First look: Nissan GT-R prototype to wow Tokyo

NISSAN'S legendary GT-R nameplate will take one step closer to production reality when the Japanese maker whips the covers off the "GT-R PROTO" concept car at next week’s Tokyo motor show.

Just one of five concepts, the GT-R show car follows the appearance of Nissan’s previous GT-R concept at the 2001 Tokyo show.

This time, however, Nissan has confirmed the car "provides (a) clear indication of final design direction for the production model to be launched in 2007".

To be badged simply as "GT-R", the spiritual successor to the Godzilla-nicknamed turbocharged all-wheel drive R34 Skyline GT-R coupe will for the first time be built for a global market.

While Nissan hopes to save its worldwide debut fanfare for Tokyo by releasing only a sketch of the final GT-R concept, it has issued pictures of a number of other Tokyo concepts.

Apart from the compact three-seater Pivo electric car previously reported, Nissan will debut a compact coupe dubbed Foria and featuring rear-drive and a 2+2 cabin layout.

Also at Tokyo will be Nissan’s Amenio concept, a "multi-people carrier with all-round versatility", and the Adidas-inspired Note, which offers an interchangeable and "wearable" interior/exterior.

Nissan will also reveal three "preview cars" including the Wingroad compact wagon and the Bluebird Sylphy medium sedan.