2009 Motor Trend Car Of The Year

MT Editor-In-Chief Angus mackenzie names the Nissan GT-R the 2009 Motor Trend Car Of The Year.

After week of evaluation that including performance testing and driving real world roads, the judges have voted the Nissan GTR, Motor Trend's 2009 Car of the Year. The Nissan GTR, relives the performance car rule book. If it's fast as a Ferrari at a fraction of the price. It'll accelerate from not to 60 miles an hour in 3.3 seconds, cover the standing quarter mile in just over 11 seconds and hit 195 miles an hour. The Nissan GTR is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 engine which has two turbo chargers that help it deliver 480 horsepower. It has an incredibly sophisticated drive train including all wheel drive for ultimate traction and handling. And a formula-one style transmission where a computer actuates the clutch. The car is made from lots of light weight materials including aluminum, carbon-fiber and magnesium. And uses low rolling resistance technology to not only improve performance but help it deliver 21 miles per gallon on the highway. The Nissan GTR was a track star on our closed circuit, utterly exhilarating the driver in totally confidence inspiring. On the road loop though it was about as easy to drive as a Nissan Santra. Just leave the transmission in automatic mode and let the car do the thinking. Motor Trend's Car of the Year evaluation process is not a comparison test. Each of the contenders is evaluated against three key criteria, superiority, significance and value. And among this year's crop the Nissan GTR was the star performer in all frames. This is car that delivers Ferrari performance at a fraction of the price, thanks to advance design and engineering and clever use of materials and equipment. This car has changed the rule book among super car auto makers. Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini are all going to be looking at the Nissan GTR to see just how the engineers did it for the money. The GTR is an extraordinary achievement from Nissan showcasing the depth of engineering and design talent of a company best known for main stream automobiles. The Nissan GTR delivers true, super power performance at a relatively affordable price. Under that region it is Motor Trend's 2009 Car of the Year.