To finish off the R35 Nissan GT-R production run, Nissan is reportedly planning to develop one last model to celebrate its success. Called the Nissan GT-R Spec R, the car will be lighter in weight and offer engine power increases.

It seems like the R35 GT-R has only just been announced, but it’s actually been around now for just under four years. As history will teach us, GT-Rs only hang around for three years or so, like the previous R32 and R33. The latest generation has definitely left a great dent in the modern performance car benchmark, perhaps more so than any previous model.

To finish off the run, according to a report by 7Tune, the Japanese manufacturer is about to embark on testing of the last facelifted model during the second half of this year.

The current MY2011 Nissan GT-R Series 3 will only be released in South Africa within the next few months, offering a power increase from the MY2010 car’s 357 kW and 588 N.m to 390 kW and 612 N.m – and by now we’re sure you’ve heard and possibly seen, the claimed 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 3.0 seconds!

Now reports suggest the final Spec R version could develop as much as 418 kW. On top of this, the current fastest model in Japan, the Spec V, will be superceded by the Spec R, which will shed around 30 kg of weight for added performance. Will the slight power increase and marginal weight reduction be enough to bring the car into the two second bracket? It will also be interesting to see if Nissan engineers smash another Nurburgring lap time.

Testing of the new model was said to be interrupted by the earthquake in Japan, but we’ll keep you updated on any breaking news on the fastest GT-R yet.

More power, more downforce, more grip and more excitement – that’s the promise from the 2011 Nissan GT-R.

While the original GT-R offered breathtaking performance and exemplary handling, that hasn’t stopped Nissan’s team of dedicated engineers and designers from making it better still. For 2011, the GT-R’s 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V6 engine has been boosted by a healthy 33 kW for a total of 390 kW. The increase in power comes from modifications to the turbo boost pressure, valve timing and air mixture ratio. The inlet pipes have been enlarged and the exhaust system modified, while a new catalyst using fewer precious metals has been adopted. The result is supercar performance with a top speed of 315 km/h.

A series of subtle changes to the chassis have sharpened the already impressive handling, while new tyres, wheels and bigger brakes also enhance the driving experience. Subtle exterior revisions have not only given the GT-R a new look, but improved the car’s aerodynamic performance. Downforce has improved by about 10 per cent while the co-efficient of drag has been lowered to just 0.26.

Inside a number of changes have been made to enhance the sports luxury feel. There are two versions of the standard car available: Premium Edition and Black Edition. Both are comprehensively equipped, but Black Edition features Recaro racing seats as standard.

“A new raft of superlatives is needed to describe the 2011 Nissan GT-R. Every aspect of the car has been enhanced to the point where the high standards set by the original have been surpassed at every level. The GT-R is a truly remarkable machine,” says Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President of Product Planning at Nissan.

The Nissan GT-R Premium Edition sells for R1 314 000 and the the GT-R Black Edition for R1 364 000. The price includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 3-year/50 000 km service plan.

The Nissan R35 GT-R has reinforced its reputation as a supercar slayer and one of the best bang for your buck performance cars money can buy with the latest 2011 model.

The Japanese car manufacturer recently announced the latest 0 – 100km/h acceleration time for the 2011 Nissan GT-R, measured during a media test ride event held at the Sendai Hi-land Race Way on November 12th and 13th, 2010. On both days, the GT-R clocked an astonishing time of 3.0 seconds!

To put things into perspective, a Ferrari 458 Italia costing three times more than the Nissan GT-R has a claimed 0 – 100 km/h of just under 3.4 seconds.

The Official Nissan Press Release (Click to expand)

Find more details of the 2011 Nissan GT-R here.

After a surprise showing at last month’s 2010 Paris Auto Show – where no specs were divulged – Nissan has finally released official details and images for its facelifted GT-R supercar. Scheduled to go on sale in February next year the 2011 Nissan GT-R comes with a host of upgrades, including the introduction of two new models.

In Japan, the new Nissan GT-R will be sold as a 2011 model year and will go on sale November 17 in three different trim levels including base, SpecV and the much-anticipated Egoist version.

Nissan says that every area of the GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for new model. Changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance. There are some minor changes to the design as well that increase downforce by about 10%, while the coefficient of drag is reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.

Power has been upgraded from 357 kW to 385 kW with a maximum torque of 611 Nm available from 3 200 to 6 000 r/min. A new red coloured engine cover is used to indicate the car’s improved performance. Nissan also introduced something called a SAVE mode, which optimises driving torque and modifies the shift schedule to improve actual fuel economy when driving on highways or open roads. Off-the line performance is also improved with an upgraded “R mode” for the transmission and to control tight corner braking. A two-wheel drive (2WD) mode has been added to temporarily shift to 2WD driving for improved cornering agility. The hardcore SpecV version gets improved torque from 611 Nm to 632 Nm available from 3 600 to 5 600 r/min. To enhance spirited track driving, rear brake pad material has changed and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) balance under braking is modified. Nissan also added 20-inch Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tyres, wrapped around special Rays lightweight forged aluminum wheels.

Customers looking to use their GT-Rs for competition use now have an easier option with the introduction of the Club Track Edition. This model comes with special parts developed for racing and owners will be eligible for a wide range of events and activities including one-on-one competition training sessions given by professional drivers and special races organized by Nissan.

The third, and most expensive, Nissan GT-R trim level to be offered will be the Egoist. The Egoist is aimed at a very different type of buyer, one that seeks luxury and customisation at every level. Each customer can choose a combination of interior colours among 20 choices. In addition, the Bose sound system in the Egoist is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer’s needs.

The 2011 Nissan GT-R will go on sale in the United States sometime in February 2011. Prices and market details will be announced closer to launch date.