Nissan GT-R could return

The wait has been long, but enthusiasts should know by October if Nissan's GT-R super car will return to Australia.

Unveiled as the GT-R Proto concept car in 2001, the eagerly awaited supercar has been a slow-burner.

But it will be officially launched at the Tokyo Motor Show, which starts on October 26.

At the same time, Nissan Australia general manager of marketing Ross Booth hopes to announce if the supercar will return Down Under. If it gets the go-ahead, the supercar, nicknamed "Godzilla", could be on sale here late next year.

"I still have my hands up for the GT-R," Mr Booth says.

"Hopefully, in the next few months we will get to know and put together a case where we can get the vehicle. I think it would be very good for our brand in Australia."

Mr Booth is also mindful that Nissan is unveiling a host of new vehicles late this year, including the new X-Trail, Micra hatch and all-wheel-drive Dualis.

"There will be a lot of interest in Australia for the GT-R, but it won't detract from the local launches," he says.

"There is so much demand for information about the GT-R that what I'd like to do, if we are going to bring it in, is give an indication of at least when."

The GT-R Proto was born from a long line of Skyline GT-Rs that dates back several decades. The latest version is tipped to offer more turbocharged power, all-wheel-drive technology and outright performance than any previous GT-R.

However, Mr Booth is mindful the GT-R should not be a $200,000 car: "We need to be a little careful of the Nissan brand with the fact that you don't want to be selling cars at $200,000-plus."

"I don't think the GT-R will be up there, but the reality is that we haven't got confirmation that we're going to get it and we don't know what the price or specifications will be."

Speculation in Japan has narrowed on power and performance.

It is tipped to be powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 mated to either a six-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic.

Expected power delivery is about 360kW, with the possibility of a 395kW "track" version with lightweight seats, no rear seat and ceramic brakes.