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FEBRUARY 22 – 28, 2012
VOL. 4 – ISSUE 24
AUTOREVIEW: 2012 NISSAN GT-R
Photos Courtesy: David Goodspeed
GODZILLA HAS AWOKEN
By David Goodspeed – dgoodspeed@blitzweekly.com
Q
uick, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say “Godzilla?” For most it is the star of childhood monster movies that feature horrible voice dubbing. For the true auto enthusiast it means one thing – Nissan GT-R. I took delivery of a 2012 GT-R for Super Bowl weekend and despite a few little things, this is one SUPER car. GT-R is the North American version of the Skyline GT-R, Nissan’s answer to the likes of Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and ZR-1. The 2012 model GT-R generates a modest 530 horsepower and 448 lb. ft. of torque (both up from previous models) from a twinturbo’d 3.8-liter V-6 powerplant, and those figures will rise yet again for the upcoming 2013 GT-R. All that power is delivered to the rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system via a paddle-shifted sequential six-speed dual clutch transmission with automatic and manual modes. For optimum weight distribution and maximized handling capability the gearbox, transfer case and final drive are all located under the rear of the vehicle, which also makes for some interesting sounds during your drive time when you don’t have the stereo system blaring. Located in the center dash console are three switches that control your driving experience. Each offers normal, special, or “R” modes and
they control transmission shifts, Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers, and vehicle dynamic control. Braking duties are handled by oversized Brembo full-floating drilled rotors featuring performance brake pads and calipers. For 2012, Godzilla sees updated exterior and interior styling in addition to the power increases. Body components include a blend of steel, die-cast aluminum and carbon fiber. GT-R now receives splashes of carbon fiber in the cockpit as well. In addition to the standard tach/speedo combination gauge package in the driver’s instrument panel the GT-R offers additional useful instrumentation via the center dash mounted, video game-inspired multi-function display. Drivers can select from a variety of display modes that provide instant feedback of what the car is doing. Despite so many track car-like features found in the GT-R, Nissan has built a vehicle that is very much a daily driver. The GT-R is not overbearing or uncomfortable – quite the opposite – and offers all of the amenities we have become spoiled on including Satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a very nice Bose premium audio system. Once you get the seat, steering wheel and column, and mirrors adjusted to your liking you will need to set aside a bit of time for familiarization with the controls and gauges. The GT-R takes a bit of time to get used to simply
because of how much content is offered. Whether heading out on a dininner date with your significant other er or cruising to the track for a playay-
date with fellow gearheads, “Godzilla” Godzilla” is a great way to roll. This car delivers rs some of the best bang for the buck. It produces uces supercar numbers at the track while being ng one of the very few to not only be priced under der six figures but also not be straddled with a gas-guzzler tax. Our 2012 Nissan GT-R Premium um model rolls from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds nds and costs just a tick over 91 grand, with fuel economy figures (like they really matter) of 16-mpg city and 23 mpg highway. “Go, go Godzilla!”
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three World Series rings, but what does he know about video games? A lot, it turns out. The plot is intriguing, but it does Kingdoms of Amalur: seem to fall a bit short of emotionally Reckoning There is something to be said about captivating. Your character is essengames that have the “Action RPG” tially a magical science experiment. moniker slapped on them these days. Having been killed on the battlefield, KoA:R stands its ground against the you are resurrected by the Well of demons that have very much kept Souls, a device that was thought to games from being more than a wist- be a bust after hundreds of failed atful afterthought, and because of that, tempts. KoA:R dogged a bullet with its it shines. When I first heard that Curt Shil- progression system. Aware that ling had opened a game studio, I people are growing weary of being was skeptical. The guy may have locked into a certain role with the disBy Aeryn Ripley @BlitzWeekly
9.5 out of 10 VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.BLITZWEEKLY.COM
Console: PC, PS3, 360 Rating: M Developers: 38 Studios
persion of their talent points, KoA:R gives an out: whenever you tire of sword-wielding melee, you can part with a sum of gold and have your Fate wiped clean. This is arguably the first big release of the year, and it stands up well. The amount of stuff that it gets right far eclipses the menial details that can add a dash of tedium to your experience. For fans of fantasy and action, as well as those on the fence, I can tell you with certainty that this is a game that you do not want to miss.