GT-R, actually got answer from Nissan

[mikek]

So I asked Infiniti product support the following question, and I actually got a response back! here it is:

Question:

I was wondering if there was any validity to the rumors that the R-36, aka GT-R, aka Skyline, was going to be released in the USA as a Nissan and not an Infiniti?> Thanks,> Mike Kellerman

Answer:

Dear Mike Kellerman,

Thank you for taking the time to personally contact us about your interest in Nissan products.

That is correct the vehicle will be known as the Nissan GT-R. We encourage you to visit http://www.nissanusa.com/gt-r/...me.P5 for more information.

We hope that this information answers your question, but if you need any additional information or have further questions, please let us know by reply e-mail or by calling 1-800-647-7263 and pressing "0" for a live operator.

At Nissan, we are committed to a high level of customer service.

Sincerely,

Nissan North America

[mikek]

I think this will put a dent in sales.

Look what happened when VW tried to sell $70K cars, not under the Audi brand.

Would you pay $70,000.00 for a Volkswagen?

I fear the same fate might come to the GT-R!!

[still learning 06]

I am actually hoping that Nissan prices the GTR fairly high because it will clearly indemnify the car from being compared to an STI or Evo. The exclusivety is one of the main factors (in my mind) why the current Skyline model range is so desirable. Having the "holy-grail" of tuner cars, and the fact that it requires nothing short of an act of God to legally obtain one here in the U.S. makes the car have almost a mythical status amongst the car community. Of course, the main reason is the capability of such great HP and great handling.

It's awesome that you are "on the ball" with this car. It seems that you work/own a dealership and I GREATLY appreciate your info. update. I say this because I don't want to insult you, but my experience has been that my local dealerships her in Connecticut know crap about skylines (which is understandable because the car really shouldn't be stateside), and they know even less about the impending GTR arrival. I have wasted much time in person and on the phone requesting any pertinent info regarding the car.

I believe that if certain people were/are paying top $$$ for an R34 GTR (legal or illegal), they will pony up the $$$ for the new GTR. (I will def. own one to match my 34.) I don't believe that it will be a big cash cow for Nissan, which will hopefully make the car more of a collector's item (limited production numbers)...similar to the new Ford GT40 (though much cheaper, of course). If the car becomes common place, with one parked on every street corner, then the GTR (skyline) name will lose it's luster in my mind.

Again, thanks for the update, it's greatly appreciated.

[themadscientist]

Americans are silly. Arguing about what psudoname a car is sold under. Infiniti or Nissan, why does anyone care? The Skyline and consequently the GT-R have been Nissan since the car's name was brought over with the Prince Motors acquisition. They can call the ****ing thing a Datsun and people will still want it.

[Gold Digger]

This has been hashed out many times on the boards, most recently here, zerothread/272123

Also, it will not be the R chassis code as the current Skyline is based on the V chassis.

It's probability that it will be an V36 or a _36 chassis.

Either way, regardless, it's going to be a total monster. Even if you don't like the looks (read TMS), it's going to be a total performer.

[redtop91]

I think this will put a dent in sales.

Look what happened when VW tried to sell $70K cars, not under the Audi brand.

Would you pay $70,000.00 for a Volkswagen?

I fear the same fate might come to the GT-R!!

What Infiniti owner wants a car that has no creature comforts, likely terrible ride quality, a high maintenance motor, etc. etc.? My point being Infiniti owners care more about luxury than performance. Gearing a performance car towards them would be a terrible mistake! GTR's would be returned because they didn't have bluetooth connectivity and heated leather seats!!!!!

[audtatious]

Here is the press release off GTRclub.org :

NEW YORK (April 12, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Carlos Ghosn today announced that the next generation of Nissan’s renowned GT-R performance car will be available in North America and badged as a Nissan model, consistent with its global branding. The GT-R, which was previewed in concept form as the GT-R PROTO (shown above), has not previously been offered for sale in North America. The GT-R will debut in production form at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in Fall 2007, followed by the U.S. and Canada in Spring 2008. More details on the launch of the GT-R will be available at a later

[Carkeeper]

Who says that the new GT-R won't have creature comforts?

Is the normal profile of a NISSAN buyer a person willing to pay over $70K+?[with the premiums that will be put on them, since only 2500 are to be imported into the US]

I think your logic is flawed.

I agree with themadscientist, it's the car not the badge.

[pimpn2326]

I know they will Sell!!!

[redtop91]

Is the normal profile of a NISSAN buyer a person willing to pay over $70K+?[with the premiums that will be put on them, since only 2500 are to be imported into the US]

Oh my god. I want to slap every person that posts this nonsense repeatedly. Infiniti does not make 70k cars either. So it doesn't match the profile of an Infiniti owner either. Please get off the Infiniti pedestal.

[AZhitman]

Indeed.

Not to be a jerk, but this news is a year old. The GTR was never slated to be an Infiniti, except in the minds of a select few people who can't fathom Nissan building a supercar.

With that logic, wouldn't the Supra be silly as a Toyota?

It'll be fine - Just wait and see.

[HashiriyaS14]

It doesn't matter what brand they sell it under, the car will sell out immediately.

This is going to be a VERY limited run vehicle, like a couple thousand at best in the US in the first year. They could paint them all pink and call it the "OMGGAYMOBILE GTZXRR BBQ" and they will still sell every last damned one of them at a huge markup from MSRP.

Hell, they're already threatening to void the warranties if anyone resells them within the first year of ownership to prevent flipping.

Sales is simply not a concern, it never will be, Nissan will never be in the business of selling 20,000 GTR's a year here like they do in Japan.

[AZhitman]

Hell, they're already threatening to void the warranties if anyone resells them within the first year of ownership to prevent flipping.

...which would fail miserably, as there's too many legal ramifications to such a "policy".

[Rex]

Would you pay $70,000.00 for a Volkswagen?

The flaw in that logic, is VW wasn't offering an establish "car" sold in other markets under the same name. Yes, I realize the car when it gets here won't be the same GT-R/Skyline, but the GT-R/Skyline name has history and meaning.

[AZhitman]

Would you pay $70,000.00 for a Volkswagen?

Absolutely - Have you seen the place where they're built?

Check THIS out: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641

There's a big difference between a Phaeton and a GTR.

[Encryptshun]

I gotta sound off on this one. I speculate that Nissan (a very conservative automaker) is going to follow in the footsteps of, of all companies, Sony and Nintendo. Before you trip over your own lower lips, hear me out. Starving a year-one (or even year-two) market has now become a tried-and-true marketing strategy for Japanese companies. Nissan is selling a high-dollar vehicle to a market where the bulk of the potential buyers could never possibly afford one or would have to be willing to sacrifice a great deal of financial freedom to afford one. This will reduce their sales if they were to ship, say, 30 - 35K vehicles over here. However, by making the GT-R so hard to get, in year two, three, or four they can flood the market with them, at a little bit lower price-point, and all those people who didn't buy one the first year will do whatever it takes to get one once there is no longer a shortage -- even if they would normally not buy such an expensive car, they will just because they see one on the lot.

I'm also wondering if Nissan is considering a GT-S version that might hit our shores 3 - 5 years after the GT-R debuts as a cheaper "common man's GT-R".

Of course, Carkeeper is the one with the inroads, so I'll assume he'll enlighten me.

[mikek]

There's a big difference between a Phaeton and a GTR.

I'm not comparing the two cars, that would be impossible. The Phaeton was a remarkable and awesome car. But trying to sell a Volkswagen that has a stigma of inexpensive, econo, hippie mobiles, for 70K... no matter how nice and advanced it is, just won't sell, and they didn't sell!

[mikek]

Found this article;

Infiniti looks at expanding range, mulls GT-R based coupe

Infiniti is considering expanding its lineup with a new small car, a high-end coupe and possibly a MPV plus the introduction of smaller engines. Despite fuel prices heading northwards, the smallest engine in Infiniti’s range remains a 3.5L V6. However, it’s not just engines Infiniti has its hopes for the future pinned on.

Nissan’s global design chief Shiro Nakamura was looking towards “an expansion of the brand” itself, including the possible introduction of several new models that stray from Infiniti’s current market segment and image. The most notable of these is the possibility of a “high end coupe or convertible” to be Infiniti’s take on Nissan’s upcoming GT-R. While Infiniti’s luxury image may not be entirely compatible with a 500hp sports car there remains significant interest in the segment, Nakamura told Automotive News.

It’s not all sports and luxury at Infiniti though, with murmurings of a “people mover” that would differentiate itself from the FX crossover and the EX crossover due in December.

This new influx of creative thinking is a welcome change from Infiniti’s previous state of dormancy and lack of new products. A new product every year has been promised by Infiniti officials, and the expansion of the brand in new markets such as China, Europe, Japan, Korea and Russia should guarantee that it’s no longer a US dominant brand, but rather a global brand that can compete with the likes of Lexus.

[AZhitman]

Good stuff, Mike. I agree on the Phaeton... While nice, I drove one of the 3 in Phoenix and wasn't blown away.

Hey, can you catch me via email, I need to ask you about something... Thanks Mike!

[seyath]

Absolutely - Have you seen the place where they're built?

Check THIS out: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641

There's a big difference between a Phaeton and a GTR.

OMFG!I would give my left nut to have that kind of rotating lift in my garage...

[Encryptshun]

OMFG!I would give my left nut to have that kind of rotating lift in my garage...

I love my GF, but I'd have no more use for my nuts if I had one of those, so might as well give 'em both...

[Death By Thrash Metal]

my 2 cents:zerothread/276399

[Death By Thrash Metal]

Good stuff, Mike. I agree on the Phaeton... While nice, I drove one of the 3 in Phoenix and wasn't blown away.

Hey, can you catch me via email, I need to ask you about something... Thanks Mike!

Friends father has one, but our ls460 is millions times better

[Carkeeper]

Go ahead and "slapaway", but consider this:

Why does NISSAN make two lines of automobiles NISSAN and INFINTI.

Two assembly lines, two service centers, two sets of manufacturing tooling,

two types of dealerships, two set of many uniques part numbers; NISSAN

is in the business of losing money, right? by having this "unecessary

overhead"?

There is a market segment of higher income people which the INFINITI is

targeted.

This does not mean that the GT-R should be an INFINITI because the

INFINITI owners are "upper crust snobs"; the profiles are simply different

income classes.

From a cost point of view, a fully loaded M45 Sport Sedan is $65: is there

any NISSAN with that price tag?

So, what this about talking : "nonsense"?[Not a comment I appreciate, I

don't care if you posted 1 million posts, I 'm not impressed with this one.]

Maybe, you should consider these facts.

[redtop91]

I'm was (amazingly) able to gather your comment was directed at me (no thanks to your horrid sentence structure and why did you space every line out?) either way your point is null and void since the GTR will NOT be an Infiniti, end of story. I shudder to think of the GTR tamed by all the pointless features and weight that make the G35 such a watered down version of the 350z. Infiniti owners don't buy cars for their outright performance as a primary concern. Nissan isn't aiming to compeye with Porsche in terms of luxury, no they are aiming for Porsche performance. Irregardless you point is also null and void because people who can afford the car and want one will buy it no matter what brand it's under. Your attitude typifies an Infiniti owner unfortunately. No need to be sour because the greatest sports car from Nissan on this side of the Ocean won't be an Infiniti. Besides what do you associate the greatest cars under the company of Nissan/Infiniti with? (Datsun/Nissan) Z cars. Infiniti doesn't even come to mind. Kthanx.

[0wn3r]

I have the feeling that the G37, GTR, and 370z will be almost all alike.

GTR should have the retail of a Yaris. I'd buy 2.

[bundy26]

Nissan should`ve had this car here 10 years ago, and at a 40K price range ,70K is a little to high for a Nissan.

[Carkeeper]

I don't know every thing, just some stuff,

You definately have a better handle on this topic than I do, for sure.

Your analysis, Encryptshun, is extremely well thought out and , although

I don't know for sure, I would whole heartedly agree with your thoughts.

It is sad, isn't it, that the Japanese auto maker, do business like that.

But I think you hit the nail on the head. Very good read!

Safe and fun driving.

[Carkeeper]

Just my opinion, no better or worse than yours.

Didn't mean to offend you, sorry if I did.

[0wn3r]

Just my opinion, no better or worse than yours.

Didn't mean to offend you, sorry if I did.

You want to know what's offending? Your nonstop use of that enter key.