Nissan GT-R SpecV: Video and details

Nissan maintains that the Nissan GT-R SpecV is aimed at the discerning enthusiast, the same kind of buyer that would pass up the Porsche 911 GT3 for the RS variant. For $170,000, that's a very select group of consumers, but we doubt Nissan will have much difficulty moving the 20 to 30 SpecVs it'll be producing each month when sales begin February 8th.

Peak output remains the same, at 478 horsepower, but a switch on the right of the steering wheel (shared with the cruise control) activates an electronic circuit to boost mid-range torque by 15 lb-ft (up to 449 lb-ft). A green light illuminates on the dash when the overboost function is enabled, giving drivers 80 seconds to perform any overtaking maneuvers, and then defaulting back to the standard setting.

The SpecV's carbon ceramic brakes were developed in conjunction with Brembo and are painted silver to differentiate the upgraded stoppers from the standard GT-R. Although the six-piston (front) caliper size remains the same, the discs have been upgraded to 390mm (15.35 inches) and fitted with SpecV specific brake pads. Nissan claims a weight savings of 11 pounds per corner and –2.0 Gs worth of stopping power, but the system comes at a cost: $45,000.

The 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels – the same units offered on the NISMO Clubsports GT-R -- also contribute to the overall weight savings, which comes in 132 pounds lighter than the standard model at 3,704 pounds. As mentioned in our previous post, Nissan replaced several components with lightweight carbon fiber, including the seats, interior trim (even the seat-back adjuster), grille and brake ducts, along with the trick dry carbon fiber rear wing (coated in clear matte paint) that increases downforce. The Bilsteins have been retuned to be more responsive on the racetrack and the engine cover has been replaced with a SpecV-only piece. The standard GT-R hues are available, but if you want to stand out, the Ultimate Opal Black paint job will set you back an additional $6,100.

Nissan hasn't released 0-60, 0-100 or quarter mile times yet, but we expect some official figures in the coming weeks. And as for a Nurburgring time... just you wait.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2009: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

While the first production 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 failed to cross the block due to Carroll Shelby getting sick, there were still plenty of nice rides to be had. For the wealthy few, Barrett-Jackson provides the chance to obtain that ride of your dreams. For the rest of us, it provides us the chance to dream about that ride of our, um, dreams.

Mustang fans were still treated to a good show when a 2009 FR500CJ Mustang roared on the stage, piloted by none other than king of the tree John Force. We didn't expect the FR500CJ to fetch as much money as the first production Camaro, but we were thoroughly surprised when it trounced its fellow pony car with a final bid of $375,000, or $412,500 after auction fees.

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet FR500CJ Prototype #1 Description:

The 2009 Mustang Cobra Jet - built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1968 Mustang Cobra Jet pioneered by Tasca Ford, and offered to connect with today's Ford sportsman drag racers even stronger. The FR500CJ is the second purpose-built, turn-key race car engineered, developed, built, and sold through Ford dealers by Ford Racing, and like the FR500S road race car before it, only a limited number of FR500CJ drag cars were built. True to the 1968 Cobra Jet, a total of only 50 copies of the car were made, and all 50 were sold within 10 days. Built with the serious drag racer in mind, along with its striking Cobra Jet graphics, the Cobra Jet features the Supercharged 5.4 Cobra Jet engine, Cobra Jet cold air kit, Cobra Jet throttle body, air conditioning and rear seat delete, crankshaft damper, Cobra Jet bellhousing, 6-speed manual (or 3-speed automatic) transmission with SFI bellhousing, stainless steel long-tube racing headers, 9" rear axle assembly, one piece driveshaft drive shaft, single hoop drive shaft loop, Cobra Jet rear control arms and anti-roll bar, Ford Racing adjustable dampers, drag race spring kit, and unique Cobra Jet wheels. Inside are a 5" Cobra Jet IP-mounted pedestal tachometer, a full complement of Ford Racing performance gauges, a short-throw shifter, and Cobra Jet seat package. Completing the package are a safety cage and safety harnesses. Among rare cars, this specific car, serial number FR500CJ XX1, is even rarer. It is the first-ever 2008 Cobra Jet built from the ground up. One of only two prototypes assembled prior to the low-volume production run, XX1 was used extensively in testing and development. Among the accomplished professional drivers who drove this car are funny car drivers John and Ashley Force (both of whom signed its hood), Robert Hight, Mike Neff, and Bob Tasca III. Ford drag racing legends Bob and Bill Glidden also spent time in the car, as did editors from "Car Craft", "Race Pages", "5.0", and "Hot Rod".