The Nissan GT-R is one of the greatest series of motor cars ever produced. We’ve put together all the information you need to know about the two greatest Nissan GT-R’s of all time!
Nissan R33 GT-R Nismo 400R
Nismo launched a special edition of the R33 on the 3 November 1997 called the 400R. The overall development and planning of the car was done by Nismo, however a number of different aspects were produced by third parties.
The RBX-GT2 engine used in the 400R was a bored and stroked RB26DETT engine that was engineered by REINIK. The engine featured 77.7mm stroke crankshaft and 87mm forged pistons, resulting in an engine capacity of 2771cc. Nismo’s RBX-GT2 engine produced 395hp and 347 lb-ft, however it could easily achieve 500hp with a higher boost setting.
Other changes to the engine included a reinforced cylinder block and cylinder head, a forged crankshaft, N1 spec turbochargers, larger exhaust manifolds, an upgraded oil system and intercooler system, and an improved exhaust. The clutch was also upgraded by Nismo to a twin-plate design that was created specifically for the car.
Performance was significant with the 400R. It could hit well over 300km/h and could go from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds in its stock form. The car also featured Nissan’s famed AWD system like the standard R33 GT-R.
Other changes included aerodynamic updates, such as wider bumpers, side skirts, a new front bumper with bigger air scoops, a new carbon-fibre spoiler and a redesigned spoiler. Nismo brake pads were fitted and 18×10 Nismo LM-GT1s were included as standard.
The 400R was also made famous by the original Gran Turismo racing and has appeared in every one of the main games in the series.
Nissan R34 GT-R Z-Tune
Nismo originally designed the concept of the Z-Tune in 2002, when Nissan was putting an end to the R34’s production. The first Z-Tune rolled out the factory in 2003 and Nismo was given approval to make another 18.
The cars were built with a concept RB26DETT ‘Z1’ engin, which was based on Nissan’s Le Mans GT2 and GT500 racing experiences. This came with a strengthened block and stroked crankshaft. Additionally, the engine displacement was increased to 2.8-litres and upgraded turbochargers were fitted, which gave the Z-Tune around 500HP. With all the extra power, the Z-Tune GT-R could go from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and had a top speed of 327km/h (203mph).
Nismo stripped and resprayed the used V Spec GT-R’s to a “Z-Tune Silver”, which was a special colour that was exclusive to the Z-Tune. The bodywork was based off Nismo’s GT500 racing cars and was designed to be more functional. The changes to the bodywork included the bumpers, bonnet, engine bay vents, wider wheel arches for increased tyre size and more. Brembo designed a completely new brake system for the Z-Tune and the suspension system was upgraded for more aggressive driving by Sachs.
All of the Z-Tune GT-R’s were handmade and were re-built from the chassis up. Engineers reinforced and stiffened the chassis seam welding in key areas such as the door seams and door frames. Carbon fibre was also extensively used in places like the engine bay, strut towers and transmission tunnel. As many of the components for the Z-Tune were based off racing gear, Nismo had to redesign many of them to work at maximum efficiency and reliability as is expected of a road-going vehicle.
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