JDM-WAVE by Andres Herren

2 December 2009

Nissan Announces European Sales of GT-R SpecV

• Long awaited Nissan GT-R SpecV goes on sale

• Only 40 available across Europe – priced at £124,900

• Order before 14 December for delivery in April or up to 22 January for May delivery

• On sale at Middlehurst Motorsport GT-R, Merseyside and Ancaster GT-R, Bromley

Nissan in Europe will sell just 40 examples of the ultimate iteration of its GT-R supercar, the SpecV. Orders are now being taken at Nissan High Performance Centres (NHPCs) across Europe and will close on 22 January 2010.

The limited run of 40 examples in Europe reflects that 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the launch of the first Nissan to wear the GT-R badge. Also reflecting its exclusivity, 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 Nurburgring complex which was opened in July.

Developed as the ultimate iteration of the GT-R, the SpecV model builds on the original GT-R’s product concept 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.

Although maximum horsepower output remains unchanged, 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 aluminum 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 (non-SpecV GT-R models also include two-place 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.

GT-R SpecV – due to its extraordinary level of technological performance and to the elevated competence of its reference customers – will be only available through two Nissan High Performance Centres in the UK – Middlehurst Motorsport GT-R, St Helens, Merseyside and Ancaster GT-R, Bromley, Kent.

SpecV price reflects its exclusiveness at an indicative level of £124,900.

Commenting on the introduction of SpecV in Europe, Vincent Wijnen, Nissan’s European Vice President for Marketing, said: “For a very small number of sports car fanatics, the GT-R is not enough. They have to own the ultimate version and to cater for that desire, we will sell just 40 examples of SpecV in Europe. Its combination of lighter weight, more focused driving dynamics and exclusivity will guarantee SpecV’s place as one of the most desirable cars anywhere in the world.”