Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R V-Spec.

The prototype Nissan GT-R V-Spec, wearing the "Victory Specification" designation reserved for the ultra high-performance Nissan GT-R, has been caught lapping the famed Nürburgring at an incredible, if not simply unbelievable, 7:25 per lap. This, according to bystanders trackside. (For comparison, Walter Röhrl lapped the Ring in 7:28 while driving a Porsche Carrera GT in 2004.)

In contrast to the standard Nissan GT-R, that made the run around the 'Ring in 7:38, the GT-R V-Spec has a new front splitter, modified rear spoiler, and different wheels. A more extensive use of carbon fiber has reportedly reduced the weight by upwards of 330 pounds. Of course, Nissan engineers also tweaked the twin-turbo powerplant for another 70 horses... or so. Thanks for the tip, XeroK00L!

[Source: Car]

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.


[Source: KGP Photography]

Click above for high-res gallery of Nissan GT-R Spec-V spy shots

The Nissan GT-R has already proven it can more than hold its own against competition like the Porsche 911 Turbo and Chevy Corvette Z06, but don't forget that Nissan still plans on revealing a victory specification, i.e. V-Spec, model of the car. Spy photogs from KGP Photography recently caught what they believe is the GT-R V-Spec being unloaded from a transport truck at the Nurburgring in Germany for testing. While the car doesn't outwardly appear as different from the base GT-R as we expected, some differences are noticeable including more air intakes in the revised front splitter, new wheels and a different brake package (carbon ceramic perhaps?), and what could be a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Reports suggest that whole body panels on the Spec-V model will be comprised of carbon fiber, which should, among other things, help reduce the car's portly weight by at least a few hundred pounds. While the spy shooters didn't get to hear the engine fire up, rumor has it that the GT-R V-Spec will be more powerful than the base model, an achievement that shouldn't be hard to accomplish considering dyno results suggest that the twin-turbo 3.8L V6 is already making more than Nissan's official claim of 473 horsepower. We're also not sure on what Nissan's export plans are for the GT-R V-Spec, though it will be sold in limited quantities to some lucky Japanese for sure.


[Source: KGP Photography]

We've reported previously on both a club racer and a V-Spec version of the Nissan GT-R, and it's now apparent that they are both very different beasts. The V-Spec variant will be in the same mold as the previous versions offered, with Japan's Best Car citing a 220-pound diet, 30 more horsepower with upgraded binders and suspension components.

The racing version, previously shown in spy shots, is equipped with a full roll cage, a significantly revised suspension and a nice set of Volk TE37s that are also featured in last week's Best Car article. When we'll be seeing either version is an open question, but we've got video of the production-based racer making the rounds and Best Car's spec scan after the jump.

[Source: 2009gtr.com]