Rated M for "Matured" - Nissan readying kinder, gentler GT-R Spec M?
2009 Nissan GT-R (regular strength version) – Click above for high-res image gallery
So, you've fallen in love with Godzilla, but the bumps and bruises of everyday life with a stiff-riding supercar matched to a dour (if tech-happy) interior might be too much to bear over the long haul. Well, if new rumors are true, Nissan may have just the car for you – a softer-sprung, lux'd-up GT-R dubbed "Spec-M."
According to the folks at Pistonheads, Nissan is preparing this new model featuring a recalibrated suspension setup for greater compliance, including what it calls "ripple control shock absorbers." On the inside, more upscale trimmings are also expected, with new seat color choices, as well as optional aluminum and woodgrain(!) finishes available. No drivetrain or exterior modifications are mooted, and if that's the case, we'd expect very similar performance figures.
No word yet on what markets the rumored Spec-M will be sold in, but we can see a business case being made for the U.S. at Nissan HQ in light of America's often questionable road surfaces and stereotypically softer posteriors.
Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R
[Source: Pistonheads]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
the_MVP_X 1:44PM (3/24/2009)
M for make u cry
Reply
vkchu 4:42PM (3/24/2009)
and the latest press release states that, coming out next quarter, will the spec w for wimps...
why not the LS2LS7? 1:45PM (3/24/2009)
I'm shocked Nissan feels they have to do any of this stuff to sell GT-Rs. Isn't this thing supposed to be such a great deal that you'd be a fool not to buy one?
So why all the teaser models?
Can the market really be this soft?
Reply
tuna 1:52PM (3/24/2009)
Yes. The market is that soft. http://jalopnik.com/5182010/toyota-global-production-down-53-honda-and-nissan-just-as-bad
Manufacturers are trying everything they can think of to move metal.
why not the LS2LS7? 2:00PM (3/24/2009)
Well, maybe I should go out and get one at invoice then. If it had 4 doors I'd probably already have one.
BigMcLargeHuge 2:37PM (3/24/2009)
Lets look at what the competition is doing:
Carrera
Carrera S
Carrera Cabriolet
Carrrera S Cabriolet
Carrera 4
Carrera 4 S
Carrera 4 Cabriolet
Carrera 4 S Cabriolet
Targa 4
Targa 4 S
Turbo
Turbo Cabriolet
GT3
GT3 RS
GT2
Versus Nissan:
GT-R
GT-R Premium
...and this year: the base model comes with all the safety features of the Premium, so the only real different that I can tell is a sound system and tires, which you can purchase as options on the base model.
So they really only have 1 model. An M-spec might take the place of the current 'Premium' model, and actually offer more in terms of comfort.
With the competition having 15 variations to one model (911), its no wonder they guaging interest into what they can do with their FM platform.
I agree, a 4-door should take priority.
Chris O 2:56PM (3/24/2009)
Actually, it's the PM platform. I think it's the only car built on it so far.
superman211 3:38PM (3/24/2009)
Yeah, I'm not a GTR fan but I think it does what it wan meant to do, very well.
Handles like a 270-400K car and accelerates from lows speeds VERY well.
If you don't like how a sportscar behaves then.. here it comes... DON'T BUY ONE!
Shawn 1:46PM (3/24/2009)
Wouldn't the "Spec-M" be more suited to the Infiniti brand?
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PJ 3:18PM (3/24/2009)
This is almost certainly intended for the JDM, where softer-suspended, automatic-transmission models of cars like the WRX STI and Lancer Evolution have been sold for years--and there is no Infiniti brand in Japan.
Random fact: the seats in the previous-generation USDM Lancer Ralliart were from the JDM Lancer Evolution GT-A, one of those odd comfort-oriented hardcore models.
rypt 3:40PM (3/24/2009)
Actually, the WRX STi has never come as an auto until now, only the WRX ever had autos (even in the A-Line)
jcar302 4:02PM (3/24/2009)
I agree, why not instead of watering down a true sports car with a luxury ride and interior, just move it over to their luxury brand instead?
Steve 1:46PM (3/24/2009)
The chances of them making an M-Spec are VERY slim... The M-Spec was a limited edition BNR34 GT-R V-Spec built with very soft and gentle dampers and springs, and a custom hand stitched vinyl and leather interior. It was named M-Spec based on Kazutoshi Mizuno, the head honcho of Nissan's Le-Mans engineering team. Only 50 cars per month where made, and in all only about 1000 were built. It has an aluminum bonnet.
Right now, he's no head honcho of any team, and as much respect as I have for the man, naming the current car after him would be utterly useless.
You're listening to a fluffed up rumor Autoblog.
Reply
Javanese 5:49PM (3/24/2009)
Took the words right out of my mouth... he's the guy who replaced Kozo Watanabe when Ghosn took over. His common sense of making a more compliant GTR rather a track racer wannabe pretty much set the direction of the GTR development to what it is today. I think it's a pretty nice homage to the guy.
For further reading read this evo article...
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/19860/nissan_skyline.html
cheezwiz 1:47PM (3/24/2009)
Why not make an infiniti rebadged GTR with this M package. The sort of buyer that wants a more luxury ride in a GTR doesn't really want a Nissan, they clearly should be rolling in a luxury-badged coupe. This way Nissan doesn't tarnish the good GTR name.
They could call it the Infiniti Skyline GTR.
Reply
kal326 1:59PM (3/24/2009)
Infinity G38x AWD
Fits right in with the rest of them :-)
kal326 2:00PM (3/24/2009)
Infiniti G38x AWD
Curse you absent edit button, curse you!!!
BigMcLargeHuge 2:51PM (3/24/2009)
My guess is this is going to be a $5-10K upgrade to replace the current Premium.
Since I don't think the 2010 Premium really offers much that can't be an optional upgrade on the base model.
For example, its kinda like how the 2006 Legacy Spec-B only offered a different suspesnion and wheel/tire set over the Legacy GT, yet cost over $7K more. It really wasn't justified.
So the next year they put a 6-speed tranny in, better leather, steering wheel climate/radio controls (which hadn't been available on Legacy's until then) and introduced SI-drive.
While that luxury stuff wasn't for everyone, at least it justified the price difference for those that chose the top Legacy..
Nissan might be doing the same with a Spec-M.
BigMcLargeHuge 2:56PM (3/24/2009)
Edit:
I guess the 2006 Spec-B was more like $5K more.
Terry 4:54AM (3/25/2009)
I believe this is for japan market only since japanese locals don't really buy into "rebadging" at all.
Another thing is their national pride...........after all Nissan means "Made by Japan".