Spy Shot
Exclusive Video and Spy Photos: 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R
2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R
To watch exclusive spy video of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R testing in California click here
Earlier this week we showed you the first pictures of what we thought was the 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Turns out it will be the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R instead. And we not only have a new batch of spy photos, we have exclusive new spy video of Nissan's upcoming supercar.
Caught testing on the famous Nürburgring test track in Germany, the Skyline GT-R sounds as though it has the twin-turbo V6 we expected instead of a 4.5-liter V8 as some earlier rumors suggested. The 3.8-liter engine will be fed through a front mount intercooler and make at least 450 horsepower.
Our video also confirms another unknown about the Skyline — its transmission. Although every other Skyline before it has used a true manual gearbox, this GT-R has either a very quick shifting sequential manual or a full-blown automatic. Listen carefully as it pulls into traffic when exiting the track; this Skyline is upshifting much quicker than any standard gearbox would.
You'll also notice a certain 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo following closely on the heels of the Skyline prototype, a clear indication of Nissan's performance targets. The Porsche puts down 480 horsepower through a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and has been timed around the famous test track in a little over 7.5 minutes. Back in 1995, the Nissan Skyline was the first production vehicle to break the 8-minute barrier. When asked about how the next Skyline would measure up against modern rivals, Carlos Tavares, Nissan's product chief, told Automobile magazine, "We will be very competitive. If we are not, we will do it again."
It will be another year or so before we know the true capabilities of this particular Skyline as Nissan isn't planning on showing the finished car until next fall's Tokyo auto show. Sales in Japan begin shortly thereafter, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the spring of 2008.
Earlier this week we showed you the first pictures of what we thought was the 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Turns out it will be the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R instead. And we not only have a new batch of spy photos, we have exclusive new spy video of Nissan's upcoming supercar.
Caught testing on the famous Nürburgring test track in Germany, the Skyline GT-R sounds as though it has the twin-turbo V6 we expected instead of a 4.5-liter V8 as some earlier rumors suggested. The 3.8-liter engine will be fed through a front mount intercooler and make at least 450 horsepower.
Our video also confirms another unknown about the Skyline — its transmission. Although every other Skyline before it has used a true manual gearbox, this GT-R has either a very quick shifting sequential manual or a full-blown automatic. Listen carefully as it pulls into traffic when exiting the track; this Skyline is upshifting much quicker than any standard gearbox would.
You'll also notice a certain 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo following closely on the heels of the Skyline prototype, a clear indication of Nissan's performance targets. The Porsche puts down 480 horsepower through a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and has been timed around the famous test track in a little over 7.5 minutes. Back in 1995, the Nissan Skyline was the first production vehicle to break the 8-minute barrier. When asked about how the next Skyline would measure up against modern rivals, Carlos Tavares, Nissan's product chief, told Automobile magazine, "We will be very competitive. If we are not, we will do it again."
It will be another year or so before we know the true capabilities of this particular Skyline as Nissan isn't planning on showing the finished car until next fall's Tokyo auto show. Sales in Japan begin shortly thereafter, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the spring of 2008.
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