AUTO EXPRESS UK - - Despite disguise, aggressive styling of Nissans all-new supercar is clear to see

Under the skin, the GT-R packs an incredible punch; its specially built 480bhp 3.8-litre V6 engine features twin turbos tuned by motorsport expert Cosworth Called the GT-R, the new model was snapped by our spies at Germany's Nurburgring circuit. It was under*going high-speed testing that saw it break the eight-minute barrier for the first time, with a lap of seven minutes, 58 seconds.

Wearing only minor camouflage on the front end and tail, the model is virtually undisguised, and it's immediately obvious just how aggressive it is. Using sharp edges and angles, the stylists have evolved the current car's shape with a recognisable but futuristic design.

And from the low nose to the shark gill-like side air intakes and high rear - complete with its smart boot spoiler and twin circular tail-lights - the GT-R looks stunning. Detailing is beautiful, too, with NACA bonnet ducts and blacked-out A-pillars echoing a jet fighter cockpit. As Skyline enthusiasts will know, the looks aren't only for show. Under the skin, the GT-R packs an incredible punch; its specially built 480bhp 3.8-litre V6 engine features twin turbos tuned by motorsport expert Cosworth.

Keen to make the newcomer competitive with current supercars, as well as the forthcoming V10-powered Lexus LF-A, Nissan engineers have tweaked the V6 to provide boost from 2,000rpm all the way to the 6,000rpm red line.

Compared with the previous model's high-revving straight-six, the new powerplant is said to feel far more torquey, offering throttle response similar to that of a large V8. All this power is sent to the tarmac via a totally fresh four-wheel-drive system.

Details are sketchy, but the set-up won't feature a centre differential, and is likely to use a clever clutch instead. A new six or seven-speed gearbox with two pedals - similar to VW's DSG - will feature, as there will be no manual.

Set to get its official world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a year's time, the GT-R could go on sale in the UK in 2008 with a price of around ?50,000.

 

There is no denying it looks incredible, and the fact that its engine is tuned by Cosworth, and the suspension by Lotus, both here in the UK makes it even better.
Not sure I like the 6k redline, but I suppose it will make the car more useable for everyday driving.

 

A higher redline, though not necessarily functionally valuable, would sell the car better imo.

 

man I cant wait to see it on the road

 

Watch, it will be overpriced, over weight, and get out performed. The Skyline nameplate alone will assure it's overpriced, the awd and sheer size of the car will push the weight up, and by the time this hits the street there will be plenty of GT500's, Challengers's, and Camaro's to slap it around on the drag strip and plenty of EVO's, STi's, Miata's, and so forth to kill it around a track. 480hp is Viper and Z06 numbers also so it will constantly be compared to them which will be a loosing situation IMO.

 

^ ^ I was thinking the same thing. 480hp just doesn't seem to compare to the supercars already out there. I wonder which nurburgring track configuration it completed it's time in. While by no means a slow time, 7:58 is C5 Z06 territory. C6 knocked almost 20 seconds off that. And no manual tranny. [:'(] I know it is still in the testing stages though... I guess time will tell.

 

not to mention the Lexus LF-H is just about ready to go into production. With a V10 capable of 500hp and a 10,000 RPM redline.

THAT will be the car everyone is going to be talking about. However I still think the GT-R will be quicker around the ring than the 997 Turbo...if not its a complete failure, and Nissan has too much invested for it to be poor around the ring.

 

They are aiming at the totally wrong market with it. The 350Z should hit the bricks and this car should have a de-tuned version of what it has now sitting it at around 300hp and priced at around $38k to $42k. Insted it will be a $80k+ car that gets it's *** kicked by everything in it's segment.

 

IMHO, they should have made the Skyline a beast. Even the new M3 gets a V8. The Skyline should have been the Nissan to attempt tyranny on the throne. It's name is just too big to be compared among the ranks of sub-400hp cars. It's long been coveted by the US market, now it's finally coming to the states in a "seemingly" lackluster package. I really hope it exceeds my expectations... I've always liked Skylines.

 

only because the F & F crowd and the GT series on Playstation. The cars are ok dont get me wrong but even the R34 GTR was nothing more than a 3500lb 320hp at the crank car.