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The next Nissan Skyline will be wilder than ever when it hits the streets in two years. The all-new R35 Skyline GT-R will use a Le Mans-proven V8 engine that produces around 400bhp. With a 3.5-litre variant of the unit that powered the Nissan R390 GT1, the R35 will rival Porsche's 911 and the forthcoming V8-powered Honda NSX, sprinting from 0-60mph in less than 4.5 seconds and hitting a top speed of 170mph.
The current hi-tech, four-wheel-drive Skyline is powered by a turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine delivering 280bhp. Insiders at Nissan say the new unit is necessary to allow its models to compete with European supercars as more power is needed, and that rival Japanese models, including Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo VI, already produce more than 280bhp. The R35 will borrow from the existing R34's innovative drivetrain and computerised gadgetry. That means the R35 will use a six-speed gearbox and four-wheel-steering. The brakes will be uprated, though, and the suspension tuned to give greater flexibility on demanding roads.
The price will increase, and it is expected the newcomer will cost a Porsche 911-rivalling $60,000. Nissan is not alone in adopting such a change of strategy. Honda is developing a new 400bhp V8 engine, while Mitsubishi is currently working to produce a range of powerful GDi direct-injection units including a 2.0-litre turbocharged version for its rally cars, a V8 and a V12.