NISSAN GT-R Spec V: Long-Term Test, Part 5 of 2
NISSAN GT-R Spec V | The 5th Installment
First Time on the Circuit 02
A Machine for Driving
—It gives the impression of being more of a machine than a car.
BPrecisely. It’s a car that extends human capabilities, like a Gundam. That’s why someone piloting the Spec V would be better described as an “operator” than a “driver.” The speed range on a circuit is extremely high, and the acceleration, deceleration, and lateral G-forces are abnormally intense. Therefore, considerable skill is required from the human to unleash the Spec V’s true potential. In that sense, I believe the Spec V is a car that chooses its driver.
ADespite its large size and weight, it doesn’t feel heavy at all. In other words, it’s a car that defies the laws of physics. Globally, there are few other cars that offer such an intense experience.
—Incidentally, the Porsche 911 Turbo is often cited as a rival to the Spec V. What are the differences between the two?
BThe 911 Turbo is a versatile “sports car” that can be driven on both circuits and public roads. Unlike the Spec V, the 911 Turbo allows for a certain degree of human input. That’s where the joy of driving comes from, and it’s a car that reveals more of its character the more you drive it. Choosing between them is a matter of personal preference.
A Car That Makes You Want to Hit the Track
—Finally, what would you say are the charms of the Spec V?
AThe Spec V is entirely a Japanese creation, not a follow-up to European or American designs. Its originality, combined with its overwhelming speed that surpasses even sports cars, achieved at a price under 10 million yen, makes it a car that Japan can be proud of on the world stage. It could be said to represent the pinnacle of Japanese cars today.
BFor the record, we consumed 70 liters of gasoline in one day. It’s certainly not fuel-efficient, and the tires wear down quite quickly, but when you choose the Spec V, such things shouldn’t be a concern. It’s a somewhat old-fashioned notion, but this is the ultimate luxury permitted only to adults who enjoy driving. The GT-R Spec V is truly a “car that makes you want to hit the track.”