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The Nissan GT-R will have a base price of ¥7.8 million (roughly $67,700), and pre-orders are expected to begin soon for one of the hottest new cars to hit the market. That price is nearly half the price of a new Porsche 911 Turbo.

Earlier today Nissan launched the car's new web site, http://www.gtrnissan.com. The site currently comprises mainly of a countdown clock, and some information from the prototype and concept shown off over the last six years. The site is available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and, of course, Japanese

The GT-R, which makes its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in one months time, will be available in several different trim levels, including a base, premium, and Black Edition GT-R. No more calling this car the Skyline GT-R; Nissan is officially dropping the "Skyline." If you live in Japan, you will be able to take the car to one of 160 new Nissan High Performance Centers for repair and servicing. These sites are being created specifically to support GT-R customers.

Inside, base and premium buyers will be able to choose between black and gray. Black Edition purchasers will automatically get a black interior. Outside, six colors will be offered on the GT-R: Dark Metal Blue, Super Black, Titanium Gray, Ultimate Metal Silver, Vibrant Red, and White Pearl. Ultimate Metal Silver and White Pearl will cost a bit more.

These details will be officially released by Nissan later today.

Premium edition and Black edition GT-Rs get gunmetal Rays brand wheels surrounded by Bridgestone Potenza tires to give you an edge on the road. This available as an optional upgrade on the base edition, which comes standard with chrome Rays and Dunlop Sports tires.

A Bose sound system will let you jam comfortably in the premium GT-R, but you'll have to pay a little more to get this luxury in the base and Black levels. Also standard on the premium: an anti-theft system. No matter which model you pick up, you will have to shell out some more cash for side and SRS curtain airbags.

So if you're trying, like Nissan is, to break the Nürburgring lap record with this car, you may want to pick up those extra airbags. The GT-R's 3.8 liter twin-turbo engine, producing up to 550hp, just might kick your ass.

Global website goes live today

Nissan today started the pre-launch activities in support of the all-new GT-R, the high performance sports car to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 24th. Central to the launch of GT-R, which will ultimately go on sale around the world, is a dedicated website that will provide all information on the car, including latest news, specifications and where to buy. The address for the website is www.gtrnissan.com and will be available in seven languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Dutch.

With sales due to start in Japan in December, Nissan is today also confirming the final name of the car. Previous generations of this car were known as the Skyline GT-R; the new name for this car is simply “Nissan GT-R” in all global markets. Supporting substantial early customer interest in the Nissan GT-R, the company is today making available for customers in Japan some initial details including basic specifications, colors and practical information on placing pre-orders. Prices in Japan for the Nissan GT-R will start from around 7.8 million yen.

In support of the sale of the Nissan GT-R, the company also announced today the establishment of 160 Nissan High Performance Centers in Japan. These centers have been established to provide specialist sales and servicing support for customers of the Nissan GT-R.