[Corey]

Quote:
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.

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

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

[Bimmerista]

WOW.

I know that the GT-R is an icon to enthusiasts, but from a purely marketing perspective, Nissan will not have the success with it at that price point in NA under the Nissan badge.

Under the Infinity badge, it could well-and provide additional performance aura to the brand.

I know that Nissan already stated that the GT-R will be available here as a Nissan, but, like I said, its status stemms from the brand marketing strategies of the japanese, none of which until recently marketed any of their luxury brands in the JDM (the JDM cars were in each case marketed under the corporate brand). In that context the GT-R skyline made sense, as did the skyline sedan (G35 over here).

Anyway, just rambling, but I wonder if this will put pressure on Toyota to redo the Supra?

[nmulax]

I agree that in North America, people will have a tough time swallowing a $70k Nissan. Though, Infiniti Skyline just doesn't sound right, and the same could be said about possible Supra rebirth. Lexus Supra?... no, needs to carry the Toyota badge.

[shragon]

Originally Posted by nmulax

I agree that in North America, people will have a tough time swallowing a $70k Nissan. Though, Infiniti Skyline just doesn't sound right, and the same could be said about possible Supra rebirth. Lexus Supra?... no, needs to carry the Toyota badge.

actually the g35 is sold as the regular skyline over in japan. nissan has separated the gt-r from the skyline name, and the new model will just be called gt-r. so it's possible to market it as an infiniti gt-r, like how honda marketed the honda nsx as an acura nsx in north america.

[Bimmerista]

Originally Posted by shragon

actually the g35 is sold as the regular skyline over in japan. nissan has separated the gt-r from the skyline name, and the new model will just be called gt-r. so it's possible to market it as an infiniti gt-r, like how honda marketed the honda nsx as an acura nsx in north america.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking as well.

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by shragon

actually the g35 is sold as the regular skyline over in japan. nissan has separated the gt-r from the skyline name, and the new model will just be called gt-r. so it's possible to market it as an infiniti gt-r, like how honda marketed the honda nsx as an acura nsx in north america.

Good point. I always forget about the "Nissan Skyline" in Japan.

When I hear GT-R, I just think R34 Nissan Skyline.

[Corey]

Despite not carrying the Skyline name, I doubt they would market it under Infiniti. It is in no way a luxury car.

[cdheaven]

while reading this thread, i was figuring out how i can afford a 70K dollar car. Cause i REALLY want one

[shragon]

Originally Posted by nmulax

Good point. I always forget about the "Nissan Skyline" in Japan.

When I hear GT-R, I just think R34 Nissan Skyline.

hahaha, first thing that comes to my mind too is the r34!

Originally Posted by Corey

Despite not carrying the Skyline name, I doubt they would market it under Infiniti. It is in no way a luxury car.

i agree it is in no way a luxury car, but neither was the nsx and that was sold under honda's premium brand acura. as what was said, the american general public may have a hard time swallowing a $70k nissan. but from an enthusiast stand point, i hope it is sold as a nissan. either way, i'm glad to see it's finally making its way over here!

[Corey]

Originally Posted by shragon

hahaha, first thing that comes to my mind too is the r34!


i agree it is in no way a luxury car, but neither was the nsx and that was sold under honda's premium brand acura. as what was said, the american general public may have a hard time swallowing a $70k nissan. but from an enthusiast stand point, i hope it is sold as a nissan. either way, i'm glad to see it's finally making its way over here!

That's true too, I hadn't thought about the NSX.

[Nikki]

pos

[Corey]

Originally Posted by Nikki

pos

It's not a G35, you don't have to hate it.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by Corey

It's not a G35, you don't have to hate it.

lol no really it's pretty sweet.

[DFW_M]

be nice Nik

[Corey]

I think it looks a lot better in black or gunmetal, the carbon fiber panels in front don't look right on the orange.

[SpecC]

sounds like it'll be awesome. if only we could pull a prank on the world, put a bmw badge on it, show everyone how amazing it is, then pull the plug and say, "THIS IS A NISSAN." but think of the children!

[Bimmerista]

It will have amazing performance - let us see how the RS4 and (new) M3 will do against it - remember, in terms of pricing they are likely not to be too far appart if the report is correct.

[enwhykiid]

im gonna get a gtr i dno how but i will

[just4kickz]

haha only true nissan enthuists will want to buy this car... if it was around 40-50k... i'm sure i'd sell better.

front kinda looks like an evo... i'd lose that gt-r thing on the bumper.

[picus]

Did no one else notice the mules ring time? ~8 min flat; not *amazing*, but look at the cars it's equaling.

7:56* - 155.798 km/h -- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ,company chief engineer Dave Hill (*mfr.)
7:56.50 155.594 km/h -- Mercedes CLK DTM AMG, 582 PS/1678kg, Klaus Ludwig (AutoBild 02/06)
7:56.65 155.569 km/h – Lamborghini Gallardo SE, 520 PS/1560 kg, Tom Kristensen (AutoBild 02/06)
7:56.73* 155.569 km/h -- Honda NSX-R (*Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion", lap not complete)
7:57 --- 155.472 km/h -- Lotec Porsche 993 Turbo, 600PS/1558 kg (sport auto 05/98)
7:58 --- 156.652 km/h -- Audi RS4 4.2 V8 FSI, 420 PS/ 1650 kg, Frank Stippler, (10/05) http://www.8200rpm.com/forum/read.ph...16841&t=16841\
7:59 --- 154.822 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM setting “Performance”, (Walter Roehrl WHEELS 06/ 2004)
7:59* -- 154.822 km/h -- Chevrolet C6 Z51, company test driver Dave Hill (*mfr.)
7:59 --- 154.822 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, Dirk Schoymans (Autocar magazine 97)
7:59.41 154.690 km/h -- Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec.C "prototype" (2004), www.subaru.com.hk/pdf/SNW0404.pdf
8:01.72 153.984 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, (Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion")
8:02 --- 153.858 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM setting “Sport”, (Walter Roehrl WHEELS 06/ 04)
8:03 --- 153.540 km/h – Aston Martin V8 Vantage, 385 PS/1636 kg, Pirelli P Zero Corsa (sport auto 10/05)
8:03 --- 153.540 km/h -- Porsche 911 GT3, 360 PS/1391 kg (sport auto 08/99)
8:04 --- 153.223 km/h -- Lamborghini Diablo GT, 575 PS/1620 kg (sport auto 07/00)

I believe this car should be an Infiniti; however Infiniti *may* get a variant of it, like the G35 is to the 350Z, so we will have to see. Right now I would say this car looks interesting, the spec list is certainly very good.

[1q2w3e4r]

8 min's dead around the ring is fast. No doubt about it considering the E46 M runs it in the 8:15 range.

Don't like the new one I'll stick with my R32.

[FTWM3]

sorry to tell you fellas this thing will definately sell. if it were not for the strict CARB rules and DOT regulation people would have been importing R34 to the U.S. in mass numbers. the company that was finally allowed to import R34 was backordered within a couple weeks of announcing importation of the R34. but they fvcked it up, by trying to cut corners. the owners is serving time now i believe.

this car wont sell 90K units/yr in the U.S. and Nissan is not expecting not. nissan's target sales is probably going to be around 10K/yr in the US. just as you dont see gallardo, f430, viper, z06 on the streets everyday you won't see the GT-R on the streets everyday. it will be a car you see flying past you on the freeways and auto shows. a lot of american enthusiasts seem to forget this car has 40+ years of tradition. as of know i know about 4 people getting one.

lets not forget the fast and furious crowd is getting older. i have many friends i went to H.S. and college who had those riced out honda, toyotas etc. they are now my age 28, some younger, some older with real good jobs. many of them were computer sci, engineering, med, pre law majors when i was in school. so dont discount this car yet. it has a lot of fan.