The Nissan Skyline is perhaps one of the world^s best-known sport coupes, with its distinctive styling and success on the global motorsport scene. The latest Nissan sport coupe, the GT-R, is due to go into production in 2007, and receives its global premiere (in the form of the GT-R PROTO) at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show later this month, highlighting the company^s advances in the 23 years since the loss of the Datsun name. While Datsuns of the 1970s and early 1980s were hardly inspiring, the marque gained unworthy ridicule in the motoring press. Stylish they were not, but the Cherry and Bluebird provided practical, reliable and affordable motoring, making the Japanese machines ideal for the UK market, a trait that would encourage Nissan to later construct its manufacturing plant in Sunderland. Anyone to have driven a Nissan Bluebird or Sunny in the 1980s would probably notice little change from the Datsun era - inspiring, these cars were not. However, the Nissan marque has increasingly been associated with exciting and class-redefining cars, such as the new Micra, X-Trail and the fabulous new 350Z, which harks back to the sporting success of the Datsun 240Z of the 1970s. The GT-R is set to replace the current Skyline model upon its launch in 2007, and unlike its predecessor, will be available in decent numbers to the UK market through official channels. Designed as a coupe rather than a conversion with saloon underpinnings, the GT-R promises to redefine the coupe market. Nissan has certainly come up with a stunning vehicle, with a neatly crafted body. There are no details at this stage about engine size or pricing, although the GT-R would have to compete against the likes of the BMW M3 and Porsche Cayman S. Given that Nissan^s 350Z retails from just £25,000, the GT-R would likely undercut its rivals^ prices, so watch this space!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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