Photos have begun to surface of a mysterious Nissan GT-R traversing the track with several features not to be found on the standard model. Inheriting the tradition of its predecessors, the new GT-R appears set to re-vitalise a lightweight, stripped-out, higher-powered version of the car dubbed Group N or re-introduce the V-Spec version which also enhanced performance.
The images, which first surfaced on GTR-World, show a significantly modified prototype. Prime differences over the production model include a new bonnet air intakes, lowered ride height and a modified front bumper design with no central grille strut, presumably in aid of improved engine cooling during testing. Race-spec alloy wheels and tyres as well as a full roll cage highlight an upped spec.
The V-Spec is essentially a road-legal version of a track car, similar to how the race track-bred Porsche 911 GT3 is positioned relative to the 911 Turbo. The GT-R V-Spec is expected to hit streets in 2009.