No longer a Skyline: the 2008 Nissan GT-R a huge hit in Tokyo - UPDATED, NEW IMAGES

Perhaps the biggest buzz we’ve seen yet at the Tokyo Auto Show has been around the official launch of the new Nissan GT-R performance car, which packs a 3.8 litre, 480-horsepower twin-turbo engine, electronically adjustable suspension, shift and stability control modes, and the world’s first independent twin-axle 4WD. Looking sharp, the GT-R is clearly aimed at the Porsche 911 Turbo, which it has apparently beaten around both the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca in racetrack testing.

Since we got a peek at the GT-R prototype in 2005, we’ve been very much looking forward to seeing Nissan’s performance flagship hit production – and the Japanese supercar was finally unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show earlier today. Its performance credentials are borne out by 911-beating racetrack laptimes (check out this onboard hot lap of the Nurburgring), and its standing as a well-regarded supercar was borne out by the enormous throng of press photographers fighting for position at the unveiling.

So here’s the details:

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar

The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new platform which enables the use of the world’s first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38” engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed power-plant to provide approximately 40kgm of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which provides for an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiently and helps GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

GT-R’s new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic system, which utilises all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.

Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers, which in combination minimise fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tyres, exclusively designed for use on GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tyres are designed to maintain their integrity for 80km of travel at 80 km/h and also provide a level of performance after a loss of pressure.

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