New Skyline is XVL !

[R35]

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[240]

Okay, I know this is a long post, but I have been reading all the R35 GT-R forums for a while, and this is what I think of the whole situation:

The new Altima is based on the XVL platform too, as well as the new Z and several other upcoming Nissans. The new Skyline sedan is based on the XVL like the Altima and other upcoming 4-door Nissans. The new Skyline GT-R will be based on the XVL platform as well, which in my guess is the same or very similar to the new Z. What I am trying to say is that the whole XVL thing does not necessarily apply to the 4-door Skyline, but it is a platform with many different variations.

I am almost certain that the new GT-R will not look like the 4-door Skyline. I believe that's the point that Nissan is trying to make (to further differentiate the Skyline and the GT-R models). It will still most likely carry the Skyline name, and I am sure that they will redesign most of the body and that they will use round tailights. They will still probably use the "vertical" headlights (like the new Z, and Skyline sedan), just maybe redesign them a bit and make them more aggressive.

Basically I expect the new Skyline to be somewhat similar in looks/feel to the new Z. With wide fender flares, and an aggresive, wide, bold, compact, and muscular body design (imagine a slightly larger Audi TT on steroids). Anymay, that is my vision, I will try to put this into an illustration and post it in the forum sometime.

[R35]

Duuuuuuuuuuuude long post indeed kidding I do longer ones

I do however have to disagree with you, the new Altima IS the XVL concpet. The more I look at it the more I'm sure of it. The new Z concept is NOT based on the XVL, the Z is much shorter in length. Nissan made sure of that so that people would not think a 2+2 was in the works. The idea that the Skyline GT-S (4dr sedan) is based on the XVL?! Well maybe, release under the Infinity badge. Other company's do it so sure why not.

Most importantly, the Skyline GT-R based on the XVL. Before I thought maybe, but after seeing that the XVL IS the platform for the Altima. There is no way (unless Ghosn got his head stuck up his ass too) that the GT-R would be based on the XVL platform.

If what you say were true that's 4 different cars based on the same platform, more if you think of the different versions of Skylines/Stagea/etc.

Yes I know many cars are based off of concepts, but they take what people like off the concept and put it in where it would work, i.e. sports, sedan, SUV, etc. They don't make multiple cars off of one concept cars platform.

Unless someone know's of such a thing ever happing?

See longer post

BTW: Welcome to the forum 240.

[Morpheus XIII]

Various sources say that Nissan has taken "lessons" from Ferdinand Piech, with his Volkswagon empire. You all KNOW that various compact Audis and VWs share a single platform; this is a very economic strategic marketing strategy. Make the chassis so that it can take all sorts of differing shapes. The question is, will the XVL design concept be likely to be the Japanese counterpart? Most likely. Nissan is in financial disaster (probably from focusing on too many sports cars and not enough cash-cows, you know the cheap, realiable ugly cars that make a lot of $$$, and SUVs).

Well it seems like reform is on the menu; more SUVs, and more competetive econoboxes are being released from the Blue Red & White. The Infiniti line will include an FX45 monster truck (I detest SUVs, but if it helps Nissan monetarily, then praise be to them) (on a side note, why is it that ANYTHING with all-wheel drive/4-wheel drive gets the name placard with an "X" in it? Marketing losers stop referring to BMW with their 1980s 3-series x). With Renault's support perhaps Nissan can revive its sportscar place in the industry sooner than Mazda + Ford (RX-8).

But will Nissan use the XVL base frame for the next Skyline? Do you really think that the Skyline image will benefit from a "second-hand" chassis? Perhaps Nissan's other cars may use it, but the Skyline is its international flagship, a car which must be the forerunner in automotive technology (much like Mercedes Benz's CL) I do not deny that Nissan of America may use the XVL chassis for "our Skyline" but would that be a smart marketing strategy? placing the Skyline in the same league as the 2003 Z? Sure they are different by dimensions and drivetrain, but the Skyline is designed to be a highly-technical elite grand tourer, not a stripped down, free spirited, rear-wheelspin GT. If Nissan uses the XVL solely for the U.S. Skyline, who cares? One will always be able to import Japanese Skylines, so that eliminates all controversy.

QR25? VQ35? Direct Injection? The bottom line is, Nissan IS making a comeback, of some sort. Hopefully, they will answer our querys of "how"...

[excess data: who believes in the die-cast QR25? I still root for the sand-casted SR20, which can put up with loads more psi from a turbine, which the 2.5 is vulnerable to with its thin cylinder walls. It is almost as if Nissan has gone the ways of Honda and Toyota's new weak & cheap high-revving gimmicky motors... say it isnt so]

[spitzfan]

for the newest info on the new skyline go ahead and check out http://mag-x.com
this is one of the leading automotive news mags in Japan and they put up info on their scoops up on this site in ENGLISH. Lots of cool stuff... new info on the next Stagea too. woo hoo!

and for the dude that claims those photos are fake.. of course they are fake! they are CG from BestCar mag (I have the issue in which they appeared) but they are the best anyone has so far so shut up. Best Car has been on top of this since the R34 was released. BestCar is THE leading auto news mag in Japan (they are way better than MagX in my opinion but I can't buy them in the states without driving to Chicago(the nearest place with a japanese bookstore)) so I have look at MagX every 26th of the month.

[240]

My mistake R35USA. I thought I read that the new Z was based on XVL, but now that I look back into the April 2001 issue of Sport Compact Car, here's what it actually said (direct quote):

"The Z will ride an all-new chassis, but it is a chassis we will see again. Part of Nissan's plan to return to financial solvency has involved consolidating platforms, so there will be only one high-performance rear-drive platform that will likely be the basis of the next Skyline as well as some more accessible sports sedans."

Now that I think of it, if you combine this info with all of the recent rumors, it all kinda comes together and actually makes sense!

Rumors:

1.) "The GT-R will be separated from the regular Skyline sedan."
-> Makes sense if the sedan is based on the XVL and the GT-R is based on the Z platform.

2.) "The GT-R will be powered by a Twin-Turbo 3.5 liter V6."
-> Guest what engine powers the Z? The lightweight all-aluminum naturally-aspirated VQ35DE. The GT-R's engine will probably be called the VQ35DETT.

3.) "The GT-R will be sold in the US under the Infinity badge."
-> Nissan sells the Z, Infinity sells the more upscale GT-R. Just like Infinity does with other Nissan platforms.

It really makes sense if you think about it. Sell the Z as a low-cost (relatively speaking) simple, rear-wheel drive sports car. Then pack the same platform with all kinds of computers, twin-turbos, and all-wheel drive and market it as a technological showcase under the Infinity badge. What do you think?

[R35]

Yup yup agree with you 100% 240.

However do I agree with Nissan for doing this? Not really.

I agree with Morph on the principal that the Skyline is "the Skyline is designed to be a highly-technical elite grand tourer". The Skyline IS and should always be (at least the GT-R) a stand alone car. This is more expensive true, but we are talking about what it should be.

I also hope that IF they do use the same platform as the Z (I can live with it), upgrade it and sell the Skyline under the Infinity badge (yes I will buy it), that they only do this to the State side version and not harm the current GT-R that our friends in Japan, Australia, and England are driving.

Hey R33 what do you think about the "new" design? If Nissan changes the Skyline to make the US market happy, will you still respect us in the morning? :smoka:

OK really any Aussie's have a thought on this? Since this can forever change the car that we all love.

[DVSNCYNIKL]

I just read this in Motortrend.

2003 Infiniti XVL: Built on a new corporate rear-drive platform, the XVL concept has production intentions - the question is where it will fit in the model range. We've heard both G20 replacement and late J30 replacement. Dimensionally, the XVL is closer to the G20 than the I30, suggesting that the original G20 rumor heard from within Nissan is true. (XVL is about five inches longer and two inches wider than the G20.) The distinct shape cheats the wind with a low 0.28 drag coefficient. For reference: length 182.5 inches, width 68.3 inches, 57.7 inches, and wheelbase 111.2 inches. On sale summer 2002.

[SkYLiNeFrEaK]

Nice post man, and i still hope those things are coming over here, well at least let them bring over the older models too

[koh]

yea..i heard it was gonna b a vq on some other website, i always wanted a rb though...hey igor, how do you say skyline in japanese(outta curiousity)?

[R35]

Su Ka E Ra E N

Really the name is the same, just the "hatsuon" or pronounciation that is different

[R33]

Hey R33, what do you think of the new Skyline? If......

Actually, I am really biased towards the R34/33/32 look for the GTR. They have this 60s raw look, like the classic Mustang you see in Bullit. Awesome,kick ass,powerful,industrial,you-wanna-fuck-with-me-I'd-fuck-you-and-your-girlfriend-and-your-mother kind of look!:greenchai :badass: :aug2: Personally, I don't like those rounded Porsche/new Nissan Z/BMW/Ferrari look. Kind of whimpy look best suited for women who thing they can drive well and men who buy sports car just to get the chicks at clubs! I just HATE those looks!:zx11pisse

So, if the new GTR is gonna look anything like the new Z/XVL or even like the one being circulated in the net, NO, I am not going to like it and I WOULDN'T buy it! I would stick with my 33 or later buy a 34 and that's it.

But this is just my personal taste talking. A man's meat may be another's poison.

[adamandsonja]

well said r33!

[R35]

Buwahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!:hehe:

Here, here R33. I think you totally said what many of us feel.

Don't plan a trip back to Japan till 2003 Hope they still have a new R34 around at the dealers then. Bah! Then again if the XVL does become the next Skyline I'll buy a used R34 and pay MotoRex to convert it over.

Man with all us Yank's waiting and praying for the R35 to make it to the US I wonder how sales would be with an XVL/R35?

I'm sure good/so-so, but I imagine diehard Skyline fans will boycott?!

I want one so bad I have no idea what I'd do?

[R33]

Hey, I just read that the Skylines are going to be separated from GTR altogether. So, the new GTR will not be known as Skyline GTR anymore, possibly just Nissan GTR. So, if that was correct, the new GTR would not be like anything near the new Skylines. Perhaps it's totally new design although the engine could be a derivative of the 3 litre V6 of the new Skyline.
There is still hope that the Japs are going to get it right after all.:frog: