More on Nissan GT-R (Skyline)

Taken from the AutoExpress.co.uk site...

Well, they certainly kept this one quiet! The surprise star of last week's Tokyo Motor Show was Nissan's next-generation GT-R sports car. Only hours before its debut, the company wouldn't confirm its supercar was waiting in the wings.

But with the silver paintwork barely dry, Nissan president Carlos Ghosn unveiled the flagship concept. Rest assured it will be built, and when it hits Europe, probably in two years, will be badged GT-R. The familiar Skyline name won't appear as that's reserved for a four-door model, the 300 GT. That goes on sale in the US next year and should come to Europe in 2003.

As with previous GT-Rs, the latest model has a huge front airdam and grille, plus Ferrari-style tail lights. Other features, including the headlights, are from Nissan's 350Z coupé. The company remained tight-lipped about mechanical details, and there may be a good reason for that. The GT-R will face tough competition from Japanese rival Honda, which is set to replace the NSX with a new model that may be powered by the hi-tech petrol/electric hybrid system used by the Dual Note car seen in last week's issue. Rumours are rife that Nissan plans an electrically assisted mechanical set-up for the

GT-R, as this would beat Japanese engine output rules by using electric power. Lightweight motors mounted in the wheel hubs will not only increase output, but also aid traction. On a more conventional note, a company source hinted that in place of the current

GT-R's 2.6-litre straight-six, the newcomer will boast a tuned version of the 350Z's 3.5-litre V6 with twin-turbos pumping out more than 400bhp. The computerised four-wheel drive of the current model remains, and a seven-speed CVT gearbox is planned.