Hot 200mph modified Nissan GT-R - first pics

Click here for more pictures of the Mines Nissan GT-R

Just weeks after its launch, a top tuner has built this stonking modified Nissan GT-R.

Japanese tuner Mines has taken the standard 198mph Nissan GT-R and upgraded the car’s computer, air-filter, exhaust, and also fitted a new suspension and brake package.

And these modifications have helped Nissan’s new supercar lap the Japanese Tsukuba circuit in just 1m 3.1s – five-tenths of a second quicker than a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Although power figures have not been released, the standard twin-turbo V6 in the Nissan GT-R produces 473bhp – 70bhp more than a BMW M3. We’d expect the Mines-tuned car to top 500bhp – and 200mph.

Mines has added a new air scoop, carbon-fibre mirrors and carbon fins on the front spoiler to improve aerodynamics, as seen in these pictures from gtchannel.com.

Although the R35 GTR lapped Tsukuba in 1m 3.1s, the tuners were having problems with the car’s traction control on the day, and reckon they could push for a faster time.

Another obstacle affecting the tuner was the setup of the new Nissan GT-R. Nissan has made the super-coupe tricky to modify by aftermarket tuners.

Building on a history of working with Nissan’s sports coupes, Mines modified an earlier Nissan Skyline model which lapped the Tsukuba circuit in just 57.7s.

The new Nissan GT-R was released in Japan at the end of last month and was received with acclaim.

And early roadtests have commended the car’s composure, engine and handling. It is set to arrive on British shores in March 2009, with an expected price tag of around £60,000.

Click here for more pictures of the Mines Nissan GT-R