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Nissan's latest version of Godzilla's barely hitting the streets and we're already hearing they've rolled out a prototype test unit for the long-rumored up-powered version — the Nissan GT-R Spec V. Well, the spy shooters at KGP claim they've spotted it being unloaded off a truck at Ghosn's Nürburgring test workshop. They claim it's the "Spec V" due to some visual differences between the test car and the standard 2009 Nissan GT-R including a revised front splitter, which sports some additional air intake slits, presumably to feed more cooling air to the brakes. New six-spoke wheels also house what appear to be a revised braking system. The golden Brembo brake calipers were an ever-present feature even on the first GT-R prototypes, but they're a no-show on this tester. KGP wonders whether we're perhaps looking at an upgraded ceramic composite braking system. All we know is if they're correct, Godzilla just got a serious dose of steroids and we're wondering what will happen to the stock GT-R's 3.3 second 0-to-60 time. Full spy report after the jump.
One of our spies just photographed what appears to be a prototype for Nissan's long-rumored, long-promised GT-R Spec V. Caught as it was unloaded off a truck at Nissan's Nürburgring workshop, this test car has some visual differences from a standard GT-R. The visible changes are certainly subtle, and not as far-reaching as some had expected, but the differences are present nonetheless, suggesting that Nissan's GT-R—which already leaves a Porsche 911 Turbo gasping in its wake—is being prepped to be even more formidable.This test car gets a revised front splitter, which sports some additional air intake slits, presumably to feed more cooling air to the brakes. New six-spoke wheels also house what appear to be a revised braking system. The golden Brembo brake calipers were an ever-present feature even on the first GT-R prototypes, but they're a no-show on this tester. Could we be looking at an upgraded ceramic composite braking system?
With a curb weight of 3,836 pounds, the GT-R is no featherweight. And while the standard GT-R obviously overcomes any weight penalty in heroic fashion, it's compelling to imagine a GT-R that's some 200-plus pounds lighter. Enter the GT-R Spec V, which is rumored to shave at least that much weight thanks to the use of carbon fiber body panels, and other assorted techniques. The prototype photographed today has a portion of its rear wing blacked-out, suggesting it is one of the carbon fiber pieces that will make up the Spec V package.
Additional power gains will augment the GT-R Spec V's weight loss regimen. Considering that early dyno tests in the media report that the GT-R may be making more power than its official claim of 473 horsepower, some sources claim that 550 horses could be on tap in the Spec V.
Once this GT-R is fully prepped for testing duty we hope to get a closer look to assess any other weight-saving steps Nissan may have taken. We also look forward to seeing if this lighter-weight GT-R can lap the 'Ring any faster than the 7 minute 38 second lap logged last fall. We suspect it will, as long as the current snow flurries currently wafting on the track dissipate as the week progresses. We'll be watching developments very closely. Stay tuned.
Send an email to Matt Hardigree, the author of this post, at matt@jalopnik.com.
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