Ride & Drive: 2015 Nissan GT-R

I couldn't even begin to count how many cellphone "selfies" have been taken by this week's test vehicle. I just know there has been a steady flow of folks pulling in the parking lot to check out the 2015 Nissan GT-R supercar, and all of them have taken out their phone to take pictures.

It has certainly drawn the most attention of any car I've evaluated in recent years. The GT-R is a 545 horsepower, all-wheel drive high-performance vehicle with a price tag starting around $101,000. The list price of this week's test vehicle came in at $106,650, which included a $3,000 premium paint job with 24-karat-gold-coated glass flakes.

The first thing I noticed when I climbed into the cockpit is the speedometer goes up to 220 mph. And then when I pushed the ignition button to start the engine, I saw the multi-function display capable of displaying 14 different pages of information, such as acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback.

As I scrolled through the pages on the display, one came up displaying the turbo boost functions for the 3.8-liter twin turbo V-6 that produces 463 lbs.-ft. torque to along with its 545 horsepower.

Everything about the GT-R is designed for performance, including the paddle-shift sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds.

It even has an adjustable shock absorber system that uses multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces for enhanced control in a variety of driving situations.

And, the 20-inch high performance, run-flat, nitrogen-filled tires feature a new compound and revised tread pattern designed to match the suspension characteristics for improved handling during hard cornering.

The GT-R has a midship platform layout that places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, providing excellent balance. I also have to mention the specially designed, 11-speaker Bose audio system with active noise cancellation.

For those wanting even more power, Nissan recently introduced the 600 horsepower GT-R NISMO, which has a sticker price starting at $149,990.

Without question, the GT-R is a fun car to drive, especially if you have access to a track. You really can't experience the beauty of its engineering until reaching speeds of about 70 mph — that's when it really starts to shine.

While suitable for everyday driving, unless you have frequent access to a track and $100,000 burning a hole in your pocket, I recommend buying a Nissan Z Coupe or Z Roadster. You will still have a lot of fun, and your wallet will thank you.

If, however, you have the cash and a place to let this supercar run free, I highly recommend taking a test drive in the new Nissan GT-R.

Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years, and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.

The Nuts and Bolts

MODEL:

2015 Nissan GT-R

4-seat high-performance coupe

All-wheel drive

Trim packages:

GT-R Premium, GT-R Black Edition, GT-R NISMO

PRICE RANGE:

$101,000-$150,000

(Specifications below for GT-R Premium/Black Edition only)

ENGINE:

3.8L twin turbo V-6

(545 hp/463 torque)

TRANSMISSION:

Dual clutch sequential six-speed with paddle shifters

EPA: 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway

FUEL: Premium unleaded

BRAKES: ABS

LENGTH: 183.8 inches

WHEELBASE: 109.4 inches

WIDTH: 74.6 inches

HEIGHT: 53.9 inches

WEIGHT: 3,851-3,831 pounds

TRACK: 62.6/63

(front/rear)

FUEL TANK: 19.5 gallons

TIRES: 120-inch

CARGO: 8.8 cubic feet