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The new Nissan GT-R is not even on sale in New Zealand yet and already the carmaker is about to release a special lightweight variant aimed at enthusiast drivers who want race car performance in a street-legal vehicle.
The limited-production GT-R SpecV model will go on sale in Japan on February 2, available only from seven specially selected Nissan dealers.
Nissan has trimmed 60kg from the standard GT-R's 1730kg. The SpecV model drops the street car's rear seats and replaces selected body, chassis and interior components with carbon fibre materials.
The new two-seater uses a carbon fibre rear spoiler, grille, brake parts and bucket seats, with carbon fibre replacements also in the car's instrument panel and storage area.
Such enhancements are normally the engineering stuff carmakers showcase at the Detroit motor show, which is on this week. But Nissan North America withdrew from the show in November, citing cost-cutting needs.
The GT-R SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the SpecV's unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear centre storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high-gear boost-control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque.
Nissan says the system also improves fuel economy.
Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September last.
The lighter unsprung weight of the new wheels, the enhanced braking capability and an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres combine to deliver the SpecV's exceptional performance, says the carmaker.
