Nissan GT-R SpecV goes on sale in Europe

Following its inaugural public display at the Geneva show last March, Nissan have finally announced the pricing and allocation of GT-R SpecV cars for European customers.

The order books are open now and will close on 22 January 2010, with just 40 cars being available for sale. Whilst a limited production run highlights the exclusivity of Nissan’s supercar, it is perhaps more dictated by the SpecV’s price, which at £124,900 in the UK makes it more than ‘twice’ as expensive as the standard GT-R.

Interestingly Nissan describe the limited run of 40 examples in Europe as reflecting that “2009 is the 40th anniversary of the launch of the first Nissan to wear the GT-R badge”. Hmmm, we’ll leave it up to you to judge which is most likely reason for such a small allocation of cars.

Developed as the ultimate iteration of the GT-R, the SpecV model builds on the original GT-R’s by changing and enhancing key components that help deliver the SpecV’s philosophy of being for skilled drivers who are ‘at one’ with their vehicle.

Incorporating all of the product enhancements recently announced for the standard MY10 GT-R, these changes are based around the SpecV’s ability (in the right conditions and environment) to brake later and harder, corner faster and accelerate sooner than the standard car.

Although maximum horsepower remains the same, engine performance is enhanced with a new high-gear boost control device, which briefly increases boost of the twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide greater in-gear acceleration. Braking and cornering performance is improved by the fitting of a carbon ceramic brake system jointly developed by Nissan and Brembo, revised springs and fixed-rate dampers. Other performance modifications include a titanium exhaust system.

Externally, the SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed uniquely for this model by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO), the sports car and motorsports arm of Nissan in Japan. The SpecV’s exterior also features a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. All of these changes amount to a weight saving of 60kg.

Inside, the SpecV is offered uniquely as a two-seater (standard GT-R models include ‘plus-two’ sized rear seat) with bespoke Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats trimmed only in black leather, while carbon fibre is also used for the surround of the rear Bose speakers, instrument panel and other trim areas.

In addition to a revised paint colour line-up (Ultimate Metal Silver and Titanium are not available) the SpecV is available in optional Ultimate Black Opal (RP), a unique chromaflair paint for this version.

The SpecV will be only available through one Nissan High Performance Centre in the UK – Middlehurst Motorsport GT-R, St Helens, Merseyside and in recognition of the car’s indelible link with the Nordschleife circuit in Germany, the SpecV is only being displayed in Europe at the new Nissan Sports showroom in the new Nürburgring complex which was opened last July.

GT-R SpecV at Goodwood FOS 2009

GT-R SpecV at Goodwood FOS 2009