Four months ago we brought you the first spy photos and video 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 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 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.
Full coverage, photos and video of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R
See new Nissan models
See future Nissan models
It all started when a spy photo 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 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.
Full coverage, photos and video of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R
See new Nissan models
See future Nissan models
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