2008 Nissan GT-R

[Cynthetiq]

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW NISSAN GT-R- New Dimensional Multi-Performance Supercar Available in Early December –

TOKYO (Oct. 24, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of “an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime”. The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.

The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth’s natural forces – gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics – and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.

Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance “speed and efficiency,” “high-output with environmental consideration” and “high performance and safety.”

Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation – whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas – all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

The Nissan GT-R’s unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle’s design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a “clean room” environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world’s first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38” engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

The Nissan GT-R’s new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.

Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.

High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, “super wide beam” headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.

Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.

Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.

Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R’s styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle’s driving experience – as well as suggesting GT-R’s “supercar” level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R’s aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The all-new GT-R’s body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.

The front fenders express power and stability, while the “aero-blades” on the fenders’ leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders’ trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New “super wide beam” headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.

The Nissan GT-R’s large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.

The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R’s paint – which utilizes a “double clear coat” and “anti-chipping” process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.

An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.

The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver’s head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.

Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red “engine start” button.

Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special “set-up switch” located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings – Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R “supercar” application.

A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.

For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an “optimal gearshift map,” to emphasize economical vehicle operation.

A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.

Pricing and Sales Target
<Sales target> 200 units / month

Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen, Consumption tax included)

　　　GT-R GR6-type dual 7,770,000
４WD VR38DETT GT-R Black edition clutch 7,927,500
GT-R Premium edition transmittion 8,347,500


*1: Bilstein DampTronic is the registered trademark of ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH
*2: Bluetooth® and the Bluetooth logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. of the U.S.

The wait is finally over. Okay this is just too hot. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys on this side of the Pacific as an officially sold vehicle in the US. Onto more photos...

Specifications   click to show 

Engine
• VR-series twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.
• 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200–5,200 rpm.
• Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing.
• Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
• IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank.
• Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
• ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case.
• Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle.
• Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system).
• Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline.

Transmission
• 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts).
• Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
• Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode).
• Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
• Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Wheels and Tires
• 20 x 9.5" (front) and 20 x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with Gunmetal Gray finish.
• Exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Bridgestone® RE070A high-capacity run-flat summer tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Optional exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Dunlop® run-flat all-season tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear (includes Bright Silver wheels).
Brakes
• Brembo® 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking.
• Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation.
• 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Steering
• Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.
• 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
• 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering).
• Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs.
• Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes.
• Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Body/Chassis
• Exclusive Premium Midship platform with jig-welded hybrid unibody.
• Aluminum hood, trunk and door skins. Die-cast aluminum door structures.
• Carbon-reinforced front crossmember/radiator support.


Standard Features

Exterior
• Wide-beam headlights with High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams.
• LED taillights and brake lights.
• Dual heated power mirrors.
• Flush-mounted aluminum door handles.
• Body-color rear spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop light.
• UV-reducing tinted glass.
Audio/Navigation/Performance Monitor
• Digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer and 11 speakers including dual subwoofers.
• HDD Music Box system, including hard drive with 9.4 GB for audio storage.
• MP3, WMA and DVD audio capable. In-dash Compact Flash card reader.
• HDD-based GPS navigation with touch screen.
• Driver-configurable performance monitor, developed with Sony® Polyphony, with graphical readouts of vehicle data and driving data displayed on a total of 11 screens.
• 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD display for audio, navigation and performance monitor.
Interior
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).
• Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator.
• Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature.
• Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks.
• Cruise control.
• Tilt/telescoping steering column.
• Bluetooth® Hands-free phone system with voice recognition.
Seating/Appointments
• Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts.
• 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers.
• Driver-shaped bucket seat.
• Dual individual rear seats.
• Heated front seats.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• Drilled aluminum pedals.
Safety/Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor.
• Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.
• Vehicle Security System.

* Japan-market features and specifications shown.

[Jetée]

God, what a monster performer it will be!

[dirtyrascal7]

FYI --

7,770,000 Japanese yen = 67,909.80 U.S. dollars
7,927,500 Japanese yen = 69,286.35 U.S. dollars
8,347,500 Japanese yen = 72,957.15 U.S. dollars

Definitely an awesome car... but definitely expensive.

[ironman]

Is it just me, or it has a Mustang vibe going on?

[LoganSnake]

Originally Posted by Jetée

God, what a monster performer it will be!

NURBURG, Germany — Nissan engineers are at the Nürburgring again testing the upcoming 2009 GT-R supercoupe, and unofficial lap times suggest it may be faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo.

When Nissan's engineers returned to the Nürburgring this week with the latest GT-R prototypes, local spy photographers got out their cameras and their stopwatches. Rumors circulating around the area suggested that Nissan was planning to put the GT-R on the clock to see if it could outgun one of its key benchmarks — the Porsche 911 Turbo.

After several hot laps, our spy shooters reported hand-timed numbers in the 7:38 range. That would make the GT-R roughly 2 seconds faster than the latest 911 Turbo, which has a widely reported unofficial time of 7:40.

Like the 997 Turbo, the Nissan GT-R uses all-wheel drive and twin turbos. Most rumors put the GT-R's horsepower at around 450, but given its ability to keep pace with the 480-hp 911 Turbo, the Nissan could be pushing as much as 500 hp.

What this means to you: Anyone who doubted Nissan's ability to take on the 911 Turbo with the latest GT-R could be eating their words if these latest lap times are any indication.

Ring numbers:

7.32 - Porsche 997 GT2 2008 (Motor Authority, Autobild, driven by Walter Röhrl, complaining after the lap that he had to pass eleven other cars "Ich musste elf Autos ueberholen")
7:32 - Porsche Carrera GT, 612 PS/ 1475 kg, definitive time Horst von Saurma (sport auto 01/04)
7.32 - Gemballa Porsche GTR 600 PS/1380 kg (Gemballa)
7:34 - Koenigsegg CCR, 806 PS/1140 kg (cold conditions), Horst von Saurma (sport auto), Oct 17-18 2005
7:38 - Nissan GT-R, 480PS/1720kg 26,600 Meter Timging September 2007
7:40 - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, 626PS/1768 kg Klaus Ludwig (AutoBild 07/04)
7:40 - Porsche 997 Turbo 480PS/1565 kg Walter Röhrl
7:40 - Bugatti Veyron 16/4, 1001PS/1888 kg (Wheels magazine Australia, 12/05)
7:41 - Manthey Porsche GT3 M410, 413 PS/1320 kg (160.868 km/h), Lucas Luhr (Autobild 07/04)
7.42 - Corvette Z06 (Jan Magnussen)[2]

Vid of the lap: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uGe_fyhQazg

[Willravel]

I like Porsche because they make fast cars that look good.

You'll get no argument from me that this thing is a beast on the street, but it's not much to look at. It looks like an Aztek made it with the GT-R34 and a G37.

[Jetée]

Originally Posted by LoganSnake

Ring numbers:



Vid of the lap: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uGe_fyhQazg

I already knew of the record that the GT-R held at The Nürburgring, but thanks enough for the video. Hadn't seen that.


I do think that the US-spec version, though, as it happens to most, will be de-tuned and re-packaged at a lower price closer to that of the last generation Skylines. Around $55-59 K for starters wouldn't seem too unreasonable for the punch you will be buying, even if might be less than the Jap and Euro-spec versions.

[LoganSnake]

The MSRP is around $90,000 according to the person I spoke to who put a down payment on one of these.

Originally Posted by willravel

I like Porsche because they make fast cars that look good.

You'll get no argument from me that this thing is a beast on the street, but it's not much to look at. It looks like an Aztek made it with the GT-R34 and a G37.

You're right about one thing. Guys at Porsche know how to make a fast car. Good looks? Bleh.

Not that this car will win any beauty contests...

[Shauk]

god thats ugly. i'm sorry but it looks like someone's attempt at 3d origami, with metal. the interior is hot though, i like that at least

[ChrisJericho]

I bet that thing is fast, but like the others have said, it's just not attractive. It looks like a mix of a ford mustang and an old Mitsubishi eclipse.

If I was going to drop that amount of money I'd just get a porshe.

[Jetée]

In terms of looks, it is not that bad. It is just a slight improvement on what the horrendous 2008 GM Camaro prototype looks like.

Ex.

[bodypainter]

It looks like a Transformer.

As long as there's not an option for a good old-fashioned stick shift, I'm not a potential customer.

[Painted]

Why can't they make sleek, good-looking cars anymore?

[LazyBoy]

turbo 3.8l? They're everything the turbo Buicks were 20 years ago

-Will

[i_am_not_worthy]

I just want to see one in the flesh. Cars look great as pics in magazines / on the net / tv but in person this car is going to look great!

[Cynthetiq]

autoblog.com

We've previously reported on how the GPS system fitted to the GT-R would remove the 111 mph (180 kph) speed limiter when the car arrives at a track, but according to Niikura, it will only work on pre-approved racetracks. However, the GPS sensor doesn't automatically remove the limiter by itself, it has to be manually changed by navigating through a series of menus on the GT-R's touch screen. While having to go to a Nissan-approved track is daft in its own right, it's even worse when you leave. After the track day, owners are required to head on over to a Nissan High Performance Center where a $1000 safety check is performed. Don't do it and the factory warranty is void.

now that's just wild!!! GPS speed limiting?

[telekinetic]

Originally Posted by i_am_not_worthy

I just want to see one in the flesh. Cars look great as pics in magazines / on the net / tv but in person this car is going to look great!

A friend saw this one in phoenix:



Another friend of mine showing off in Japan:

[buttless1der]

Originally Posted by dirtyrascal7

FYI --

7,770,000 Japanese yen = 67,909.80 U.S. dollars
7,927,500 Japanese yen = 69,286.35 U.S. dollars
8,347,500 Japanese yen = 72,957.15 U.S. dollars

Definitely an awesome car... but definitely expensive.

When you consider the price of the vehicles it can run with the price is very reasonable.

It beats a Veyron around the ring. That says all I need to know.

[Bear Cub]

Hurray for paddle shifters!

[buttless1der]

Originally Posted by ChassisWelder

Hurray for paddle shifters!

Looking at this picture I would imagine paddle shifters are an option.

[Martian]

Originally Posted by Jetée

In terms of looks, it is not that bad. It is just a slight improvement on what the horrendous 2008 GM Camaro prototype looks like.

Ex.

Frankly, I think I'd rather have the Camaro. Both cars are ugly, the Camaro is no slouch with an LS2 bolted to a T56 (and the RS/Z28 will likely run an LS7, when they introduce that) and for the price of one GT-R you'll almost be able to get two Camaros (pricing competitive with the Mustang, which looks to mean a base price no higher than $40 000).

Plus, the LS2 gets it's 400 horses naturally aspirated, which means you'll most likely be able to just put regular unleaded in the tank. A twin turbo V6 making over 400 is gonna need premium.

[allaboutmusic]

I don't like the dash layout - looks too square and boxy rather than the angular lines of the body.

[vancityboi]

omg i cant stop drooling.

[allaboutmusic]

You really ought to get that checked out.

[Cynthetiq]

Source: Nytimes
View: GT-R Waiting Game About to End

February 24, 2008
Wheelspin
GT-R Waiting Game About to End
By PAUL DUCHENE
HARDLY a model year goes by without the debut of at least one new car that sets off a frenzied run on dealers’ showrooms. In the last decade, introductions for vehicles as disparate as the Volkswagen New Beetle, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mini Cooper and Ford GT each resulted in months-long waiting lists, accompanied by gigabytes of Internet speculation.

So far in 2008 that must-have car seems to be the Nissan GT-R, a 480-horsepower sports coupe with all-wheel drive and a full-time cheering section. It will be available in the United States in June, starting around $70,000. Nissan plans to import 2,500 GT-Rs this year and about 1,500 annually in the future.

Typically, the cars that set off these stampedes carry names steeped in history or, at the least, a design that gestures to a beloved icon of the past. Why, then, is a car whose predecessors Nissan has never sold in the United States proving such a phenomenon?

The 2009 GT-R may be the first car whose reputation was forged primarily in the virtual world, at least in the minds of young American enthusiasts. The GT-R is a mainstay of leading video games, notably the Gran Turismo series that Sony PlayStation fans devote hours to, and was a featured star of a promotion that linked the introduction of the actual GT-R at the 2007 Tokyo auto show with the release of a special prologue edition of Gran Turismo 5.

To a much smaller group of fans in the United States — those who follow international sports car racing series — the GT-R is a high-performance hero of long standing, a car closer to meeting the definition of a supercar than any earlier effort by a Japanese automaker.

While sports cars like the Toyota 2000GT and Acura NSX were memorable, they did not attain the same level of performance — or incite the same degree of lust — as European exotics. The GT-R could be different.

The GT-R comes by its reputation honestly, having matured from Skyline models that trace their roots back to the late 1960s. The first GT-R version of the Skyline made its debut in 1969, lasting only a few years before oil shocks put the whole idea on hiatus.

Though it was nearly two decades before the model name reappeared, the GT-R’s reputation went on to worldwide recognition, mainly on the strength of its racing successes in Japan and Australia. (Until now, the GT-R was sold only with right-hand drive.)

Driving a GT-R a few years ago (the fourth-generation R34 model produced in 1999-2002 that had a role in “The Fast and The Furious” films) I came to appreciate this special machine as the automotive equivalent of a samurai sword. It seemed to be something created with such intense focus and precision that it generated its own presence.

Nissan uses the sword metaphor to describe the latest GT-R, too, pointing to the “aero blade canopy” of the passenger cabin’s roofline and describing the curved form of the rear roof pillar as a sword edge.

William Scott Wilson, a Florida-based writer and teacher who lived in Japan and has translated classics like “The Book of Five Rings” by the 17th-century swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, helped put the Japanese design discipline into perspective for me. Mr. Wilson recalled living in a village of craftsmen in Japan and visiting an 80-year-old sword maker, where he learned the history of the curved samurai sword, or katana, developed in the 10th century by folding and tempering steel many times to create a razor-sharp edge on a flexible blade.

“When a man makes a sword, there’s kinetic energy in the steel — a spirit of deep respect for what the swordsman is doing that infuses his product,” Mr. Wilson said. “By the time it has been tempered and washed, the sword gets the spirit of the man.”

Part of what makes the new GT-R so special may be the spirit of the research and development team inside Nissan that developed the car’s technology.

The designers are a tight-knit group. Peter Bedrosian, Nissan’s North American product manager for the GT-R, said. “They all wear special badges and sign secondary nondisclosure forms.

“Everything has to be perfect on these cars,” he said. “They took great pains to keep this new car a secret. We’ve had V.P.’s go to Japan, request to see the model and be told they can’t.”

The association of the GT-R with the video game world turns out to be a two-way relationship.

Not only did Nissan give GT-R data to the Sony PlayStation designers and the software developers at Xanavi Information to make sure the cars in the Gran Turismo games would be accurate, the game producers returned the favor, helping to create the car’s 11 instrument panel display screens.

Mr. Bedrosian said this relationship provides a link between generations.

“If you’re over 30, you have to be a real car nut to know about the GT-R,” he explained. “If you’re under 25, Gran Turismo has exposed you to it already.”

I found this to be very cool, I didn't know that Polyphony Digital did that for them. That's pretty cool, the instrumentation must be interesting to look at.

Not only did Nissan give GT-R data to the Sony PlayStation designers and the software developers at Xanavi Information to make sure the cars in the Gran Turismo games would be accurate, the game producers returned the favor, helping to create the car’s 11 instrument panel display screens.

At the Tokyo Auto Show, Nissan honcho Carlos Ghosn unveiled the GT-R. The car, which hits the US next Spring, features a multifunction dash display that was developed in conjunction with Gran Turismo Polyphony Digital. The display can monitor oil pressure, oil temp, engine coolant temp, transmission oil pressure, turbocharger boost pressure, throttle position, torque split, steering angle and lateral G-froce. The Polyphony Digital display can also log data that helps improve driving technique and can help with fuel economy. In other Polyphony Digital news, the GT-R has already popped up on Gran Turismo Prologue. There's more! Polyphony has also struck a deal with the BBC to offer episodes of car show Top Gear for download via Gran Turismo TV. Nice to see that the developer responsible for the "World's Most Realistic Driving Simulator" isn't kinda serious about cars, but DEAD SERIOUS about them. Warms the heart, don't it?

[Halx]

A $70K car that looks like a $25k car on the outside. Looks like a cross between a last generation Celica (nose), an RX-8 (fender) and a 2002 Impala (rear)

Sorta disappointed to see it.. but I dont think you can knock it when you're driving.

[Fotzlid]

love those seats.

[telekinetic]

Originally Posted by Halx

A $70K car that looks like a $25k car on the outside. Looks like a cross between a last generation Celica (nose), an RX-8 (fender) and a 2002 Impala (rear)

Sorta disappointed to see it.. but I dont think you can knock it when you're driving.

You're seriously going to compare the rear to an Impala?? You know that Skylines have been doing the 'four round tail lights' thing for generations, and the Impala has only been doing it for half a body style (the tail lights you're thinking of started in 2003, btw)? Every time I catch a glimpse of an Impala with 'skyline' tails, (espcially silver ones for some reason) I do a double take.

I'm not saying you have to love the aesthetic, but at least don't bash the tail lights...they're the only part of the look that actually says 'Skyline.'

R31:

R32 (on the right):

R33 Coupe:

R33 Sedan:

R34:

R35:


2004 Impala:

[Cynthetiq]

I do the same when I see the colored rear of an Impala. There's a pair of skylines here in NYC. I see them from time to time so I'm always checking when I see the Impala.

[Halx]

Well, do I have a point or not?

[Scorps]

Originally Posted by Martian

Frankly, I think I'd rather have the Camaro. Both cars are ugly, the Camaro is no slouch with an LS2 bolted to a T56 (and the RS/Z28 will likely run an LS7, when they introduce that) and for the price of one GT-R you'll almost be able to get two Camaros (pricing competitive with the Mustang, which looks to mean a base price no higher than $40 000).

Plus, the LS2 gets it's 400 horses naturally aspirated, which means you'll most likely be able to just put regular unleaded in the tank. A twin turbo V6 making over 400 is gonna need premium.

Ya would rather take the raw HP of a Camaro over some import. AWD to me is to much

[ancientk]

This is my new dream car. The numbers speak for themselves.

As for cars with more power, can they handle as well as accelerate?

This car is a monster value.

[Scorps]

Originally Posted by ancientk

This is my new dream car. The numbers speak for themselves.

As for cars with more power, can they handle as well as accelerate?

This car is a monster value.

You can get more bang for your buck. Personally I think AWD is crap, can't have any fun

[silent_jay]

Can't have any fun? Ever watch WRC? Ever see an STI blow through twisties? I rest my case.

[bodypainter]

One of my compatriots got one and took some side-by-side comparisons with his other car for us. The GT-R is freaking XBOX huge.

[ancientk]

I forgot to add that the GT-R is practical too. I haven't sat in one yet, but I think you can realistically fit people in the backseats and it has a trunk for hauling groceries, golf clubs, etc.

[Cynthetiq]

Originally Posted by ancientk

I forgot to add that the GT-R is practical too. I haven't sat in one yet, but I think you can realistically fit people in the backseats and it has a trunk for hauling groceries, golf clubs, etc.

real sports cars don't haul people and stuff... they just haul ass.

[QuasiMondo]

Nissan recommends that you do not rice out your GT-R:

Pulled from the owner's manual in a section discussing 'Illegal Modifications'