Nissan calls this color “Ultimate Black Opal” but we’re just going to call it purple. Still, the GT-R SpecV is manly enough to pull it off. The SpecV receives firmer suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and lighter wheels over the standard GT-R, while a huge amount of carbon fiber is employed to lower the vehicle’s overall weight. Engine upgrades are limited to the mysterious “high gear boost control device” which should temporarily up the boost pressure for what Nissan Japan says is “a more powerful feeling of acceleration.”

We’re still waiting for official power and weight figures, but these live shots are a good indication that we’ll know those details soon. For a bunch more live shots visit [Motor Authority]

Rumors peg the Nurburgring lap time at a scarcely comprehendable 7:25. That's epically quick, and clearly requires some sacrifice in interior appointments. In order to drop the weight, Nissan ditched the GT-R's rear seats, bringing the car down to a still-portly 3,615 lb. The maximum power output of 520 HP is now achieved at 6,500 RPM, while the 440 ft-lb of torque peaks all the way from 3,200-5,200 RPM. In the best Q-ship fashion, the Spec-V looks near identical to the regular GT-R and will allegedly set you back around $130,000, nearly double the GT-R's $69,850 price tag.

It'll be interesting to see how the 2010 Acura NSX and 2011 Lexus LF-A compare. [Road and Track via Autoblog]

The UK's AutoExpress says it has a scoop on Mazda's next product direction. Using design tropes from the Hakaze concept, which the company unveiled in Geneva, Maz will launch a new small people mover to compete with the likes of the upcoming Nissan Rogue and current Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4. AE says the new model won't hit until next decade and will likely be in the vanguard of Mazda's next styling direction. It may also look like a mechanical turnip, but such rumors have yet to be confirmed. – Mike Spinelli

Baby Mazda to face Freelander [Auto Express]

Related:
Geneva Showcase: Mazda Hakaze Concept [internal]

If a new sketch from Popular Mechanics is on the money, the next Chevrolet Malibu could be a much sexier beast than the current, blocky rental-lot queen, with lines reminiscent of the Corvette Z06's. Of course, these spec'd out lines are exaggerated for effect (why, god why?), but as PM blogger Jim Dunne says, the aggressive new styling theme is correct. Could all those new cars in the hopper be better looking than GM's recent styling history would suggest? [Thanks to Tim for the tip.]

Exclusive PM Spy: Chevy Malibu For '08 [Popular Mechanics via Rideroom News]

Related:
GM s Next Epsilon Platform to be Truly Global [internal]