Live photos: 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Nissan earlier this month revealed details for its new limited-production GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale in Japan early in February and is expected to arrive in the U.S. later this year. The SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle. Today we have live photos of the car taken at a dealership in Nagoya, Japan. Based on the new ‘Series II’ GT-R, the SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the already potent supercar’s performance to even higher levels. The SpecV's new exterior features include a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a carbon-fiber grille, and carbon-fiber brake ducts. The special edition is also available with an exclusive ‘Ultimate Black Opal’ paint scheme – a unique purplish black, found on the car in the live photos below. Inside, the car comes with only the two front seats, which themselves are special Recaro carbon-fiber buckets. More carbon-fiber is used for the rear center 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 in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance. Nissan is yet to reveal official power figures but output is expected to be similar to the 478hp (356kW) level offered in the standard Series II model. Instead, Nissan engineers have focused on handling performance, equipping the car with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels developed by Nismo. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tires, combine to deliver improved race-track performance. The new SpecV officially made its world debut at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon. Pricing will start at ¥15,750,000 in Japan, which is roughly double the price of the standard model.2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV Live shotsNissan GT-R SpecV official Nurburgring test video

by NoNameDenton #1, Posted: 1/7/2009

Would think they would raise the power levels to the 500 mark in the Spec V
by justinhk2000 #2, Posted: 1/7/2009

yea i was thinkin the same, with 520 i bet they could get the gtr 0-60 in 2.9 sec
by Mike #3, Posted: 1/8/2009

It probably does make more power than claimed, especially with the increased boost on, just like Detroit deliberatly understated the power levels of their muscle cars in the '60s. I'll wait for the magazines to do dyno testing.
by justinhk2000 #4, Posted: 1/8/2009

Mike, the magazines have already done Dyno Testing, the actual figure is 430 hp at the wheel, this equates to 503 hp at the fly. But, Nissan uses ultra high efficient bearings therefore it makes 476hp.
by NoNameDenton #5, Posted: 1/8/2009

justinhk2000 is right, they did the tests already.
by RocketPunch #6, Posted: 1/9/2009

"Nissan is yet to reveal official power figures but output is expected to be similar to the 478hp (356kW) level offered in the standard Series II model."

Not quite. Nissan Japan DID release the specification of the SpecV, it is just that their press release (both the English and Japanese version) sucks and tells you nothing about the car. If you were to dig deeper, you will find power and torque remains the same except for when the "High Gear Boost" is engaged to provide a temporary increase increase in torque.

"Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system"

This is straight from the English press release and surprisingly it is not correct. According to Japanese sources, it is a full Super-TIX titanium alloy exhaust system, not "titanium coated".
by Layne #7, Posted: 1/11/2009

15,000,000+ yen? That's well over $100,000 is it not? So let's get this straight. For nearly twice the price of the normal GT-R, you get a titanium exhaust system, some carbon fiber bits, the rear seats taken out, a temporary boost in power, and special wheels which are ugly anyways? Oh ya and ceramic brakes which are about the only meaningful upgrade on the car. Ummm, can I just have the brakes as an option on the normal version so I can save on useless crap please? I'll spend the $40,000+ saved on actual performance upgrades from the aftermarket.

I am really dissappointed as I expected much more.
by Bob Loblaw #8, Posted: 1/19/2009

We should wait and see how it performs at the track before we see if the upgrades are really worth it.

Considering the standard model was already close to performance or better than supercars like the ZR1, Zonda F, and Carrera GT, it will be interesting to see what the new overboost, lighter mass and stiffer suspension will do.

480hp is enough seeing that it can already fry the gearbox.
by crotchrider #9, Posted: 1/26/2009

I agree with Bob about his comment re: the gearbox. I think that they may be a tad shy about supplying too much overboosting at this time, as I'm sure they are more than aware of the relatively delicate gearbox that they presently have. Given the outragous cost of gearbox repair, the last thing Nissan wants/needs is anymore negative feedback about anything on their vehicles, especially their iconic flagship. To say that the automotive world is watching, would be the understatement of the century! I would expect the ol' midnight oil to be a'burnin' back at H.Q., in an effort to come up with a stronger unit, without breaking the fragile bank of today. Perhaps a more critical look at the metallurgy, before a wholesale replacement of the unit is called for. I'm sure we would all wince at the R&D costs expended thusfar in that area.