What happened, you ask? Well, in 1998, Renault bought 44.8 percent of Nissan Motors. That should explain most of it. However bad that may have been for the performance and aesthetic aspects of Nissan, it kept them afloat at least long enough to produce this masterpiece. I agree that it should have probably been the straight six we're used to. I agree that it looks loosely based on the 350Z (fairlady/skyline) platform....That's because it is LOOSELY based on that platform. I don't agree with the M3 idea, however. No matter how you want to look at it, All wheel drive IS BETTER than 2 wheel drive (either axle...doesn't matter). They kept the core of the GT-R in that respect. ATTESSA ET-S PRO was the best thing to ever happen to any Nissan EVER (with the exception of the SR20 of course) That said, who can argue that the Z06 is a better car? It's VERY cheaply constructed (I know, I've driven a couple), it's got a truck engine (cheap, but not purpose built) and it was designed to be a track slut. The new GT-R is supposedly very civil on the road. I can't say for sure, obviously, becuase I've never driven one. But, it sure as hell can't be any worse than the corvette. As far as the M3 goes, it is WONDERFUL to cruise in. It's also a blast to romp on. But, it has one hell of a pricetag if something breaks out of warranty. Go check the price on Nissan parts compared to BMW parts sometime. It's painful to think about if you own a Bimmer. I HATE Renault. I can't stand French engineers, to be honest. But, this was engineered by Japanese engineers working for the brand we all love. The only thing French about it is the money used for R & D. What I'm trying to say is enjoy the past (Classics, NXen, B14s, B15s, S13&14s, RNN14s, R32, 33, 34s, P10s and 11s), but appreciate what's happening now. Time, unfortunately, can't move backwards. Live now.