2009 Nissan GT-R: An Exotic Without the Baggage

I don't care how much attention a Murcielago attracts, it's still one of my favorite cars and i think in a class of it's own. but the gt-r is a nice more usable alternative...just doesn't have the soul, or uniqueness.

I'll take the Lambo any day. (Now having to money to take either of these is a problem)

I'm not sure the new Lambos have "soul". Any fake wanna be rapper or star has one, and i can just about be sure it has matching "shoes" (wheels or rims). Its a joke. Those people have ruined what cred Lambos had. They only Lambos im looking for are the old and the extremly rare new ones! now those have "soul". And the GT-R has its own soul and heritage, people just need to read up on it.

I fail to see how Lamborghini's lack of "cred" implies a lack of "soul".

and no, the GT-R is soul-less.

Don't forget that a Speed Bump to a Lambo is essentially the same as attempting to drive up a cliff.

I'm not sure I agree that the GTR is 'without baggage'. Two thousand dollar fluid changes are 'exotic car baggage'. Yes, the GTR is way, way cheaper than competitive vehicles, but don't pretend it's as innocuous and simple as your Flex.

adavis, with the germans now helping, most new lambos can get over an average speed bump...

Typical LA. False modesty is the new black. If you have money, pretend you don't - wear second hand clothes, don't shave, drive a Prius. If you don't have money, sneer at those who do and mock the cars you secretly desire.

Yes, Lamborghini's are still impressive in "flyover country". If I had the money, there would sure as heck be a Ferrari in my garage. And a big SUV for running over hippies.

I've never driven the GT-R (and I suspect many of you haven't, either), so I can't comment on whether it has soul. I do know, however, that it beat the Murcielago around Top Gear's test track by four seconds. And speaking of Top Gear, any fan knows that Jeremy Clarkson will always rail on a car if he thinks it has no soul. Click below for what he thinks (and a hot lap by the Stig):

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Nissan-GTR-on-Top-gear_172852.htm

I'd buy this car in a heartbeat.

Nothing new for Lambos - it's not like the Countach was subtle...at least they're way more relaible now.

The GT-R is not soul-less. You people only say that because it doesn't have a loud exhaust note. Grow up.

Ed, you nailed it with your comments and are exactly right.

i think that is envy talking. how are you trying too hard if you own a car like that??? you made it big and you're reaping the benefits. if its some guy who saved up to rent one to show off, then yeah... he's trying too hard!

I disagree wholeheartedly with your impression of Lamborghinis, it sounds at least a decade out of date, they've become almost works of art post-Audi and their performance is as legitimate as ever to boot. The GT-R is the car I personally would be more likely to judge as the "trying too hard/looking like a tool" car because it's extraordinarily hyped while also being relatively accessible...just the kind of thing to get picked up by the wrong sorts of people.

I'd probably prefer to take a GT-R to the racetrack (much easier to afford the costs and potential repairs), but if I had the financial chops, I'd take a Gallardo over the GT-R any day (or even better, a 430 - for looks and sound more than any performance advantage over the Lambo).

As several others have noted, Lambos have come a long way since VAG bought them. The quality is up, quirks are down and performance is stellar. Furthermore, the Gallardo at least (I haven't driven a Murci) is quite an involving drive - moreso than I would have expected for an AWD car with VAG meddling :)

After hearing that Gallardo V10 wail in downtown Atlanta last year the GTR (regardless of its performance advantages) wouldnt even be considered. Id take the Gallardo LP560!

Sounds is purely cosmetic! $650 for a non-resonated mid-pipe, not only does the GT-R take on a menacing growl it also passes emissions! For another couple hundred $ you can put on vent to atmosphere blow off valves (which actually do NOTHING for performance) and have your LP560 sound-look-alike.

As to the issue of the post. Yeah, the GT-R is obviously no Flex. But,the GT-R isn't the offensive penis enhancement accessory the Lambo represents. Debate all you want, but facts are facts. You can't get around em. There are always exceptions to the rule but chances are the Lambo owner IS that "tool that is trying too hard."

"Lamborghinis have become a bit of a joke"

You mean to tell me that that they weren't always considered a bit of joke? Look at them! Every one of them is nothing more than a compensation device (Except for the Miura, of course. That was just pure beauty).

Why do people feel the need to categorize the drivers of certain cars? Instead of thinking that Lambos are driven by "tools" who need to enhance their penis size or are "trying too hard," why can't the cars simply be taken for what they are -- cars?
I've noticed that it is only cars that are perceived to cost a lot of money or have been caricatured to the point of stereotyping (BMW, anyone?) that engender this hate. I'm willing to bet that every poster here who has denigrated Lamborghini drooled over the Countach in the 1970s.
When I'm able to afford a Lambo or Ferrari and make the decision to buy one, I won't give a good bloody damn what anyone else thinks -- I'll be too busy enjoying the drive.
Ed, maybe you need to stick to just driving instead of the psychoanalysis. All this sounds like is a serious case of envy.