Next GTR "R35" FAQ!

[r35forums.com]

R35GTR Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ was created to help answer some of the frequently asked questions encountered. Please note that much of the information in this document is based on speculation, rumor, and incomplete information, as NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. has yet to announce much formal information on the 2007 Nissan R35GTR. As well, please note "r35gtr" is used here throughout, but Nissan has not mentioned the next gtr's name, they have but called it the GTR only. I use "r35gtr" throughout because many people associate it with that title, but you can substitute it for next gtr if you like. Once Nissan does provide a name for it, I'll be sure to include it in this FAQ and overwride the "r35gtr."

Table of Contents

1. Introduction1a. History1b. Vehicle Overview2. What are the specs of the R35GTR?2a. Body-design, Size, and Weight2b. Engine2c. Transmission2d. Wheels and Brakes3. How well will it perform?3a. General3b. Will the R35 outperform luxury sport cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo?4. When will it be released?5. How much will it cost and what options will be available?6. Miscellaneous6a. Is the R35GTR the replacement for the Nissan Skyline R34 GTR?6b. Will it be N/A (Naturally Aspirated), or will it be turbo?6c. What other related cars might Nissan be developing?7. Where can I find more information, articles, and pictures about the R35GTR?8. Summary9. Who wrote this R35GTR FAQ?

1. Introduction

1a. History

The R35GTR will be the hard work of 7 progressive years. Nissan R&D, since 2000 had plans of the 11th generation GTR. The Nissan Skyline R34 GTR is in no way similar to the R35GTR. The R35GTR is separate from the Skyline lineage, so there is no direct correlation between any precedent models of the GTR. The RB26DETT had poor emissions always, and the R34 GTR had low mpg ratings. The engine produced 280hp (320hp unofficially), and it was an inline six, 2.6 litre twin turbo engine. None of the Skyline or GTR models were ever released in the U.S. although import companies like RbMotoring has made it possible to import and register one. In Japan, the R34 GTR was discontinued in 2002, with the Nur and M-Spec limited edition models. The V36 Skyline, due out 2006 will be based on the previous skyline coupe AND sedan models.

In 2001, Nissan unveiled a concept, the GTR Concept in 2001 at the Tokyo Motor Show. As a result, many were skeptical of the design so Nissan went back to the drawing board and has kept hush about it since then. This car is the direct predecessor to the R35GTR. The engine spec's of the GTR Concept were never known, nor mentioned, but it is rumored to have had no engine at the show, although the promo video featuring the GTR Concept was a running model, suspected to have had a VQ engine from a track model Fairlady Z33. The engine should have made about 250-300hp at crank. Since its debut, Nissan has stated to make a production model for 2007. It is noted to be unveiled in late 2006 at the Geneva Auto Show.

1b. Vehicle Overview

We know that the R35GTR will have 2 doors, and four real bucket seats, and is a rear-wheel drive (not leaning toward's AWD) design based around Nissan's VQ engine. Like Nissan's previous Skyline models, the R35GTR will be a sporty car and is expected to have excellent handling and great acceleration. Rumor has it that the R35GTR will have stiffer handling than its previous counterparts, which were known for their handling in tight corners. The R35GTR will fall into categories like sports car, sports coupe, etc. There are no current length measurements.

The latest specifications on the VQ32DETT engine have it making an estimated 480ps at 7200rpm. Why go with the VQ and turbo it? Well, due to emission problems Nissan had with the RB26DETT, it has dropped it and made a new designed VQ engine with better emissions and gas mileage, also reduces oil consumption with a "semi-wet sump" system. See the section on specifications for more details on the engine.

2. What are the specs of the R35GTR?

2a. Body-design, Size, and Weight

In terms of weight, there is a lot of speculation on how much the car will weigh. Nissan hasn't traditionally built lightweight sports cars so we suspect the R35GTR to be within 3200 pounds like the 350z, and its older counterparts. If worst comes to worst, expect it to be tipping 3400 pounds. Carbon and Aluminum Panels will provide maximum rigidity. The Nissan R35GTR will be based on a new FR-L platform (Primary Front engine/Rear wheel drive transaxle, motor-assisted front wheel drive or "e-4WD") due to good results from testing.

2b. Engine

As mentioned above, the R35GTR is based around Nissan's VQ engine, but it is now assisted by twin turbo's. 3.2 litres seems reasonably enough like a displacement for a car to produce 480ps. The engine will be a high revving, high power, and high torque engine. The VQ32DETT generates an estimated 480ps @ 7,200rpm, 58.0kg/m @ 5,200rpm. Compared to the twin-turbo RB26DETT in the tenth generation R34 GTR, the new VQ32DETT engine has a large number of improvements. The VQ is almost identical to that of the 350z's, so you just need to look at the specs of the 350z's engine, but take note of the .2 litre reduction, twin turbo's, and new design and better efficiency.

2c. Transmission

Current information has the R35GTR coming with a new 7-speed sequential manual getrag transmission mated to the 480ps VQ32DETT described above.

2d. Wheels and Brakes

The wheel package will be large. What is expected is 20 inch aluminum rims on 255/40/20 front, 285/35/20 rear tire size Z rated performance tires. It is strange though, as the latest taped up test mule in Nurburgring had 18x8 inch rims, and previously before this, the same setup, this time though the wheel's were borrowed from the R34 Skyline GTR.

3. How well will it perform?

3a. General

Since the car will most likely be tipping at around 3000 pounds, and it will have around 480ps, it is expected to perform like a race car should perform. Nissan's aim with the R35GTR is to top all other previous Skyline GTR models, and with a 3.2 V-6 twin turbo engine, it should be more than capable. Understeer will not be an issue, and the car will deliver lots of torque for good pull. The R35GTR has a mid high RPM range, peak power reaching at 7,200rpm, but with some modifications one can expect the car to top at around 8,500rpm. As for the driveline, all that is known is that it will be a 7-speed sequential manual getrag transmission, but you can expect tight gear ratios for super quick launches. Why they picked getrag AGAIN, is unknown though. For 0-60 times, expect sub 5's.

3b. Will the R35 outperform luxury sport cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo?

Well for one, I don't suggest going out and intending to street race anything. Really though, it depends on the driver and his/her experience. Since Nissan's exact target to beat is the Porsche 911 Turbo, I am positive it will give Porsche a run for its money. They have similar specs, and Nissan based their final decisions on the next gtr's spec's based on the Porsche's 911 Turbo, just adding twin turbo, an extra 50hp or so, and having a 3.2 instead of a 3.6 litre.

4. When will it be released?

Nissan does not have an official time of release, but Carlos Ghosn, chair of Nissan said the next gtr would arrive no later than 2007. It is expected to first show up either at the Geneva Auto Show, or the Tokyo Motor Show (maybe even at TAS.)

5. How much will it cost and what options will be available?

Most of this is speculation, but really as far as options go, there won't be much. Nissan will make it a priority to sell this car in a high price range, due to all the performance parts it will come with. It seems reasonable to have it priced at 50-60k, if it is to compete with Porsche, Audi, BMW, etc. Other models might be more expensive, I don't mean other models' but other trims or special (limited) edition trims. There is no word on a hardtop (targa) model, or a roadster like the 350z. Since the R35GTR will come with all you'd want, the only important option would be an extended warranty, I suppose. It will come with HID's, bucket seats, (possibly nav system), etc. No word on color choices, but the spy shot car's have all been dressed in toned down silver, and/or titanium grey as well the gtr concept was silver. The latest test mule was spotted at Nurburgring, being photographed while undergoing track testing in Germany.

6. Miscellaneous

6a. Is the R35GTR the replacement for the Nissan Skyline R34 GTR?

No. The R35 is a different model from the R34 GTR. Additionally, the new GTR has broken off from the Skyline lineage.

6b. Will it be N/A (Naturally Aspirated), or will it be turbo?

As far as we know, Nissan has plans of having a Twin electric-assisted Turbo VQ engine. Rumors of a NA 3.6 or 4.2 are long gone.

6c. What other related cars might Nissan be developing?

From what we know, Nissan is planning to reintroduce the 240sx in 2007 in the states, as well launch the S16 Silvia in Japan, and possibly the same in the U.K. Most of it is from speculation and rumor but we are confident much of this is true. Nissan is also possibly planning a re-update of the 350z.

Nismo R35GTR Model

Nismo is the performance branch for Nissan Motors Japan. How they can up the ante of the R35GTR is unknown, but expect them to offer a higher performance version. The power figures of the next gtr seem a bit high, but who knows. I would have expected 300hp, and for then Nismo to have a 400hp crate engine for the future model, something in those lines. The R35GTR will have a new distinct chassis, FR-L, separate from all other models.

Nissan V36 Skyline

Nissan will introduce the V36 Skyline in 2006, which will be where Nissan left the V35 Skyline--Fuga oriented. Again, this is all speculation but it is deemed to be true.

7. Where can I find more information, articles, and pictures about the R35GTR?

You can visit r35forum.com, or r35gtr.com. You can also try looking in the Next Skyline forum at skylinesaustralia.com. In 2004, Road and Track published an article on the "2007 Nissan GTR." Many other import magazines have some snippet on it. Search at yahoo.com or google.com for "r35gtr" where you will find more information. This FAQ though, and the sites of the FAQ creators will contain the most concrete and valid up-to-date information on the R35GTR online though.

If you don't find the information you need in this FAQ or that article, you can definitely go to r35forum.com and look up posts with the search engine. If you don't find what you want, make a question at the forum, and we'll try to answer it in the best way possible.

8. Summary

2007 Nissan R35GTRExpected Release: TBD~2007Body Style: 2 doors coupe, 4 seatsWeight: Most likely under 3200 lb.Drivetrain: 480ps @ 7,200rpm, 58.0kg/m @ 5,200rpm. 3.2L V6 Twin electric-assisted Turbo engine. Rear-wheel drive 7-speed sequential manual getrag transmissionSteering/Suspension: rack & pinion with double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspensionWheels: 255/40/20 front, 285/35/20 rear tire size on 20" wheels.Performance: 0-60 approx. sub 5 seconds, 1/4 mile approx. 13.0 sec due to power figure estimates.

9. Who wrote this R35GTR FAQ?

This R35GTR FAQ was written by Dave on 12/01/04. Additional information and suggestions were supplied by Mark.

[RBpoweredSileighty]

damn good write-up.

the new R35 sounds sweet, but i wish there wasnt a gap in between the R34 and R35 (production) and wish the R35 would "stay in the family"

i wonder if Tiff will get ahold of one and put it through his crazy tests!

[crzycav86]

The new GTR sounds like it'll be a beast. It's unfortunate that it doesn't have the AWD.. but that may have been done in order to distinguish itself from the Skyline..

Good write-up.

[jdmfreak]

I need a damn good job if Im gonna own this jammy.

[Altiman94]

wait a second here, getting a little confused on the engine on this. I keep seeing VQ32DETT, but then you refer to this engine having .2L of displacement over the 350z, which is untrue. THe Z has a VQ35DE, so what engine is this new skyline going to have? I am also seeing a 7 speed manual transmission here, are you sure its a 7 speed? This FAQ seems to be too much speculative info considering the car isnt gonna be out for another 2 years. I don't see how you can do any write up whens nissan hasnt even officially said whats gonna be powering this new platform. I think this is just a bunch of people getting together speculating what it *could* be about.

[JESTER]

That would be the speculation and rumor part.

Anyway, still a good bit of info.

[Mr1der]

don't see why it can't have a 7 speed...some Puegot rally cars have them...hell, probably production too.

if you read his write up, it mentions the FR-L which looks to have some kind of motor assisted front drive(?)

so it's gonna have some kind of AWD set up...

we'll see how it rolls out shortly though huh? like in a year-ish?

[PalmerWMD]

Goo Write-up!

If we didnt have so many stickies it might get stickied.

Fred..

[Altiman94]

Fred, I dont mean to be the devils advocate here, but I dont think that any of this is worth a sticky. It is all speculation, and I dont htink we need to be spreading rumors about a car tha tisnt even in production yet. The write up presents the idea that the 240sx WILL be retintroduced, when we all know the ka we knew and loved it gone for ever. Meaning, the 240sx is gone. I personally dont think any of htis info is worth a darn being that nissan hasnt released any info on it, just rumors people are starting.

[r35forums.com]

I messed up on the .2 litre thing for the 350z, but I fixed it on my FAQ on my site. I wish I could say the specs are rumors, But it ain't. Some of it may sound sketchy but given the fact that Nissan released those specs, of it being a VQ 3.2 V-6 TT, with 480ps, that came directly from Nissan. As well, the 7-speed, the 20 inch rims, the chassis, etc. Nissan hasn't said of it being AWD, but I doubt it, since you can't really acommadate a 480ps VQ with AWD. I don't think the 240sx will be re-introduced either, but then again it came from Road and Track I think--but they aren't that credible as a source.Im going to post a post made by a forum user, who I know that what he say's is true. Also don't take the naming of 'r35gtr' in this FAQ literally, I personally don't think it will be called that, but for Nissan's sake, it should to keep the tradition--which is all messed up at this point. Fred, It would be cool if you could sticky this FAQ, im sure it will clear some of the question's people have had. I will say that the gtr is coming out, will be out as a global car, and there is no surprise in this. Ive been doing this hunt since 2001, I know it will arrive. I should have said, that these specs were concluded by Nissan on the test session in Nurburgring, or so Im made to believe. Im not that gullible, but I do have a few spy shot's of the session.

This information comes from Rezz from SAU, it is very current and IMO its the truth:

"Yet another page in the next GT-R development unfolds...

a) Nissan are well aware of the popularity of the GT-R outside of Japan, and are looking to make the next GT-R well and truly stand out more than previous incarnations. The "World Market GT-R" as it were... just by translating the article from Holiday Auto, you can feel that the next GT-R has truly broken away from the "old" R-series GT-Rs... (I can hear the crying and monitor bashing from here!)

B) Porsche 911 Turbo is going down... in fact, it seems Nissan are already claiming victory (???)... such is their confidence after the Nurburgring tests. Aparently, the first test failed because some driveline hardware was faulty, but the subsequent 2 tests were successful enough for Nissan to make final descisions on the driveline: 3.2L V6 Twin electric-assisted Turbo, FR-L platform (Primary Front engine/Rear wheel drive transaxel, motor-assisted front wheel drive or "e-4WD") with Getrag 7-speed sequential gearbox.

After much deliberation about 3.0, 3.5 and even 4.1L capacities for the VQ engine, they've decided on 3.2. The thing to bear in mind here is the Porsche 911 Turbo... it seems Nissan may want to defeat Porsche with less capacity...

Expected final power output: 480ps @ 7,200rpm, 58.0kg/m @ 5,200rpm.

c) Other specs of note are the "semi-wet sump" (as opposed to the dry sump originally quoted) and the aluminium spaceframe, steel cabin and bulk usage of carbon throughout.

And now... let the cursing and coffee spitting-out begin...



This... my fellow SAU brethren... is one of the submissions from a joint Nissan Japan/Europe/US design team that is going into the draw for an "in-house" GT-R design competition...Just a little bit cloooooserrrrrrrr...

Just when you thought they couldn't F$%# up the GT-R design anymore... I give you:



THE REAR END!!!



Of note here is the 255/40/20 front, 285/35/20 rear tyre size on 20" wheels.

Thats about it for now... theres still quite alot of the article that I haven't translated yet, but it all centers around the transaxel and Getrag gearbox which even Holiday Auto themselves aren't so sure about (the Getrag box in particular)."

[RBpoweredSileighty]

i like the vents on the fenders and hood but DAMN it looks like they just slapped on the tail lights

[r35forums.com]

its a design submission from the nissan teams, its not final, its really more like a concept, but current one. lol

[RBpoweredSileighty]

yea i hear ya. do you have any idea of why they would want to change way of the skyline style? its such a sexy design, alot of people favor it. im wondering if Nissan knows this to be true.

[nametakennow]

Nissan knows, at least as far as enthusiast are concerned, but mass market appeal (which is what will allow us here in the US to actually get Godzilla) means they have to do some funkier stuff.

Really though, if they moved those tails up closer to the trunk lid, it'd be as close as they can come to keeping some semblance of pure awesome in whilst getting the masses to follow.

I will own one.

[Mr1der]

bland bland bland!!!

ugh....I miss curves

[Dirtylou]

I really really hope that this gtr doesn't end up a big disappointment. I'm down with a V6tt. I always thought nissan made illest V6s.

[Altiman94]

I wouldn't buy that car if I had th emoney. The 32-34's are sweet, that 35 is downright fugly

[RBpoweredSileighty]

i wish they made this for production

[Altiman94]

I agree, that design is much better, atleast it keeps sort of the same look as the previous

[Porschephile]

Porsche 911 Turbo is going down... in fact, it seems Nissan are already claiming victory (???)... such is their confidence after the Nurburgring tests. Aparently, the first test failed because some driveline hardware was faulty, but the subsequent 2 tests were successful enough for Nissan to make final descisions on the driveline

Sorry, not gonna happen IMO. Not in stock production form at least. Porsche has been professionally racing, testing, tuning, etc their cars on the nurburgring for the last half a century. It's going to take a lot more than some power and a handful of innovative new-tech items to top the 911 turbo.

I have high hopes for the next GTR, however, I'm not very satisfied with what Mr Ghosn has been doing to Nissan as of late. I wish they would build a lightweight, agile, sleek and powerful GTR. Though, something tells me it will end up being a bulbous, hideous, overweight, although powerful pig of a car. Hopefully Nissan sticks to the specs they are realeasing, and it will give the 911 Turbo, c6 z06, etc some competition. If anything, as much as I hate to admit it being a diehard porsche-o-phile, the c6 z06 is probably going to obliterate the competition, unless companies like Porsche, Ferrari, etc pull out the stops and release some ridiculous stuff.

[JDMaholic]

i wish they made this for production

^^^ = hot

Yes I think that this design would be much better. If they are trying to sell this for 50-60k they will need this kind of unique styling. This car actually looks like a "supercar" that I would gladly pay 60k for, the other proto looks too much like every other Nissan, not that that is bad, but I would just not be as willing to spend 60k for. The only reason I could see them not using the one above is that it probably cost too much to produce, cause it would seem an obviously sexier design.

[nismofly]

thats the hot one all right

[RBpoweredSileighty]

i dont see why they wouldnt produce it. it cant be that much more money then the 2000 R34. if they would just keep the RB26DETT/6 speed, and threw in some extra things it would sell mad crazy.

[yelnatsch517]

i wish they made this for production

NICE . They should definately produce something similar to that design. Looks nice and unique. For 60k, something like that should be necessary. Most cars in that price range have pretty unique designs and a design like that is just what nissan needs to grab the chunk it wants out of the current market.

[RBpoweredSileighty]

yes indeed. i just hope someone who makes the calls at Nissan reads these boards and actully sees what is really wanted by consumers. basically what i mean is they need to have something.. straight out bad *** that the mainstream will buy and the design pic i posted is exactly what Nissan needs to produce.

[nismofly]

i dont see why they wouldnt produce it. it cant be that much more money then the 2000 R34. if they would just keep the RB26DETT/6 speed, and threw in some extra things it would sell mad crazy.

well they cant keep the rb26 because its no longer emissions legal there either. thats one of the main reasons they discontinued the r34 and the silvia, because japan changed their engine laws to be a lot stricter.

[RBpoweredSileighty]

so i guess that is for all new production cars, being that there is stricter epa laws? i wonder if that effects all the r34s and sr20s that still remain. i have a buddy who is in the service (located in tokyo) owns a couple r32's, but he hasnt said anything about it.

[nismofly]

no i think its just newer cars, kind of like how we had here a few decades ago

[RBpoweredSileighty]

gotcha

[Porschephile]

i wish they made this for production

I don't know whether it just hit me but, after looking it over and considering all the other concepts/designs I've seen, THIS IS HOT AS HELL! I haven't really liked any of the designs I've seen so far, but that one looks damn good. Isn't that pic from a video game or something? I know I've seen it before awhile ago. I'm planning on buying an older 911 Turbo within the next 2 years, but if they make the new GTR look like that, I might have to just buy one instead!