Onlookers have reportedly hand timed the 2008 Nissan GT-R putting down some serious lap times at the world famous Nurburgring Nordschleife racetrack.

You may remember our recent article on the Porsche GT2 lapping an incredibly quick 7mins 32 seconds, which is an exceptional lap time for any road legal car on the ‘Green Hell’ as it is fondly called by racing purists.

Even though the numbers are unofficial and hand timed, Nissan have exceeded all expectations if the reported time within the 7:30’s is anything to go by. This puts the GT-R ahead of Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera (7:38), Bugatti’s Veyron (7:45) and well within striking distance of the best Porsche have to offer, the GT2 (7:32)

Pre-orders for the 2008 Nissan GT-R began in Japan last Thursday, with deliveries being slated for December. Three models are available in the GT-R range beginning with a base model with 360kw (480hp), a similarly powered V-Spec and the range topper EVO-Spec with 395Kw (530hp).

Prices are starting at $US67,000 ($AU 77,500) for the base model. No doubt the GT-R’s release will completely shake up the super car industry, offering what seems to be superior performance at under half the price of its nearest competitor.

Step aside Germany the Japanese invasion is just beginning.

Darcy