Looking at the specs on the Nissan site I am seeing that the Touring version is not available in a manual transmission... is that correct?

About all I can see between the two versions is that the Grand Touring comes with the 6 speed manual, 18" wheels and TSC and that the Touring doesn't. Is that the only difference?

 

The Touring does come with manual. Just purchased one last week. Yes, pretty much the GT comes with 18" wheels, brembo brakes and manual only.

What I am confused about is that on the Nissan website Touring comes with VDC and TCS but I only see one of them on my car. Not sure but if someone can clairfy this that would be great.

 

The Touring Coupé comes with VDC, the Touring roadster doesn't.

Basic reason imho is that there was initially no room for the VDC switch once there is the switch for the top.

The reason for making the GTR with VDC and Brembos is Europe. VDC is mandatory on the German market in this price range. They offer just the track Coupe with Brembos and VDC over here, so the roadster has to have these too from a marketing perspective.
The ZR will be available in Europe not before March 2005 unless you bought one in the US, like I did.

The small market in Europe for ZRs wouldn't have justified a specific model.