The 2003 JGTC (now Super GT) rule changes allowed for this incredible creation by Nismo, the performance division of Nissan. Allowing for a dedicated racing car limited in horsepower by the GT500 limits, this car bares little relationship to the R34 Skyline GT-R. With the mandating of tubular frames and flat bottom floor pan, many innovative drivetrain, suspension and aerodynamic changes were possible.

The legendary VQ series 3.0 V6 was bored and destroked, fitted with twin turbos to produce about 480 for the GT500 limitation at relatively low rpms. The engine was then set back behind the front wheel centerline to create an ingenious front mid-engine design.

The use of exotics abound on this car. The skin around the chrome moly tubular feame is virtually all carbon fiber save for the roof and the inner fender liners are Kevlar.

Aerodynamic gimmicks are employed above and beyond the carbon fiber floor pan and rear diffusers. The front splitters, like twin canards, operate from 7°-10° for downforce. The louvers behind the front wheels help air exit from the wheelwell area, making the front venturi and splitter more effective at creating downforce. Blowing the vent with the engine’s exhaust increases the effect even further.

This model is the #23 test car for the Autobacs racing team. The silver. red and black color combo looks great with a mirror smooth finish and perfect color separation. The glazing is crystal clear allowing full view of the interior where a few stampings remain of the Skyline interior but the design and materials are pure LM in appearance. The Nismo 5-pt restraint system and fire extinguisher offer the two bright spots in an otherwise matte black and bare metal interior.

The exterior on this sealed body model is as acurate and as intricate as you can imagine. I love the beautiful castings for the panel fasteners that included the cotterpins. The 5-spoke Volk Racing forged mag wheels barely hide the huge 15.4 vented rotors and the 6 piston watercooled AP Racing calipers. Add the prescuffed lettered Bridgestone Potenzas and this car is ready to dance. In fact it danced to the GT500 championship that year, and now it's a winner in 1/18 scale too.

-Richard Sufficool