Details emerge on Nissan GT-R Spec-V

Nissan's ball-tearing GT-R (pictured here) is due in local showrooms next April, but a few tech details are already emerging about the upcoming go-faster Spec-V version.

Company officials had conceded as early as the GT-R's international launch last December that the 'V' rated flagship was in the pipeline, but revealed no details at the time about the range-topper.

Well, a handful of international motoring sites have managed to procure leaked info about the Spec-V, and the first key fact is that the low-volume edition allegedly retains the donor car's standard 353kW 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 -- scotching rumours it would pump out in excess of 380kW.

However, the latest info suggests the Spec-V will have an 'overboost' function (a la Porsche 911 Turbo), to provide an extra spurt of mid-range oomph for ultra-quick overtaking manoeuvres.

Rather than going down the "let's go ballistic on the engine" route, it appears Nissan's boffins have focused on paring the standard GT-R's somewhat lardy 1730kg-plus kerb weight.

This has reportedly been achieved by ditching the rear seats in lieu of a carbonfibre shelf and the front seats, grille and extensive aero aids are also said to be fabricated from carbonfibre.

In addition, the Spec-V scores carbon ceramic brakes, while the multiple transmission modes are also reportedly canned in favour of a single -- presumably 'Race' -- setting.

The handling set-up has been upgraded via Bilstein Damptronic suspension (said to be superior to the GT-R's optional Nismo ClubSport setup), along with 20-inch forged aluminium wheels and super high-performance Dunlop tyres.

Overseas reports suggests these mods, allied with the weight-saving measures, has made the Spec-V two seconds a lap quicker around the Sendai Highland Raceway than the stocker GT-R.

The tweaks don't come cheap though, as the leaked info suggests the Spec-V will cost a wallet-gouging $259,000 (before tax) in Japan, compared with $109,700 for the standard car.

Joining the options list is a new paint colour -- Ultimate Black Pearl -- which will add another $10k (phew!) to the price.

According to GTRBlog.com, the GT-R Spec-V will make its Japanese debut on January 8, with domestic deliveries scheduled for February. No word as yet on when whether Oz will receive any cars.

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