FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 October 1999

NEW NISSAN SKYLINE GT‑R OFF TO A FLYING START

With only a limited number of official Skyline GT‑R sports coupés due to be imported into the UK, current figures suggest that demand for this coveted performance vehicle may well outstrip supply. Priced at £54,000, Nissan’s flagship model will make its UK debut at this year’s London Motor Show, an event that also marks its official on-sale date.

Fuelled by outstanding acclaim from the national media, 26 orders for the cult supercar have already been placed and over 80 prospective customers are currently considering their purchase decision.

“The new Skyline GT‑R plays a key role in developing and strengthening the Nissan brand in the UK,” explains Brian Carolin, managing director, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited. “As we will only be selling a limited number of Skylines, we are thrilled that 26 customers have already placed orders. This confirms the Skyline GT‑R’s standing as the ultimate performance coupé.“

Imported in response to the outstanding acclaim for the previous Skyline GT‑R model, this latest generation Nissan has been further refined and many aspects of the car’s features updated. With bolder, more muscular styling, the latest Skyline has enhanced aerodynamics and increased body rigidity, both of which have improved upon the car’s renowned handling finesse.

New Nissan Skyline GT‑R off to a flying start…2

The formidable 280PS 2568cc twin-turbo straight six-cylinder engine has also been further developed to provide more torque and quicker turbo response. A new six-speed close ratio Getrag gearbox and 18-inch alloy wheels then complete the performance package.

Only one high-specification version will be available in the UK, which features leather upholstery as standard, hand-crafted and fitted by the world-famous Connolly company – a luxury feature which takes 30 man-hours to complete.  All new Nissan Skylines imported into the UK will be exclusively available through one approved dealer – Middlehurst Motors in Merseyside.

In order to sell the Skyline GT‑R officially in the UK, Nissan has had to make numerous technical changes to bring the vehicle to European standards. Three oil coolers have been added, one each for the engine, gearbox and transfer box plus the standard ECU has been replaced with a European specification unit. On average around 32 hours of technical work is carried out on each Skyline GT‑R before customers can take delivery.

In the UK, the only country in Europe where customers can officially buy a Nissan Skyline GT‑R, all customers will benefit from the full backing of Nissan’s comprehensive three years or 60,000 miles warranty, six-year anti-perforation guarantee and three years’ membership of Nissan’s Roadside Assistance.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gabi Whitfield            Press Officer, Product Affairs          01923 899930

e-mail:                         gabi.whitfield@nissan.co.uk

Andrew Roberts        Manager, Product Affairs                 01923 899930

e-mail:                         andrew.roberts@nissan.co.uk

Note to editors: The Skyline customer information number is 0990 545556

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