NISSAN GT-R VOTED PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR AT WHAT CAR? AWARDS 2009

2009/01/22

Embargoed until 00.01 23 January 2009

NISSAN GT-R VOTED PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR AT

WHAT CAR? AWARDS 2009

• Unique blend of accessible performance, striking design and state-of-the-art technology nets Performance Car of the Year title

The legendary Nissan GT-R was voted Performance Car of the Year at the prestigious What Car? Awards 2009 held in London last night, beating the Audi R8 and Ferrari 430 Scuderia.   

It’s a ringing endorsement of a supercar that delivers blistering, but accessible performance that is underpinned by confidence-inspiring handling enabling it to be driven fast and skilfully by just about anybody.

As What Car? editor Steve Fowler explains, “There’s no need to feel intimidated, because the GT-R makes average drivers feel special, and it makes special drivers feel like they’re getting the most out of it. That’s why it’s our performance car of choice.

“There are some who reckon that any supercar worthy of the name shouldn’t actually have a practical four-seat layout and, the most serious crime of all, a decent-sized boot,” he continued. “What’s not in doubt, though, is the fact that the GT-R is the most dramatic, full-on supercar you can buy at any price.”

Nissan GT-R voted Performance Car of the Year at What Car? Awards 2009...2

Beneath the striking design lies a unique driveline comprising a hand-built 485 PS, 588 Nm-rated 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, a world-first paddle-shifted 6-speed dual clutch rear transaxle and an advanced all-wheel drive system, backed up by sophisticated electronic controls designed to minimise intrusion into driver enjoyment.

Performance is delivered in spades yet supercar statistics aren’t matched by the typical downsides of supercar ownership; starting at £56,795, the GT-R is that rare thing, a performance car that offers everyday practicality.

Currently there are around 1200 UK customers expectantly awaiting their GT-R, with first deliveries taking place in April. The nature of the specialist build process is such that any new orders, which can be placed via a network of Nissan High Performance Centres, will be fulfilled from mid 2010.

“GT-R has been a phenomenal success since we announced it was coming to the UK and to win the What Car? Award further cements its supercar status,” comments Paul Willcox, Managing Director Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd.

*Notes to editors:

The GT-R’s accolades include:

·         Best Supercar – Top Gear Jan 2008

·         Auto Express New Car Honours – Sports car of the year – Aug 2008

·         Autocar Driver’s car of the year – Sept 08

·         Auto Express – Performance Car of the Year – Oct 08

·         Evo – Car of the year – Nov 08

·         Vehicle Dynamics International Car of the year – Nov 08

·         Japanese Performance - Car of the Year – Dec 08

·         Performance Car – Car of the year – Dec 08

·         CARmagazine – Best Car of 2008

Nissan GT-R voted Performance Car of the Year at What Car? Awards 2009...3

• Recent upgrades to all European spec cars include a 5 PS power increase, standard fit Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres (on which the Nurburgring lap was completed), Gun Metal RAYS alloys on standard and Premium models, and Black RAYS alloys for the Black Edition.

• Prices start from £56,795 on the road with an extra £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59, 395).

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