Nissan GT-R V-Spec

A spy photographer has snapped photos of what appears to be a prototype for Nissan's long-rumored, long-promised GT-R V-Spec. 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.
Nissan has also set a sub-7 minute 25 second Nürburgring goal for the GT-R V-Spec — 18 seconds faster than the current car.

Underhood, the GT-R V-Spec's turbocharged mill will see an increase in boost, raising output to 550 horsepower — up from the standard GT-R's 480 horsepower. In addition to the power boost, the V-Spec will also shed 330 pounds.

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 300-plus pounds lighter. The V-Spec 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 has a portion of its rear wing blacked-out, suggesting it is one of the carbon fiber pieces that will make up the V-Spec package.
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.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/nissan-gt-r-v-spec.html