Stripped GT-R nod

NISSAN has revealed that it is considering a lightweight, racetrack-oriented version of its newly unveiled R35-series GT-R sportscar.

No official release date has been chosen, but speculation is strong that the United States will be the first market to receive a model known as the ‘Spec V’ in 2010.

Speaking to the media at last week’s Tokyo motor show, Nissan senior vice-president and chief creative officer for design and brand management Shiro Nakamura revealed that more than one version of the GT-R should be expected.

“Probably so. I think it is in the history of the GT-R,” Mr Nakamura said. “The GT-R has to race, so we need something more attractive for people willing to.”

Although not confirmed for production, he insisted that any higher-performance derivative of the new GT-R that Nissan develops must be as road-ready as it would be racetrack-ready.

“We will make a racing model – but that is not our job – that is for Nismo (Nissan’s Motorsport division),” he said. “But from our side it has to always be a road going. Otherwise it does not make sense.”

Asked if it will be similar to previous (R34) Skyline GT-R ‘V-spec’ models, Mr Nakamura was unclear. “We did a V-spec before. I don’t know if it will be a V-spec or whatever, but (it must have) more – and higher – performance,” he said.

“And it has to be (lighter) – it has to be more stripped down. Porsche does it... everybody does it... it is quite normal.”

Mr Nakamura believes there is room in the range for a lightweight GT-R in the same way that Porsche can offer a lightweight version of the 911 such as the new GT2.

Nissan introduced the V-spec (for Victory Specification) in 1993 to mark the 1989-1994 R32 GT-R’s racing competition wins, and continued with the variant through the 1995-1997 R33 GT-R edition.

The R34 Skyline GT-R V-spec arrived in early 1999, bringing with it a myriad of performance-enhancing benefits thanks to stiffer, firmer and lower-set suspension, a recalibrated ATTESA all-wheel drive system and the use of carbon-fibre in the underbody to improve airflow.

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