GT-R targets record

	Our spies have clocked disguised cars lapping quicker than Porsche’s latest 911 Turbo

The Mitsubishi Evo X may be grabbing the lion’s share of the attention this week, but the countdown is well and truly on for the relaunch of another high-performance Japanese model.

Fans have been waiting for the new Nissan GT-R for years, and to add to the hype, the company has set up a website dedicated to the supercar and increased the pace in its testing and development programme.

The pictures here show the final pre-production prototype wearing the lightest disguise yet. Look closely, and you can just make out the shape of the GT-R badge on the aggressive, angular grille and the distinctive front wing design. The outline of the lights can also be seen for the first time, and they appear to rise high up the wings – a bit like those seen on the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show concept.

Spied at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, this car is part of an ambitious plan to make the GT-R a record breaker before it’s even launched.

Auto Express has seen the 4WD coupé lapping the 13-mile Nordschleife section of the track for months – and drivers are particularly keen to prove the Nissan’s performance.

In a spectacular publicity bid, the firm’s top prototype testers are aiming to break the lap record there. No confirmation has yet been given, but our spies have clocked disguised cars lapping quicker than Porsche’s latest 911 Turbo, completing the circuit in a similar time to the current record of seven minutes, 32 seconds.

Given that the existing fastest lap was set by Porsche’s highly specialised Carrera GT, this is proof of the incredible pace of the new Nissan.

The GT-R will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo exhibition later this month. Visitors to gtrnissan.com can download a timer on to their desktop to see the seconds tick away in the build-up to the event. The website also features a timeline charting the history of Nissan’s performance models.

When the new GT-R goes on sale next year, it will be powered by a front-mounted V6 engine developing 450bhp. All-wheel drive and the latest differential technology will help to maximise the car’s grip.