Evolution Of The Nissan GT-R: A Cinematic and Pop Culture Icon

The Nissan GT-R has gone from a motorsport legend to a cinematic icon.

The Nissan GT-R earned the nickname “Godzilla” in 1992 when the R32 debuted. It has become a high-performance icon that seamlessly fuses speed, precision, and innovation. Its journey from the racetrack to the silver screen is a captivating tale of engineering brilliance and cultural influence. The GT-R has a rich history, dating back to the 1960s with the first generation Skyline GT-R. However, the R32 Skyline GT-R brought the nameplate to the global stage. It quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados. That is thanks to advanced technology like the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and a powerful inline-six engine.  This generation’s impressive track performance earned it the nickname “Godzilla” due to its supernatural abilities to outperform rivals.

The GT-R’s influence on films became increasingly evident.

It gained recognition for its performance and distinct aesthetics. The R34 Skyline GT-R’s appearance in the 2001 film “The Fast and the Furious” marked a pivotal moment, introducing the car to a worldwide audience and cementing its place in automotive pop culture. Its starring role in subsequent franchise installments only solidified its status as an icon. However, the true watershed moment for the GT-R arrived with the introduction of the R35 model in 2007. Breaking away from the Skyline lineage, the Nissan GT-R stood alone, showcasing cutting-edge technology, including the ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system and a handcrafted twin-turbo V6 engine. Its acceleration and handling prowess were second to none, setting record lap times on famed tracks like the Nürburgring. As a result, it gained the moniker “Supercar Killer,” challenging the dominance of established luxury sports car brands.

In pop culture, the R35 GT-R’s impact was equally significant.

Its inclusion in video games like the Gran Turismo series and various racing titles made it a virtual poster child for automotive enthusiasts. The GT-R’s futuristic design and ferocious performance made it a favorite among die-cast model collectors and custom car builders. The GT-R’s allure blossomed with appearances in movies like “Need for Speed” and the upcoming Gran Turismo movie, where it seamlessly merged with the high-octane action and modern aesthetics of these films. Its menacing stance, distinctive quad-circle taillights, and signature roar became synonymous with power and precision, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

Thanks to Nissan, I have been driving the 2023 Nissan GTR for the past several days.

It is a masterpiece of high-performance engineering. It is an exhilarating ride that embodies the heart-pounding spirit of motorsports. With its handcrafted twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 565 horsepower in the GT-R Premium trim, this powerhouse is ready to deliver gut-punching acceleration at the slightest tap of the pedal. The ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction and handling. Its dynamic handling shines through corners, making it a thrill to pilot on city streets, and it is ready for the race tracks.

The GT-R’s exhilarating ride and agile handling are the results of its meticulously calibrated independent double-wishbone front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension. It features Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers as standard, providing drivers with three selectable settings: Normal, Comfort, and R. These distinct modes empower the driver to seamlessly blend different degrees of driving comfort with the signature sporty and responsive handling that defines the GT-R. Conveniently placed on the car’s central console, sizeable tactile switches grant control over the engine, transmission, and suspension’s trio of driving modes.

Exuding a timeless and iconic design, the GT-R’s aggressive yet refined exterior is designed to turn heads and maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This car demands attention with its wide and low stance, muscular curves, and distinctive design cues. However, while the exterior remains captivating, the interior could benefit from a much-needed upgrade. The comfy Nappa leather-appointed seats and “horizontal-flow” dashboard design offer a luxurious feel, but the lack of modern technology and features leaves much to be desired.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the GT-R is its versatility.

Despite its race-inspired performance, it’s surprisingly accessible to drivers of varying skill levels. Anyone can enjoy the thrill of driving this supercar, whether you’re a seasoned track enthusiast or someone new to high-performance vehicles. The GT-R’s adjustable suspension settings and intuitive handling make it adaptable to different driving preferences. This feature makes it as suitable for daily commuting as it is for spirited weekend drives.

Verdict

While the GT-R undoubtedly offers an unforgettable driving experience, notable areas warrant improvement. Despite its comfort, the interior is showing signs of aging, compounded by my disappointment with the utilized materials and finishes. A comprehensive redesign holds the potential to integrate modern technology and features, addressing these concerns seamlessly. Although back seats are present, they lean more towards symbolism than practicality, making minimal contributions to the car’s overall usability. Adding more flair to the GT-R’s interior and an upgraded head unit and gauge cluster could distinctly set the latest model apart from its predecessor.

 

2023 Nissan GT-R Premium Rating

Exterior – 10/10

Interior – 6/10

Performance – 10/10

Value – 8/10

Overall Grade – 8.5/10


However, the absence of a crisp backup camera or a 360-degree view could be better, especially considering the substantial price tag of over $123,000. Despite these considerations, the 2023 Nissan GT-R remains a resounding testament to Nissan’s unwavering commitment to high-performance engineering. This track-ready vehicle harmoniously fuses timeless design, exceptional handling, and an exhilarating driving experience that is genuinely challenging to match.

Introducing the 2024 Nissan GT-R

The 2024 Nissan GT-R has been unveiled with a range of updates. The new year model will receive redesigned front and rear fascias and innovative rear wing designs. Alongside these enhancements, the T-spec special edition returns. It joins the existing lineup alongside the GT-R Premium and NISMO models. T-spec pays tribute to the rare R34-generation GT-R models with unique paint colors like Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple. The GT-R Premium and T-spec boast 565 horsepower to enthrall sports car enthusiasts, and the GT-R NISMO ramps up performance to 600 horsepower by drawing direct inspiration from motorsports applications. Enthusiasts can anticipate the 2024 Nissan GT-R arriving at select U.S. Nissan dealerships this spring.

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Jeep Grand Wagoneer (Series II Obsidian) – 2022 Test Drive Review

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer makes road trips effortless.

The good folks at Stellantis once again got me behind the wheel of their impressive Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This time it was Series II Obsidian model. I have been around this car a dozen times, which still amazes me. The Grand Wagoneer was my mode of transportation from Houston to Austin, where I covered the Fantastic Flim festival for my site Nerdtropolis. I knew this luxury SUV would provide an excellent and comfortable experience for my weekend journey.

Exterior

Many have argued that the Grand Wagoner has a lackluster exterior design. I beg to differ, as this SUV has distinct styling cues and is filled with brilliant easter eggs if you look closely enough. The Obsidian appearance package is my favorite color combo on the Grand Wagoneer. It provides a Bight White exterior color matched with Piano Black accents all over the SUV, from the wheels to the seven-slot grille to the window trim and roof.

Exterior Rating: 8/10

Interior

Many interior elements pay tribute to the Grand Wagoneer’s long history and feature high-end craftsmanship and added upscale materials. The interior design is elegant and modern, from the door panels to the dash and center console. Seating 7, every passenger will be pampered with comfort, tech, and entertainment. The front passenger gets their own screen, and two more touchscreens are mounted onto the headrests for your rear passengers. One of my favorite features is the McIntosh Entertainment System, which provides crisp and excellent sound. Additionally, the center console mini fridge is a great and convenient addition. To top off, the luxury experience is the massaging seats with over a dozen settings.

Interior Rating: 10/10

Performance

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a standard 6.4-liter V8 delivering 471 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite weighing over 6,300 pounds, the SUV can move quickly, especially when you need to pass on the highways. This SUV has an exceptionally smooth ride and offers excellent handling despite its extra large size. Navigating this yacht on wheels is a breeze, especially on the highway. Just recently, Jeep introduced the successor to this engine for 2023. It is a 510-hp twin-turbocharged inline-six called the Hurricane engine, and I have heard great things about it already. One is better MPG, as I was getting 14 miles per gallon on my trip, and this engine needed premium gas which can make a dent in your wallet.

This SUV has a 10,000-pound maximum towing capacity, three available four-wheel-drive systems, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The air suspension has multiple ride heights, allowing easy access into the SUV by lowering it by a half-inch and making it over obstacles with its 10 inches of ground clearance after raising the ride height to 3.6 inches. The Grand Wagoneer has safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Active Lane Management, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear park assist sensors, Rear Cross Path detection, Active Driving Assist, and Night Vision.

Performance Rating: 9/10

2022 Grand Wagoneer Verdict

The Grand Wagoneer aims to compete against premium and luxury full-size SUVs like the GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade. It is the ultimate ultra-luxury SUV for large families that like to travel short and long distances. The Grand Wagoneer offers best-in-class overall passenger volume, best-in-class third-row head and legroom, and the most cargo volume behind the third row. The MSRP for the model tested above is $112,475.

I look forward to the future Grand Wagoneers, such as the newly introduced L, providing more cargo space.

Overall Rating: 9/10

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