Beyond The Skyline
Even though the curtain officially came down on the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R in August 2002, Godzilla is still very much alive and well in Tokyo, where the crew at Nismo have now developed this formidable, used-but-improved Z-tune version of the 4WD legend.
Nismo's creation is based around a good used (sub 30,000km) V-spec GT-R which has essentially been rebuilt from the ground up with many exclusive parts to take it all to a new level.
The GT-R engine, for example, now 2771cc, develops over 490bhp with close to 400lb ft of torque on tap. The body is specially strengthened and the NISMO team have also breathed heavily over suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, interior and the 4WD system to present a comprehensively uprated, co-ordinated package and arguably the most potent roadgoing R34 GT-R in the business. Just 20 units are planned at, deep breath, £87,856 a pop before taxes.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes at Nissan, and in great secrecy, the next GT-R is being developed with an on-sale date of 2007. Nissan still plans to make the new GT-R a global model and a senior manager confirmed that the engine is set to be a modified turbo edition of the 3.5-litre V6 from the 350Z. Nissan's target is 400bhp-plus and while it could get there with a V8, that would have been too heavy. 'The GT-R's spirit is all to do with high-speed manoeuvrability,' he said. 'The V6 is better for weight and good front-rear balance.' Besides, the Nissan V6 is strong enough to take a lot more power.
With Toyota now coming up with the 200mph Lexus LF-A and a new supercar era opening up in Japan, the smart money says Nissan will show a thinly-disguised GT-R 'concept' at the Tokyo Show this October, just to whet our appetites.
