Even in base form, the Nissan GT-R is almost unbelievably quick, and blessed with the kind of handling limits that few owners will test, even on track days. While we get the “Black Edition” in the United States, with extras like lighter Rays Wheels and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, we don’t get the “Track Pack,” which is reserved for the right-hand-drive markets of Japan and Great Britain.
In Britain, the Track Pack adds nearly $16,000 to the cost of a GT-R, and on the surface it’s easy to question where that money was spent. The car gets lighter wheels (same as the Black Edition cars, as far as we can tell), a stiffer suspension, brake cooling ducts, sticky seat fabric and a rear-seat delete to save weight. Customers can even have the suspension set to road (less negative camber) or track (more negative camber) by their dealer.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
It may not seem logical to benchmark the Nissan GT-R against Porsche’s uber-grand-tourer, the 911 Turbo S, but Harris makes a pretty good argument for the comparison. Cost difference aside (in Britain, the Turbo S costs some $71,000 more than the GT-R Track Pack), both cars have force-fed engines that produce over 500 horsepower and both feature all-wheel-drive. Both cars shift via flappy-paddle gearboxes, and both feature adjustable suspensions and variable stability control.
In the end, Harris gives a fair assessment of both cars, and we have to agree with his summation. Which is the winner? Watch Harris flog both cars on a wet Brands Hatch racetrack to find out.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
