The talk started already in November on Radio Le Mans when it was reported that eyebrows was raised when seeing the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo, and that Nissan had ordered a different dimension of tyres than all the other LMP1 teams.
Fast forward to December, and Jalopnik presented a mock-up of a possible car, which looked very much like the old Panoz LMP1 cars from eary 2000's, it still seemed unlikely, but the website tends to be quite reliable when it comes to their exclusives.
Now, the front-engined car rumours started to gain traction, over at Mulsanne's Corner, a batmobile-like drawing was presented, with talk about using Cosworth's unused V6 F1-engine as a base for the power unit, producing a bit over 600HP, and with the hybrid system in place, producing "well over" 1000HP, maybe as high as 1400HP with max power output.
And then, finally today the spyshots have been taken, and the car is, indeed front-engined, with bigger front-tyres than rear tyres as well. With mirrors on the front fenders. It is also true to the GT-R name, as the early Skyline GT-R had this, and it might be a sign for the future GT-R's.
FWD Rumours
As the FIA rules for WEC have been altered slightly, you can now use the hybrid systems at all speeds - formerly it was only after passing 100km/h. Nissan have taken this new rule, and with the former DeltaWing, Nissan ZEOD guys in the team as well, they have the experience of going down the weird road.
The rumours state that the traditional combustion-engine will power the front-wheels. This way the power loss between the engine and wheels, will be smaller than with RWD cars. While the hybrid system powers the rear wheels at all times. Effectively making it work as a 4WD car, while being a FWD in the traditional sense.
No matter how it turns out, the concept is very interesting, and it is always good to see variety in racing, and teams trying other ways, as mid-rear engined cars have been the norm for 50 years, and the upset of seeing a front-engined car win Le Mans would be massive!