Day 2 Tokyo Motor Show

The GTR has been seriously growing some appeal for me. The first day I had my doubts, but seeing it for the second time without the big crowd allowed me to study the car a little more in detail. I started off in the same place as Day 1, the second floor area where you can see the car from different angles afar. I watched the car pivot and rotate on the turntable for about a half an hour wrote down some thoughts then went down to the turntable and walked around the car in close proximity for awhile.

I noticed without the crowd was that the floor had been re-arranged with a variety of Nissans parked closer the GTR, now a G35 off to the right side and a M directly in front and a few others. This gave me a chance to actually compare the GTR’s looks against other cars. I remember some people compared the GTR to the G35 from the pictures, but in person you could see they are radically different. The first thing that grabs your attention is the unique front end design with the flared front fenders, huge mouth and all the carbon. The second is the roofline near the rear window above the rear quarter glass its too hard for me to explain what it does. The third the massive brakes both front and rear. Then the rear, with the carbon diffuser and lower skirt, embedded tail lights and that beefy exhaust.

There were a lot of likes, dislikes, and unknowns of the car which I will try to explain. Knowing this is a prototype car and not a production model it’s hard to tell if some of the items are left off intentionally or are already implemented in some way or manner.

THE UNKNOWNS
Side markers (they will be needed for U.S. models) I’m not sure if the turn signal mounted in the fender will pass U.S. specs or not.
No Visible Gas Door anywhere on the car.
No Visible Windshield wipers.
No Door locks on the car (Must be using the new keyless entry)
Engine
Interior

THINGS I SAW:
Carbon Fiber every where: Front Bumper, Front Lip, Fenders, Side Skirts, A-pillar, Hood, Rear Wing, Rear Side Skirt Rear Diffuser. It’s hard to tell how much metal, plastic or carbon fiber actually makes up the car. (e.g. the hood fully carbon or does it just have carbon inserts) The bottom of the car was completely concealed or has a full length diffuser on it.
All The carbon fiber work done on the GTR was pretty intense. It’s rare to see carbon work done that well without any flaws in the weaves around corners but then again this is the prototype/display car it has to be perfect. In my humble opinion (IMHO) I would rather see a bit less carbon to help offset the cost or use the cost in a different area.

I spent most of my time around the front of the car looking through the grill and peaking underneath trying to determine whether or not this thing is turbo charged. It looks like it may have an intercooler but at the same time it looks like it could just be a radiator. The cores looked pretty thick like an intercooler but it almost looked like it sits back too far. IMHO Engine wise it looks for sure that it will be in some V configuration. V8 or V6 (Turbo charged)

The Front End:
At first I didn’t like it but after walking around the car several times I started growing on me maybe its because of the uniqueness and quality of the carbon. Unlike the R34 GTR and prior GTR’s, the front bumper size is huge. It’s hard to notice in the pictures but the bumper actually goes all the way up to the top of the headlights. I’m sure some aftermarket companies may stray away due to the mere size and costs to ship an item like this limiting your options to customize. The carbon portions looked like possible inserts if that’s the case I can see some cool item coming out of that area sometime.

The mirrors looked to be wider than the g35 and 350z mirrors. If that’s the case you can never have too much view of the rear when maneuvering around.

The brakes looked like unmarked Brembo’s; huge 6 pots up front and 4 pots in the rear with 2-piece rotors all-around. (I believe the rotors will be one-piece on the production version car) The front brakes alone look like enough stopping power to stop a bus.

Here is a similar picture of what the fronts looked like
https://my350z.com/gallery/files/1/3/3/5/CIMG1049.jpg

The Exhaust:
With the exception of the tips the exhaust looks very similar to that of 350Z and G35 in which the muffler runs left to right (or right to left) with pipes coming out the side of the muffler then doing a 90 degree turn. The quad tips of the exhaust making the car look mean from the rear, I can imagine the deep throaty sounds from coming from that exhaust just as MEAN!! Knowing how the Z’s and the G’s exhaust went from 2-1 I’m almost guessing this will be the same.

The trunk:
The doors seemed to be just a bit smaller than the G35. I saw no obvious way to open it. Also, it is hard to tell if it will be larger or smaller than the G35 that mainly depends on the interior. I am guessing it will be smaller.

Overall after seeing the GTR in person I don’t think the pictures are doing the car full justice. I can’t wait to see the final product.

Godzilla

 

pretty detail description you got there man, thanks for all the info. I just check out some pics of the GT-R,.....i think its look pretty good . The GT-R is much different from the G35 and the Z in terms of exterior details, but the chassis seem to be similar. Also, the rear of the GT-R seems to have a large influence from Ferrari. Anyone with me on this one?

 

Any info on when they will release information on engine & price?

 

I bet that all the carbon will be GONE by the time it goes into production, replaced by black plastic

 

I am confused...how did you determine the chassis is similar to the G35 and 350Z? I think that is highly unlikely. This is a purpose built chassis. Even the new 350Z/G35 platform (07-09'ish) will be a dedicated frame, vs. the common frame used in the FX35, Maxima, Ultima...etc.

 

If its 70k, I don't think it will sell as much.

 

Great info. I'm wondering if all the expensive CF will make it through production.

 

Here are the Specs as listed on modified.com:

GT-R Proto Specs
-VQ-based 3.7L 24 Valve V6
-Twin Garrett Turbochargers
-Front Mount INtercooler
-7 Speed Sequential Gearbox
-19-inch Forged Wheels
-ATTESA All Wheel Drive
-Aluminun and Carbon Fiber Components
-Low Drag with INcreased Downforce
-186mph top speed (est.)
-450 hp

 

Now just waiting on the price???

 

7 Speed? Thats new news to me.. lol

 

7 Speed? that's crazy. i can't wait to put my order in. the price is gonna be between 70k and 80k as according to nissan's north coast sales manager

 

Hmm 7spd smg. Just tap and shift.

 

7 speed doesn't mean 6 spd + reverse?

 

I guess I'm the first to say I'm not impressed with these specs. Looks like the Z06 will continue its reign as king of performance...sad b/c I really love skylines.
NzZ

 

I here that..... If i had 70k to blow on a car, i would buy a new Z06 without a second thought. I would get a GTR only of it is around 50k, no higher than 60k. My 350z will be paid off june of 2007.

 

When I bought my car I knew that there where cars faster but I got the G because it had good power, good looks, great interior. I've seen the Corvette and for the price its not all that, its got power true. I think once people see the GTR in person they will love it and the history behind it. The car will come with good power and I'm sure it will be able to be modded and compete with the vettes.

 

The question I have is will the new 3.7 liter (if that's what goes in it) will be as modifiable as the RB26 was. I mean, that was the appeal of the GTR. It was a fast car out of the box but with some pretty easy modification you could make it a monster. I hope that this new skyline can carry on that tradition.