Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R Spec V confirmed, caught running the 'Ring
by John Neff on Apr 8th 2008 at 12:29PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Nissan GT-R Spec V spy shots at the 'Ring
Those spy shots we showed you yesterday of a higher-performance GT-R have been confirmed by inside sources as the Spec V model, which will both shed poundage and gain power compared to its baser sibling. Weight is expected to drop by over 300 pounds thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, and as for how much power the twin-turbo 3.8L V6 will make in Spec V trim... some are saying 550 - 600 horsepower, though we think that's a bit optimistic as well as just overkill. These shots show the GT-R Spec V attacking a corner at the Nurburgring, and in the German sun we can see the new front splitter below the grille and carbon fiber rear wing much clearer. The current GT-R's performance has already surprised us all, but it's clear that this is just beginning for Nissan's new halo car.
Gallery: Nissan GT-R Spec-V - spy shots
[Source: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Rob 12:33PM (4/08/2008)
Well considering the regular GTR makes near 550hp I wouldnt call that optimistic should Nissan decide to boost power with the diet.
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Noah 1:32PM (4/08/2008)
No, it makes 300 hp. Waiting for a linked resource? So am I. I know MT said its running more than 480hp, but I don't think they said how much.
Bungle 2:10PM (4/08/2008)
@Noah:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/nissan-gt-r-dynoed-at-475-hp-428-lb-ft-of-torque/
The GT-R was measured as making 475hp at the axles, so the engine must be making *well* over 500hp considering the significant drivetrain losses of an AWD car with 2 driveshafts.
Rob 5:20PM (4/08/2008)
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0803_2009_nissan_gt_r_dyno_test
There you go, Noah. But since you knew it was MT and still refused to look it up I'll summarize. 430.6whp. Translate to crank at various %
10.3%=480hp
15%=506.6hp
20%=538.3hp
25%=574.1hp
10% is unrealistic, 15% very conservative, 20% moderate for an AWD, boosted setup, 25% probadly on the high side but not unheard of given the cars configuration.
Every dyno run seems to peg the GTR well above 480 crank hp. I know everyone likes to hype the car for the numbers its posting with 'only' 480hp to its near 4000lbs and talk up the ultra trick AWD system and how the engineers seemed to have overcome the laws of physics with superior technology but at the end of the day for the GTR to run with and beat the 911 turbo/ZO6 it simply needed more power. At 540-550hp range the GTR has a power to weight ratio much more favorable to the 911. Combine that with great chassis tuning and its superior AWD system and that is how it destroys its competition. Its still a great car. Its still faster than anything costing 2 or 3 times its price. It does not have mystical powers that allow it to overcome the laws of physics.
Mobius_1 7:52AM (4/09/2008)
@ Noah
300hp? How big are your horses?
John R 12:36PM (4/08/2008)
Gundam on wheels.
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Adam Marcello 12:43PM (4/08/2008)
Booo I wanted the Alice Cooper Paint on the Spec-V
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carbuzzard.com 12:45PM (4/08/2008)
Not to sound too much like a grumpy old cuss - lest I give myself away - I hope that whoever buys these things has ready access to a race track so that the better part of them won't go to waste.
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steve 12:51PM (4/08/2008)
i know what you mean but look at all the sub 3 second gsxrs cbr 1000s running around on public roads. Most of these pilots have the sense to know when and where
Yar 12:53PM (4/08/2008)
Sub 3 second? As in a sub 3 second quarter mile?
carbuzzard.com 1:06PM (4/08/2008)
Well, I'd think a GT-R with no racetrack is like the USS Reagan with no ocean. It's nice and all but you really don't get the full use of it.
Shardm 2:46PM (4/10/2008)
@Yar
Yes, but you can only do it once because your arms get ripped off by the handlebars
Yar 3:00PM (4/08/2008)
@ carbuzzard
Please, the Ronald Reagan could sail through asphalt, no problem...
carbuzzard.com 4:39PM (4/08/2008)
Yar, concerning the Big Gipper, I stand corrected.
Shaft 12:46PM (4/08/2008)
It may be a year before I ever see this overweight, overhyped, rich boy's Datsun 240Z on the road and I'm already sick of it.
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Ligor 12:52PM (4/08/2008)
obviously, you have issues, but since you call yourself shaft - y don't you just shove one up yrass
Franz 2:18PM (4/08/2008)
Sick of it, but you still find time to click on this story and write a post... yeah, right...
venomgt1 12:49PM (4/08/2008)
Strange they be out testing I would think they would just clone the gt2 and under rate the hp.
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XeroK00L 1:00PM (4/08/2008)
So you're saying they're making the V-spec rear-engined? Think before you post.
venomgt1 1:23PM (4/08/2008)
I would think you would be able to read between the lines?911 turbo? enginnering base? for the current model? Next time I post I will use small words and more detail so you will be able to under-stand.