Autoblog

It's been a quiet week in Cardom, so for Autoblog Podcast #92 we take time to address some of the excellent emails we've gotten at our new podcast at autoblog dot com address. Feel free to send in questions, comments, SHO-centric ribbing, whatever! We can't promise that it will make it onto the 'cast, but it just might. Before we dive into the binary mailbag, we discuss some of the vehicles that we've been sampling - so basically Damon talks about what he's been hooning around in at track events. Thanks for your 57 minutes this week!

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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 a high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R.

Contrary to a few reports that began surfacing around the web this morning, Nissan will not be showing off a hopped-up version of the GT-R at the Geneva Motor Show next week. With all the spy shots, general speculation and history of the GT-R badge, it's just a matter of time before Nissan evolves it's super GT car into an even more competent performer, but its not bound anytime soon.

While Nissan has already confirmed that a V-Spec GT-R is coming, there are no official details about what Godzilla will be packing when it's released. Nissan officials have said that the V-Spec is definitely going to be launched in Japan, but exports outside of Nissan's home market are still undecided.

Those who patiently wait out the first year of Nissan GT-R production to avoid the hassle of dealer markups or some of the bugs that come with a new car, you may make off with a better performing model. Nissan plans on bringing a V-Spec, meaning victory specification, version of the GT-R to market after the first year of sales. While V-Spec versions of previous GT-R generations did not receive power upgrades, that won't be true for the R35. Base output will be bumped from 480hp to 550hp through an increase in boost pressure. On top of that 150 kg (331 lbs) will be shed from the frame. Also, as typical with Nissan's race inspired trim levels, the V-Spec will include a more aggressive aero package. The goal for the car is to achieve a lap time at the Nurburgring of less than 7 minutes and 25 seconds -- 18 seconds ahead of the standard GT-R. It may take more than increased power, reduced weight and increased down force to achieve the feat. Therefore, it would not be out of the question for a V-Spec model to feature revised differential controls, wider wheels and tires and even a brake upgrade.

[Source: Auto Express]