2007 Tokyo Motor Show Photos & Coverage

2007 Tokyo Motor Show Photos & Coverage

This hotly anticipated, twin-turbocharged, all-wheel drive road burner is without doubt the star of Tokyo 2007. And with good reason: Nissan's GT-R is a technological tour de force, a halo machine for the brand, and an enlightened approach to the supercar. Its 3.8-liter, twin turbocharged V-6 will crank out an estimated 473 horsepower in US trim, along with a beefy 434 pounds feet of torque. Backing this all new, purpose built powerplant is a 6-speed autoclutch manual transmission that uses fast and smooth-shifting dual clutch packs, like Audi/VW's fabulous DSG transmissions. And it's mounted transaxle style in the rear for better weight balance. AWD is standard, in keeping with the car's mission of every day, anywhere, anytime performance, no matter the road condition or weather. Technology abounds: a data tracking system records driver performance and coaches improvement. A memory system prevents illegal modifications that might hurt fuel mileage or emissions performance. US pricing will be announced at the LA auto show in mid-November, but it costs around 7.7 million yen in Japan, which is in the mid $70,000 range at current exchange rates. The GT-R casts about the same shadow as a Mustang, and is striking in the metal. It will count the Porsche Turbo, Corvette Z06, and Jaguar XKR among its competitive set, yet is different from all of them. US sales will begin in May/June. The GT-R's project manager and chief engineer calls it an "all year long driving partner, and a superstar in any scene." - Matt Stone

2007 Tokyo Motor Show Photos & Coverage

2007 Tokyo Motor Show Photos & Coverage

2007 Tokyo Motor Show Photos & Coverage