Fast Car

 Nissan, you’re killing us. So far only the lucky few have driven the ever-so-hot 2011 Nissan GT-R that doesn’t go on sale in the U.S. until June—and now the Japanese automaker is teasing us with something better.
Our test numbers have the GT-R scorching the asphalt from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and passing the quarter-mile mark in 11.5 seconds at 124 mph. With numbers like that, the car obviously is in dire need of a higher-performance version.
Indeed, one of our spy photographers has snapped what we think and hope is a prototype for a GT-R Spec V as it was being unloaded from a truck at Nissan’s Nürburgring workshop, and then as it was put through its paces.
This does not appear to be an ordinary GT-R (not that ordinary should ever precede the noun GT-R), as the test car reveals subtle differences. We admit we expected more differentiation, but these spy shots only show a revised front splitter with additional air intake slits, presumably to cool the brakes after a heady stop. We recorded braking from 70 mph in 145 feet, and skidpad runs of 0.99 g with the regular GT-R, so we can only imagine the need for greater stopping power on the Spec V. The prototype appears to up the ante with an upgraded ceramic composite braking system. Gone are the gold Brembo brake calipers of the first GT-R prototypes. The tester here also sports new six-spoke wheels.
The expectation is the Spec V will come in at least 200 pounds lighter than the 3908-pound curb weight of the 2009 GT-R. Look for more carbon-fiber body panels, including the rear wing that is covered in camouflage here.
The Spec V will undoubtedly cost a pretty penny more than the $70,475 base car, but we’ll be shocked if the price breaks the six-figure barrier. The rumor mill has the Spec V endowed with as much as 550 horsepower compared with 480 hp with the conventional GT-R—a number that should all but guarantee that the Spec V will leave even more exotic sheetmetal in its wake than the regular GT-R.
Now three years old, the highly-acclaimed Nissan GT-R receives minor tweaks for 2011, but maintains its supercar allure and abilities. While the base trim has been discontinued, the Nissan GT-R Premium receives a mild refresh. Also, a number of previously optional features are now standard. Not surprisingly, reviewers are impressed Autoblog  writes, "The illustrious Nissan GT-R is, quite possibly, one of our favorite cars currently in production."
Still, the 2011 Nissan GT-R isnt without its faults. In addition to a useless back seat, it garners mixed reviews for its looks. Plus, some purists cringe at the fact that the Nissan GT-R doesnt come equipped with a traditional manual transmission. But taken as a whole, these are minor issues.
Given the GT-R’s 2011 upgrades, shoppers should expect a slightly steeper sticker price. The 2010 model starts at $80,790. However, the 2011 Nissan GT-R will carry a starting price of $84,060. But considering that the 2011 Nissan GT-R’s performance capabilities rival higher-priced exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini, it’s still a steal.