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Report: Nissan working on four-door Infiniti based on GT-R

Report: Nissan working on four-door Infiniti based on GT-R

Ralph Hanson October 24th, 2008 Ralph Hanson By Ralph Hanson Author October 24th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Earlier this year reports emerged claiming Nissan was seriously considering an Infiniti version of the GT-R supercar. The first hint came when Nissan’s global design Chief Shiro Nakamura revealed that managers were looking at the feasibility of a new high-end flagship saloon, and further speculation arose when a dealer in the United States confirmed that a meeting in Japan took place to discuss possible options for the future sedan. The GT-R is loosely based on Nissan's flexible FM platform but it contains so many unique elements that developers have a separate name for the platform - PM premium midship. An inside source at Nissan has revealed to AutoExpress that the car is in the works and that while it will be based on the GT-R it will miss out on the super-coupe’s 473hp (388kW) twin-turbo V6 engine to help bring down the cost. Instead, it will run a 420hp (313kW) version of the 5.0L V8 engine found in the FX50 SUV. The Infinti four-door GT-R will be targeted at high-performance saloons like the BMW M5 and upcoming Porsche Panamera, and will share the GT-R’s ATTESA-ETS AWD system and six-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle. Performance will come second to luxury however, so expect much softer suspension settings and slower gearshift times. The launch date is expected to fall in the first half of 2011, with sales in both the U.S. and Europe as well as Japan.Nissan’s plans to prevent dealer markups on the new GT-R
The all-tarmac 1,400mi 6-day event is a true test of car and driver

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Earlier this year reports emerged claiming Nissan was seriously considering an Infiniti version of the GT-R supercar. The first hint came when Nissan’s global design Chief Shiro Nakamura revealed that managers were looking at the feasibility of a new high-end flagship saloon, and further speculation arose when a dealer in the United States confirmed that a meeting in Japan took place to discuss possible options for the future sedan.

The GT-R is loosely based on Nissan's flexible FM platform but it contains so many unique elements that developers have a separate name for the platform - PM premium midship. An inside source at Nissan has revealed to AutoExpress that the car is in the works and that while it will be based on the GT-R it will miss out on the super-coupe’s 473hp (388kW) twin-turbo V6 engine to help bring down the cost. Instead, it will run a 420hp (313kW) version of the 5.0L V8 engine found in the FX50 SUV.

The Infinti four-door GT-R will be targeted at high-performance saloons like the BMW M5 and upcoming Porsche Panamera, and will share the GT-R’s ATTESA-ETS AWD system and six-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle. Performance will come second to luxury however, so expect much softer suspension settings and slower gearshift times.

The launch date is expected to fall in the first half of 2011, with sales in both the U.S. and Europe as well as Japan.
Nissan’s plans to prevent dealer markups on the new GT-R
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Posted in: 2009, Nissan, Infiniti, News, GT-R


Comments (5 total)

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  1. By chris #1, Posted: 2/19/2008

    it could work but they would have to replace all the black with chrome..... and it would have to be a little less edgy... a little more... classy.

    the interior would have to be unlike anything that even infinity has done. dont just play the numbers and rebrand a GTR so that u have a 70k infinity. you need to make it an 85k infinity...... an 85k GT-R with 15k worth of interior, sound deadening.. and softened lines. and chrome. or bod coloured bits at least. no one is going to pay over 70k for an infinity that is showing carbon fibre.

  2. By lexlife #2, Posted: 2/19/2008

    I viewed the GTR in-person @ the Chicago Auto show last week and I will admit that I was very impressed. Pictures do not convey its attractiveness or they way it looks fast simply simply sitting still. The lines are very unique indeed - especially from the side - albeit I wish the nose was slightly more unique and aggressive. The GTR kept a large crowd around the display - far more than the BMW booth's M3 & M6 combined. I'm sure most viewing the GTR had no clue about its history, they simply knew it was something special. An Infiniti sedan variant could work well especially with the high demand for the GTR. The current state of the economy will keep many at bay considering the 70k price, but I think some people on the waiting list for the GTR will turn to Infinitii for a well designed sedan with luxury appointments and proven engine/awd layout. (Side note: I sat in the M45 - the interior not designed for sports sedan enthusiast - new EX crossover - I agree with the USA today review, very small "coffin-like" interior - should have thought GLK. G37 Coupe too much like Altima Cpe at a premium price, FX - dated lines - non-luxurious interior they must think X6 as bogie. A GTR sedan would be a good start at revamping the line. Also, bring back the Q45 poised for the hefty existing and future competition

  3. By Sir Yappie #3, Posted: 2/19/2008

    Im sure that Nissan already make a premium 4 dour/coupe. the skyline. I have seen a couple of variations of this car here in sydney and i must say i am impressed by its dynamics. Agressive yet classy. Think a cross between a Bently Arnage and a Honda Legend. A smoothing over the Arnage shape with the wide bodied stance of the legend. I for one think that Nissan could do well to follow this design exercise.

  4. By Alan #4, Posted: 2/20/2008

    If they want to make it a halo model, i'm not sure a 4 door version is the right choice. 2 door coupe will make much more sense as a halo model, something good looking and people want to own

  5. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #5, Posted: 10/24/2008

    Next up the crossover

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