Nissan To Pull Out All Stops On Next Gen GT-R - But Will That Allow Them To Shed The Also Ran Status?

This is the first time I've ever seen the GT-R called an "also ran", so I'd say it already "shed that status".

Another b.s. flame-bait title.

It takes time to form a reputation, and once formed, unless one seriously missteps, it takes time to change it. For example, BMW has a reputation for creating awesome sport sedans. This reputation persist in spite of recently creating some "softer" cars, and in spite of a period of uninspiring "Flame Surface" styling. Similarly, Nissan has a reputation for creating affordable, practical cars. The GT-R, though owning solid specs and noteworthy track performance, is the "odd man out" in Nissan's lot. It's going to take time to change Nissan's reputation.

Congratulations, you just proven how little you know about cars. If you aren't as clueless as you sound you probably be more aware about the GTR's pedigree. I won't even elaborate on this as this is common knowledge.

Except for you apparently.

@GG123: It appears you didn't read my post. Which part of my post don't you agree with?
- GT-R has "solid specs"
- GT-R has "noteworthy track performance"
- GT-R isn't your typical Nissan. Rather, it's the exception. A sort of "odd man out"

Its because Nissan actually has a reputation the exact opposite to what you posted. They actually are pretty widely known for building affordable "performance oriented" cars. Say what you want about them not having ultra-refined interiors until lately, but it was Nissan who coined the term "4door sports car with the 90s edition Maximas"? I dont think they've backed away from that ever since, as virtually every car in the Nissan branded line-up outperformed the cars in their respective classes probably up until the recent American muscle car renaissance.

"Also ran..." LOL !!!

Do you even know what that means? What a numbnut.

I love this car and I am amazed by the performance, I just which it looked better. Yes I know how shallow that makes me.

top notch performance specs, even spotting the price up by 50%, but, yes, an also ran sales volume compared to competitors (911 et al)

The GTR has already earned the respect of the industry for Nissan and has a strong cult following/fan base

In terms of sales volume, it's not an also ran, it's a total failure.

I live in a place where I see all kinds of medium and high-end cars and have seen only a handful of these. GT-Rs may be amazing, but if no one buys them, they are irrelevant.

True, the GT-R has become far too expensive to be much more than a halo car for the brand (I would be surprised to see the GT-R program turn out to be high-profit).

But I do think it has earned the company quite a lot of respect, particularly among certain demographics, because of its high tech and performance. If Nissan can make the next-gen GT-R more of a visual treat without sacrificing performance (honestly shouldn't be hard) it can keep it the $110k halo car and trickle the tech down to maybe a $60k Vette-fighter and a $37k next-gen Z (and of course the Infinitis). That would be good for the brand, I think.

Most halo cars don't make a profit. They are meant to build image but the GTR has been around for a while now and has developed certain pedigree. And if Nissan continues to build it without making any money on it then that makes it a work of passion and who can be mad at that?

Nissan needs to consider its sportscar strategy because they are in a deep crisis. The Scion FRS is pretty much what the Datsun 240Z was: a brilliant sports car, great styling, at a great price with people clamoring to buy it. The Nissan Z has great performance, but strange styling, and a ridiculous price. No wonder its sales are dismal. The GTR needs to be given to Infiniti where it could be a Infiniti Skyline GTR. The 370Z either needs to go up to Corvette price levels and performance or have the price reduced down to the Mustang/Camaro segment. If Nissan had brains, the 370Z would be replaced with a 240Z aimed squarely at the FRS/BRZ. The GTR is a wonderful car, but so is the Stingray for a boatload less.

Nissan aimed wrong with the GTR. They created a $100K halo car and gave it to the dealer what sells crappy Versa sedans.