It's official: the U.S.-market GT-R will be a Nissan
Nissan Motor's President and CEO Carlos Ghosn announced today at the New York Auto Show that the new GT-R supercar will be sold in North America as a Nissan model, and not under the Infiniti brand as previously rumored.
The production version of the GT-R will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007, with its launch in the Japanese market scheduled for Fall 2007. The U.S. launch will follow in Spring 2008.
Thanks to Josh and Jason for the tip!
[Source: Nissan]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Muhammed 1:41PM (4/12/2006)
I think this may be a step in the right direction. Under the Infiniti nameplate, customers may expect more luxury than sport. By badging the car as a Nissan, Nissan accomplishes a few things:
-They can take the Nissan brand a little more upscale since they now have several higher-priced offerings
-They can focus on making the GT-R a sports car, as opposed to a sporty luxury car.
This should allow them to tailor the GT-R to the needs of enthusiasts, without worrying too much about the luxury market. It also opens the door for a luxury version to be produced under the Infiniti nameplace to satisfy that segment of the market.
Reply
ZoomZoomin' 1:48PM (4/12/2006)
That's slightly depressing. Nice that it's sticking to its roots, but that also means dealing with Nissan dealerships and Nissan warranty/service.
Reply
FM 2:02PM (4/12/2006)
ZoomZoomin:I agree. However I can't wait to drive this legend...
Reply
JC 2:43PM (4/12/2006)
I totally agree with the service commnent. I own two Nissans, one of which is a 350Z. I have had nothing but BAD experiences including blatant neglegence and damage to my car done by Nissan service departments. Badging as a Nissan is not going to be good. You are going to have the same techs that don't care about the ice cream stained Nissan Quest they just mucked around on working on your super car... Not for me thanks. In fact I will probably never purchase another Nissan after being loyal to them for years due to my bad service experiences.
PS - I am not alone, I know a few Z owners with similar experiences.
Reply
mr 2:55PM (4/12/2006)
The car fits Nissan's brand image more closely, but $60k+ for a 3/36 warranty and no loaner?
Hail no.
Reply
spdracerut 3:02PM (4/12/2006)
Well, it's somewhat the same as buying a Z06 from the Chevy dealer. I did find ONE good Nissan dealer and that was when I lived in Austin; but I just do all the work myself now. Why go to the dealer if I can do it myself? Save a lot of money on labor and I know it's done right.
Reply
bernie 3:14PM (4/12/2006)
The easons you're all giving for why it shouldn't be a Nissan have nothing to do with branding. If the Nissan dealer near your home sucks, that's not a reason to cause turmoil in the marketing world by calling it an Infiniti.
The Volkswagen 914 was named a Porsche in North America only, and that was a disaster on many levels. Nissan knows marketing and won't make that mistake.
PS: JC - has your husband told you you're a whiner? Nissan should buy the cars back from you just so you'll shut up.
Reply
Presto 3:49PM (4/12/2006)
Nissan dealers rejoice!
Infiniti dealers cry!
I really thought it'd be the other way around and that's why Nissan kept it so quiet until now. Nissan was afraid their dealers would come burn their corporate office down if the GTR was dubbed an Infiniti.
Reply
James Fabin 5:00PM (4/12/2006)
I have to agree - if paying that much money I'd expect the Infiniti brand/image/warranty. But I'd be happy to look at it and give it a test drive even with the Nissan name on it. I really do like how Nissan helping to bring back the muscle car days - I was too young back them and now I finally have enough money to buy toys like these :-)
James
Reply
brownopher 6:35PM (4/12/2006)
I think the other concept looked better.
http://www.dragsource.com/articles/gtrconcept.jpg
Reply
brian 1:24AM (4/13/2006)
i am so jacked about this decision. i want that big fat price tag to be poured into performance tuning, chassis quality and weight reduction, not voice command, nav screens and backup cameras. a Nissan GTR means a GTR true to the car's heritage, and it means Nissan believes in the brand enough to take it upmarket, something Honda has not been able to do with the NSX (although they may consider it now when they re-release).
as for after-purchase, my local dealerships are great, and have all been recently remodeled into glass-walled palaces, to boot. i see Nissan putting effort into strengthening their dealer network, but that will take time.
Reply
AC 11:45AM (4/13/2006)
Classic Nissan Service..... nuff said
I myself own a couple Nissan's and have encountered horendous service....
http://350zmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?p=529380#post529380
PS. Bernie now what if that was your GT-R up there?
Reply
Frankenstein Black 1:50PM (4/13/2006)
MY 350Z OUT, GTR IN! Have been saving some Scheckles and I am READY TO BUY RIGHT NOW! I am even willing to put 50% down if it means I will be one of the first to own. Hey you Nissan dealers out there, I GOT CASH! HIT ME ON THE CELL ;^)...
Reply
brian 4:21PM (4/13/2006)
i received the email from Nissan saying the GTR would be a Nissan... but there have been reports of people around the 'net receiving the same email, stating Infiniti. (http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67994) Anyone on Autoblog actually hear Ghosn with their own ears?
Reply
Bartholomew Of Antelopes 3:05AM (4/14/2006)
After seeing the 350Z roadster in "Track" form fetching 54k on the lot, I can only assume this car would be looking to reel in over 70k. Regardless of marque, this car will be a work of smog equipment and cupholders in showroom wrapping. Expect early dissapointment from all but those who consider a Honda Civic a sports car.
Reply
Scott 5:15PM (4/15/2006)
Ah yes, Nissan--The Warranty Nazis.
These are the guys that feel they can void your warranty in it's entirety if you don't have every little item in the warranty book done at a Nissan dealer and exactly when specified.
I think I'll take my 60k+ elsewhere where people are treated rationally.
Reply
Crash 9:10PM (4/19/2006)
I actually put the $1K down with my Infiniti dealer to be one of the first in Virginia to own the GT-R. We were that sure it would be the high end luxury car that we hoped...guess I should go get my money back! I should probably let them keep my 2005 G 35 6MT also. It lacks the kick...looks great, rides good, no kick ass...
Reply
Tommy Davis 12:10PM (5/10/2006)
I am first on our GTR list at our dealership here in Northern California. We are NOT taking deposits on the vehicle, but if you send me your name, phone number, and email address, I will add you to the stores list. So far we only have three people on the list. And since Nissan will only be making 1,500 GTR's the first year, you need to get your name on the list ASAP. My name is Tommy Davis, 916-208-7495, and my email address is tdavis@foranyauto.com. Good luck everyone...
Reply
Adza 9:56PM (4/29/2007)
Those of you that are complaining about dealerships stuffing your cars etc, need to wake up and start taking them to someone you can trust. When you take your car to a dealer, the person you tell your problems to isn't even the person who will be working on the car. They jsut get the apprentice to do it who doesn't give a crap because at the end of the day he still gets paid.
Find a private workshop where you can talk to the person that will actually be doing the work. And no this does not affect your warranty providing the mechanic is fully licensed.
This new GTR will be awesome and should give all us skyline owners the edge that we need to go that little bit faster round the track.
Can't wait to see how well this new baby drift's.
Reply
Mark R 2:10AM (5/14/2007)
The GT-R looks great especially with the spy shots at: http://espanhol.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/new-scans-of-nissan-gt-r-models-surface/
Pity it only comes to Australia these days as a 'grey import'.
Nissan have been sensible with this decision. The GT-R makes a strong Nissan brand representation but the GT-R and the Infiniti name probably don't strategically do much for each other.
As for Nissan dealers, they're a bit like lawyers, doctors, teachers, musicians, etc. - There are probably lots of good ones and maybe a few bad ones. Just because you hear two bad musicians doesn't mean all musicians are bad. If you want to find a good Nissan dealer, look for one and develop a good relationship with anyone there who treats you well then go back and see them. Word of mouth is powerful - ask anyone you know with a Nissan where they get good service and the person they see there.
Reply