Video of the Nissan HypeMobile-R

[VR4Rob]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=117104

From Edmunds.com:

"Earlier this week we showed you the first pictures of what we thought was the 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Turns out it will be the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R instead. And we not only have a new batch of spy photos, we have exclusive new spy video of Nissan's upcoming supercar.

Caught testing on the famous Nürburgring test track in Germany, the Skyline GT-R sounds as though it has the twin-turbo V6 we expected instead of a 4.5-liter V8 as some earlier rumors suggested. The 3.8-liter engine will be fed through a front mount intercooler and make at least 450 horsepower.

Our video also confirms another unknown about the Skyline — its transmission. Although every other Skyline before it has used a true manual gearbox, this GT-R has either a very quick shifting sequential manual or a full-blown automatic. Listen carefully as it pulls into traffic when exiting the track; this Skyline is upshifting much quicker than any standard gearbox would.

You'll also notice a certain 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo following closely on the heels of the Skyline prototype, a clear indication of Nissan's performance targets. The Porsche puts down 480 horsepower through a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and has been timed around the famous test track in a little over 7.5 minutes. Back in 1995, the Nissan Skyline was the first production vehicle to break the 8-minute barrier. When asked about how the next Skyline would measure up against modern rivals, Carlos Tavares, Nissan's product chief, told Automobile magazine, "We will be very competitive. If we are not, we will do it again."

It will be another year or so before we know the true capabilities of this particular Skyline as Nissan isn't planning on showing the finished car until next fall's Tokyo auto show. Sales in Japan begin shortly thereafter, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the spring of 2008."

Mark my words, if this car is not offered with a real manual gearbox, it will not be very successful. No matter how cool paddle shifters are, I would never ever buy a car with paddle shifters over a real, barbaric ole 6 speed gearbox. This thing cannot possibly live up to all this freaking hype...

[Anderson]

Really wouldn't call it hype. Its just reporting on a car that is due out in a year. I do agree with the manual statement though. It should have a 6-speed option.:thumbsup:

[Jess]

I do agree with the manual statement though. It should have a 6-speed option.:thumbsup:

most def. who tha fuck wouldnt get bored of a paddle shifter after a few hours

[Anderson]

Well your WIFE doesn't get tired of the paddles...:pics:

[marlow<12]

i bet it will have paddles
and i bet my challenger when i get out of school will kick its ass :D

[TylerW]

I don't think you can honestly comment on the boredness of a paddle shifter until you've actually tried it. Why its sooooooo much cooler to push in a clutch and move a shifter versus tapping a paddle is completely beyond me. :rolleyes: Go ask the F1 boys how boring their ride is in their paddle-shifting car.

If you can control the shift points, stop bitching.

[adam p]

Facts: Now paddle-style transmissions shift faster than humans. Consider the fact that they are not only faster than a perfect human upshift or downshift, they are 100% consistent, and allow the same driver to push the car further.

I'd almost go as far as to say that with a competent paddle transmission, ANY driver would be faster on the track, all other things being equal.

It's technology improving performance, therefore it is inevitable. I absolutely love shifting my S2000, and there will (hopefully) always be basic, barebones enthusiast cars like the S2000. But the Skyline is not one of those cars! There isn't a good reason for them to make a traditional manual skyline, it goes against the philosophy of the rest of the car (engineered speed).

We are the only country that gets a manual M5. The Skyline will at least be primarily paddle shifted, and previous statements said that the EVO X will not even be available with a manual gearbox (of course it is also changing philosophy). I don't think it's THAT big of a deal, especially if it improves performance according to a car's design philosophy.

It's inevitable, you may as well embrace it. :emo:

[TylerW]

Facts: Now paddle-style transmissions shift faster than humans. Consider the fact that they are not only faster than a perfect human upshift or downshift, they are 100% consistent, and allow the same driver to push the car further.

I'd almost go as far as to say that with a competent paddle transmission, ANY driver would be faster on the track, all other things being equal.

It's technology improving performance, therefore it is inevitable. I absolutely love shifting my S2000, and there will (hopefully) always be basic, barebones enthusiast cars like the S2000. But the Skyline is not one of those cars! There isn't a good reason for them to make a traditional manual skyline, it goes against the philosophy of the rest of the car (engineered speed).

We are the only country that gets a manual M5. The Skyline will at least be primarily paddle shifted, and previous statements said that the EVO X will not even be available with a manual gearbox (of course it is also changing philosophy). I don't think it's THAT big of a deal, especially if it improves performance according to a car's design philosophy.

It's inevitable, you may as well embrace it. :emo:

OMG I agree with you on something.:physco:

[I want something fast]

Paddle or not, people don't buy a car with a manual just because they can shift faster. Most people enjoy the feel and for me I like the added driver invovlment. To me it keeps you involved in what the car is doing thus keeping you more aware. Paddle shifts are very nice and definately a wonderful option but I atleast want the option slam some gears.

[TylerW]

Yeah but people on this forum act like its the end of the world if the car has a paddle shifter. You mean to tell me you wouldn't ever think of buying a Ferarri, Lambo, etc that came only with a paddle shifter because it would be boring? Give me a break.

"Slamming gears" isn't the only facet of "fun" in a car. People act like a manual gearbox is the only outlet of instant hours of fun without even acknowledging the other factors like the car's ability to handle and accelerate. So it has a paddle shifter - big deal. It's saving you the monotony of using your left foot. You still have the exact same control over the engine that you wouldn't have in an automatic.

[I want something fast]

Yeah but people on this forum act like its the end of the world if the car has a paddle shifter. You mean to tell me you wouldn't ever think of buying a Ferarri, Lambo, etc that came only with a paddle shifter because it would be boring? Give me a break.

"Slamming gears" isn't the only facet of "fun" in a car. People act like a manual gearbox is the only outlet of instant hours of fun without even acknowledging the other factors like the car's ability to handle and accelerate. So it has a paddle shifter - big deal. It's saving you the monotony of using your left foot. You still have the exact same control over the engine that you wouldn't have in an automatic.


That all depends directly on just how good the paddle shift is, meaning just how fast it engages. Ferrari has a lot of experience with it's paddle shift technology and even so they had issues with their early systems being slow. I prefer a stick because I enjoy it, and I am not the only one as Ferrari typically offered both.

The main difference here is that we aren't even talking about what Ferrari would offer we are talking about Nissan. I'm sorry if I am a little bit hesitant to jump right into a car with a paddle shift of which no body knows a thing about. Nissan doesn't have one offered in any other car right now, and if their tip tronic tranny in the G35 is any indication, which hope it isn't, of what kind of of tranny their paddle shift will be then no...I don't want their paddle shift.

I was not impressed with the M3 paddle shift nor was I happy at all with the C6 Corvette Paddle(button) shift. I am sorry but I am skeptical.

[JohnSS]

I am very skeptical too, hell the enzo paddle shift sucked, ferrari didnt really get it right until the challenge stradale.

[adam p]

Drive a VW DSG transmission if you want to see what the next generation of paddle shifting transmission should be like.

Yes, I agree that shifting gears is fun, therefore I prefer it. The Skyline isn't about being fun, it's about being fast. Paddle shifting is faster.

[TylerW]

That all depends directly on just how good the paddle shift is, meaning just how fast it engages. Ferrari has a lot of experience with it's paddle shift technology and even so they had issues with their early systems being slow. I prefer a stick because I enjoy it, and I am not the only one as Ferrari typically offered both.

The main difference here is that we aren't even talking about what Ferrari would offer we are talking about Nissan. I'm sorry if I am a little bit hesitant to jump right into a car with a paddle shift of which no body knows a thing about. Nissan doesn't have one offered in any other car right now, and if their tip tronic tranny in the G35 is any indication, which hope it isn't, of what kind of of tranny their paddle shift will be then no...I don't want their paddle shift.

I was not impressed with the M3 paddle shift nor was I happy at all with the C6 Corvette Paddle(button) shift. I am sorry but I am skeptical.

I don't question your skepticism. It is warranted. My feeling is that if this paddle shifter is top-of-the-line technology (which I fully expect it to be) the car will be phenominal. I guess we will have to wait to see the responsiveness the shifter offers. If it lags nearly as much as a tiptronic, then obviously it will be a failure in that department, but I don't think Nissan would make the car with a paddle shifter simply for cool points and make it act just like a tiptronic.

[Inspector]

i agree with mike... MAYBE (and thats a BIG maybe) the transmission will be great, but the majority of the ones out there suck. i want it to do EVERYTHING i say, instantly. if i, say, want to throw it into a gear that will bang off the rev limiter, it better fucking do it. i know its not something i would truly want to do, but if it does what i say, its a tranny that i could live with.

but then again (back to why i hate auto's), it takes all the skill/talent out of driving and lets the computer handle it. so everyone can be as good as schumacher... FUCK THAT... todays cars have too much computer crap in them already. i want to be able to lose control, slide/drift, do a burnout, lock up the brakes, MAKE MISTAKES. (haha that rhymed) thats what is fun about driving, the risk of taking it too far.. or just taking it to the limit and back. i don't know if that made much sense, but auto tranny's piss me off.. they're just not fun.


...and if you don't understand why, don't bother arguing anymore.

oh yea, the gtr looks bad ass and will sell well enough, i can guarantee that (paddle or stick). looks great, has a sound motor, and probably handles out the ass. it WILL be at least a minor success. and rob, you seem to be hyping this car more than anyone else:2xFU: by just posting how much you think it will fail, you are falling into their hands!! i wouldn't say there is THAT much hype.

[adam p]

Yeah, another point - I don't think this car is "Hyped," i think the real question is "Rob, why do you hate the Skyline so much?" The C6 Z06 was a heck of a lot more hyped than the GTR...and nobody complained.

[I want something fast]

Yeah, another point - I don't think this car is "Hyped," i think the real question is "Rob, why do you hate the Skyline so much?" The C6 Z06 was a heck of a lot more hyped than the GTR...and nobody complained.


I think that is because it not only lived up to the hype but it far surpassed the expectations in almost every catagory.

Poor Nissan has alot of very big shoes to fill. Chevrolet has left them with a huge gap, Porsche has made a substantial leap, and the longer the development of this car goes on the better the competion is going to get.

I am sure they are going to come out with a stellar product, and I am going to be very excited to see it when it is here, but all this R&D they are doing to keep up with the Jones's is costing alot of money and I just hope that doesn't translate into an enormous NSX like price tag.

I have said this before, and I will say it again, if it is priced competively around the C6 it will soar with the eagles. If it is priced with a Porsche Turbo or C6 Z it had better come ready to play or it is going to get forgotten very fast.

[TylerW]

...and if you don't understand why, don't bother arguing anymore.

I understand everything you said except the fact that you want to "make mistakes." The reasoning behind that escapes me. Perhaps the thrill of not knowing what your actions might make the car do is fun, but I don't know anyone that wants to make mistakes. But otherwise the statements are logical.

[Grider]

I understand everything you said except the fact that you want to "make mistakes." The reasoning behind that escapes me. Perhaps the thrill of not knowing what your actions might make the car do is fun, but I don't know anyone that wants to make mistakes. But otherwise the statements are logical.

I think it goes into the computer is not always right in every situation. It can add all the factors from the sensors, come up with the correct number, turn shit on or off, and not be at all what you intended to happen.

Also it becomes a Suit of Armor for a lot of people. Thinking the computer has your back when you go barrelling off into a thunderstorm at 85MPH in a 4500# computer laden SUV does not get you a Get out of Physics Free card, contrary to what some believe. I'm somewhat guilty of this as well from time to time. AWD and Traction Control cover a lot of logical situations and some not so logical ones. But eventually people will paint themselves into a corner of the performance envelope that is inescapable with electrons and hydraulics.

Basically, I think Blake's argument is that it makes shitty drivers look like world champions by doing nothing more than siting down and turning the car on.

[I want something fast]

I understand everything you said except the fact that you want to "make mistakes." The reasoning behind that escapes me. Perhaps the thrill of not knowing what your actions might make the car do is fun, but I don't know anyone that wants to make mistakes. But otherwise the statements are logical.

If you never make mistakes you never learn.

[VR4Rob]

My problem with this car is that the general public has been hearing about it for 19 years and we just now "think" we've found out what kind of motor is going to be in it. Nissan hasn't made a competent "world beater" car in a loooooong time, so I'll remain very skeptical. I guess the other thing that rubs me wrong is that the "Sport Compact Car" crowd will be/have been deeptroating every little piece of info that has leaked out about this car. The fanboi bench racing is what kills me.

As for the Z06, it wasnt hyped near as much as this thing. Even if it was remotely close, that car damn sure deserved every bit of it. Chevrolet/GM had been consistently making great sports cars and winning races with the C5 platform for years. People knew what to expect and they didnt have to make things up to make the car sound great. People knew what to expect, yet they were still blown away by what GM came out with. You'd have to blind or retarded to discredit any of the "advertised" merits of the new Z06.

One other thing that really grinds my gears is this... all this hype about some new cool shit that Nissan's been "developing" for years and yet we can't get a TURBO version of the 350Z???? The 350Z is a great and certainly capable car of having a twin turbo version. It certainly would be easier, quicker, and cheaper to make a TT Z to have an intermediate step between the base 350Z and this new "world beater" instead of making the world wait 10+ years for a new car. I mean CRAP how hard could it be? Tack 10K on to the pricetag of the Track version of the Z, put some 8.5:1 pistons in the VG35, and twin 16Gs, beefier tranny... you'd have a very competitive, reliable 450hp car that would cost about the same as a nicely equipped C6 vette.

[adam p]

Well first off, they ARE making a supercharged 350Z.

Secondly, the last R34 GT-R WAS a worldbeater. Didn't it set records at the Nurburgring for a production car? Your arguements supporting the hype of the Z06 can be transferred directly to the Skyline.

[VR4Rob]

Well first off, they ARE making a supercharged 350Z.

Secondly, the last R34 GT-R WAS a worldbeater. Didn't it set records at the Nurburgring for a production car? Your arguements supporting the hype of the Z06 can be transferred directly to the Skyline.
ORLY? Pics?

Exactly my point though, the R34 is old news. Hence my skepticism.

[Grider]

Hard to consider a car a world-beater when you cannot even buy it at a dealer in the largest car market in the world...

I love the Skyline, but the proof is in the puddin so to speak. Get the car out the door and into the hands of people and a lot of this bs will stop.

/this thread has gone all over the place eh?

[adam p]

Hmmm...i just did a quick search...and apparently the SCd 350SZ isn't final, but I didn't look very hard for stories. Can anyone confirm or deny?

[Inspector]

I understand everything you said except the fact that you want to "make mistakes."

and the winner is...

If you never make mistakes you never learn.

[TylerW]

If you never make mistakes you never learn.

You know, I thought of posting that too but thought it was too obvious an answer. But if you're as awesome as I am and never make mistakes, you never have to learn to begin with. It's all natural. ;)

Part of the learning process IS making mistakes, but I still know of no one who blatantly WANTS to make a mistake. Mistakes can have terrible consequences. Learning from them is like making lemonade out of lemons.

/tangent

[I want something fast]

You know, I thought of posting that too but thought it was too obvious an answer. But if you're as awesome as I am and never make mistakes, you never have to learn to begin with. It's all natural. ;)

Part of the learning process IS making mistakes, but I still know of no one who blatantly WANTS to make a mistake. Mistakes can have terrible consequences. Learning from them is like making lemonade out of lemons.

/tangent

I think the point is to a computer what is thought to be a mistake is corrected before it can happen. This can be anything from throttle position, to brake bias, where it ties in is where the computer feels it necessary to cut timing when a shift "should" happen or when the computer decides to slow the car through a corner because it feels the back end want to step out.

While these are minor examples they do show that little by little the computers in the cars are making these decisions before we even have the ability to make that decision for ourselves. To a computer there is no difference between someone trying to step the back end out on a car and the back end sliding out uncontrolably.

anyway...

[Sole Maverick]

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=14314
There is your info on the 350zSC, I cant find where it was confirmed but it was and I expect this car to be available soon.

As for the paddle shifting argument, its just stupid. It is really just elitest to want to prove that you are a better driver than everyone else. Since this is the case that is why most of you have such a problem with the new trannys that will be in the newest and most advanced sports cars. Its like people being upset that new measures have been discovered to help keep food cleaner so less people will get sick and die from eating it. The healthy people shouldnt be upset just cause they have a better immune system!

[TylerW]

I think the point is to a computer what is thought to be a mistake is corrected before it can happen. This can be anything from throttle position, to brake bias, where it ties in is where the computer feels it necessary to cut timing when a shift "should" happen or when the computer decides to slow the car through a corner because it feels the back end want to step out.

While these are minor examples they do show that little by little the computers in the cars are making these decisions before we even have the ability to make that decision for ourselves. To a computer there is no difference between someone trying to step the back end out on a car and the back end sliding out uncontrolably.

anyway...

That I understand. I wish there was an off button for the safety precautions of the computer for those types of situations.

[dixond]

$85K (http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/10/13/nissan_skyline.biz2/index.html)

[I want something fast]

$85K (http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/10/13/nissan_skyline.biz2/index.html)



"Then the emperor has already won"
~Obiwan-Return of the Jedi

[VR4Rob]

"Then the emperor has already won"
~Obiwan-Return of the Jedi
HAHA! Rofl...