Nissan GT-R Concept, 2001 Tokyo Motor Show

Hard to believe the R35 GT-R has been on the market for seven years. While the U.S. launch of the GT-R on July 7, 2008 was a huge event for Nissan, most people don’t know that the concept GT-R was revealed at the 35th Annual Tokyo Motor Show in October 2001, nearly 7 years earlier!

From the NICOclub collection of Nissan and Datsun memorabilia, here’s a really cool piece of history – the official press brochure that accompanied the unveiling of the Concept GT-R.

This sharp-looking piece was produced by Nissan’s Communications Department, and included a CD containing a press release and official press photos of the concept car.

We’ve scanned the brochure and included the pictures for your enjoyment. The press release (translated from the original Japanese text) is reproduced as well, below the pictures. Enjoy!

(click for larger-size images)

Official Press Release Photos:

Official Press Release:
Nissan will continue building the GT-R in the 21st Century, providing the ultimate driving pleasure to even more people worldwide. In its next generation Nissan is looking to introducing the GT-R in other markets worldwide.

In pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure
Successive generations of the GT-R have consistently pursued the ultimate in driving pleasure. Over the years, the GT-R has continued to be a supreme-performance road-going car that delivers superb driving pleasure by responding faithfully to the driver’s demands. Just sitting in the driver’s seat of the GT-R produces a feeling of excitement that envelops the entire body.

Achieving the ultimate in driving pleasure means that the car must perform exactly as the driver expects. Meeting this expectation requires a faithful response to the driving actions executed by the driver, and the car must convey accurate information to the driver. In other words, the driver has to be able to judge the vehicle’s state accurately and instantaneously. Then, through the car’s consistently response to the accelerator pedal, steering wheel and brake pedal, the driver enjoys the pleasure of controlling the car at will. There is feeling of solid trust and oneness that forms between the driver and the car in this process, confidently bringing out both the driver’s skill and the car’s maximum potential.

Consistently providing the best specifications available in every era
If drivers are to enjoy the ultimate in driving pleasure, the car’s potential must be raised to the utmost limits. Successive generations of the GT-R have truly incorporated superior specifications even among vehicles in this segment. With its unrivaled power, the engine has delivered outstanding acceleration and top speed combined with a driving sensation. A superior braking system has provided powerful braking performance, and an outstanding suspension has enabled the GT-R to corner with remarkable quickness.

The GT-R has been the showcase for the highest levels of acceleration, cornering and stopping capabilities. The delicate balance between the powerful engine and responsive suspension has been pushed as each system surpassed last generation technology. As a result of that never-ending process, the GT-R has continued to embody the most advanced technologies available in every era.

Expanding the tradition globally in the 21st-Century
Successive generations of the GT-R have already established an unshakable position in Japan as a result of incorporating the highest levels of technology available in pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure. That superior performance transcended the oceans to make the GT-R the focus of envious looks the world over. Nissan is developing a new generation of GT-R for the 21st Century with the aim of placing it in the spotlight of the global stage, beyond the borders of the Japanese market.

The GT-R displayed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show is a concept vehicle which delivers “Ultimate Driving Pleasure” with the best in world-class performance.