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Second Artilce from Import Racer

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Source: Import Racer

Godzilla_Returns

By: Tyrone Rodriguez and Jackie Ling

The race for the GT-R is nearly done. According to Shiro Nakamura, the design for the first global GT-R has almost been finalized. It’s a little known fact that Nissan regularly has its camps battle it out for the design. If you didn’t know, that’s what happened with the current 350z model, with a collaborative effort from Nissan Japan and NDA being the car we drive now. Although not publicized, this is undoubtedly the case for the most important GT-R of all. Sources close to the GT-R suggest that the design is being helmed by Nissan’s European design studio with supervision coming directly from Japan. 2007 is the year, Carlos Ghosn has promised that. Coincidentally, or maybe not, that happens to be four years after the debut of the 350z and G35, leading many to believe that the new GT-R may have little in common with the current G35/Skyline (V35). A test mule has already been spotted in Germany as reported by Sport Compact Car and a few Japanese and European magazines.

The vehicle seen at the famous Nordschleife F1 track was a modded G35. Spy photographers noted the vehicle’s enlarged front and rear fenders along with variant aerodynamics and a larger brake package. What was seen at Nurburgring is far from being a final product and probably the first steps in testing the next Skyline and GT-R. Carbon fiber, aluminum and mild steel will be used where possible to keep curb weight under that of the current 350z and G35. Carbon fiber will be used for the driveshaft, rear diffuser and other parts, possibly the hood, too. A more plausible material for the hood is aluminum, which will also be used for suspension components, trunk lid, roof, and door panels.

While the design for the next Nissan supercar may be complete, there is still little information on the chosen power plant. One thing is sure, to be true to GT-R heritage; the next GT-R must be all-wheel drive and must be rear-drive based. That is, the engine should be mounted longitudinally like the R34 and not transversely like an Evolution. In this day of automotive technology anything less than a six-speed is a no-no. Getrag did up the previous transmission and transfer case, no reason it shouldn’t follow suit. But Nissan has already developed its own seven-speed gearbox; it’s currently being used in limited numbers in the current Japanese Skyline. The G35 already offers AWD with the same electronically controlled system (ATESSA) that made the GT-R a, well, GT-R. The revised computer system might feature an entirely new microprocessor and design. A bit of research reveals that Nissan does have multiple AWD patents and trademarks; one of these existing systems would likely end up on the 2007 GT-R.

Rumors abound of collaboration between British tuners, Cosworth for engine and Lotus for suspension. One thing is certain, nothing is certain when it comes to the engine. We’ve heard it all, 3.0L, 3.2L, 3.3L, 3.5L and even a 4.0L V-6 – all which would have twin turbos. The other, now, less likely option is the VK45DE, used in the FX45, Q45 and M45. The engine was developed in part to compete in IRL. Some tuners have already taken to the mill, proven it can make far more than the factory numbers. Take note, with a little work the VK can easily rev into the 9000 RPM range. If that isn’t a screamer we don’t really know what is. As mush as a V-8 would rock, Carlos Ghosn is known as a hard-***; the V-8 is a lower volume engine, probably lower volume than even the GT-R. The GT-R has traditionally been a six-cylinder vehicle. Upping the cylinders would only make sense in the American market where it serves as a yardstick to some. That means that we’ll end up with some form of the VQ35DE, already used in nearly every Nissan in the U.S. market. Super GT (formally JGTC) drivers, Richard Lyons and Satoshi Motoyama are already intimately familiar with the VQ30DETT, the boosted 3.0L V-6 powers the Z that replaced the legendary Skyline. Rumors abound that a 3.2L version of this race engine will be the chosen power plant come 2007. The idea of Nissan using racing series to test the mettle of an engine intended for its golden sports car is far from farfetched. Many automakers use motorsports as a quasi cost-effective way to experiment. The electronically controlled twin turbo system produces just short of 500 horsepower in race form. Nissan will detune the engine down towards the 400 horsepower range to meet emissions and keep costs down.

The clock is ticking away. 2005 is drawing to an end and 2007 is closing in on Nissan. The maker of the Z, G, Silvia, and GT-R is set for its first globally launched GT-R. Godzilla’s return could be the biggest news in Nissan history. More information will be available at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show with a potential appearance of another GT-R concept. We better book our tickets now.

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Discuss thread here: http://forums.gtrforums.com/showthread.php?t=202