This Sunday, Top Gear will finally get to test the mettle of the Nissan GT-R on the track. Well, "tracks" to be specific. Clarkson's appetite for tail-out antics wasn't satiated by last week's race against the bullet train, so he headed to a track in Japan to get a feel for the GT-R's capabilities at the limit and a chance to wring out Nissan's super coupe past its nanny-imposed 111 mph top speed.
Back in the UK, the Stig finally takes the GT-R around Top Gear's test track and that meant that members of the studio audience got a chance to see the GT-R's lap time. Earlier this morning, we received word that the time had been posted on Wikipedia. We saw it, our jaw dropped and then it disappeared. Wikipedia being, well... Wikipedia, means that we're taking the time with a grain of salt until the show airs on Sunday. While the lap isn't listed any longer, Wikipedia does allow users to view the revisions made to an entry. If you want to spoil it for yourself, feel free, just don't post it in the comments out of respect for the rest of us. We're willing to wait a few more days for confirmation.
[Sources: Wikipedia, Top Gear, Image: CBA-R35]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Alex @ Jul 18th 2008 12:40PM
seeing that you said your jaws dropped...
i'm assuming it's a good time? possibly the best time?
no?
darn
tankd0g @ Jul 18th 2008 1:10PM
Or the worst.
Tyler @ Jul 18th 2008 1:15PM
Zero point zero.
Proud Japanese @ Jul 18th 2008 3:28PM
GO JAPAN!
Kumail @ Jul 18th 2008 12:44PM
thanks for not telling us, but telling us how to find out. while those who really want to know can check it out, i am willing to wait till the episode comes out.
Franz @ Jul 18th 2008 12:46PM
I can hardly wait. Now I have two things to look forward to this Sunday: F1 at Hockenheim and Top Gear. There's no way I'm gonna spoil it for myself and look up the times.
Pdexter @ Jul 18th 2008 12:50PM
Being Raikkonen fan i got bad feeling about Hockenheim so i can' say i'm waiting for it, but can't wait for TG!
Artie Lange @ Jul 18th 2008 12:47PM
I'm just glad to see that Top Gear has gotten back to being about cars, not what the hosts can turn cars into (boats, space ships, etc.), or where they can drive a beater (Africa, the States, etc.)
Nathan @ Jul 18th 2008 1:37PM
Uh, those are the best parts. As far as actual car reviews go the Top Gear guys are completely biased and rarely base their opinions on anything but "powerrrrrrrr" or the like. If i want an actual car review then there's numerous publications that offer substantially better reviews than Top Gear. I love Top Gear because of their hilarious antics and the chemistry of them when doing challenges. Episode 2 of this season was incredibly boring and dull because all they did was review cars, most likely because of whiners like you.
Franz @ Jul 18th 2008 1:59PM
LOL. I have to agree with you Nathan. If Top Gear was all reviews, it'd be awful. That's part of the reason it was initially canceled. I love the epic races, 1000 pound challenges and IMHO, those car/boat episodes were the funniest of the lot.
Val @ Jul 19th 2008 8:14AM
Fifth gear is more car-review focised, not a bad show too, but nowhere near TG
PaulPaul @ Jul 18th 2008 12:48PM
just saw the previous version of the page... holleee crap; if that time stands wow, just wow!
John R @ Jul 18th 2008 1:23PM
I just went to wikipedia. yeah...jaw hitting the floor is just about right. I hope its true.
xpolarx @ Jul 18th 2008 12:51PM
I looked at it. If that's correct...damn.
komamura @ Jul 18th 2008 12:52PM
Holy hell thats fast O_o
David(Postal) @ Jul 18th 2008 12:56PM
I am having a hard time believing that is the real time but I guess we will see
220v @ Jul 24th 2008 6:20PM
I won't post the time, but faster than a Ferrari Enzo? Highly unlikely. Someone was having a laugh on wikipedia; happens all of the time.
Steve @ Jul 18th 2008 12:59PM
If this thing weighs 3900 lbs, has a V6 of only 3.8 liters why does it go neck and neck in performance with a 6.2 liter V8 with 170 more hp and 600 lbs lighter?
What if the GTR had 6.2 liters? It would probably make 810hp if you keep the ratios the same.
What if the roles were reversed and the Vette had a V6 and the Nissan a 6.2 V8? I believe the GTR is actually accurate or maybe putting out 500hp. But I think the Vette is wasting energy somewhere.
I dont know, Im a corvette guy but I am very impressed by this car and its technology.
Lewdo @ Jul 18th 2008 1:01PM
Turbos make all the difference in the world...
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jul 18th 2008 1:04PM
If the GT-R had 6.2L, the engine would be even larger, when at 3.8L it is roughly the same size (including plumbing) as the 6.2L (or 7.0L) in the Vette.