The 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V may have as much as 550 horsepower. The current GT-R is shown here.

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V

The legendary GT-R has just been redesigned, but Nissan is out to make it the undisputed king of high-performance sports cars. With more muscle and less weight, the new Spec-V version could be just that. But it’s two years away, and it’s gonna cost.

What We Know About the 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V

Nissan’s redesigned 2009 GT-R is only now reaching customers, yet subtly altered versions have already been spied making crazy-fast laps of Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack. These factory-prototype tests are fueling talk of a lighter, more powerful version wearing the Spec-V label that’s appeared on all kinds of fortified Nissans over the years. As the “V” stands for “victory,” some believe the hotter GT-R will be virtually ready to race, yet still street-legal somehow.

Unhappily for budding track stars, the Spec-V isn’t expected to launch until 2010, perhaps as a 2011 entry. Not that Nissan needs to hurry. The GT-R is built in only one factory with a modest 12,000-unit yearly capacity, and that’s for the entire planet. Besides, there’s already a long wait for the standard model. Nevertheless, Nissan seems intent on giving its supercar an even greater performance edge over such rarefied rockets as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini LP640 and various AMG Mercedes. Object: unassailable status as the new world king of production sports-car performance regardless of price.

Though details are still mostly guesses at this point, there’s talk the 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V will add some 70 horsepower, to reach around 550 total, and subtract a stunning 300-plus pounds of speed-sapping heft. The added muscle could be easily achieved via higher boost pressure and a reprogrammed control chip for the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6, as well as by traditional “hot rodder” measures like freer-breathing intake and exhaust systems. The weight loss reportedly comes from more extensive use of carbon fiber for body panels and inner structure, but engineers might also decree lighter chassis components, delete the token back seat, and/or forget a few standard-model conveniences like power front seats. Spec-V prototypes sport new front and rear air splitters and a reshaped decklid spoiler, suggesting similar aerodynamic tweaks for the retail version. Other likely changes would include an uprated six-speed automated manual transmission, recalibrated all-wheel-drive system, a stiffer and slightly lower suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, and larger brakes.

Today’s 480-horsepower GT-R is plenty fast and furious, with reported 0-60 mph clockings of 3.4 seconds or less, blazing sub-12-second quarter-mile sprints, a 190-mph top speed, and racecar-level 1g cornering grip. The 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V should easily improve on all those stats, if the spies are guessing correctly. But is this simply more engineering overkill for the sake of corporate pride? Another silly-power sports car for the fortunate few? Sure it is. Then again, pushing the envelope is a laudable pursuit. And the global outlook could be far less gloomy in two years, which may be the real reason Nissan isn’t hurrying.

A Notable Feature of the 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V

The Spec-V will certainly retain the normal GT-R’s dazzling array of electronic driving aids. Prime among these is Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive. The initials denote Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split, which basically means AWD that’s programmed to emulate the handling responses of a well-balanced rear-drive car. Specifically, the system normally apportions power in a 2/98 front/rear split, but can direct 50 percent of the power to the front wheels almost instantly when conditions dictate. Allied to this is a “1.5” limited-slip rear differential that provides full lockup on acceleration, to optimize traction, and half lockup on deceleration, to improve stability as weight transfers forward. Completing the mix are driver-adjustable shock absorbers and Nissan’s VDC-R traction/stability control. The latter’s default “Sport” mode operates like other keep-you-on-course systems, but the “R” setting provides more precise control at higher speeds via real-time variation of the front/rear power split according to steering angle. There’s also an “off” mode for drivers who’d rather be left to their own devices in challenging corners.

Still more digital wizardry lurks within the six-speed twin-clutch automated manual gearbox, which serves up three automatic and six manual shift programs. Why so many? Beats us. So, too, the 11 driver-selectable dashboard screens that allow real-time monitoring of the front/rear power split, lateral-g cornering acceleration, and even the movement of the brake and throttle pedals. If Speed Racer ever needed a new ride, he’d love the GT-R.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V

By design, the Spec-V will be even harder to get than the regular GT-R, so would-be owners will need to order early, and then be prepared to wait for delivery. One reason: Even at over $90K, this Nissan will likely have no performance peers save the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, so demand is bound to be fairly intense, at least early on.

2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V Release Date: U.S. timing is currently unknown, but the expected calendar-2010 world debut suggests stateside sales starting no earlier than the fourth quarter of that year, and maybe later.

2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V First Test Drive: We’d expect an international press launch by mid-2010, but perhaps a bit sooner. U.S. media previews would likely come six to eight months afterwards.

2011 Nissan GT-R Spec-V Prices: One British source predicts the Spec-V treatment will add at least $20,000 to the standard-model sticker, which would boost the entry fee from today’s $69,250 to near $90,000. And the premium could be even higher if the dollar keeps weakening against the Japanese yen.

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