Nissan GT-R R35 CUP 2007

Since the announcement of its revival in 2001, the GT-R kept car fans around the world on edge until it finally debuted in 2007. In the end, the platform turned out to be a dedicated design created from scratch, no longer an evolution model based on the Skyline coupe.

The VR38DETT, the most powerful engine in Japanese car history, is a 3.8L twin turbo producing 473 HP. The power is transmitted to the ground through a trans-axle layout drive system, which optimizes the front to rear weight distribution by unifying the transmission with the rear differential. The front wheels are driven by a drive shaft that returns the power output back to the front of the car. The transmission itself is a 6-speed DCT, which allows highly efficient power transfer and quick gear shifts.

Carbon composites and aluminum die cast materials are strategically placed, and even the aerodynamic take into account front/rear balance. Using feedback gained from racing technology, everything was focused towards the pursuit of speed. The only thing that does not coincide with going fast is the 4-seater body, but this is a heritage of the GT-R that goes back even further than the 4WD system.

This revolutionary supercar had a major effect to the Nissan manufacturing organization as well. By introducing special craftsmanship in what is called the Takumi (artisan/craftsman) line, they maintained a precision production line but kept flexibility in their production structure. This system not only compensates for increases or decreases in production quantity, but also allows the addition of new, anniversary, or limited edition models, and widens the possibilities for the GT-R.

The production version of the GT-R was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as confirmed, following an on-screen 7:38.54 minute lap time in damp conditions around the Nürburgring Nordschleife was broadcast, beating the benchmark Porsche 911 Turbo's time of 7:40 minutes. Nissan called it the record for the fastest lap time for a mass-produced car. The car was previewed as "A supercar, for Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime". In November, 2007, Nissan revealed that the car already had a considerable demand, as more than 3,000 buyers pre-ordered the car in Japan before its official launch. The car was expected to sell around 200 units per month, to maintain exclusivity. Deliveries began on December 6, 2007, in Japan, on July 7, 2008, in North America and in March 2009 in Europe. The first production GT-R was purchased by Nissan's CEO at the time, Carlos Ghosn. The large disparity in initial marketing between these regional releases was due to Nissan having to build GT-R performance centres where the car was serviced.