Sky high

Sharing many similarities with its predecessors, the new four-wheel drive model has a chunkier, more solid appearance to match its 480bhp twin-turbo power potential.

On sale from December in Japan, and Europe next year, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new platform which enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. This layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car.

This gives the GT-R a near ideal front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the bonnet, the GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system.

Putting the near 500bhp power to the ground (Nissan has yet to officially announce performance statistics) is an all-new transmission with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch.

Suspension duties are handled through a Bilstein DampTronic system while braking is supplied by large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers.

Using carbon fibre, aluminium and steel, GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27 which enhances fuel efficiency, which is balanced with high levels of front and rear down-force.

The high-rise front bumpers feature "aero-blades" on the leading edges to provide optimum airflow around the tyres and along the body while the scoop in the bumper trailing edges assists in providing down-force.

The new Nissan GT-R makes its presence felt with an aggressive front end while a large bonnet bulge and single air intake provides sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling.

New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors to give a wider spread to the illumination area.

GT-R's four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge", which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle.

GT-R's hallmark four-ring tail-lights, rear spoiler and large, integrated exhaust tips provide the distinctive rear view.

Inside, sculpted bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilised on the lower portion of the instrument panel and doors to give an extra level of comfort.

The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimise the driver's head movement when travelling at high speeds.

A large centre-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information.

Drivers are also provided with a special "set-up switch" located in the centre of the instrument panel.

This enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control in three settings - Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the GT-R "supercar" application.

Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood, for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, front seat belts with tension reducer and load limiter, and three-point rear seat belts.

Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are also offered.

In Japan the GT-R is being offered with a high-speed, high-capacity Carwings navigation system and an entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth audio function.

A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear centre armrest area combined with traditional door speakers.

Full UK specification and pricing will be announced when the on-sale date is revealed.