The 2008 Nissan Skyline may be a couple years away, but we've got the latest spy pictures of a new prototype caught testing on the Nurburgring. Expected to come to the U.S. wearing the Infiniti GT-R badge, this super coupe from Nissan is the car that Japanese rivals like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evolution aspire to.
We've seen this prototype before, but closer examination reveals some variations that have been added since its last sighting. The rear fascia wears an extended bumper section that hints at the GT-R's longer overall length compared to the current Japanese market Nissan Skyline, otherwise known as the Infiniti G35 in the U.S. The view from behind also reveals pronounced front-quarter panels that extend beyond the G35's stock bodywork suggesting a considerably wider track up front. Same goes for the rear quarters, as the view from the front shows some wide wheelwells destined to house some serious rubber.
Regardless of whether it comes over wearing the Nissan Skyline GT-R badge or the Infiniti GT-R nameplate, expect the usual combination of serious horsepower, all-wheel drive and Nissan's latest technological hardware. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn suggested in a speech to expect around 400 hp from what will probably be a twin-turbo version of Nissan's VQ V6. Internet chatter has also brought up the possibility of a seven-speed sequential gearbox, but even if that doesn't come to fruition a standard six-speed manual should be part of the package.
Ghosn has also gone on record with the promise of a production version for the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, but a recent report suggests that yet another concept version may be shown at this year's Tokyo show. Rest assured that regardless of when the Nissan's replacement for the Skyline hits the streets it will be one of the fastest supercars Japan has ever produced.
