Nissan Middle East is now offering a new version of the GT-R in the GCC. It is being termed as the 2012 Nissan GT-R VVIP edition, which is basically another name for the Japanese-market ‘Egoist' trim level. It is a customisable version of the updated 2011-2012 GT-R, with more power and more luxurious cabin upholstery.

The VVIP edition includes the revised 530 hp GT-R engine and adds a high degree of customer personalisation for the interior leather upholstery. The GT-R in these Nissan-supplied photos show a car with white leather upholstery with golden highlights, as well as dealer-installed gold-plated grilles and ‘VVIP' badges.

Nissan recently conducted a ride-and-drive media event at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit with the 2012 Nissan GT-R, to which we were not invited. However, they are offering one-day media test drives, which we have declined as per our policy to not take cars for less than two days. Be advised though that the 2012 Nissan GT-R, in regular and VVIP editions, is now available for order at selected Nissan dealers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi showrooms in the UAE.

Nissan Middle East is offering a special edition VVIP GT-R at an extravagant $266,000 (Dhm 977,000) price. That means this GT-R is more than double the normal MSRP, and with it you get some gaudy options including 24-karat gold trim.

Something like this probably wouldn't ever fly in the American market, but it's a different story in the Middle East. Apparently someone is willing eat the price for a glitzy Godzilla car. The GT-R VVIP features a specially-tuned Bose stereo system, 24-karat gold-plated side panels, front grille, and VVIP badges, and German leather that has been trimmed with a Japanese influence.

You might assume that the added cost comes with performance upgrades, but you would be wrong. The 3.8L twin-turbo engine will remain untouched with 550 horsepower, but something tells us the target market for the VVIP model aren't performance-minded folks. There are 12 different interior color combinations available, quite a few more than what is offered in dealer showrooms.

Optional carbon ceramic brakes and titanium mufflers are included in the aforementioned price tag. Remove those options that are worth around $40,000 (Dhm150,000) and you're still sitting in one flashy performance car.

The intake grille and side emblems are plated in 24K gold while the interior receives a full Seton leather treatment. The audio system is upgraded with custom Bose speakers while the outside also receives a new diffuser and carbon fiber rear wing from the Spec V model.