Spy photos: First engine and interior shots of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Finally, the shot we've been waiting for all along. After chasing the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R for over two weeks our spy shooters managed to get a photo of the GT-R prototype with its hood up in the pits at Laguna Seca. It appears to confirm the expected VQ-Series V6 under the hood fortified with a pair of turbochargers. We also scored a shot of the interior as well, but heavy camouflage kept most of it hidden from view, the barely visible paddle shifters the only notable feature. Our spy team also hand clocked the GT-R's best lap around the 2.2-mile Laguna Seca circuit at 1:39.62 -- about three tenths quicker than the 911 Turbo's best lap. Click the link below to see both cars in action.
On a side note, I'm disappointed that they're going to stick with the VQ engine rather than return to the peaky RB straight 6. Oh, and someone asked earlier what the chassis designation will be. I suspect it'll be the V37 (the G35 is the V36, and judging from the contours, size, and handling characteristics, this is definately built from that chassis, albeit updated).
One of the reasons cited for Nissan never importing an RB straight-6 equipped Skyline GT-R was that there was never any room for left hand steering column with all the turbo plumbing on that side of the car. So would you rather they stick with tradition or would you rather see it imported to the USA?
"After weeks of chasing the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R, from the streets of Los Angeles to one test facility and another, it looks like we've hit the end of the road for this GT-R's stint in America."
LOL. Translation: We ran out of money to give our "spies," so we'll just tell everyone this is it and you won't see it again.
GTR is scheduled for much more testing in NA. Some of my colleagues will be doing the work.
Haha, please explain to me how I get "beaten to the punch" working for a Tier 1? If I want to see the car, I will just call some friends who work in the Farmington Hills area. Probably even get a ride in it if I run diagnostics for them.
Ed, please check your e-mail. Those tires might be Bridgestone Potenza RE070s--the same tires that are supplied by the factory on Subaru Impreza WRX STIs.
You might want to call your "friend" in Farmington Hills and get a ride before the story hits then. Oh, it already did, your ":friend" must not of returned your call. Everytime I read something you post, it is negetive. Shut up and quite putting down everyone elses work.
I thought I read where this GT-R had its own desginated platform. I believe Nissan gave the GT-R its own platform because of weight issues, the R33 and R34 were very heavy.
The Nissan FM platform is great but a bit porky because it has to be the base for a variety of different vehicles; 350Z, G35, FX, and the M. Nissan stated that it clearly wanted the GT-R to be significantly lighter than past generations and I dont believe they could have pulled that off without giving the car its own platform. Sure it saves time and money but a car in this segement should have very few compromises.
Jim:
Understood, yet cars are people's passion and to have someone shooting down everything, really frustrates people. Try understanding that people love to know the future, and spy shots are one way of that.
Thank you Edmunds! Nowhere else can I find such complete coverage.
On a side note, I'm disappointed that they're going to stick with the VQ engine rather than return to the peaky RB straight 6. Oh, and someone asked earlier what the chassis designation will be. I suspect it'll be the V37 (the G35 is the V36, and judging from the contours, size, and handling characteristics, this is definately built from that chassis, albeit updated).
estreka,
One of the reasons cited for Nissan never importing an RB straight-6 equipped Skyline GT-R was that there was never any room for left hand steering column with all the turbo plumbing on that side of the car. So would you rather they stick with tradition or would you rather see it imported to the USA?
"After weeks of chasing the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R, from the streets of Los Angeles to one test facility and another, it looks like we've hit the end of the road for this GT-R's stint in America."
LOL. Translation: We ran out of money to give our "spies," so we'll just tell everyone this is it and you won't see it again.
GTR is scheduled for much more testing in NA. Some of my colleagues will be doing the work.
What a spectacular noise.
I was unaware of that little factoid. Thanks 7diver!
LOL. Translation: We ran out of money to give our "spies," so we'll just tell everyone this is it and you won't see it again.
GTR is scheduled for much more testing in NA. Some of my colleagues will be doing the work.
TRANSLATION: Jim was beaten to the punch. HA
"TRANSLATION: Jim was beaten to the punch. HA"
Haha, please explain to me how I get "beaten to the punch" working for a Tier 1? If I want to see the car, I will just call some friends who work in the Farmington Hills area. Probably even get a ride in it if I run diagnostics for them.
Ed, please check your e-mail. Those tires might be Bridgestone Potenza RE070s--the same tires that are supplied by the factory on Subaru Impreza WRX STIs.
Jim:
You might want to call your "friend" in Farmington Hills and get a ride before the story hits then. Oh, it already did, your ":friend" must not of returned your call. Everytime I read something you post, it is negetive. Shut up and quite putting down everyone elses work.
I thought I read where this GT-R had its own desginated platform. I believe Nissan gave the GT-R its own platform because of weight issues, the R33 and R34 were very heavy.
The Nissan FM platform is great but a bit porky because it has to be the base for a variety of different vehicles; 350Z, G35, FX, and the M. Nissan stated that it clearly wanted the GT-R to be significantly lighter than past generations and I dont believe they could have pulled that off without giving the car its own platform. Sure it saves time and money but a car in this segement should have very few compromises.
Take a pill Ant, you're a little over-excited
I'm not at all worried about the story breaking. I don't report on the cars, I engineer them.
However when the "reporting" reaches this level, it's quite ridiculous.
Jim:
Understood, yet cars are people's passion and to have someone shooting down everything, really frustrates people. Try understanding that people love to know the future, and spy shots are one way of that.
The 911 turbo pictured next to it is the most imteresting part here. That's what they benchmarked.