Whenever a new hot rod launches, the aftermarket goes nuts building performance and styling bits for it. Soon after, the manufacturer often ups the ante with their own hotter version. With just under a year of public consumption under the belt of their GT-R, Nissan has revealed the SpecV version of their all wheel drive weapon.
Sporting just 2 seats and carbon fiber everything, the SpecV takes the already serious GT-R and turns it into a track day monster aimed at owners who intend to really use the car on the track. Interesting that along with weight management and performance tweaks, that they haven’t included safety upgrades (like a roll cage) to make the car truly track ready.
Funny thing is that the photo above supplied with the press release shows the SpecV in red, but the car is only available in Black Opal.
Sadly, it will not be available in North America for the time being.
See the black car and full press release after the break.
TOKYO (Jan. 8, 2009) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime†philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.†The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats, while carbon fiber insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tires, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.
The SpecV will be sold at the following seven dealer outlets, each of which is staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving.
Dealer outlets selling the SpecV
Ibaraki Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Mito Sennami Outlet
Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales Co., Ltd. Kamedo Outlet
Nissan Prince Nagoya Sales Co., Ltd. Fukiage Outlet
Nissan Prince Osaka Sales Co., Ltd. Horie Kawaguchi Outlet
Nissan Prince Hyogo Sales Co., Ltd. Nada Outlet
Nissan Prince Kagawa Sales Co., Ltd. Takamatsu Outlet
Yamaguchi Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Ogori Interchange Outlet
Suggested nationwide retail price (including consumption tax) 15,750,000 yen
Perfect timing for this post… I was at the International Car & Truck of the Year awards gala in Detroit last night presented by Road and Travel, and guess what car was announced as the winner…The Nissan GT-R.
The Dodge Ram 1500 took the truck award.
I was invited to that dinner, but unfortunately I need to be in Toronto this week.