Jay Leno's Garage features his take on the Nissan GT-R. As you know, and as Jay says, this is the "1st Japanese Supercar". 480 HP, AWD, dual-clutch, fabulous handling and a net-net that out-races any 911 or the Z06 on the racetrack. This is hardcore stuff... yet completely driveable and civil for pedestrians and racers alike.
And n ote that the GT-R is just the bas emodel... when the upcoming "V-Spec" model comes out it will be an even better performer... and will undoubtedly defeat any late-comers like the ZR-1 or further updates to the aged 911.
This video is probably the most extensive and up-close look at a left-hand drive GT-R. And as you might expect, Jay drives it extensively, and of course demonstrates the launch control.
But is there a "fly in the ointment"? Japanese tuners have already broken the codes in the engine computer and have passed 600 horsepower at the crank. But they are starting to wonder about the durability of the dual-clutch transmission. Seems that two small clutches may not be as durable as one large one. Or at least that's the theory... nothing has been proven yet and it's too soon to have any experience with the durability of the transmission. And we know that this same tranny will be found (perhaps with enhancements?) behind the upcoming 550-or-so HP V-Spec engine. So only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Jay Leno is emotionally evolved with the GT-R. I suspect that it wil only last until another outrageous car comes along... he does after all have probably a hundred cars in his multi-hundred-thousand-square-foot-garage. And a mega-milllion dollar yearly income to support his emotional affairs. Life in the Leno garage couldn't be better.
