REPORT: Nissan headed back to 'Ring in search of new GT-R and GT-R SpecV lap times
Nissan GT-R SpecV - Click above for high-res gallery
At this point, it's clear that a good showing at the Nürburgring is of the utmost importance to any automaker with supercar ambitions. Contestants ranging from Porsche, Nissan, Chevrolet and Dodge have all visited the famed German racetrack to try and set a new fast lap record, despite the fact that none of these test sessions are officially recorded by anyone other than the automakers themselves.
Back in mid-2008 when the GT-R was first establishing its formidable credibility, Nissan's Chief Test Driver, Toshio Suzuki, took Godzilla to a lap time of 7 minutes, 29 seconds. That mark has since been eclipsed by the Corvette ZR1 and Dodge Viper ACR, but Nissan's supercar may have a bit more to offer in its latest guise for 2009. Plus, the even hotter SpecV will also hit the market in very short order, featuring larger brakes, less weight and a slight bump in power thanks to a turbocharger overboost function.
Will Suzuki-san be able to shave enough time to best the Viper's 7:22 in either the standard-fare GT-R or the high-test SpecV? We'll find out for sure next month when Nissan puts on a full court press at the Green Hell in search of those elusive few seconds it needs for ultimate bragging rights.
Gallery: Nissan GT-R SpecV Live
[Source: GTRBlog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
homunculus 6:02PM (3/10/2009)
that purple is awesome.
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superman211 6:16PM (3/10/2009)
Yeah, I like the color, but he wheels on the other GT-R were better.
ANOTHER THING... It takes power to get around faster than 600hp RWD cars. AWD kills power. I know I own an Audi. If this car had 700hp it would do better.
AND GIVE IT A MANUAL!
nissanfreak87 6:59PM (3/10/2009)
If a true manual was a better performance option than a DCT then F1 would use manuals...but guess what, they don't
Mobius_1 7:22PM (3/10/2009)
The GT-R is designed to be as fast as possible and possibly be thrilling, and the DCT does make the car really as fast as cars right now can get at that price range in a straight line and around corners. There are far better choices if you enjoy the mechanical link with the car, but if you are after pure speed with a safe surefooted drive then the GT-R is great.
CarbonBlack 10:18PM (3/10/2009)
"If a true manual was a better performance option than a DCT then F1 would use manuals...but guess what, they don't"
Sometimes it isn't all about speed!
The same is true about convertibles
goppeltygook 1:27PM (3/12/2009)
your pic is of a radar sign recording 167 in a 50, and we're talking about a Viper ACR, Corvette ZR1, and a Nissan GTR
does anybody else see it?
Tourian 6:12PM (3/10/2009)
Sweet, too bad GM and Chrysler are in no condition to compete any more. A Ring trip, no matter how inexpensive it might be wouldn't be good for PR when they are both on life support. I suppose Nissan will get their record back and be uncontested for a few years until this car depression is over.
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superman211 6:18PM (3/10/2009)
Then Ford will make another supercar like the GT....
.....and all hell will let loose.
Rumors of a 427 cui V8 with 1500hp and 1100ftlbs torque in a car like the Saleen S7.
Don't know now but sounds like a monster!
Tourian 6:21PM (3/10/2009)
If GM and Chrysler are on life support in the ICU, then Ford is anxiously awaiting test results to find out what life threatening illness it has.
Okay forget that, what I'm saying is Ford is in no position to develop such a car.
Mobius_1 7:25PM (3/10/2009)
They, and also the American public should think less of PR and instead make sure they come out of this crisis with desirable products. The public are, I think, making a bigger deal than it ought to be, yes they shouldn't be indulging themselves, especially bailout money, but if they don't focus on making good cars then all that bailout, no matter how carefully spent, won't do a thing for their bottom lines.
Nico 6:17PM (3/10/2009)
Ahh, the Vspec. Finally another Skyline with some soul.
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Nathan 6:31PM (3/10/2009)
A 50% price increase to add bigger brakes, shave off a few pounds, and add a couple horsepower = soul? No. The V-Spec turns the normal GT-R's excellent value-for-money into a joke.
xpolarx 7:49PM (3/10/2009)
I wouldn't get too excited if I were you. Initial reports aren't looking very impressive.
http://www.gtrblog.com/index.php/2009/02/25/nissan-gt-r-specv-tsukuba-circuit-laptim?blog=4
BigMcLargeHuge 8:26PM (3/10/2009)
xpolarx,
There are lots of 'early reports'
The specV has been turning faster times as well.
http://www.gtrcenter.net/?p=2356
xpolarx 9:21PM (3/10/2009)
BigMcLargeHuge,
Those numbers seem more realistic...I can't honestly imagine how the SpecV would be slower. We'll see, though.
Craig 11:14PM (3/10/2009)
This car is not a VSpec or a Skyline.
Repeat after me GTR SpecV.
renmimby 3:10PM (3/30/2009)
You missed the dash.
GT-R.
Now THAT is being pedantic...
Carlos 6:22PM (3/10/2009)
Hurray! Let the fan boys from both sides come out. I give this post two hours before it implodes with comments. Anyone brought the popcorn?
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Franz 6:22PM (3/10/2009)
It'll be interesting to see what kind of times the SpecV throws down, especially after the trackside reports of 7:25-ish last April during development. Only time will tell, I guess.
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mcampasini 6:33PM (3/10/2009)
how much more power does the v-spec have over the standard? cause its going to need a lot more to top the 7:22 of the viper and zr1.
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