The 2008 Targa Tasmania is the 17th running of Australia's ultimate tarmac rally.

Through the generous support of Events Tasmania and the support of Pure Tasmania, the event continues to attract a top field of classic and modern cars.

Fresh from its world-wide unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, the new Nissan GT-R will make its Targa Tasmania debut in 2008.

The car has been entered by motorsport identity Tony Alford and will run in the stand-out Donut King colours.

The GT-R is described by Nissan as “an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime”.

The car features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38” engine, producing 353kW at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 588Nm from 3200 to 5200rpm.

Targa Tasmania event director, Mark Perry, is delighted that the GT-R will be on show to motorsport fans in Tasmania when the event is held from April 15-22.

“This car will be, I’m sure, very popular with spectators and fellow competitors,” Perry said.

“It really ensures Targa is a great showcase for all things automotive. At one end of the spectrum we have a huge range of classic cars, dating back to the 1930s, then we have the latest performance cars that have only just been released.”