From C&D:
QUOTE
As the hype surrounding Nissan’s GT-R sports car has tapered off somewhat, the company plans to keep the buzz fresh by unleashing a higher-performance Spec V model on the Japanese market early next month. Based on the standard 480-hp car, which is no slouch for a vehicle topping 3900 pounds, the Spec V is lighter and more track-focused, yet does without much additional gusto under the hood.
Available only in black and with two seats (lighter carbon-fiber Recaros), the GT-R Spec V gets down to fighting weight through the use of carbon fiber for the grille, brake ducts, and rear spoiler, as well as on the center console, instrument panel, and other interior areas. Also featured are standard carbon-ceramic brakes and lightweight forged aluminum wheels (offered through NISMO since last fall), both of which should improve responsiveness by reducing unsprung mass at each corner. Overall, we expect the reduction in flab to total at least 200 pounds.
While initial speculation suggested the Spec V’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 could be massaged up to 550 hp, output remains unchanged for the production model and is aided only by a boost controller that allows the turbos to momentarily deliver greater torque at moderate and high speeds. Other performance improvements include a titanium-coated exhaust system, more-aggressive suspension tuning, and higher-grip tires, possibly the base car’s optional Dunlop SP600s or a unique R-compound setup.
Pricing in Japan for the limited-edition model works out to about $173,000, with only seven dealers certified for sales and service. The ultimate Godzilla also will ravage European roads later in the year, but North Americans will have to get their fix through YouTube because Nissan has no plans—yet—to let the Spec V loose in the U.S.
At more than double the price of a regular GT-R, the Spec V will have to lay down some serious numbers to justify its premium, particularly given the base car’s prowess in our last comparison test against the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, and the Porsche 911 GT2. However, this new model strengthens the lore surrounding the GT-R as one of the ultimate exotics, as well as a forbidden fruit for us on this side of the Pacific.
Available only in black and with two seats (lighter carbon-fiber Recaros), the GT-R Spec V gets down to fighting weight through the use of carbon fiber for the grille, brake ducts, and rear spoiler, as well as on the center console, instrument panel, and other interior areas. Also featured are standard carbon-ceramic brakes and lightweight forged aluminum wheels (offered through NISMO since last fall), both of which should improve responsiveness by reducing unsprung mass at each corner. Overall, we expect the reduction in flab to total at least 200 pounds.
While initial speculation suggested the Spec V’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 could be massaged up to 550 hp, output remains unchanged for the production model and is aided only by a boost controller that allows the turbos to momentarily deliver greater torque at moderate and high speeds. Other performance improvements include a titanium-coated exhaust system, more-aggressive suspension tuning, and higher-grip tires, possibly the base car’s optional Dunlop SP600s or a unique R-compound setup.
Pricing in Japan for the limited-edition model works out to about $173,000, with only seven dealers certified for sales and service. The ultimate Godzilla also will ravage European roads later in the year, but North Americans will have to get their fix through YouTube because Nissan has no plans—yet—to let the Spec V loose in the U.S.
At more than double the price of a regular GT-R, the Spec V will have to lay down some serious numbers to justify its premium, particularly given the base car’s prowess in our last comparison test against the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, and the Porsche 911 GT2. However, this new model strengthens the lore surrounding the GT-R as one of the ultimate exotics, as well as a forbidden fruit for us on this side of the Pacific.
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Pics taken from C&D website
