Tuesday 24th March 2009

Nissan GT-R Goes Soft

Softer GT-R supercar being planned

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Nissan will follow the launch of the GT-R Spec-V with the introduction of the Spec-M, a more sophisticated version of the firm’s banzai supercar.

The GT-R Spec-V firm suspension will get replaced by a softer, more refined setup and will include ripple control shock absorbers to help iron out the bumps.

There’ll also be a wider choice of interior trims to help entice a more upmarket clientele, with aluminium and wood grain finishes both options on the new Spec-M.

Customers will even be able to choose between a variety of different of seat colours.

Prices for the Spec-M are expected to start from around 13 million Yen (£95k) when it goes on sale next year, significantly less than the lightweight Spec-V that costs over 16 million Yen (£125k).

[willcrookz]

Did Nissan bring out the GT-R to make money?

[topless_mx5]

Is the Spec-M softer or harder than a standard GTR? What about power? I'm struggling to see the point of this car.

[Erijaso]

Whilst I do like the GTR and can't wait to see how cheap they will get, how can nissan justify £95K for a car!!!!

[GTEYE]

Oooh can't wait to see the choice of different seat covers!

Seriously though, it sounds like a softer version that may be usable on nroad surfaces in developing countries (ie the UK)

Bring it on! Or maybe not at £95k for a Datsun

[jsr]

I would still be more than happy with a standard GT-R

[Neomagic]

Ok so when this was launched originally, we predicated around a 50 - 60k price tag in the UK???

Now its basically 100k???

Good luck Nissan, welcome to 2009 did you guys not notice that no one is spending any money???

fools!

[Trommel]

mickken said:

and it costs almost as much. Greedy fools.

Are FX rates an alien concept to you?

[Panayiotis]

Is there any indication that they are actually going to sell this here? If we are going to be informed of every variant of the GTR then its going to get a bit much. IIRC the r33 and r34 GTRs had nearly 10 editions each, some of which had extremely limited production runs and were never sold outside of their own domestic market.

[louismchuge]

I think its a great idea. Why wouldnt you maximise the appeal of a product? The only way car companies are going to keep afloat is by enticing more people to buy something that has alrady been developed and paid for. As for the escalating cost in the UK, it's hardly Nissans fault that the exchange rate is st

[Trommel]

Neomagic said:

Ok so when this was launched originally, we predicated around a 50 - 60k price tag in the UK???

Now its basically 100k???

Good luck Nissan, welcome to 2009 did you guys not notice that no one is spending any money???

fools!

The UK price for the first Premium-spec cars is £53k (there was a 6% rise for cars ordered after December 2008).

You don't have to post the same thing as the people above - try thinking.

[Frimley111R]

Has there ever been anything more inappropriate than wood trim in a GT-R?

[Bladedancer]

Japs do the same mistake they always did. Release 'special' versions that has exact same power as basic model.
Really, who pays additional 50k to get different suspension and brakes.
GIVE US MORE POWER.
Only then the price tag may make sense.

[Jenny Tills]

Frimley111R said:

Has there ever been anything more inappropriate than wood trim in a GT-R?

+1

For some reason I cant stop thinking it will be like the Lexus SC430 with a really light wood trim!

Each to their own...

edit for spooling

Edited by Jenny Tills on Tuesday 24th March 12:44

[fathomfive]

Frimley111R said:

Has there ever been anything more inappropriate than wood trim in a GT-R?

'Sport' badging on 4x4s?

[stephen300o]

Bladedancer said:

Japs do the same mistake they always did. Release 'special' versions that has exact same power as basic model.
Really, who pays additional 50k to get different suspension and brakes.
GIVE US MORE POWER.
Only then the price tag may make sense.

Aston Martin and Ferrari? both have released versions of cars with tweeked suspension and not much else.

[ZesPak]

fathomfive said:

Frimley111R said:

Has there ever been anything more inappropriate than wood trim in a GT-R?

'Sport' badging on 4x4s?

+1

[snorkel sucker]

"upmarket" and "woodgrain" should not be used in the same sentence....

[Herman Toothrot]

PH said:

Prices for the Spec-M are expected to start from around 13 million Yen (£95k) when it goes on sale next year, significantly less than the lightweight Spec-V that costs over 16 million Yen (£125k).

I thought it was supposed to be great because it was cheap

[Garett]

It doesn't actually say if it will be available in the UK. How much are the UK spec models in the showroom now? The price stated there is for a Jap spec car with the price in Yen being a conversion.

[Negative Creep]

ZesPak said:

fathomfive said:

Frimley111R said:

Has there ever been anything more inappropriate than wood trim in a GT-R?

'Sport' badging on 4x4s?

+1

Don't you mean sport badges on 99% of cars with that moniker?