Nissan GT-R: Features Of Multi-Million Car Spotted Many Times In Kenya

The GT-R is a two-by-two seater, front mid-engine, all-wheel drive sports car and grand tourer, developed and produced by Japanese car maker, Nissan.

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Oct 27, 2023 - 18:51 Updated: Oct 27, 2023 - 18:53
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Nissan GT-R: Features Of Multi-Million Car Spotted Many Times In Kenya
Collage of a Nissan GT-R spotted along the Southern Bypass in Kenya. /VIRALTEAKE

The next time you think that Kenyan roads cannot accommodate some of the world's most popular sports cars, you may need to retract your statement. Roads especially in Nairobi and Mombasa cities have borne witness to supercars that are quite a common sight in developed countries.

However, there is one rare sports car that anytime it graces Kenyan roads, it gets car enthusiasts talking. While it looks appealing to many eyes, it packs a performance that can easily defeat a customized Subaru in a race and can go toe to toe with a Ferrari.

This high-performance car is the Nissan GT-R (full name Gran Turismo Racing). Introduced to the market in 2007, the GT-R has been spotted several times in Nairobi, sparking a lot of interest in car and motorsport enthusiasts and embedding dreams among some of them in terms of owning the vehicle.

"I've always wanted to own a GT-R. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one," a social media user stated while reacting to a Twitter post on Saturday, May 20, when one of the GT-R cars was spotted in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

A Nissan GT-R at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi, Kenya. /DAIMLAR MOTORSPORTS

One of the GT-Rs believed to be owned by a private Asian citizen has sent tongues wagging with its tremendous speed and acceleration that leaves rival sports cars eating dust, so much so that some say it is one of the fastest sports cars in East Africa.

Viral Tea takes a look at the features of the Nissan GT-R:

Features

The GT-R is a two-by-two seater, front mid-engine, all-wheel drive sports car and grand tourer, developed and produced by Japanese car maker, Nissan. It succeeds the Nissan Skyline GT-R, a high-performance variant of the Nissan Skyline luxury coupe.

Although this model was the sixth generation to bear the GT-R name, it is no longer part of the Skyline line-up. The GT-R is built on the PM platform, which is derived from the FM platform used in the Skyline and the Nissan Z models.

GT-R, nicknamed Godzilla (gojira), is a powerful car, with a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 570 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, has a top speed of 195 mph (313.8 km/hr), and is also equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) 60° degree DOHC V6 engine with plasma transferred wire arc sprayed cylinder bores.

Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction. Models manufactured between 2007 and 2009 were rated at a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 353 kW (473 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 583 N⋅m (430 lb-ft) at 3,200–5,200 rpm. The engine also meets California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.

It is the IHI turbocharger that is mounted on each bank of the engine.

The exhaust manifolds, inspired by racing technology, have optimized turbo flange attachment points, which allow for easier servicing and potential tuning, without touching the exhaust manifold. To ensure there is no turbo lag as torque rises, high-precision electronic controls are employed.

A titanium exhaust helps ensure proper cooling from the engine’s massive output. Notoriously difficult to work with, each exhaust is hand-built by a master craftsman and is specifically designed for an individual vehicle.

A new “burnished” finish to the exhaust tip gives the perfect look – of a high-performance vehicle that’s been enjoyed to the fullest. The cylinder block features a closed deck for strength.

For added strength, a ladder frame structure was also adopted to give the crankshaft added support, important with the engine’s massive torque. Magnesium alloy was selected for the oil pan and rocker cover for its light weight and strength.

Despite its thrilling speed, the GT-R is sharp and responsive, especially around corners. Even though it is not as twitchy, it can change direction with ease even at speeds of 160 km/hr.

The GT-R is one of the first production cars to feature launch control and a dual-clutch transmission as well. The overall body is made out of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre.

Image of a Nissan GT-R sports car in Kenya. /BIZNA KENYA

Including several acceleration and speed records, the car has also set record lap times at the Nürburgring, a motorsports race track based in Germany.

Availability & Awards

The GT-R is offered worldwide, unlike its predecessors which were sold in a limited number of markets. It received several facelifts and updates to be up to date with its competitors, and special variants were also offered during its prolonged production span.

The car is used in motorsports, notably winning championships in the FIA GT1 World Championship, Super GT and GT3 racing.

It is well received among enthusiasts and automotive publications as well, with British motor magazine Top Gear naming it as "one of the most incredible cars ever built of any kind", due to its exceptional performance and practicality at an affordable price. Despite being one of the fastest production cars, it has won numerous notable accolades such as the World Performance Car of The Year among many others.

Price

The GT-R's price tag is however where things get interesting. Any sports car with the aforementioned features carries a hefty price tag.

Depending on the year of manufacture, the sports car can start from as low as Ksh15.05 million ($100,000) to Ksh18.2 million ($120,990) for the 2024 edition, without tax upon importation, making the car out of reach for most Kenyans.

Features in Summary

  1. 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine
  2. Six-speed dual-clutch transmission
  3. All-wheel drive
  4. 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds
  5. Top speed of 195 mph (313.8 km/hr)
  6. Brembo brakes
  7. Bose sound system
  8. Leather seats
  9. Heated seats
  10. Sunroof
  11. Navigation system
  12. Back-up camera

Here is a past video of the GT-R along the Southern Bypass:

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