Return of Nissan's Godzilla

[YSSMAN]

To put the numer on 2000 even seems high, but then again, the US is often the biggest market for any kind of sportscar. Most of the Porsche Carrera GTs came to the US, and I belive the same can be said for the SLR as well.

If by comparison we were to look at AMG import levels, many of the models only come to the US by the handful, usually less than 200 per year. I belive two of the rarest models are the CL65 and E55 AMG Estate (both at 100 each).

If we are "lucky," 2000 seems within reason, but that number would be split presumably between the US and Canada, probably with 500 headed to Canada and the rest to the US.

 

[Jay]

Sales with, overall GT-R sales might seem like they haven't been low but GT-Rs have been being made since the late 60s.

The sales in the late 60's early 70's was only brief and low numbered

1969-1973

1989-2002 (and 20 Z tune's of 2005)

 

[LittleBahamut]

With all this GT-R hype, I still wonder how customers would even react when they think of 70K for a Nissan branded car. I am not talking about enthusiast customer, but non enthusiast. I still think the Infiniti brand would be better for something that expensive.

I just recently ask my parents about 70K for a Nissan and they were like:

"70K for a nissan? No way...It too expensive >_<"

 

[Poverty]

People pay 70k for a chevy...

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes they are Poverty, but it wouldnt be the first time that they did. Back in the 1990s, the Corvette ZR1 was rolling out of dealerships marked up usually beyond the $70K mark. I met a Corvette collector who paid $76K for his ZR1 in 1993, and that was after being wait listed for quite some time.

But with the Corvette, it has always been expensive, but always within reach for the common man. Thats why when so many people get a vast sum of money in the US, they often buy a Corvette. Its America's car for America's people, and if youve got the money, why not?

Anyway, back to the who point of this post:
...From what I understand, the previous R34 GTR would have sold brand-new in Japan for somewhere around $40,000 USD. Of course, that would place it in the "bargain" category for a sports car... Fast forward to today, and the rumors placed the car at $70K to START (need I remind you the Z06 actually starts closer to $60K, but there are options that should be had...).

Nissan could probably charge whatever they want for the car, and they would sell them all. Skyline GTR fans are absolutely insane, and would do anything to have one. I suppose they could be the Bizzaro version of the Corvette fans like myself, us being more like Superman, and well, the GTR guys like Bizzaro.

 

[Jay]

Skyline GTR fans are absolutely insane, and would do anything to have one.

Corvette fans like myself, us being more like Superman, and well, the GTR guys like Bizzaro.

I am a Nissan Skyline GTR fan, but I don't match your descriptions at all. I get alittle tired of people stereotyping Skyline fans, I don't know what they (Skyline fans) are like in the US but they are not like that here.

BTW I am also a fan of Corvettes, but I don't show it or defend Corvettes that much as there is plenty of people on GTP that jump at the chance.

 

[SagarisGTB]

...From what I understand, the previous R34 GTR would have sold brand-new in Japan for somewhere around $40,000 USD. Of course, that would place it in the "bargain" category for a sports car... Fast forward to today, and the rumors placed the car at $70K to START (need I remind you the Z06 actually starts closer to $60K, but there are options that should be had...).

From what I understand it was about 50k in US dollars.
And you shouldnt compare the GTR to the Z06. Different cars for different people. The GTR is going to be aimed at a 911 type audiance who want an upscale sports car they can use everyday. Not a race car for the road.

 

[German Muscle]

the final powertrain will make or break the car. imho

 

[Onikaze]

I hope to god the GTR isn't plush and upscale.

If it is, they may as well just slap an Infiniti badge and a V-8 in it.

I'm hoping it's a fairly light, focused, fast drivers tool.

 

[Dave A]

They've never suggested it will be, it's supposed to be a more focused sportscar possibly even in supercar territory.

 

[YSSMAN]

@ VIPERGTSR01: I was being a bit sarcastic, so I apologise if I offended you. But you are right when you assume that GTR fanboys in the US are rabid over the car, but atleast in your case, you could actually go out and buy one.

@ SegarisGTB: Ummmm, I really don't understand your thoughts there. The 911 and the Corvette are direct compeditors on every level. The Z51 and Carrera S have been enemies for quite some time, the Z06 against the Turbo and GT2. So I don't understand why I cannot compare the Corvette to the GTR, as everyone else will. Performance wise, the car will probably face off with the Z06, and for the price, it is the same situation... Why not compare them? Its like telling me I cannot compare the Mustang GT to the Acura RSX Type-S... They cost the same, perform similarly, etc.

 

[Jay]

@ VIPERGTSR01: I was being a bit sarcastic, so I apologise if I offended you. But you are right when you assume that GTR fanboys in the US are rabid over the car, but atleast in your case, you could actually go out and buy one.

No problems, but just keep in mind that real Skyline enthusiasts that actually drive the cars are not like that.

 

[YSSMAN]

Thats what I assume... I cant help that my views of Skyline fans have been skewed by countless flame wars, lunchroom arguements, and the occasionaly drunken fistfight (j/k). Seriously, The Fast and the Furious along with Gran Turismo created a lot of dumb-ass car fans in the US...

 

[a6m5]

I don't know what started it, but it was way before the Gran Turismo and the Fast and the Furious. Oregon was(is?) a major (for a lack of better term...)ricer capital.

 

[LittleBahamut]

I get alittle tired of people stereotyping Skyline fans, I don't know what they (Skyline fans) are like in the US but they are not like that here.

Allow me to tell you how are the Skyline fans are in US. Now this is what I have seen and experienced from visiting different places in southern California. The stereotypical Skyline fans are like this:

1. They dress so "gangsta"
2. Most of them aren't even going to college because "I don't like school"
3. Skyline seems to be their answer to every new sport/supercar that comes out.
4. They seem to worship and talk about the Skyline as if its their "Hero"
5. They put Skyline look-alike-tail lights on their Honda Civic to "represent yo"
6. They really think and talk like they are going to own the new "SKYLINE" GT-R when it comes out...without even thinking about how poor their grades are or how they are going to come up with such money.

I am from southern California myself and I have to admit...I really hate the import culture right now. Even thought I love those Supras, RX-7s, and Skylines, there is simply too many teens here with this large greed for "image". Its sad that many of them don't see how people can afford these great cars...its just a shame.

 

[German Muscle]

skylines are nice and it seems like there are alot of ppl that dont know anything about them that talk all about them, usually ricers. I know alot about skylines and their history thats why i like them. There have been a few skylines owned locally(louisville, KY). Yes they are rare cars in america, but you haft to just ignore the idiots out there that say they are illegal in the US cause they can outrun cop cars.(ive actually had someone tell me this)

 

[NismoR34Ztune]

Hehe, not different here........We have 2 official imported skylines in the whole netherlands!!! it's almost impossible to import one here, unless you have money growing on your back, but you are right, the ones that talk about it so much are mostly ricers and most of the times they disrespect the car too by comparing it to cars that can never be on the same level of the Skyline......better make sure that you know what you are talking about, when talking about a Skyline... , but on the other hand....they don't give a **** about any car, it's only cool because it's in all the games and tuning shows, movies etc.....that's a shame.....

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes they are rare cars in america, but you haft to just ignore the idiots out there that say they are illegal in the US cause they can outrun cop cars.(ive actually had someone tell me this)

That might be one of the funniest things I've herd all week. How stupid are these kids? Do they realise that there are quite a few different cars on the road that can outrun a police car? Its not like its hard to beat a Ford Crown Victoria Persuit Package that does 0-60 in 6 seconds and tops out at 125...

...Although, a comparison between the ol' Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 that will hit 60 in the 5s, and top out at 160MPH might be interesting against the GTR... lol

 

[SagarisGTB]

@ SegarisGTB: Ummmm, I really don't understand your thoughts there. The 911 and the Corvette are direct compeditors on every level. The Z51 and Carrera S have been enemies for quite some time, the Z06 against the Turbo and GT2. So I don't understand why I cannot compare the Corvette to the GTR, as everyone else will. Performance wise, the car will probably face off with the Z06, and for the price, it is the same situation... Why not compare them? Its like telling me I cannot compare the Mustang GT to the Acura RSX Type-S... They cost the same, perform similarly, etc.

Your missing the point. My keyword was Z06, not Z51. The Z06 is basically a track car, like a GT3 RS, Exige, M3 CSL or Ferrari CS. Not a car people will want to drive to work everyday. A regular corvette, 911 S, F430 and the GTR in question are sports cars with sound insulation andsofter suspensions. If the GTR doesnt match a Z06 on the track, it wont matter, because it will be a better car in every other way. The Z06 is what it is, a C6R for the street. Thats not what a GTR (or 911 S) is trying to be. Different cars for different people.

 

[YSSMAN]

^^^^Ummm, I think youve missed what the Z06 is all about then. Everything the C6 has, is in the Z06 as well. Full leather, sat nav, Bose Audio, etc. are all in there... The only major difference between the Z06 and the regular C6 on the inside is a slightly smaller steering wheel and Z06-specific badges. Other than that, only a keen eye would be able to tell the difference.

Where the Z06 does it's magic is with the all-aluminum chassis, carbon fibre pannels, etc. Weight was the enemy, and they let as much of it go as possible wile still maintaining the everyday driveability of the car. What makes the car racecar-fast is the fact that it has a 7.0L LS7 with 505bhp...

The Z06 is a perfect contender for the price, and for the driveability as well. I've had seat times in plenty of Corvettes (although not a C6 Z06), and they are just as easy to drive as any Jetta, Camry, 300C, etc.

 

[Onikaze]

lets not forget the nearly 480 lb ft of torque.

That small block 427 really is an undeniable marvel.

Grunt where you want it, scream and zing where you need it, and light enough to avoid upsetting the weight balance.

 

[YSSMAN]

Back on toppic:

The GTR probably wont be a slouch, and I sure that Nissan has a few tricks up their sleeves to put it near the 4.0 second 0-60 mark (maybe less?).

 

[HKS_T51KAI]

Nissan wont be branding the GTR under skyline name anymore, as rumor.
Dont know if this true, but very likely. The skyline name hasnt currently had a GTR sinice 2002, so more likely the skyline will be a car of its own, yes thats right! No more name calling 'Nissan Skyline GTR' But than the Skyline name wont be as popular as today. Its only because of the GTR name, and its heritage. But still, if a new skyline was to be released, i'd hope i'd be turbo, in-line 6, the traditionally ways, unlike the GTR 2007, V6 Twinturbo,
DAM THE V6, GO THE INLINE 6 CYLINDERS!!!JUST LIKE THE HAKOSUKA GTR 1969

 

[Jay]

Nissan wont be branding the GTR under skyline name anymore, as rumor.
Dont know if this true, but very likely.

It has been confirmed by Nissan many times.

The skyline name hasnt currently had a GTR sinice 2002

You forget the 2005 Nismo Skyline GTR Z tune. (although on the Nismo website they call it "NISMO R34GT-R Z-tune")

 

[GT4_Rule]

^^^ Yeah.

It's a continuation of the R-line, isn't it?

 

[Jay]

^^^ Yeah.

It's a continuation of the R-line, isn't it?

Well the 20 sold were the last R(34) chassis Nissan sold.

 

[GT Pro]

The Nismo R34 Z-Tune was Nismo's way of celebrating its own 20th birthday. It bought 20 units of of hardly used (best condition possible) Skyline GT-R V-Spec's from the used car market in Japan.

'NISMO then proceeded to strip down these 20 units to the bare-shell and hand-crafted this silver-only monster again from the bottom up. With Z-Tune-specific SACHS coilover suspension, BREMBO front 6-pots and rear 4-pots brake calipers, additional spot welds, a titanium front strut tower, JGTC 2004-spec internal engine components (some taken directly from the 2004 champion car!), twin-IHI turbo chargers, and bored and stroked out to 2.8 litres.'

This RB26 engine pumps out over 500ps horsepower and 400lb/ft torque.
It can annihilate a 0-400m run at an unbelievable 10.06secs!

 

[Leonidae]

All heil GT-R!

 

[GT Pro]

Back on toppic:

The GTR probably wont be a slouch, and I sure that Nissan has a few tricks up their sleeves to put it near the 4.0 second 0-60 mark (maybe less?).

Well, with Lexus' 500hp V10 LF-A arriving soon and expected to surpass 200mph and 0-60mph in 4.0 and less, (It's rivals like the Gallardo are also under 4 seconds) I wouldn't bet on Nissan sittng around and letting them steal the show, so I expect numbers atleast under 4.2 seconds. 👍

Still, to me the new GTR just doesn't look aggressive enough to fit it's performance. But then again, it's proved many people wrong.

 

[YSSMAN]

(Off-Topic: This is like the second thread I've been in today that seemed to have come back from nowhere, sweet!)

You mean 4.0 seconds to 60 MPH right, not quarter mile? Most top fuel dragsters do it just a few ticks shy of four seconds, and there isn't a single street car that can match that... So yeah, I'll assume that my presumption (sp?) is correct...

The problem is, the Gallarado's performance as a benchmark isn't all that great. Granted, it is a fast car, but it will still have it's ass handed to it by cheaper models that include the Ford GT, Porsche GT3, Corvette Z06 and Dodge SRT-10 Coupe. The GTR is placing itself into a category that is extremely compeditive both in pricing and performance, and although I truely belive that it is a safe assumption that it will be a very fast car, it won't touch the performance of the Z06 or SRT-10 for the money.

But, we could all be wrong. Nissan may be getting themselves into an epic battle with Toyota through either the LF-A or the long-rumored Supra/2000GT all of which would have around 500 BHP and enough speed to make most of the titans worry about their stance on the automotive "hill."

At the presumed $80K pricetage and performance that is about the same as a Corvette Z51, Nissan is placing the GTR in a very small nieche performance category. They will sell every single model, I would be stupid to say they won't, but I think they will be hard-pressed to get the complete recognition that they deserve at that point.

...If Nissan was smart, atleast IMO, they need to position the car a bit further down the scale of sportscars. Shoot for pricing in the high $50K range (maybe) and give the performance of the Corvette Z51 or BMW M3 and they would have a better chance of recieving more credit. But with the Z06 and Viper looming overhead, it is a VERY tough sell to folks who aren't die-hard Nissan or GTR fans to begin with.