It's set to be Japan's fastest and most advanced supercar - but look under the skin and it's Britain's brains which will power Nissan's new GT-R!
most advanced car in the world. But it's not only Nissan engineers who can claim the credit - our sources say British legend Cosworth has been called in to help tweak the engine, while Lotus is involved in fine-tuning the suspension.

The 'International Specification' GT-R, which will be sold throughout the world for the first time, is set to get a version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine used in the 350Z coupé, but will have electrically assisted twin turbochargers to boost power without sapping too much energy. Cosworth's expertise will be used to make sure the V6's block, head, pistons and crank are all strong enough.

Nissan knows it has to do something really special with the next GT-R, partly because the 350Z performs so well, but also as it's the first globally oriented version of the car, and expectations are high among the 'Playstation generation' of buyers who are familiar with the model from video games consoles.

The company has asked for around 400bhp and 490Nm of torque, but more realistic figures given emissions regulations are 350bhp and 450Nm. To reach production, the car must meet strict Euro4 exhaust regulations. The V6 will be mated to a six-speed Getrag gearbox, with a CVT due a year after launch in early 2005. The auto is undergoing final development, but apparent slippage trouble due to the excessive power has been plaguing prototypes. Insiders have confirmed the GT-R will incorporate an updated version of Nissan's Atessa 4WD system with an active limited slip differential. This new arrangement means torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels not only in response to traction loss, but also as a result of changes in the engine's output.

The FM platform used in the new range of Skyline and Infiniti G35 coupés in Japan and the US is basically good enough, but needs some fine-tuning to handle the extra power - and that's where Lotus comes in. A new hydraulic active suspension system, co-developed with Lotus, will feature. The Norfolk firm's expertise in this area will ensure the car handles like no other GT-R before, and can satisfy the soft-riding expectations of American buyers with the traction and high-speed handling required by the British and German markets.
Its brakes promise to be special, too, with larger Brembo discs controlled by a newly revised brake-by-wire unit which promises to give the sporty feel and feedback enthusiastic drivers demand.

But while the dynamics are groundbreaking, many fans will be disappointed by the looks. Although the car is clearly linked to the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show concept, some of the more aggressive touches have been watered down in favour of a more mainstream appearance. The final production version will debut at next October's Tokyo event
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Here are some more rumors:

Seems like some of the more famous and reliable Japanese motoring publications(Best Car & Holiday Auto) think that the engine used in the next GTR will be the VQ33DETT.

The new 3.3L alloy block V6 will use the stroke length from the VQ35 and the bore from the VQ30. It will use twin electronically assisted turbochargers, which is a first! Apparently two small electric motors will be attached to the turbine shaft spinning it at lower revs when no positive boost is being made thus eliminating turbo lag. Furthermore variable valve timing and variable valve lift will be used in order to achieve the 400ps that is predicted.

The M-spec will get a 6 speed CVT transmission while the V-spec a 6 speed MT. Active suspension will be used, along with 4 pot Brembos all round and huge 19" wheels.

FWIW there are many trims of Skylines over the years. As posted above the Infiniti G35 IS A "SKYLINE" IN JAPAN.
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE/top.html

Think of it like this. The Skyline GT-R is to the Skyline what a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP is to the Grand Prix. The Skyline is and has allways been, available as a 2 or 4 door, RWD or AWD 6 cylinder or 4 cylinder car. FWIW You can even order a 4-Door AWD Turbo Skyline in Japan (last generation) and Actually Tomihara who is a Japanese "Lingenfelter" already has a street tire 4-Door Skyline in the 9's.... gotta love the AWD!

Anyhow, the "trim" that everyone is waiting on is the GT-R. The Current Infiniti G35 Coupe is only considered a "Skyline GT". The GTS would be a Turbo RWD and the GT-R would be the Turbo AWD. The GT-R V-Spec would be a GT-R with Recaros, Brembos, etc. And the "GT-R V-Spec Nur" would be their version of a Porsche GT2.

Anyhow, really confusing I know. Now keep in mind too that the GT-R is allways styled a bit upscale from the base skyline as well and the test mule from the other page is styled with the low-end styling, so I'm sure the production GT-R will look much better.

Case in point, here is the last generation Skyline GT-R R34


Skyline GT-X (Turbo AWD Sedan)


Or a smaller pic
Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Coupe


Skyline GT Sedan


Make Sense?

So this car: (R34)


Was replaced by this car (G35)


And this car (Skyline Coupe GT R34)


Was replaced by this car (G35/Skyline GT/Coupe)


So this big Question is what will replace this car: (The R34 Skyline GT-R)