In 20 minutes Nissan will reveal its latest super car, which will replace the Skyline as the top performance car in Nissan’s vehicle lineup.  I thought it was fitting to write my first blog on this day.

Why is the release of this car such a major event to the Japanese enthusiast community?
The Skyline was never officially sold in the North American market, but a few Skylines found their way onto US and Canadian soil.  A few lucky enthusiasts have spotted some Skylines driving on the street in their unadulterated left hand drive configuration.  Other enthusiasts have seen them at car shows or drifting events.  Ask any diehard enthusiast of Japanese sports cars (especially Nissan enthusiasts) about the Skyline and they may just talk your ear off, so inquire at your own risk.

Perhaps the lack of availability in North America contributed to their popularity.  Since I have actually never driven a Skyline or taken a ride in one, I cannot say whether the terms used to describe this car’s performance and handling are accurate.  Nevertheless, the Skyline reflected true JDM prowess on the race track and at drifting events.  When you saw one, your eyes would watch it as if it were going to lift off and rocket to the moon.  Okay, I am exaggerating but you get the point.

Well, for years now, enthusiasts have been biting at the bit for the opportunity to buy the Skyline through Nissan’s official dealer network in North America, but Nissan never heeded the call of these enthusiasts.  Enthusiasts waited and continued to send their messages to Nissan.  It is no surprise that excitement and celebration spread across countless online forums when the rumors about the likelihood of Nissan selling a soon to be released vehicle that would replace the Skyline in North America.

It’s now a few minutes before launch….the rumors coming out of Tokyo Motor Show are as follows:

-400-450hp Cosworth built Twin Turbo V6 (3.2 or 3.3ltr version of the VQ35)
-7 speed gearbox
-AWD
-Suspension designed by Lotus
-Electronically assisted turbos.
*Infiniti is supposed to be getting a more luxurious version, except with a Twin Turbo V6, instead of V8, mated to an AWD system.

To view photographs of the GT-R Proto or contribute to a discussion with other enthusiasts about the upcoming Nissan GT-R Proto, click here.

To view the official Nissan GT-R Press Release, click here.