Nissan shows pricier GT-R Spec V sportscar

Wed Jan 7, 2009 11:25 PM EST
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TOKYO — Even as automakers slash production targets and cut workers, Nissan showed off a 15 million yen ($161,300) souped up version of its GT-R sportscar Thursday that it said was a bargain compared to European rivals.

Models are planned months in advance, and the release of the new offering had been set long before the financial crisis hit, undermining demand for cars around the world.

While the timing of the release may have been a bit awkward for Nissan — which like its competitors has lowered production and cut temporary workers — the company's chief engineer stressed that the GT-R exhibits Nissan's dedication to quality craftsmanship.

"We want to keep making something better," said Kazutoshi Mizuno, emphasizing the Japanese reputation for dexterity, hard work and care for details.

While sportscars don't sell in big numbers, they can be crucial for a company's image and spur public interest.

Nissan Motor Co.'s GT-R, introduced worldwide a year ago, sells for 8.6 million yen ($92,500). The more expensive GT-R Spec V adds features such as greater power with improved mileage, special brakes usually for circuit racing cars and a paint job inspired by an opal, Mizuno said.

Mizuno said the GT-R Spec V is a deal compared to European offerings, which cost twice as much or more. The targeted buyer probably already owns a sportscar or two, Mizuno told reporters in a Tokyo showroom.

The standard GT-R has wooed Japanese from Ferrari, Porsche and other import sportscars, and it is selling well in Europe and the U.S. Nissan sold 1,600 GT-Rs in the U.S. as of November.

The GT-R Spec V goes on sale Feb. 2 at seven dealers in Japan, which can provide the extra maintenance services for the model. It is planned for sale later this year in Europe, but North American sales are still undecided.

The car comes out at a time when Japanese automakers are seeing their global sales sink, including in the vital U.S. market. Nissan North America Inc., Nissan's U.S. unit, said earlier this week that its December U.S. sales fell more than 30 percent.

While Nissan plans to produce 1,000 of the standard GT-R models worldwide a month, it can only make 20 or 30 of the Spec V cars a month.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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{"commentId":4710856,"authorDomain":"reporterx"}
REPORTER X

Another beefed up race car, with more loose ends than a kids floppy untied shoes.

Driving fast only raises the price of gas, not per gallon, but the amount you buy per week or day is definitely increased.

I think this type of vehicle is stupid.  Nothing but the piece of junk 350-Z with more bolt-on after market parts added, to increase it's consumption of fuel and thereby deteriorate the integrity of the chassis, while propelling the passenger forward at a speed that is definitely going to be uncomfortable to say the least if it doesn't knock your teeth out.

Just look how low to the ground it is.  Only a perfectly smooth race track could withstand this vehicle, daily driving on the street would be a disaster if not deadly.

Nothing but show.  Move along folks, move along, there's nothing more to see here.

BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD:

Butthead:  Hey Beavis, do bigger engines in cars really make them go faster?

Beavis:  Yes, (sniffle) they use more gas to do it--you really are a butt head!!!

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    Reply#1 - Thu Jan 8, 2009 12:04 AM EST
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