Nissan/Infiniti GT-R spotted in US!

[WashUJon]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/ASSALBERT/DSCF0405.jpg

http://www.gtr.co.uk/forum/upload/69778-gt-r-spotted-new-mexico.html

:huh:

[shiva]

Looks pretty good.

Shiva (wonders how heavy it will be compared to his CTS-V)

[WashUJon]

In a strange way this car reminds me of my VR-4.

[longbowe]

Delicious!

[WashUJon]

Four months ago we brought you the first spy photos (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=117074) and video (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=117104) of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R as it lapped the Nürburgring test track in Germany. Now, after an intensive stakeout that covered two states, we present these exclusive spy shots and video of the next-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R testing in the U.S.

It all started when a spy photo (http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2303) surfaced early last week of the 2009 Skyline at a gas station in New Mexico. We figured that particular Skyline prototype was working out of Nissan's Arizona proving grounds, so we dispatched our crack spy photography team to get more on the high-powered supercar. Sure enough, after staking out Nissan's secluded test facility our shooters managed to snag some long-range shots of the GT-R turning hot laps on the proving ground road course.

But of course we wanted more, so when the Skyline crew headed for Southern California our photographers followed. Not surprisingly, Nissan's engineering team was bound for a facility in Torrance, California, not far from the company's recently vacated corporate headquarters. Along with an empty warehouse for storing the Skyline prototype and its Porsche 911 Turbo (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/porsche/911/100702449/prices.html) competitor, the engineers have a semitruck stuffed to the gills with wheels, tires and other testing equipment.

Once they got situated in their new digs, Nissan's engineers headed out for some tire and highway ride testing on various L.A. freeways. Nothing radical, just cruising at moderate speeds on the concrete blocks that make up the rarely smooth 405 and 10 freeways. After a few loops, the Skyline returned to the shop, swapped wheels and tires, and hit the road for additional testing with the 911 Turbo in tow at all times.

As for the car itself, it reveals no new styling details we haven't seen before. The front and rear ends remain covered and even the interior is shrouded in camouflage. One detail we were able to make out is the set of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the transmission. As we reported previously, the 2009 Skyline won't get a manual gearbox. Whether that means we'll be stuck with a traditional automatic or a newly developed dual clutch setup similar to Volkswagen's DSG setup is still unclear. Engine details have also eluded us, but we're working on digging up those specs as well.

One thing you can count on is more footage of this particular Skyline prototype. Our shooters are still on the hunt, so if this Skyline ventures out in public again we'll be there to capture more spy photos and video. Stay tuned for more updates later this week.

Follow this link for the Edmunds video. (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=119564#6)

[longbowe]

My, how quickly word spreads!

[WashUJon]

Spy photos: 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R caught lapping at Sears Point raceway
http://blogs.edmunds.com/.ee984da/cmd.233/enclosure..ee984db

Our spy shooters scored again after following the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R from L.A. to Northern California. Turns out, Nissan was headed to Sears Point raceway for some hot laps giving our guys another opportunity to snag some exclusive spy photos and video. Nissan's engineers were making lots of tire and wheel changes so we expect this excursion to California was a bit of fine tuning before the final specs are locked down for production. And one more thing: According to some hand timed laps taken by our photographers, the GT-R was lapping the 2.5-mile road course within tenths of the Porsche 911 Turbo brought along for comparison. Not bad for a Nissan. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor

Click here to watch a video of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R tearing around Sears Point Raceway. (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=119599)

http://blogs.edmunds.com/.ee984dd/cmd.233/enclosure..ee984de


http://blogs.edmunds.com/.ee984e0/cmd.233/embedded..ee984e3

http://blogs.edmunds.com/.ee984e0/cmd.233/embedded..ee984e6http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2328

[longbowe]

She's a beast!

[raceboy]

At first I had no interest in this car, but now I am getting interested. Here in Florida I only really get to sample the Cayman's handling on onramps. So the idea of a car that can easily be tuned to reach astronomical HP levels is appealing. Let's see how easy it is when the car comes out.

[WashUJon]

Here's some more goodies:

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Nissan/Skyline/GTR/gtr.jpg

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Nissan/Skyline/GTR/385601033_bb3674ba45.jpg

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Nissan/Skyline/GTR/385603478_4c448e5654.jpg

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Nissan/Skyline/GTR/385605420_cf71d435c0.jpg

The proportions of this thing really remind me of my 3000GT VR-4.

[shiva]

I have a feeling that 350Z : Cayman S :: GT-R : 911 TT

[longbowe]

Sounds about right.

[WashUJon]

Here's a pretty nifty video:

9QUbHWks-UM

and another of the GT-R testing on the 'ring:

b60jUybVzRY

Japanese video of the prototype:

8lch1QYRWwE

[WashUJon]

GT-R testing video:

A7Ri8R2lDs4