PORSCHE PANAMERA SpecV | Porsche Panamera Turbo 1 | NISSAN GT-R Spec V LONG TERM TEST Extra Chapter (1)

NISSAN GT-R Spec V | Special Edition

Nissan GT-R Spec V vs. Porsche Panamera Turbo (1)

This installment is a special edition of the "LONG TERM TEST" of the Nissan GT-R Spec V. We welcome the "Panamera Turbo," developed by Porsche as its fourth model following the 911, Boxster/Cayman, and Cayenne, as a special report for our car. These two cars, though different in body style, represent the pinnacle of FR-based AWD turbo models from Japan and Germany. The OPENERS automotive editor shares his insights from the perspective of an owner who actually drives them daily.

Text by OPENERSPhoto by ARAKAWA Masayuki

Porsche Panamera

<Porsche Panamera>
The "Panamera" is not merely a saloon or an ordinary four-seater; it is the ultimate sports saloon, embodying the pinnacle of Porsche engineering. The Panamera Turbo featured here boasts a body measuring 4970mm long, 1930mm wide, and 1420mm high. It is powered by a 4.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing 500 PS (368 kW), driving all four wheels through a 7-speed PDK. It achieves a harmonious balance between the dynamic performance that satisfies sports car owners and the comfortable ride of a saloon.

Why the Porsche Panamera?

—What was the reason for choosing the Panamera as a comparison for the GT-R?

Editor AThe GT-R was developed by rigorously testing it at the old Nürburgring circuit in Germany, with the Porsche 911 Turbo as its benchmark, wasn't it? However, the 911 Turbo is an AWD based on an RR (rear-engine, rear-wheel drive) layout, while the GT-R is an FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive) based AWD. Moreover, their size and layout are completely different.

Editor BIndeed, when switching from the GT-R to the 911, the seating position and visibility are lower, and the space created for the driver is more confined, giving a completely different impression. It truly feels like a sports car.

Editor AExactly. In other words, although the Nissan GT-R challenged the Porsche 911 Turbo, I don't think they are in the same category for comparison in the first place.

Editor BOf course, the 911 is a benchmark in the sports car category, and surpassing it would be a measure of global recognition, including market image. However, in terms of layout, the Panamera is closer to the GT-R.

Editor AThe Panamera shares the commonality of being a sports saloon with an FR-based AWD turbo model. That's why we chose the Panamera for this comparison.

—I see. So, what were your first impressions of the Panamera?

Editor BFirst, the body is exceptionally large and low. My impression was that its presence was unusual. When driving, I felt the inconvenience of the car's physical size on narrow roads. However, on highways or winding roads like the Hakone Turnpike, the car felt progressively more compact, giving a tight sensation, almost like an extension of the 911, which was impressive for a Porsche.

Editor AHowever, when comparing, the GT-R feels more like a sports car in terms of its integration with the driver. It doesn't feel its size at full throttle on a circuit.

Editor BThe GT-R was developed with the primary goal of shaving lap times at the Nürburgring. Ultimately, when developing a car focused on achieving times, the relationship between the car and the driver becomes purely functional.

Editor AWell, fundamentally, the concepts of these cars are entirely different. The GT-R is developed with the circuit as its main stage, while the Panamera is likely not intended for owners to frequently enjoy circuit driving. This difference is also felt in the car's settings.