Why the Nissan GTR is the LeBron James of Sportscars
NOTE: I’m a Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant fan, but just as with cars, even I can appreciate good performance regardless of where it comes from. In 2008, Nissan released the latest iteration of the Skyline GTR (R35) to the automotive community with much fanfare. It was particularly well received by the automotive aftermarket, which was thirsting for “Godzilla” to have its first debut stateside. When LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003, similar to the GTR, he was well received by fans - waiting for this amazing high school phenom to take the NBA by storm. Performance was the key hotspot for both the GTR and LeBron - both had amazing statistical achievements upon introduction:- The GTR had a claimed initial run at the Nurburgring of 7.26 – making it the 2nd fastest production car around the Ring at the time.
- LeBron won rookie of the year in 2003, with averages of 21 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
- The GTR ran an incredible 3.2 0-60 time with launch control.
- LeBron was the youngest player to score 40 points in an NBA game.
- That initial run of the GTR on the Ring was provided by Nissan themselves - subsequent tests times were over 30 seconds slower.
- LeBron coined his own nickname of “King James” during high school
- The GTR warranty initially didn’t include launch mode 0-60 runs
- LeBron was named in a story by Sports Illustrated as the “most over hyped basketball player ever”
- The GTR is a Nissan. Not quite known for exotics as Ferrari and Lamborghini are.
- LeBron is an athletic masterpiece, he’d be great at any sport – but this is simply the result of heredity and DNA, not particular to basketball skills.
- The GTR isn’t particularly striking – it doesn’t have those “exotic” lines or presence…oh and it seats 4.
- LeBron is simply a bullish big guy, practically playing amongst athletes with lesser physiques.