CAR /
LONG TERM REPORT
April 15, 2015
NISSAN GT-R Spec V | The Nissan GT-R Spec V | 1st Long-Term Test | The Spec V Has Arrived
NISSAN GT-R Spec V | The First Installment
The Spec V Has Arrived
OPENERS is launching a new series, "LONG TERM TEST," to authentically present a lifestyle with cars. For our inaugural vehicle, we've chosen the "NISSAN GT-R Spec V," a Japanese supercar currently capturing global attention. We deliver the very first report now.
Text by OPENERSPhoto by JamandfixSpecial Thanks to PF LINK SYSTEMS
Vehicle 1
Nissan GT-R Spec V
NISSAN GT-R Spec V
First Installment
Delivery Date: February 13
Purchase Price: ¥15,750,000
Mileage: 785 km
Fuel Economy This Period: 5.56 km/ℓ
Overall Average Fuel Economy: 5.56 km/ℓ
The Most Original Japanese Car
A multi-performance supercar designed so that "anyone, anywhere, at any time can enjoy the ultimate supercar lifestyle." It was under this concept that the Nissan GT-R debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007. Since then, its overwhelming performance, surpassing even European rivals, has instantly made it a focal point, sparking global excitement, as you know. In fact, the Japanese market saw orders for over 2,200 units within two months of opening pre-orders, more than ten times the monthly sales target.
From its debut, Chief Vehicle Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno openly spoke of a high-performance version, the "Spec V," even more focused on driving dynamics. As such, expectations for the Spec V's arrival grew with each media report on the standard model's exceptional performance. This long-awaited model finally debuted on January 8th of this year.
At OPENERS, with our concept of proposing a refined and story-rich lifestyle, we aim to explore the joy that cars bring to our lives through our pages. To that end, we have launched a new series, "Long Term Test." We will report on our experiences, both good and bad, of actually purchasing and using a car in our daily lives.
For the start of this series, we have chosen the Nissan GT-R Spec V as our first vehicle. This is because it represents not only one of the pinnacles of Japanese automotive technology today but also, from its styling to its performance, is the model with the highest degree of Japanese purity—originality. From this perspective, we intend to report in detail on life with the "GT-R Spec V," covering intriguing themes such as whether it will provide value commensurate with its price tag exceeding ¥15 million, and what its maintenance costs will be.
An Exclusive Dealership Experience
The Spec V is exceptional not only in its hardware but also in its purchase process. Because it requires mechanics well-versed in circuit driving, it is sold at only 7 out of the approximately 160 Nissan High Performance Centers (GT-R dealerships) nationwide. In the Kanto region, these are Mito Chihana store of Ibaraki Nissan Motor and Kameido store of Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales. Therefore, residents of Tokyo and its vicinity will purchase from the Kameido store.
Upon visiting the dealership, one is reminded of the GT-R's special status. First, you are escorted to the GT-R Corner, a section within the spacious showroom furnished with black sofas and tables, and carpeted in red. This is the exclusive area where customers, whether for the Spec V or the standard model, receive service. In addition to the actual car, GT-R related merchandise such as attaché cases, leather goods, and keychains are also displayed. For Spec V customers, a private room is also available for consultations and delivery explanations. For a car exceeding ¥15 million, it seems that consideration for customer privacy is paramount, beyond mere hospitality.
The Spec V's exclusivity extends beyond the number of dealerships. At the staff level, a dedicated Spec V division of six people—one mechanic, three CA (Car Life Advisors), and one each for service and reception—is responsible for customer support.
This is for a model with a global monthly production of only 30 units, meaning only a few units per month for the Kameido store alone.
These specialists underwent a one- to two-week special lecture on the Spec V at Nissan Motor's Business College in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Incidentally, Mr. Hiroaki Yamada, the Spec V mechanic at the Kameido store, is a former member of the Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales works team who competed in Super Taikyu, achieving overall victory in 1996 and 1998.
A Delivery Explanation Unique to the Spec V
Upon hearing the announcement that reservations for the Spec V would begin, I immediately placed a provisional reservation on January 8th. It seems I was quite early, as I received notification from the dealer in early February that the car had shipped from the factory. Delivery was scheduled for February 13th, to accommodate my schedule. This was reportedly the second Spec V delivered by the Kameido store.
On the delivery day, we began with insurance procedures and the delivery explanation at the GT-R Corner. While the delivery explanation largely follows that for the normal GT-R, additional details are provided for Spec V-exclusive parts such as the carbon-ceramic brakes and titanium exhaust. Specifically, owners are carefully informed of precautions not typically necessary for ordinary car users, such as wiping away moisture with a car wash silicone after washing due to the carbon-ceramic rotors' sensitivity to water, and being careful not to touch the titanium exhaust with bare hands to prevent staining and discoloration.
Following this, a vehicle explanation is conducted with the actual car. During this time, a small surprise awaited: a presentation ceremony with a bouquet and a commemorative gift from the assigned receptionist and CA.
To be perfectly honest, it wasn't the most polished event, but it fully conveyed the staff's spirit of hospitality.
After completing the delivery procedures, accompanied by the farewells of eight staff members, including the store manager, I set off for my first drive. My initial impressions of the Spec V and details about the break-in period will be reported in subsequent installments. Please look forward to it.
Detailed Initial Costs for the NISSAN GT-R Spec V
|  NISSAN GT-R Spec V Body | L4650×W1895×H1370mm Engine | V6 DOHC Twin-Turbo Max Output | 357kW [485ps] / 6400rpm Max Torque | 588Nm [60kgm] / 3200-5000rpm Drivetrain | Electronically Controlled 4WD Transmission | 6-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission Price | ¥15,750,000 |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Customer Relations Center
0120-315-232
http://www.nissan.co.jp/