GT badge officially in Australia

The GT badge that accompanies many Nissan Skylines is finally coming to Australia - in fact it's already here. But not in the way one would have hoped for - on a Skyline, that is. Still, it's a good showing from Nissan Australia nonetheless.

There are rumours that the next evolution of the Syline GTR will not be a Japan-only model, rather it would be shipped to the USA and Europe. Let's hope those plans include Australia.

As such, rather than locally releasing the current R34 Skyline GTR, the much sought after white and red badge will be firmly affixed to the shiny panels of the current model Nissan 200SX.

Already widely recognised for its superb performance (faster than the WRX at higher speed), predictable handling and generally good on-road manners, the new 200SX GT offers a unique set of extras that build on the car's already impressive set of features.

No performance modifications have been added, which is a bit of shame, but consider it's factory standard specifications.

- 147kW @ 6400rpm
- 265Nm @ 4800rpm

These specs are generated from it's modest 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine. Combining a roller bearing turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler makes all the difference and, together with a close-ratio (and somewhat whiney) six-speed manual, it makes for a very quick car. There is also a four-speed auto available, but purists won't want to know about it.

Nissan is always happy to claim its sports coupe is a 'real' contender, seeing as it's rear-wheel drive. It even incorporates the helical limited slip differential from the Skyline GTR. This basically maintains even power distribution to the rear wheels, which helps improve handling, full-throttle traction and even cornering stability.

The 200SX GT is available on both models - the Spec S and Spec R. But what do you get for an extra two grands worth? Firstly, you get the fancy white and red GT badging.

On top of the standard features, like air-conditioning, remote central locking, dual airbags, and ABS, the GT editions come with black leather bucket seats, plus an array of other of interior upgrades, such as chrome trim and door handles. There's a new leather steering wheel, those funky drilled racing pedals and a chrome gear shifter on the manual model.

For the exterior a few key options have been added which really add to the car's overall look. Polished chrome 16-inch alloy wheels are great eye-candy and one of the most impressive additions is the new-look Nihon-style spoiler, which is more fitting for the fast 147kW coupe. It's slightly bigger, with a cool triangular brake light and a down-turned wing-lets, adding flair to the otherwise fairly bland rear-end.

So there you have it. For an extra $2000, a good car turns into an even better car. The 200SX GT is available from May 1. Pricing is as follows:

'Spec S' 200SX GT
manual: $42,990
auto: $44,990

'Spec R' 200SX GT
manual: $46,490
auto: $48,490