Koma

iTrader: (3)

It's heritage that keeps the names in those nameplates. People would be pretty apalled if they moved a car that was known in that nameplate to another one. You might duplicate the car in another brand but it will not have the same fan base as the original. As for the GT-R it's a new car in the States so it doesn't really matter where they put it. Is it even going to be named Skyline GT-R? It wouldn't make sense to because we don't have base model Skylines (well they're not named that.)

picus

Dunno - it will probably be "GT-R", but whether it's Nissan Skyline GT-R or just Infiniti GT-R is anyon'es guess.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

It's not going to really matter as heritage isn't a factor over here as it's new and people know it's roots. So whatever the outcome it still will sell and I don't think it will bring either brand down.

LexFather

Nissan uses the SKyline name still, on a sedan and coupe.
Infiniti slapped some badges on it and calls it the G35.
Nissan will use the GT-R name only, on another supercar.
More than likely, it will be a Nissan GT-R in Japan and overseas.
In America, Infiniti will slap some more badges on it and call it the O-45 or whatever lame letters are left in the alphabet.

Ya'll do know, outside 14 year old kids and a few people on the internet, NO ONE know what the hell a Skyline or a Skyline GT-R is. And most people that know what it is, can't afford it.

picus

I think that qualifies in America, but not elsewhere. In many other countries Skyline is a well known name. I personally think the GT-R will show up in North American as an Infiniti GT-R, considering they've copyrighted the name. I honestly don't care how they brand it, all I care about is whether it's good or not.

LexFather

I am pretty sure the performance will be staggering, whatever the name. I just hope people buy it. The Q45 never sold well and I am scared a 70k Infiniit or whatever the price of it will make potential buyers scoff and go to the usual Porsche dealer. It happened to the Acura NSX. Superb car, no brand.

DrUnBiased

Aside for brand recognition, the NSX had three major things going for it that caused people to opt for a 911 over the NSX:

1.) The NSX is significantly more expensive than the 911.
2.) The 911 has a back seat. Whether usefull or not, just being able to claim "backseat" will do a lot for who does and does not buy the car.
3.) INSURANCE. Insurance on the NSX is outrageous compared to a 911 (trust me, I know personally).

In the end, it was the Porsche name that sold the car over Acura. But like with any other lesser brand, people will almost always opt for the Porsche. Just like when the LF-A comes out, most people will opt for the more prestigous brand over the Lexus. I have a feeling that the same will be true for the next NSX as well though it will probably sell in somewhat better numbers overall compared to the current NSX.

flipside909

Agreed.

picus

Agreed. I think it will all depend on pricing. What the price will be is anyone's guess, and as I am sure you're aware there is much speculation. It'll be tough for them to sell a ~$70k car under either brand name. Either way it's a lofty undertaking - from 50k-100k there are cars that are going to be pretty tough to "beat", M3, Cayman-S, C6, Z06, 911 - it's a pretty intimidating list.

Anyway sorry for the OT. Back to the CSX!