I like the idea of a 4.5-5.0L V8 myself, based on the engine in the M45. A V8 can be made that is lighter, cheaper, yet just as powerful as the RB26DETT with better emissions (note the LS6 engine which achieves LEV status with 405HP). Plus it's more compact due to shorter length than the I6, so it makes sense for weight distribution. Unless you are going for 600+HP, you don't need forced induction. Obviously it won't be as smooth as an I6, but I think I'll get over it if it makes 370+HP (my prediction)
.
The biggest reason why the motor should be a V8 is because it is more likely to end up in the states, which is all I care about! Americans are big fans of size in car engines, so it would be a good sell. Also, Nissan can't afford to have so many different types of engines, they need to stay financially healthy or I'll never get the chance to buy the car
. So they should reuse the engine from the M45, and take advantage of the research on the R391 engine (which used a similar block).
Although I have to wonder what the car will be called in the US, I can't imagine it being anything other than an Infiniti
. If so, the first thing going on my car is JDM badging
. My only hope is they lose the vertical headlights in the final car, but I'd buy it no matter what it looked like!
--Jason