The wait is over! The new 2009 Nissan GT-R R35 is officially released today, 07/07/08! Godzilla is finally here! After about 6 years ever since the prototype was intoduce, the wait is finally over. Well, not really over as there are many people with pre-orders that are still waiting for their GT-R R35 to be delivered to their dealerships. Theres also many delays for people who were suppose to get their GT-R R35 in July which has been delayed to August.

The first GT-R R35 to be sold here in the U.S. took place at midnight July 07, 2008 at Universal City Nissan. They had a celebration there last night for being the first dealer to get a GT-R. The person that bought it was from Costa Mesa. He got a Black Premium GT-R for around $20k over MSRP. Congrats!

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Martin’s Thoughts:

I’m very thrilled that the time is finally here. I still remember the first time I heard the news that the GT-R was comming to the states. I was at the airport in 2002 and was looking in the magazine stand to for something to read on the plane. I saw a car mag that showed the GT-R prototype. I was so excited to find out they were going to have it in the states. I forgot what mag it was as I lost it after buying it to read up more. I told myself, I gotta have this car. I know you have probably read up on the GT-R on magazines, youtube, or other sources on the net. It has so much hype and it should for being one of the fastest production car in the World.

But I wasn’t too excited by how the prototype looked. When Nissan finally reveiled the final production model. I love the back tail lights but the front didn’t get me too excited. The headlights look like a 350z headlights. The front bumper needed air vents on the sides. I know the performance is amazing but the look didn’t fit it. But after seeing one in person, the front became the best part of the whole car to me. The headlights looks like robot eyes. Also this car is wide and it gives a mean stance. I know a lot of people feel the same about the GT-R when they see the pictures of how not attractive it looks. But you really have to see it in person to see all the details on this Godzilla. I was lucky to see the Black and Super Silver GT-R. The silver really shines in the sun and the black looks like a stealth bomber.

I sat in the Super Silver GT-R and the seats are really comfortable. Gives you a nice hug. All the controls are within the drivers reach which gives you full and easy controls. A lot of questions regarding if the back seats are useless as this is a 2+2. The answer is NO. You can actually fit 2 average height people back there. I saw a 5′8″ guy climb in the back. Only complaint I have for the interior is the carpet on the door panels. Gives it a really cheap look. Also theres only one cup holder in the back (well I wouldn’t mind as I don’t want anyone eating in my car but me). Other then that, the interior is very sporty and comfortable.

You probably already heard by now that the new lap time at Nordschleife that the GT-R did was 7:29. Amazing numbers and many improvements from the old lap time of 7:38. Also there will be an even faster GT-R. Speculations of a Nissan GT-R Spec V is soon to come out in 2010. The GT-R has set the bar. There are auto makers out there aiming to beat the GT-R’s lap time. Just recently GM’s Corvette ZR1 did a lap time of 7:26.4. Acura’s new NSX is aiming to beat the GT-R’s time as well.

I actually have a Pearl White 2009 Nissan Premium GT-R R35 on pre-order. The best deal I could find with a 2009 allocation still available is $10k over MSRP in California. I’m not happy about the mark up. I called over 40 Nissan dealers, some even in Nevada and Arizona and this was the best deal I could fine. I understand that its a 2009 but still wish I could find one at MSRP or close to it as many lucky people did in other states. I pre-ordered mines in May. My dealer told me I won’t probably get mines until October or November. I’m still waiting for my confirmation number and vin. I’m fine with the wait as I still have time to decide if this car is right for me. So if you are one of the few lucky ones that was able to get a GT-R already, let me know what you think of it.

If your interest in pre-ordering a GT-R or want more info, be sure to check out the official Nissan GT-R website . It’s going to be hard to order a 2009 allocation as 70% of the U.S. allocations has been sold. So do it quick. Also it’s going to be very hard to find one at MSRP. Good Luck!

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Nissan GT-R R35 Video

To purchase new brake rotors or turn them, ah that is the question. You are wasting your money if you are fitting new brake pads on your vehicle and your rotors are seriously scored or hollowed. It’s extremely dangerous and could also cause the vehicle a total loss of brake. No one ever wants to experience total brake loss. Therefore it is strongly recommended that you replace or turn your rotors before installing any new brake pads.

Your brake center can check the surface condition of your rotor with a straight edge to see if there is more than 0.5mm or 0.020 inches of hollow and if so your rotors must be turned or replaced. If you do not turn or replace the rotors you will have a dangerous braking situation and your pads will become damaged. Since this a safety issue of the utmost importance, it is strongly recommended that you have a professional mechanic take this measurement for you. Rotors can be turned only about 1 or 2 millimeters before they become too thin for safe use and will have to be discarded and replaced.

Brake rotors that have been repeatedly overheated may warp and create a vibration in the wheel. This warping will significantly wear out your tires and suspension systems. If you press the brake pedal successively harder while coming to a stop and you feel a pulsing sensation, the rotors are more than likely warped. A mechanic can take multiple measurements around the rotor with a micrometer to determine how much variation or warping is present.

Disc brake rotors for front wheel drive vehicles are fairly inexpensive. Your rotors can be turned (rotated), machined and still be within factory guidelines, but this usually leaves them thin whereby leaving them to warp or vibrate.

The cost for turning a rotor runs anywhere from $15 to $25 per rotor. Purchasing new rotors typically will only cost from $20-$30 per rotor and of course you will have a lot less problems and a much longer rotor and brake pad life span.

During a brake service, your technician needs to verify that each rotor is not warped and meets the legal minimum thickness specification. Every rotor that falls within these specifications is turned on a lathe and then sanded on both sides for a smooth, non-directional finish. This is the correct way to “turn” rotors that need to be machined, and it provides a smooth surface for the new pads. Unfortunatley, by turning every rotor that measures up, regardless of need, you lose preconditioned rotor surfaces.

Turning a “good” brake disc makes it thinner and reduces its ability to absorb and dissipate heat. By turning this good rotor you may cause warp in the near future when simply replacing the rotor assures you this problem will not occur.