To me the GT-R is like a Super EVO/STI.
There's no denying the pure traction advantages of AWD, and combined with SMG, launch control, active suspension, etc., etc. you end up with an easy-to-drive car that can pull great numbers. Ten years ago I had a modified Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo that could pull zero-to-60 in 5.0 seconds without a thought (and that car at least had three pedals in the footwell...). It was also cumbersome and flaccid when it came time to change direction.
But as pointed out by several folks already, great numbers and great driving experiences don't necessarily correlate. I think of it this way -- if you're going to put me in a situation where lap times and/or finishing position earns me money then I'll take every advantage I can get.
But no one is sponsoring me. No one is paying for my track time or roll cage or fire system, so lap times and checkered flags mean nothing to me. The bulk of my driving is on Mulholland, route 33, and other twisty sedtions of Southern California public asphalt. On these roads the AWD and electronic nannies only dilute the experience.
The Ford GT is as pure as it gets in a 21st Century sports car. By 2012 every car sold in this country is going to have stability control. Of course one of the reasons they stopped making the GT in 2006 was the increased side impact standards for 2007 and beyond.
Car design (even sports car design) is being driven by lawyers and the lowest common denominator in driver skill. Technology means the numbers will keep getting better, but not necessarily the thrill behind the wheel.
