Nissan has just announced the release of the Skyline Crossover in Japan, but it’s not what you might expect. Yes, it’s all-wheel drive, but noticeably absent are two turbochargers strapped to the vehicle’s V6 engine. That is because this is actually a Japanese version of the Infiniti EX.

The Infiniti brand name does not exist in Japan and so the EX gets a Nissan badge in the automaker’s home market. As for the Skyline name, well, it is used for the Infiniti G cars in Japan and as the EX is based on the G’s platform, the name carries over –even if it is a stretch to refer to a crossover as a Skyline.

One interesting bit of news from the unveiling is that the Skyline Crossover is powered by the 3.7-liter V6 found in the current G37. It also gets the coupe/sedan’s new seven-speed automatic gearbox. Currently the North American EX uses the older 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic from the G35, but Nissan representatives said to expect the newer powertrain in the near future. 

[Source: Edmunds]

Thieves have made off with that oh so sexy Nissan GT-R from the most recent Fast & Furious film. The car was being stored, along with several other vehicles, at a facility in Sun Valley, Los Angeles. The thieves were no doubt aware that the vehicle was inside the facility when they broke through the metal door and drove off with the car, paying no attention to the other vehicles inside. The thieves did, however, damage both a Porsche Boxster and a classic Studebaker in the process.

While looking like every SpoCom fan’s wet dream, the blue R34 GT-R is actually a GT-S model that was transformed by pro driver Chris Milano over two years. Fast & Furious lead Paul Walker drove the car in the movie.

The car is estimated to be worth roughly $75,000 (” More than you can afford pal”), however, it was not insured as it was only being used for promotional purposes.

There is no word on if the police have any leads on who stole the car, but we think they should check the garage of Nicolas Cage,  Mr. Gone in 60 Seconds himself. Either that, or it’s currently being chopped up and sold to other Skyline owners as “overnight parts from Japan.”

[Source: Edmunds.com]