Nissan GT-R Spec-V

After a lengthy period of rumours and spied test cars, the spiciest flavour of Nissan GT-R has been revealed. It differs somewhat to the car many predicted - its 478bhp (the same as the series 2 standard GT-R) is somewhat short of the 550bhp+ that was initially thought.

So has it even been worth the wait? Well, yes. There's an exclusive suspension setup which gains Bilstein dampers while carbon ceramic brakes are standard, which boost maximum braking g-force from 1.4 to 2. Performance is improved via a new gear boost control device, which gives the twin-turbos an extra kick to provide an additional 15lb ft of torque under heavy acceleration. Conversely, it also boosts fuel economy a tad by allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed.

There's also a host of weight saving that's set to drop the eCoty winning GT-R's 1740kg down to 1680kg. The back seats have gone (how many people will use them anyway?) while the remaining two pews are carbon fibre Recaros, with the lightweight material replacing other interior elements such as the instrument panel and storage box.

It isn't just the interior lavished with carbon fibre though, the car's front grille, rear spoiler and brake ducts all getting the same treatment. Apparently the SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal, the purple/black metallic shade in most of the pictures. Some other colours have leaked out though, suggesting tuners or personal orders have had their way. There's a titanium exhaust system that further cuts weight.

You may have spotted the new 20in alloys, too. They're forged racing-style units developed for the SpecV by NISMO, and can actually be specced on standard GT-Rs too. They result in a lighter unsprung weight, which combined with the pumped-up brakes, should lead to significantly shaved lap-times.

Sales are all Japanese for now, with SpecVs only being sold through seven specialised dealers who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving, apparently. It goes on sale priced at 15,750,000 yen - that's £114,000 at current rates, or the same as two standard cars. If any do make it to the UK, though, you should expect to pay around £95,000. Nissan plans to produce a limited run of about 20 a month.

Nissan GT-R SpecV review.