Nissan GT-R Unveiled

After four years of teasing, Nissan has at long last revealed the 21st century replacement for its ultimate sports supercar ... and it's a stunner.

With clear styling cues from the hugely successful 350Z, but with more muscular looks all-round, the GT-R Proto is a virtually production-ready version of the car which will eventually replace the legendary R34 Skyline GT-R.

It was wheeled out for the first time at the Tokyo motor show this week where Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn confirmed: "The GT-R Proto provides clear design direction for the final production car. One look suggests sheer muscle.

"The GT-R is a car worth waiting for. It will go on sale around the world in two years' time."

British drivers will probably have to wait another year beyond that, however, with UK sales not expected to start before 2008.

Nissan has been tempting enthusiasts with the possibility of a new GT-R since 2001 when it unveiled the first GT-R Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Then at the 2003 Tokyo show the company announced the next-generation GT-R would be rolled out in 2007. Then, earlier this month, it released first design sketches.

Unveiling the prototype car at the Tokyo show, Mr Gohn said: "The GT-R will be seen as the icon for Nissan's indisputable, vibrant health. We know that expectations for the next GT-R are high. This is a car with an international cult following and a legitimate reputation as an enthusiast's dream car. We are on track to deliver the ultimate expression of our driving pleasure promise."

Few details are available regarding the power train although industry insiders suggest that the next generation GT-R will have four wheel drive and be powered by a turbocharged V6 engine, based on the 350Z's 3.5-litre power plant, with an output of around 400bhp.