Nissan GT-R

	Under the skin, the GT-R packs an incredible punch; its specially built 480bhp 3.8-litre V6 engine features twin turbos tuned by motorsport expert Cosworth

Called the GT-R, the new model was snapped by our spies at Germany's Nürburgring circuit. It was under­going high-speed testing that saw it break the eight-minute barrier for the first time, with a lap of seven minutes, 58 seconds.

Wearing only minor camouflage on the front end and tail, the model is virtually undisguised, and it's immediately obvious just how aggressive it is. Using sharp edges and angles, the stylists have evolved the current car's shape with a recognisable but futuristic design.

And from the low nose to the shark gill-like side air intakes and high rear - complete with its smart boot spoiler and twin circular tail-lights - the GT-R looks stunning. Detailing is beautiful, too, with NACA bonnet ducts and blacked-out A-pillars echoing a jet fighter cockpit. As Skyline enthusiasts will know, the looks aren't only for show. Under the skin, the GT-R packs an incredible punch; its specially built 480bhp 3.8-litre V6 engine features twin turbos tuned by motorsport expert Cosworth.

Keen to make the newcomer competitive with current supercars, as well as the forthcoming V10-powered Lexus LF-A, Nissan engineers have tweaked the V6 to provide boost from 2,000rpm all the way to the 6,000rpm red line.

Compared with the previous model's high-revving straight-six, the new powerplant is said to feel far more torquey, offering throttle response similar to that of a large V8. All this power is sent to the tarmac via a totally fresh four-wheel-drive system.

Details are sketchy, but the set-up won't feature a centre differential, and is likely to use a clever clutch instead. A new six or seven-speed gearbox with two pedals - similar to VW's DSG - will feature, as there will be no manual.

Set to get its official world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a year's time, the GT-R could go on sale in the UK in 2008 with a price of around £50,000.

See the GT-R spitting flames track testing at the Ring. Link below.