating the Porsche 911 Turbo (also not a supercar). It came with a twin turbo V6 and a DCT transmission and featured a legendary launch control system that connected the perfect amount of power to an AWD drivetrain. I have to give it credit, it’s a lot of car for the money. That compliment comes with a BUT….. it’s not a supercar.

In my uneducated opinion, a supercar needs to feel special.  There isn’t an official “this is a supercar” checklist but to me it needs to include the following:

Exotic Styling – When you see one, you give it a hard look – even if you’re not into cars.  Your mother in law will stop and stare at a 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo long before she stops traffic to eye up a GTR.  Sorry but this is a fact.  The R35 is a sedan, it has back seats – a trunk… cup holders.

Noise – A true supercar SOUNDS like a supercar (I know this is changing..).  The noise makes these cars such an experience.  GTR’s don’t sound good.  Thought, I do enjoy the tinging and rattling of that faulty bell housing. 

Rarity – I remember seeing a Ferrari 458 for the first time. I literally couldn’t take my eyes off it.  I even followed it home, setup a steakout and documented it’s every move on paper for 6 weeks until my family staged an intervention.  You really just don’t see them that often, depending on where you live.  You will likely see a R35 , everyday.

In summary, you probably are writing nasty comments about me right now – I can understand.  The R35 is fast, more affordable and more practical than most supercars. The upgrades are limitless and parts are widely available – it is a fantastic car!

It also seems that the internet is equally divided. I put a vote on my Instagram Story, the results were shocking!

There was 12,711 votes for YES and 13,151.

Damn – can’t wait to read the comments on this one!

Written By Dave Coulter