Nissan Skyline 370GT Now Available In Australia

Given that we are a nation of red-blooded, RWD-lovin', performance-mad and value-obsessed car junkies, it's hard to imagine why Nissan never chose to fully import the more recent generations of Skyline into Australia. During the early 1990s Nissan brought over a handful of R32 GT-Rs to cash in on the car's success in local Group A racing, however lacklustre sales scuttled any chances of future full-volume imports of the powerful coupe.

It really was a missed opportunity though, as the Skyline family from the R32 up presented the ideal blend of performance, practicality and style in one hell of an enjoyable chassis. Second-hand examples of the R32, R33, R34 and V35 generations of Skyline are now numerous on Australian roads thanks to so-called 'grey' importers, however the latest model has been noticeable by its absence.

Until now.

Thats right, dear readers. All you JDM-philes out there can rejoice, for thanks to importer International Motor Group, Australian J-car freaks can finally get their hands on the finest Skyline built to date: the V36 370GT Coupe.

Also known in the US as the Infiniti G37 Coupe, the 2008 Nissan Skyline 370GT Coupe is arguably the most refined, most upmarket and most technologically-advanced of the non-GT-R Skylines, and offers a worthy alternative to the predominantly European competition in the prestige sports-coupe stakes.

With its powerful 245kW VQ37VHR engine (the very same engine that will power the upcoming 370Z) turning the rear wheels and a highly-evolved version of the FM platform and suspension used by the delectable 350Z underneath, the 370GT has more than enough sporting pedigree to hold its own against its chief rival, the BMW 335i Coupe.

In addition to a six-speed manual, the 370GT can also be optioned with a five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with nifty magnesium-alloy paddle shifters. We sampled an auto-equipped 370GT recently (keep an eye out for our review of the 370GT, it's coming soon), and found it to be one of the best tiptronic systems available - which will no doubt please those who aren't too enthralled by DIY shifting.

Braking hardware is impressive on the Type S and Type SP models too, with generously-sized 4-piston monoblock calipers gripping 355mm rotors up front and two-piston calipers bringing up the rear. The base 370GT and Type P make do with single-piston sliding calipers on all four corners.

Even if you aren't the weekend-racer type, the V36 Skyline still has much to offer. Sumptuous leather trim and brushed aluminium dashboard highlights cosset the driver like no other Australian-delivered Nissan, while a full-colour sat-nav system and entertainment console tells you where to go and keeps the tunes pumping all the way there. Keyless entry and ignition is standard, while a hard-disc music storage system and an optional reversing camera and side view parking camera will keep the techno-geeks among you happy. There's power adjustment on everything, and automatic climate control and front seat heaters make the cabin a comfy place to be.

The best part though, is the price. IMG can bring in a pre-loved 2007-2008 model from just $49,990 AUD, while virtually brand-new 2008 models can be bought from $69,990. Prices may change in accordance with currency fluctuations, but hell, can YOU find another brand-new 245kW+ RWD sports coupe for under $80k? I didn't think so.

Interested parties can contact IMG through their website, or via phone on (61 2) 9648 2778. Tell 'em TMR sent ya.

PRESS RELEASE

October 22nd 2008 Sydney, Australia - The 2008 Nissan 370GT Coupe (Skyline V36) sold in the US as the Infiniti G37 Coupe is now officially on sale in Australia through International Motor Group.

International Motor Group is proud to present to the Australian market the latest iteration of the famed Skyline sports car with history including the famous Skyline GT-R, which has had international motor sport success including victories at Bathurst. The all new 370GT coupe builds on this heritage and adds a new dimension of refinement and comfort.

The international press have acclaimed the 370GT / Infiniti G37 coupe. Journalists in the United States have compared the G37 coupe favourably with the BMW 335i Coupe. Motor Trend “The King is Dead” put the G37 ahead of it’s German rival. Considering the price of the 370GT vs. the 335i here in Australia, the 370GT represents incredibly good value.

The 370GT provides a dynamic package powered by Nissan’s new 3.7L V6 VVEL engine with 245kW at the driver’s disposal. Acceleration isn’t the only attribute of the 370GT, braking through 355mm rotors and mono-block 4 pot front callipers (available standard on the Type S and Type SP) provides serious stopping power and 4 wheel steering adds to an overall package that handles extremely well.

The interior is finished in black hand stitched leather with brushed aluminium console. Magnesium alloy paddle shifters are fitted behind the steering wheel on the Type S and Type SP automatic models. Heated seats with driver’s seating position memory are fitted to the Type P and Type SP models.

Standard safety equipment includes rigid, safe Zone Body construction, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System, SRS Curtain Air Bag System, Active Front Head Restraints and three-point ELR rear seat belts.

The 370GT coupe has been designed to offer greater pedestrian protection, featuring the application of Nissan’s new “pop-up engine hood” . When sensors embedded in the front bumper detect an impact with a pedestrian, the system can deploy a pyrotechnic actuator that raises the rear edge of the hood, creating a larger protective buffer between the hood and the engine components beneath, cushioning the impact of the pedestrian’s head if it was to collide with the hood.

Already International Motor Group is holding a number of advanced orders. IMG will offer customers full support with the Nissan 370GT including warranty, servicing & parts.

The first deliveries of the Nissan 370GT coupe were made on Saturday 11th October with the first two road registered 370GTs in Australia hitting Sydney streets. Reaction to the grand touring coupe has been positive with many commenting on the beautiful styling and high quality finish.

Certification approval was achieved in September by technical partners GT Compliance.

Available in 7 colours:

Pearl White (QX1)

Super Black (KH3)

Dark Metallic Silver (K57)

Blue Slate (K52)

Athens Blue (B21)

Luna Mare Silver (K23)

Vibrant Red (A54)

Pricing: Pre-owned 2007-2008 From $49,990#

New 2008 from $69,990#

For more detailed specifications, options and pricing see our website: www.internationalmotorgroup.com.au