New GT-R

[Shawn96VR-4]

By Sam Mitani • Photo Illustration by Larson

March 2007

Photos of a masked Nissan GT-R lapping the Nürburgring last fall received more hits on the Internet than Miss USA did after a night out on the town. The reason: Despite its expected price tag of about $70,000, the GT-R will be the most alluring Japanese sports machine to come our way since the Acura NSX in the mid-1990s. Previously sold only in Japan, the GT-R (Skyline GT-R as it was formerly known) has been an icon to boy racers and aftermarket tuners alike since the R32 appeared in 1989. The upcoming version, which will hit dealer showrooms in late 2007 or early 2008, will be the first model marketed worldwide, thus the first official version available in the U.S. Nissan has remained mum regarding this sixth-generation model, but we have discovered some interesting new tidbits about the car.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn confirmed that the GT-R will be built in Japan. The chassis will be assembled in the company's Tochigi factory while the powerplant will be produced at its Yokohama engine plant. The official logo for the car has also been released. As for the performance of the GT machine, here's what we know so far.

Power will come from a 3.7-liter version of Nissan's VQ powerplant. A pair of turbochargers will help it produce about 450 bhp and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. Because longtime fans of the GT-R are accustomed to more output via aftermarket tuning, Nissan has seemingly left some room on the table for buyers wanting to increase the power of their GT-Rs.

Stock boost pressure will be limited to about 10 psi, but we hear that the engine is capable of handling a lot more. A tamer version of this V-6, codenamed VQ37HR-TT, will make its way into the upcoming Infiniti G35 Coupe. Key differences between the engines are that the GT-R's VQ will have the twin turbo.chargers, lighter pistons and connecting rods, as well as a beefed-up crankshaft. Other custom parts may make their way into the engine, including racing profile camshafts and new valvetrain. It will come mated to a Getrag 6-speed transmission or a paddle-shift sequential automatic with seven or eight gears.

The GT-R will have awesome stopping power, especially if it wears the same brakes spotted during testing at the Ring. Gold-colored Brembo calipers sparkled in the sun as the GT-R attacked the famed Nordschleife. Upon closer inspection, the fronts appeared to be 6-pot calipers. As for the car's handling, we're pretty sure that it will be all-wheel drive, with a new version of Nissan's ATTESA system. For the record, the car had little trouble negotiating the Carousel at more than 110 mph. Its lap times were reported to be around 8 minutes flat, quite impressive for a test mule on a somewhat crowded track. Could it match or eclipse the Porsche 911 Turbo's time in the 7-minute-40-second range in an all-out effort? The answer awaits us in just a few months. — SM

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4650



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[BSFL89]

a that looks awesome.. although i am still a fan of the original skylines style...

[Celtic1982citleC]

Love it...wish it was coming to the US as a Nissan though and not an Infinity. Also, I think they're setting their sights a bit high if they think they'll be taking business away from 911 buyers...IMO Especially since it's the same money as a 911 C2.

[Captain Moai]

It will be a Nissan. Infinity may have its own variant, as stated, for its luxury touring purposes but Nissan is the sports end of the brand and has always reserved the skyline name for its own use.

[Celtic1982citleC]

Originally Posted by Moai

It will be a Nissan. Infinity may have its own variant, as stated, for its luxury touring purposes but Nissan is the sports end of the brand and has always reserved the skyline name for its own use.

Despite what the "press" publishes it is already known that here in North America the new GT-R will be launched as an Infinity. This is largely due to the fact that it would be near impossible to market a vehicle in a market that is as heavily brand driven as we are here in North America (think of the Honda NSX which was launched in NA as an Acura). Nissan North America wants to make sure they sell enough of these vehicles in NA and to command the $70,000+ price tag they need a name to put along with that. Infinity, more so than Nissan, has a high-end price tag and could possibly be justified to consumers outside of the niche group that the vehicle will appeal to no matter how it is badged. If you're able to get your hands on a dealer copy of Automotive Magazine I'd recommend reading the article, makes you realize how brand name driven we are as a society.

[Captain Moai]

Originally Posted by MYIX8UR8

If you're able to get your hands on a dealer copy of Automotive Magazine I'd recommend reading the article, makes you realize how brand name driven we are as a society.

Yeah. it's dissappointing how shallow this society has become.
Fuck America. I'm moving to Spain.

[4cedfed4]

That would look extremely sexy in black...

[Captain Moai]

it's weird. It almost looks like a black honda accord or a new mitsu eclipse is trying to poke out from under the skin of an infiniti coupe.

[Celtic1982citleC]

^ +1 on the Eclipse / G35 Coupe hybrid theory. With some sharper edges added.

[nysulli]

i've seen pictures of one in a darkish grey, loved it

but everything else i've read has stated it will be released as a nissan, many of those comments have been taken directly from the high ups at nissan

as far as performance, i've also read things that state nissan folks won't be happy unless its faster then the R34 around the N ring, which held the record till the new 911 claimed it

and yes, i think that could easily take some business away from porsche, at least least from the folks who are looking for pure performance, and not after the status symbol

[intern8tion9l]

i must be the only one that doesn't like it. it'll def have to grow on me over time cause my first opinion is that it's ugly
*prepares for verbal thrashing*

[mikecentola]

Its unique! I'd drive one

[Shawn96VR-4]

I knew this thread would blow up. Where's Cossey?

[BSFL89]

march 2007??? just checking but is that the planned release of the gtr?