Nissan GT-R SpecV Officially Announced

Nissan confirmed the long rumored GT-R SpecV will be offered in a limited production run. If the supercar performance of the regular old GT-R wasn't enough, the company claims the SpecV will offer "race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle."

The SpecV will be more nimble than the standard GT-R due in part to its lighter weight. The higher performance model does away with the rear seats and dumps the standard front buckets in favor of a couple carbon-fiber Recaros. Carbon fiber insets also adorn the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

The weight reduction efforts were applied to the wheels as well. The SpecV will wear a set of NISMO forged aluminum wheels. The new wheels offer less unsprung weight and complement the carbon-ceramic brakes, exclusive suspension, and grippy tires.

As many had anticipated, Nissan did decide to dial up the performance of the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine ever so slightly. The SpecV will receive a high gear boost control device that cranks up the pressure from the turbos in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. The additional boost provides more torque that will push occupants even further back in their seats. Performance will also be enhanced by the new titanium-coated exhaust system.

The exterior of the SpecV will be distinguished by carbon-fiber accents. It will sport a new front grille, rear spoiler, and brake cooling ducts all made from the lightweight material. In terms of exterior color, people can have the SpecV in an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal.

Initially, Nissan intends to only sell the SpecV at seven Japanese dealers starting February 2, 2009 with a European launch slated for later this year. The dealers will have specific GT-R SpecV trained mechanics to better service the car. The car will sell in Japan for 15,750,000 yen or about $171,517 U.S. Unfortunately, Nissan has no current plans to sell the car in the North America.