Nissan GT-R Spec-V officially revealed

The GT-R Spec-V that we heard about so much for the last year is now officially unveiled in Japan. While based on the already super-hyped production GT-R, the fully reworked Spec-V model promises to offer thrill seeking enthusiasts even more bang for their 15,750,000 yen ($160,000).

The Spec-V is a different beast both inside and outside. Open the doors and you’ll notice the addition of two special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats and the removal of two bulky rear seats. Carbon fiber inserts wrap around the center storage, instrument panel and other trim pieces. Outside, the carbon fiber theme continues with a new carbon fiber spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. In other less interesting news, Nissan has also introduced an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal body color for the Spec-V.
Mechanically the Spec-V gets to play with a 3.8-liter V6 fitted with twin turbochargers. Officials at Nissan claim performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device that allows greater torque in high speeds while maintaining fuel economy when it’s time to slow down.
The Spec-V is Japan-only, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Nissan eventually introduces a few modifications to North America or Europe.


PRESS RELEASE

Nissan Announces New GT-R Spec-V Model

TOKYO (Jan. 8, 2009) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.

NISSAN GT-R SpecV

Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy - taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.

The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats, while carbon fiber insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.

The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tires, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.

The SpecV will be sold at the following seven dealer outlets, each of which is staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving.

Dealer outlets selling the SpecV
Ibaraki Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Mito Sennami Outlet
Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales Co., Ltd. Kamedo Outlet
Nissan Prince Nagoya Sales Co., Ltd. Fukiage Outlet
Nissan Prince Osaka Sales Co., Ltd. Horie Kawaguchi Outlet
Nissan Prince Hyogo Sales Co., Ltd. Nada Outlet
Nissan Prince Kagawa Sales Co., Ltd. Takamatsu Outlet
Yamaguchi Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Ogori Interchange Outlet

Source : http://japancarblog.com

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GOLDING’S TAKE: Can anyone help GM with the maths?

Here's a game for many players with a serious side to it. GM (amongst others) needs to avoid going bust in one big bang. Bust over the long run in the British Leyland (once the world's third largest car maker remember) style may be inevitable, but sudden failure and the consequences of that are unthinkable.

In June GM said that it had enough cash to last the year, no matter how bad the market became. In the third week of November it asked if it could have US$12bn. In the first week of December it raised that to US$18bn.

In the third week of December GM was given the first tranche of its allowance which is to be US$13.4bn.

Last week, Ron Gettellfinger, the President of the UAW, said to a news camera that GM's pocket money would probably be enough to see it through. The Financial Times did a version saying that GM also said that the money will be enough, although the source was not identified. GM swiftly told us that if anyone had said that, they weren't meant to.

The short term problem for GM is the top line revenue number. There is a lot else wrong, but wrongest of all just now is the fact that GM sales were down 31% in December while 23% down for the year. Toyota was down 15% for the year, so GM is dealing with inadequate competitiveness in a market where declines are still way above the year average.

Buried in the Q3 financial results from GM was the cash burn for the quarter. It was $4.8bn. That means the cash-burn run-rate was annualising at $19bn even before the demand crisis worsened in Q4. It would seem self-evident that GM will not be able to show sustainability to lenders and investors.

The reason GM needs our help is that it does not yet have any money at all that it can keep. The US Treasury loans of US$17.4bn total (to GM and Chrysler) are repayable in full on March 31 if the companies cannot show by then that they are financially viable. This proviso from the Republicans still needs definition of its terms. That will be a task for the Democrats when they take office on January 20. GM (and Chrysler) then have just six weeks to establish the proof that it is viable in all weathers to the satisfaction of President Obama and his Treasury team.

There are some new clues due from GM over the next few days which may give us some new prime numbers that will allow better adding up and taking away.

On Sunday and Monday, GM faces the press in formal Q&A sessions at the Detroit Auto Show.

Later on Monday, The UAW starts the 2009 wage and conditions negotiations with GM. What is put on the table may well become public information at the outset.

Detail is awaited with interest. In round numbers, the Big Three need to trim hourly pay from an average of around US$30 to nearer US$20 an hour to be competitive and therefore viable.

Now then....Rick Wagoner was on record yesterday saying that he expected the UAW to come up with concessions in wage rates to help with survival in the current crisis; and it was UAW boss Gettelfinger who said that GM now had enough money to see it through. Are we to assume that they are both talking about the same thing and that at last the ludicrous layer of UAW pay and legacy costs are to be surrendered to make the US Big Three competitive?

Calculators at the ready ladies and gentlemen: the next few days could be very interesting.

Source : http://www.just-auto.com

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