THE NEW Nissan GT-R supercar is going even faster than expected since the UK order book opened last week, and Hampshire is prime territory.

In fact demand is so high, with 700 deposits placed in the first 48 hours, that Nissan Motor (GB) has urged the Japanese supremos to raise its UK allocation for when deliveries start - in a year's time.

The GT-R boasts an all-new hand-built 3.8 litre twin turbo V6 producing 480PS - more than a Porsche 911 Turbo or Audi R8.

To place a reservation for a GT-R, customers can either order online at gtrnissan.co.uk or visit one of the ten specialised high performance centres in the UK.

The south is served by Westover GT-R at Bournemouth, whose performance specialist Gerard Reidy says that in his region demand has been highest east of Christchurch, with handfuls of his total of about 50 orders in Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth, rising towards Guildford.

He said: "No two customers are the same, but one Lamborghini owner was attracted by the fact it was a four-seater, making a practical alternative to his 4x4!"

Paul Willcox, managing director Nissan Motor (GB), said: "The dealer order line lit-up on April 2 with an unprecedented number of orders. This clearly demonstrates the UK's passion for performance cars and the enthusiastic following that the GT-R has established.

"Waiting lists are not unusual for a vehicle of such high performance, specification and value but there is a limit that people will be prepared to wait. In order to meet demand we are now starting to negotiate vigorously with Nissan Europe to secure further volume."

Already Britain has been promised half the quota for Europe next year.

Pricing for the GT-R starts from £52,900 (OTR) and the supercar is available in three trim levels.

Westover GT-R at Bournemouth, 01202 532100.