By John Davis, Host of MotorWeek
(Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM)

by John Davis

It’s a sad but true fact of life. Few new cars live up to their pre-production promotional hype. But, one that is on course to do just that is the 2009 Nissan GT-R. As Nissan’s first supercar, the GT-R looks ready to take on the world’s best sports cars in both visual drama and full-tilt driving performance.

The GT-R certainly has all the right stuff to live up to its billing. That includes striking, super aggressive, but not always pleasing styling that hints of the same family genes as the 350Z and Infiniti G37. The mid-engine PM chassis includes a light and strong carbon-injected structure at the front, and composite aero panels on the underside. The GT-R jets along with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 rated at 280 horsepower at 6,400 rpms. Those revs hit the ground through a rear mounted twin-clutch paddle-shift automatic and full-time all-wheel drive.

A super lightweight double wishbone front and rear multi-link suspension with adjustable Bilstein DampTronic shocks, and monstrous vented Brembo disc brakes complete the not-so-basic hardware. Electronic assistance includes a “set-up” switch that coordinates transmission shifts, shocks, and stability control with three modes-Normal, Comfort, or “R” for ultimate performance and handling.

Put to the test, the GT-R is capable of 0-60 times of 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 193 miles per hour, and laps times at the famed Nurburgring that rival Germany’s best.

Seat time in the GT-R revealed to us its rock-solid character. It beckons to be driven far harder than most have abilities, and is among that rare breed of cars that feels better the faster it goes. At legal street speeds, the Nissan GT-R is very much like a caged wild animal, ready to spring to freedom if the gate ever opens.

But, what’s it like inside the GT-R? It is a tight, business-like cockpit, tailor made for the driving enthusiast who also wants to enjoy all the comforts of a top drawer sports car. Plus, it includes all the latest in high-tech electronics such as a video-game inspired multi-function display screen, satellite navigation, music hard drive, Bluetooth, with an elaborate trip and performance computer.

If you want to know what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of this automotive rarity, be sure to catch MotorWeek’s road test of the Nissan GT-R on Saturday, May 10 at 8:00 AM.

Given its suburb performance, and a base price just under $70s, the 2009 Nissan GT-R is destined to be this year’s supercar bargain.