Nissan has launched the car it hopes can emulate its famous Skyline model and bring the Japanese car manufacturer more V8 Supercar success.

The 2013 Nissan Altima was unveiled in New York on Tuesday looking more like just another new mid-size sedan than a modern version of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife’s Bathurst winning 1992 GTR dubbed ‘Godzilla’.

But former Bathurst champion Rick Kelly, who will drive the Altima in the V8 Supercar championship next year with his Kelly Racing team, expects the car to come up to scratch in its racing trim.

“It’s hugely exciting to be here in New York for the unveiling of the new Nissan Altima,” Kelly said.

“The Altima looks fantastic in the flesh.

“Now we can’t wait to get our first Nissan Altima V8 Supercar on-track for testing later this year because it’s going to look sensational as a race car.”

Nissan’s return to V8 Supercars is timed to coincide with the Altima’s commercial launch in Australia in the second half of 2013.

Already a best-selling car for the brand in the United States, the Japanese giant is hoping linking the sedan with Australia’s elite motorsport championship will boost is presence and market appeal before it hits showrooms.

Kelly Racing will race four Altimas in the 2013 V8 championship as the long running duopoly between Holden and Ford will come to an end.