This is a comment that many of the reviewers and test drivers have said countless times and is why I never considered this car until recently. When I first test drove one last fall, at first I could see what others were saying. But when I got on the entrance ramp and took the corner that I normally take with the Viper at 70mph, I looked down and saw triple digits. I realized then that it wasn't that the car felt disconnected, but rather that it was actually so connected that I could do things I normally wouldn't because of the confidence it gave me. You feel so invincible in this car that you do things and take corners you wouldn't dare in any other car. The guy I bought this one from let me have a real test drive, with no restrictions and I was hooked. I then immediately went to the Porsche dealer the next day and drove a new 911. I found the PDK to be assuming, intrusive, and downright weird in the way the paddles work. I drove it for nearly 30 minutes, but simply didn't fall for the experience the way I did with the GT-R. It was nice but it didn't scare me, it didn't make my palms sweat. The GT-R, at least this GT-R, gives me the ******* when I gun it. Anyone who doesn't think this car has soul doesn't have a pulse. I actually find the Paddle-shifting to be more challenging than a stick in this car, at least right now. The reason is because it goes so fast so quickly that I really have to concentrate and think quick when shifting. I actually find the paddle shifting to be very engaging, even without a left pedal. Another thing, it does have a raw side. It's cool to actually hear the twin clutch engage and clamp, the mechanized gear shifting, the sequential downshifting when coming to a stop, very much like an F1 racecar. It doesn't have to be "just push the pedal and go", it lets you engage as much or as little as you want. When you are in Auto mode, you can take over anytime by blipping a paddle. When in "R" mode, it then stays in manual mode, and unlike the PDK, the transmission computer stays out of your way even if you forget to upshift. Like a stick, you hit the rev limiter. After my buddy drove it, he said it was the most insane and crazy driving experience he has ever had. He actually said it was more engaging and fun than a C7 stick.
I don't know why some people get bored with their GT-R, I guess I'll have to wait a year and find out. Maybe destroying everything on the road becomes boring after a while, I admit there is no challenge and very little driver interaction when using launch control. I don't even get nervous about blowing the launch or losing to wheelspin, I know it's like loaded dice and the GT-R will always win. It's fun to see the other car in the rear view mirror ten car-lengths back within seconds. But I'm also the type of guy that loved using cheat codes and secret tricks when playing video games back in the day, so it doesn't bother me to have the tactical advantage. I paid to have that advantage and I can't wait to utilize it on the track this summer. Maybe those that got bored never turned the steering wheel.
interesting feedback though
