CONFIRMED: There WILL be a 2nd-gen GT-R.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I agree the GTR is overteched and three pedals are better than two. But, frankly, what I'd like to see in a 2nd gen GTR is something else: rear wheel drive.

I've never been fond of AWD, and I don't think the GTR needs it. The Kenmari didn't have it. The Hakosuka didn't have it.

Yeah, AWD has benefits. But look at the trouble Nissan had to go to to package a decent AWD setup with a rear-mount transaxle. And it seems to me that AWD is one of those things that matters a lot more on paper than it does to performance (like flappy paddle gearboxes).

I prefer to let my front tires do the aiming while the rears do the pushing. Works for Corvette. Works for Viper. Works for F12. The hottest, best performing edition of the Gallardo ditched AWD for rear, which should tell you something. And Ferrari went to a LOT of trouble to design a high-performing AWD system for the FF, and the highest praise anyone has given it is that it doesn't feel like AWD. Which should tell you something.

Until then, it'd just be something to slow down lap times.

Lap times only matter if you're getting paid to drive. Otherwise, it's FUN that matters. Clutch and lever are more fun.

[alms24sebring]

Its a road racer too though. It almost snapped Clarkson's neck from the grip it produced! I think they made it work with AWD, wheels are also fatter on the rear. For a modern supercar, computerized shifting is just miles faster than a traditional stick. I bet Vettes and Vipers would be faster too with one, but it does take some of the fun factor away. I bet the clutch pedals are too stiff anyways and you feel the unwanted burn in traffic. Eh small risk for better reward if you ask me, but any other street car must be stick.

[AZhitman]

My C5 with 400hp was a blast, and the 6MT is spectacular... but a 1.5-hour commute in that car in stop-go traffic every day makes you seriously wonder what the downside of one less pedal might be.

[Jesda]

My C5 with 400hp was a blast, and the 6MT is spectacular... but a 1.5-hour commute in that car in stop-go traffic every day makes you seriously wonder what the downside of one less pedal might be.

That's what luxury cars are made for. If you have an S-class with Distronic Plus it will even creep forward and brake for you.

A high-performance car in urban traffic is almost pointless, like a horse with gimp legs. May as well put it down.

[themadscientist]

I drove a twin plate for years to work. No power steering either; I tore it out. AC is something I must have, though.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If you have an S-class with Distronic Plus it will even creep forward and brake for you.

Holy Stromboli!

[MinisterofDOOM]

If you have an S-class with Distronic Plus it will even creep forward and brake for you.

Yeah, but then you have to drive (and look at) an S-Class every day. No, thank you.

[Mr1der]

My C5 with 400hp was a blast, and the 6MT is spectacular... but a 1.5-hour commute in that car in stop-go traffic every day makes you seriously wonder what the downside of one less pedal might be.

That's what luxury cars are made for. If you have an S-class with Distronic Plus it will even creep forward and brake for you.

A high-performance car in urban traffic is almost pointless, like a horse with gimp legs. May as well put it down.

so much truth here.

There's not a day I spend in traffic going to work that I didn't wish I had a Lincoln Towncar. I enjoy thrashing my Civic around but creeping about in traffic is way more pleasant in a couch with wheels.

[MinisterofDOOM]

This is what sport sedans are for. Best of both worlds.

[Mr1der]

or GT's.

It's the soreness that comes from constant clutch brake throttle manipulation in stop and go though.

[AZhitman]

...a little update:

The 2nd-gen GT-R is slated to be a 2018 model, and will get a minor facelift and some mechanical updates in 2014.

We're also hearing there may be a hybrid version. Anyone who's driven a car with electric propulsion knows that this bodes well for 0-60 times, which could drop *even lower*.

Huzzah!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah I'm not entirely sold on that. The GTR is already heavy. It also has pretty intense power, although if it lacks the ability to burn tire all the way to 60, then there's always room for more

Porsche seems to be doing some amazing things with their 918 spyder hybrid as far as power goes, so we'll see.

[AZhitman]

I'm guessing the "weight reduction" kick will extend to the GT-R, with more judicious use of composites and maybe even smaller displacement.

Utilizing an integrated motor assist from a super-efficient, high-output electric motor, in conjunction with AWD and some weight reduction would certainly destroy the current concept of what "fast" really means.

[themadscientist]

4 cylinder hybrid with CVT FTW!

We're also hearing there may be a hybrid version. Anyone who's driven a car with electric propulsion knows that this bodes well for 0-60 times, which could drop *even lower*.

Huzzah!

NISSAN,I WAS JOKING!

[TurboSauce]

See what you done caused Mad?

[Jesda]

YOU HAD ME AT FACELIFT

The GT-R needs one so, so badly. Fingers crossed for Infiniti concept car influences.

[300ZXttZMAN]

To me, it seems Nissan is only interested in keeping the GT-R as low priced, limited production Halo vehicle. If they were interested in expnding their GT-R sales, I think Nssan's missing the boat without a manual. A big demographic of seasoned financially comfortable drivers that like manuals(ie baby boomers), are the ones scooping up Audi R8's. Audi offers them both ways and they both sell well.

Very good point.

[AZhitman]

Audi might want to look over their shoulder.

Not only did Johan de Nysschen just defect from Audi to Infiniti, but he's giving the green light to some even higher-end designs. We're going to see some serious halo vehicles out of Infiniti in the next 5 years, including something that SHOULD give the GT-R some competition.

Remember, Infiniti is distancing itself from Nissan, and de Nysschen is the man responsible for pulling Audi out from under the shadow of VW. He was also the director for Lamborghini in Japan, so he knows over-the-top cars and halo cars.

Regardless of the chatter, the GT-R is still an enormous bargain, considering the competition.

[darylzero]

I'm pretty sure, having driven several R35's, that the thinking is this:

When any driver can shift as quickly and intuitively as the computer, they'll put a manual in it.

Until then, it'd just be something to slow down lap times.

Definitely need to drive one to understand.

I will get back to you once I have my cybernetic appendages.

"My CPU is a neural net processor; a learning computer. But Skynet (Nissan) pre-sets the switch to read-only when we're sent out alone."

[AZhitman]

Lots of chatter today after Speedhunters shows up to the party (late) with "breaking news"...

2015 release is HIGHLY unlikely, as 2015 models are already well into the design and engineering phases - plus, Nissan has several new models being unveiled between now and the beginning of 2015, making that release date even less likely.

My Infiniti source says the rumors of Infiniti involvement in the GT-R are pure speculation, but that there's definitely a possibility of a "halo car" based on the R36 chassis (albeit more upscale, likely a 4-door Panamera fighter, but taller).

For an idea of the design direction, one can only speculate. However, all indicators point towards Nissan's tried-and-true formula for 2nd-generation designs: Smoother, lower, wider, and more aerodynamic (all of which support the already-established hybrid direction).

The next-gen GT-R will likely be a combination of styling cues from the Nismo FIA GT1 car, the Infiniti Essence concept, the GT500, and considering Nissan's nod to the influence of video games on design, the GT-R LM from GT5:



]


It's unlikely to be as "tame" and evolutionary as this early rendering, although this would have made a spectacular mid-production facelift:



...although, considering the competition, something that takes a direct shot at Audi, Corvette and Porsche wouldn't be completely out of character - Cue this rendition by the talented Josh Byrnes:

[TurboSauce]

That rendering is hideous. It sent chills down my spine.

[WDRacing]

Agree. I've driven flappy paddle shift cars too. I do understand Nissan's thinking, but I'm one of the minority that sees that that technology reducing lap times significantly, but does so at the expense of fun for a seasoned driver. And fun is something that can't be measured in dollars.

I'm a big fan of automatics for things like drag racing and daily drivers, mostly because I drink a lot of coffee when I drive. But auto's aren't "fun". My 540 is faster, handles better and is generally an all around better car than my 240SX. But the 240 owns the fun factor....when it runs

Not sure where I stand with the GTR since I'll never own one unless I hit the lottery. So it falls into IDGAF category. Personally I'd like to see them kill the GTR off and never make it again...ever. Just so long as it's replaced by something similar to the BRZ.

[RicerX]

I think Nissan has a major opportunity with something.

If they bump the Z down (which is a toss up as to whether they will or not), this makes perfect room for a $50,000 - $60k sports car that will take on a GT500, ZL1, Stingray, etc. The GT-R can continue to be bumped up to take on the likes of the 911 Turbo, ZR1 Vette, Viper, and Nissan can fill the gap. Perhaps a Skyline nameplate would be fitting?

Now, if an S Chassis were to return, then throw it at the bottom and make the Z that car. Then you have a "full" sports car lineup that fills various segments for the everyman, including the (not-so)everyman with the GT-R.

[OriginalWheelman]

THIS should be the new S chassis. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

[AZhitman]

As I said previously, 2015 was unlikely, and our "insider" confirmed that 2016, the next-generation GT-R will make its appearance.

Nissan's recent trademark application for the "R-Hybrid" moniker is a no-brainer, which means we're likely to see typical hybrid goodies like a stop/start system, loads of bottom-end torque, and cylinder deactivation technology.

[jbracy7]

THIS should be the new S chassis. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

Its so pretty im just gonna hide in these bushes and stare

[JTR32gtst]

Agreed, while rowing gears is awesome, a human cannot shift as quickly and as reliably as the flappy paddle gear box.

Look at the s*** Camaro SS, the flappy paddle business is faster than rowing. If GM can do that, you know Nissan can. I would love to see a Getrag powered GTR, but that will never happen....

[Dattebayo]

As I said previously, 2015 was unlikely, and our "insider" confirmed that 2016, the next-generation GT-R will make its appearance.

What happened to 2018? I love waiting 5 years for stuff.

Nissan's recent trademark application for the "R-Hybrid" moniker is a no-brainer, which means we're likely to see typical hybrid goodies like a stop/start system, loads of bottom-end torque, and cylinder deactivation technology.

No-brainer huh? SELL that lobotomy Nissan, go on.

[AZhitman]

^ Apparently has never driven an electric hybrid.

[krash]

yea, performance hybrid tech is pretty awesome. You have a gasoline engine that makes awesome torque in its powerband, and then you add an electric motor that makes its torque everywhere, and you put them together, and you have something amazing.

Don't hate.