[VQuick]

If you're worrying about how the next GT-R will perform, don't. Hiroshi Tamura, Nissan's product planner for the next GT-R, was also responsible for the R34 GT-R. He said that the next model will be a big leap over the R34. He used the examples of Ferrari going from the 355 to the 360, and Porsche moving up to the 996 after the 993, and said that 'we must make an even bigger leap.'

At the very least, the handling aspect of the GT-R's performance should be covered. The Infiniti G35 sedan(V35 Skyline GT350 sedan in Japan) was recently tested, and reached .90g on a skidpad, which is around the same as an R34 GT-R if I'm not mistaken. Note that the G35 sedan uses the narrow track variant of the FM platform the GT-R will be based on.
Additionally, the Skyline GT350 Coupe(CPV35 Infiniti G35 Coupe in US) actually outslalomed the R34 GT-R. If the performance of these lower level offerings are any indication, the GT-R will be just fine.

For the 2003 season of the JGTC, Nissan used VQ30DETT engines to power their R34 GT-Rs. The engine produced over 485ps(~478hp), and 75kg-m(~542lb-ft), althought the motor was pretty much limited by the GT500 class' 500hp cutoff point. Since the VQ is roughly half the length of the RB, so it could be placed behind the front axle, making the R34 GT-Rs 'front mid-engined' cars. The engine placment and choice made many improvements. Drivers reported that handling had improved drastically. Weight also decreased by ~200lbs, so ballast could be placed elsewhere for better weight distribution. Nissan went on to win both the manufacturer's and driver's championships for 2003.

The VQ in the upcoming GT-R will probably be bigger than just 3L. The VQ30 used in the JGTC is probably capable of much more, consdering there are VQ30-powered Maximas that produce roughly the same power on stock motors. There is speculation about a VQ32(VQ35 bore, VQ30 stroke) or a VQ33(VQ35 stroke, VQ30 bore) being used.

Right now, there's no telling what the designation will be. Some say that the 'V' comes from the new VQ engine, but Nissan's designations aren't based on the engine. Take the 350/Fairlady Z as an example. It has a new VQ engine, as opposed to the previous VG, but still uses the 'Z' designation. The R30 Skylines even used FJ-series 4-bangers.

The following is my personal theory on the chassis designation: The 'V' letter was probably created just for the Skyline. Nissan would have needed a new designation for the Skyline, since it was supposed to be separated from the GT-R name. I have a hunch that the 'R' is being kept in reserve for the GT-R.