Ultimate Nissan GT-R V-Spec in the works
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CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canada
Ultimate Nissan GT-R V-Spec in the works
Ultimate Nissan GT-R
The Japanese firm's uprated GT-R has the hardcore Porsche 911 GT2 firmly in its sights.
Auto Express Car Reviews
By Peter Lyon
12th February 2008
Thought the Nissan GT-R was already too hot to handle? Think again! Not content with the standard car’s blistering performance, the Japanese firm is developing a mighty V-Spec flagship – and we have all the details.
While the standard GT-R produces 473bhp, the range-topper is tipped to deliver a huge 550bhp from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6. The 16 per cent power boost will be matched by a substantial 150kg weight reduction to make the V-Spec one of the most hardcore supercars on the planet.
And the modifications won’t stop with performance upgrades – the body will get an aerodynamic make-over, too. Our picture shows how efficient the standard car is at slicing through the air, and a wild bodykit complete with side skirts and splitter will give the V-Spec maximum downforce at high speeds. Inside, the cabin will be stripped out to help reduce weight, but the dash-mounted touchscreen will remain. In fact, by the time the model arrives, the features available in the hi-tech system will be even more advanced, giving greater control of the set-up on the move.
Nissan has two very specific targets for the thrilling newcomer. Firstly, its engineers are desperate to complete a lap at Germany’s Nürburgring in less than seven minutes and 25 seconds, to take the circuit record.
And they are also keen to topple Porsche’s 911 GT2 and GT3 from the top of performance trackday wish lists. But the extra pace won’t come cheap. The GT-R is set to cost around £55,000 when it goes on sale in the UK in March 2009, and the V-Spec will add £20,000-plus to that. It will join the range before the end of next year
The Japanese firm's uprated GT-R has the hardcore Porsche 911 GT2 firmly in its sights.
Auto Express Car Reviews
By Peter Lyon
12th February 2008
Thought the Nissan GT-R was already too hot to handle? Think again! Not content with the standard car’s blistering performance, the Japanese firm is developing a mighty V-Spec flagship – and we have all the details.
While the standard GT-R produces 473bhp, the range-topper is tipped to deliver a huge 550bhp from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6. The 16 per cent power boost will be matched by a substantial 150kg weight reduction to make the V-Spec one of the most hardcore supercars on the planet.
And the modifications won’t stop with performance upgrades – the body will get an aerodynamic make-over, too. Our picture shows how efficient the standard car is at slicing through the air, and a wild bodykit complete with side skirts and splitter will give the V-Spec maximum downforce at high speeds. Inside, the cabin will be stripped out to help reduce weight, but the dash-mounted touchscreen will remain. In fact, by the time the model arrives, the features available in the hi-tech system will be even more advanced, giving greater control of the set-up on the move.
Nissan has two very specific targets for the thrilling newcomer. Firstly, its engineers are desperate to complete a lap at Germany’s Nürburgring in less than seven minutes and 25 seconds, to take the circuit record.
And they are also keen to topple Porsche’s 911 GT2 and GT3 from the top of performance trackday wish lists. But the extra pace won’t come cheap. The GT-R is set to cost around £55,000 when it goes on sale in the UK in March 2009, and the V-Spec will add £20,000-plus to that. It will join the range before the end of next year
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
It's really disappointing that they were only able to trim 150kg off the vehicle; I hope that's not a final figure. I mean, to put it in perspective, the GT-R in base trim weighs as much as the IS-F which is already a tank as far as performance sedans go - not even to speak of supercars like the GT-R is trying to be! I'd like to have seen more weight come off, even at the expense of hp increase; besides being a Nissan, the weight of the base trim is the biggest turnoff to me. Still, they'll probably get great lap times on it, since that's what they're aiming for.
MSRP based on percentage increase looks to be $100k+.
MSRP based on percentage increase looks to be $100k+.
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IMO I think the weight is good for a vehicle with AWD, and all those sensors to run the telemetry data on the screen. The laptimes for the car speak for itself despite the weight.
IMO to reduce weight even more they should offer carbon ceramic discs, thats easy weight saved, and more importantly unsprung weight
IMO to reduce weight even more they should offer carbon ceramic discs, thats easy weight saved, and more importantly unsprung weight
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
The result is what we should focus on. We shouldn't care if the GTR is heavier than the IS-F...it still crushes it in performance. I couldn't care if the V-spec came in at 8000lbs...if it can get 7:25 at the 'ring, more power to Nissan 
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
Why, because the moment any of us gets a GT-R, we're going to go race it at Nür? 
Right, because all that matters in driving experience is how fast a car can get around the Nürburgring. Internet stat drivers FTW! 
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
... and I've never suggested otherwise. But as your stated be-all end-all as a performance metric, it's not at all relevant to driving experience factors (nor our driving experience, unless "we" all are going to go drive it at Nür).
If your driving satisfaction and experience is based solely on how fast a test driver was able to drive a similar car at Nür, then have fun in your 8000-lb tank and all the more power to you.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
If you don't want a race-car, go get a Lexus
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
You don't need to be so defensive to the point that you feel the need to make barbs about Lexus or the IS-F either. I never said the GT-R isn't a great car. As I stated originally, I just think they didn't tap the potential on the V-Spec as far as weight reductions and that's very disappointing.