FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 May 1997
NISSAN TO LAUNCH SKYLINE GT-R
Nissan has announced today that it will launch a new supercar in the UK this year, the Skyline GT-R V-spec. It will be unveiled at the 1997 London Motor Show in October.
The Skyline GT-R features the most advanced vehicle control systems available on any road car, with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, and is powered by a race-proven 2.6 litre engine with intercooled twin ceramic turbos. It is the ultimate driver's car.
This technical excellence makes it one of the world's fastest and most rewarding cars to drive. It is the only production car to complete a lap of the formidable 14 mile Nurburgring in less than eight minutes.
Until now the Skyline GT-R has only been on sale in Japan, but from 1 November this year it will be available for sale in the UK, fully backed by Nissan with a three year warranty and full technical support. Supply will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 vehicles with a price in the region of £50,000.
Brian Carolin, Nissan's marketing director comments, "The Skyline GT-R is the ultimate Nissan and underlines everything we want to say about the brand. Nissan cars are great to drive and getting behind the wheel of the Skyline GT-R is one of the great driving experiences. We see it as a standard bearer for the rest of our range of vehicles."
Nissan to launch Skyline GT-R…2
Technical highlights
Engine
Power for the Skyline GT-R comes from a 2.6 litre straight six, 24 valve engine with intercooled twin ceramic turbochargers. Peak power is 280 PS at 6800 rpm and maximum torque is 271 lb ft, developed at 4400 rpm.
Electronic torque split
A system called ATTESA E-TS PRO monitors and controls the power delivery and braking force independently to all four wheels to allow each wheel to deliver its full performance potential. Under normal driving conditions the car runs with a rear-wheel drive configuration. However, when the rear wheels start to lose traction, up to 50 per cent of the power is fed to the front, which increases cornering performance dramatically.
Four-wheel steering
Nissan's Super HICAS four-wheel steering system, which is fitted to the Skyline GT-R, is linked to yaw rate sensors which control the steering angle of the rear wheels. The sensors detect the vehicle's yaw rate and monitor steering and accelerator inputs by the driver to decide on the correct rear-wheel steering input for maximum on-road stability.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Graham Biggs Product Affairs Manager 01923 899930
E-mail: graham_biggs@nmgb1.ccmail.compuserve.com
Notes to editors
· Although the Skyline GT-R will not be on sale until 1 November, consumers who want more information can contact the Skyline information hotline on 0990 545556. Please could you refer any consumer queries to this number.
· Further photography available on request
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