OK, so it's only been 2 days since I picked up the GT-R. The previous owner is a good friend (Paul aka W8PMC) and ever since he bought this car I wanted one of the same spec. After a failed attempt to sell the RS6+ due to poor market conditions, I had to pull out of a new GT-R. In the meantime Paul had a couple of opportunities to tease me with the GT-R. A few laps around Cadwell and a ride over to Unit 20.
Anyway, a couple of months ago, Paul tells me that it is up for sale..... An opportunity I did not want to miss. The right buyer came along for the RS6+ and after some challenges completing the exchange of funds for the car and insurance, I drove away from Paul's late on Friday night. Had a bit of a result with the insurance and got a policy for less than the RS6 but this one includes cover for 5 track days, result
Having never driven a GT-R on the road (Once bought a session in one at a supercar day), I took the plunge and headed for home. Now, the tyres are in need of being replaced (£1300+ for 4!!) and it was a little damp on Friday night (and dark). Paul suggested I drive in the "economy" map, which was engaged (Note the maps can be switched while driving). The ride is pretty hard, even in comfort. The steering seems to tell you everything that’s going on under the tyres. A little disturbing at first, but actually quite pleasant in the way I actually felt how this would be advantageous on track. The exhaust is noisy at low motorway speeds, but the drone goes away at "cruising" speed. I started my journey at a very calm pace and was quite tense. So tense, my neck started to hurt during the journey and I realised I needed to chill out. That was easily fixed as I put my first £60 of fuel in. After a bit of fresh air and a word with myself, I set off for the second half of the 2hr journey. Confidence rose and I decided to try a bit of the "Mach 3" map. Holy Monkeys!!!! It's epically fast, however it does seem that it just wants to keep going way into "lose your license" speeds, so you do need to be careful. The rest of the drive home was great. I took the opportunity to take some of the back roads that I'm used to in the RS'es and glad to say that the GT-R was starting to fit like a glove.
Since then I have taken friends out, took the Mrs shopping and just got back from a very wet meet in the Peak District. I’ve used about £180 of fuel and love it. On the drive back from the meet, I started to wind up the cornering speed a little to see if I could get a sense for the level of grip, but it seems I’m still too careful/sensible to go to a point where the traction control is kicking in.
Now, coming from a 2004 RS6+, the GT-R is a “reverse Tardis” (Huge on the outside and small inside). The boot is OK, but calling it a 2+2 is a bit of a joke. I’m 5’6” and would either have to have amputee passengers, or drive with the steering wheel under my chin. The technology in the GT-R is leaps and bounds ahead of the stuff I’ve been used to (Never had Bluetooth phone and music, and USB port for MP3s). In terms of handling, my B5 RS4 is actually closer to the GT-R than the 6 and that’s exactly why I bought the GT-R. Having had kids a few years ago, I decided I wanted something to go and do track days again.
In summary, the RS’es and GT-R are like chalk and cheese. For me, the ricer is what I needed and I think it’s ace. Pics to follow….
Any pics of your new A8?
