Let’s start off by noting that this car is simply known as the Nissan GT-R; the manufacturer most probably chose to drop the 'Skyline’ part because this is the first GT-R to be sold worldwide, and in other parts of the world, the 'Skyline’ is a totally different car- so the manufacturer did not want to cause confusion in those markets. It was released in Japan in December 2007, in the USA in July 2008, and in the rest of the world in March 2009. The front end looks futuristic and radically different from its R33 and R34 ancestors, but the car is still unmistakably a GT-R with the familiar (though heavily revised) long-coupe side silhouette and the instantly-recognizable twin round tail-lights at the rear.

This version is very different from previous GT-R’s. Gone is the venerable 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-6 engine, now replaced by a 3.8-liter V6 codenamed VR38DETT. Also gone is the Super HICAS four-wheel-steer system; according to Nissan the sophisticated, customizable electronics and sensors have rendered the system unnecessary. The “Premium Midship” (PM) drivetrain layout is also all-new, and its main changes are in locating the engine well behind the front axle, and mounting the 6-speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission at the rear of the car- both undertaken for optimal weight distribution. In a blurring of the real and digital worlds, Polyphony Digital (makers of the addictive Gran Turismo racing game) were contracted to design the GT-R’s multifunction display.

Specifications:

Engine: 3799cc DOHC V6

Horsepower: 480hp (353kW) at 6400rpm

Torque: 433.7 lbft (588 Nm) at 3200-5200rpm

Injection: Electronic fuel injection

Drivetrain: Front mid-engine, Four-wheel drive

Transmission: 6-speed sequential dual-clutch

Curb weight: 1730 kg

Dimensions: length 4656 width 1895 height 1369 mm, Wheelbase 2779mm

Suspension: Front strut, Rear semi-trailing arm

Tyres: 255/40 ZRF 20 97Y (Front) – 285/35 ZRF 20 100Y (Rear)

Model code: CBA-R35