We’ve seen photos of a mysterious GT-R lapping Germany's Nürburgring for months with different body work and rims, and we now can confirm that the car is the more performance-focused SpecV version of Nissan's supercar.

Nissan announced that the GT-R SpecV will go on sale next month in Japan at select dealers. Weight reduction comes courtesy of generous use of carbon fiber for both the exterior and the interior. On the outside, the rear spoiler, grille and brake ducts are formed from carbon fiber. Inside, the back seat has been eliminated and two Recaro carbon-fiber bucket seats are installed for front passengers. Even more carbon-fiber trim lines the dash and rear storage compartment. According to Nissan, the SpecV tips the scale at 132 pounds lighter than the regular GT-R.

Unlike the rumored 40-hp jump for the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, the base horsepower figure stays at 480. However, Nissan did not leave things underhood totally untouched. Engineers add a new high-gear boost controller to increase boost by 15-lb-ft from 3,500 to 5,000 rpms in medium- to high-speed situations. The controller is activated through a steering wheel-mounted button.

Specific suspension tuning, lighter NISMO wheels, a titanium-coated exhaust and a carbon-ceramic brake system also are exclusive to the SpecV. The brakes, developed in cooperation with Brembo, reduce weight by 11-pounds per corner.

Only 20 to 30 copies of the SpecV are expected to be produced a month and is available wearing an exclusive ultimate black opal paint color. Regular GT-R colors are also offered. No official word on whether the GT-R SpecV will make it to the United States, but if it does, expect a base price just shy of $170,000.