Illustrated: 2011 Infiniti "GTR Sedan"

[VooDooXII]

As indicated by recent rumors, Nissan’s Infiniti division is believed to be working on a more luxurious, four-door version of the GT-R sports car. At this point in time we don’t know exactly what the car will look like, but our artist has created a speculative illustration of how it might look.



As reported in October, Nissan is rumored to have given the green light to the project after months of internal debate. The decision should make Infiniti dealers happy, who unsuccessfully lobbied to have the two-door GT-R badged as an Infiniti in the United States.

The Infiniti model won’t simply be a GT-R clone, but rather a reworked car that will feature a new powertrain and two extra doors. Nissan plans to stretch the GT-R into a four-door coupe, giving Infiniti a true flagship model.

That’s right, the long-rumored and enthusiast-lamented four-door GT-R could be at your local Infiniti dealer in 2011.

Despite sharing the same basic platform, the Infiniti model will differentiate itself from the GT-R in its powerplant offerings. Whereas the GT-R uses a twin-turbo 3.8L V6, the Infiniti model will be powered by a 420 horsepower version of the same 5.0L V8 used in the FX50. Power will be sent to all four-wheels via the GT-R’s AWD system, and shifting responsibilities will continue to be handled by the GT-R’s twin-clutch gearbox. Performance is rumored to be so-so, with a 0-60 time of 5 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph.

Auto Express says the new Infiniti model will do battle with the likes of the Porsche Panamera and BMW M5, but with ‘only’ 420 ponies under the hood, the Infiniti could be out gunned. Then again, no one thought the underpowered and overweight GT-R would be putting up the numbers that it has.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/infiniti-gt-r-sedan.html

I think I may become a GTR nutswinger if this drops...especially if it looks this good. There are only a few things I have against the GTR...for one, it's the hype. I also think it's one of the ugliest cars ever built...at least up front. The back isn't bad. The interior layout could be much better, though I'm sure it's functional and the materials are good. I also don't like how "delicate" the car is...I'm sure you guys have read about the VDC warranty voiding fiasco. They might as well write "DON'T TOUCH A DAMN THING" all over the car. I will say the performance numbers are staggering, and for the price...it's a hell of a performance bargain.


Anyway, I know it's just an illustration, but the only thing I'm calling attention to is how nice it looks, and that paired with a GTR's performance (albeit, a possibility of reduced driving dynamics because of the added length/weight/luxury gadgets, and the fact that it won't have the VR38DETT). I'd certainly drive one...maybe even buy one. Man why couldn't the new Maxima look like this? What do you guys think?