Harder, faster GT-R

The wraps have finally come off the highly anticipated Nissan GT-R Spec V -- the lightweight, hardcore version of the Japanese super coupe.

Hailed as a street legal car with racetrack levels of performance the Spec V is aimed at the most serious of performance drivers. Nissan's carbon fibre division has been working overtime to cut weight while the engineers worked to extract more performance from the mechanical package.

The Spec V features a carbonfibre rear spoiler, front grille and brake ducts to reduce weight along with forged aluminum wheels by the company's racing department, NISMO. The exterior of the car is finished in Ultimate Black Opal paint; the only colour available.

The modifications carry over to the interior with the rear seats removed and the front seats have been replaced with new Recaro racing versions made of, you probably guessed it, carbonfibre! The lightweight material is also used across the rest of the interior as insets on the dashboard, centre console and trim.

Underneath the bonnet the changes are limited but focused on making a significant difference. A new high gear boost control device allows the twin-turbo V6 to run at a higher turbo boost. The result of that is more torque at the top end to improve acceleration. The other benefit of the system is that it allows the engine to run at lower speed to help improve fuel consumption.

The only other engine change is a titanium coated exhaust system while the standard GT-R brakes are replaced with the carbon ceramic discs to help bring the car to a stop even quicker.

Nissan hasn't released any official performance figures yet but the company claims it will be "exceptional".

All these improvements come at a cost with the Spec V retailing at 15,750,000 Yen (AUS$243,000 approximately).

But it's not all good news, at least for would-be Australian customers, because at this stage there is no intention to bring the Spec V to Australia. While the Japanese will be able to enjoy the new model local customers will have to make do with the 'regular' GT-R that goes on sale here in April.