From the moment of its first breath, there was obviously something different about this car. Having driven one, its an indescribable feeling, it could be the low gutteral rumble of the exhaust, the sound of 6 individual throttle bodies at full sing enclosed in a state of the air intake manifold, or even the feeling of invincibility as the HICAS controlled your every move on the pavement below. Either way this car has an aire about it as if it was meant to drive, and drive fast.
Originally designed by Naganori Itoh this car was made to produced in the upper levels of 400 or even 500 horsepower factory. However emissions standards of JASMA, a gentlemens agreement with the automotive board, and the fact that it was unheard of and possibly unsafe made this car a bottled up snake waiting for someone to release the top. It was settled upon that the car made 276 hp (when in reality it was 320) and that it was just an untapped keg ready to go. The car was sold as such and even sold as such that with a few “key” modifications you could easily take the jump from 276 hp to 350+. Nissan made it so easy with even the factory boost line color coded so you would know which line to cut to relieve the excessive pressure and raise boost levels. The boost restriction, ECU de tune, and the exhaust system only a Geo metro could breathe out of brought Godzilla to a more tame street animal, but we all knew how long that would last. Even in street trim factory the car was quick enough to manage a 14.0 quarter mile and 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, but, un cork the monster waiting inside you would achieve a 12.7 second quarter mile and a 0-60 in a blistering 4.6 seconds.
The GTRs exterior was equally as equipped for street battle, with an agressive front end, boxed and strong widebody fenders, larger brakes, larger intercooler, and larger wheels, it was plain to see that the GTR meant business when it drove down the street. Though the interior wasn’t over looked either, with race inspired high boulstered seats, digital clock and climate control were replaced with more important things; such as oil, temperature, and boost to make sure you’re still within psi limit. the climate control readings are handy but still whats more important? being a little chilly inside or making sure you’re still running in perfect condition to make the guy in his BMW next to you jealous?
