AutoArt 1:18 2005 Nissan Skyline GTR V (R34) Nismo Z-tune

Nissan Motorsports revived the GT-R Skyline in 1999 with the R34 that sported the potent RB26DETT 2.6 liter, twin cam, twin turbo, 24v inline 6 of the R32 GT-R that was discontinued in 1994. Although most of NISMO's 11 variants were configured for the asian GT circuit, most of the development was actually done at Nurburgring.

This model is the last and penultimate variant of the R34. Although the AWD GT-R was discontinued in 2002 due to tougher emission regulations, NISMO produced 20 copies of the Z-tune version in 1995 from used GT-Rs bought on the open market. This was the most powerful of all the letter-tune series at a whopping 500 bhp @6800rpm and a whopping pricetag of $160,000. It sports carbon fiber fenders, a nasty looking finned hood, a titanium exhaust system and 6 piston Brembo brakes visible behind 18", 5-spoke LM wheels by Rays . Inside the leather and Alcantara appointed interior is a 200mph speedometer, a 9000rpm tach and titanium shift knob. Wherever you look, there's plenty of bang for the buck. The specially reinforced chassis sports Sachs 3-way dampers that run $20,000 alone. The few automotive jounalists that were lucky enough to test drive the car all say that the performance and handling exceded their nerves.

AUTOart's model of this monster street machine is up to their usual high standards. This GT-R is completely modeled rather than the sealed body shell of the full race JGTC car and the engine compartment is a 1/18 carbon copy of the the 1:1, right down to the chromed transverse strut with the Z-tune logo. Unlike the race mandated full chassis pan, this version bares the AWD system of twin driveshafts and transfer case, as well as the exotic titanium exhaust system with cooling fins and heat dissipaters. The axles and working suspension parts are nicely modeled.

The interior is also indistinguishable from the pictures I've seen. Details include the 3-point restraint system done in cloth with chromed diecut metal hardware. The simple carpeted trunk is accessed by opening the spoiler-outfitted deck lid supported by twin telescoping struts. The only obvious deletion is the use of generic tires that should be Bridgestone Potenzas.

All in all, this is a fine model of what you could call a global cult classic. This rather chunky looking coupe was designed solely to win the Japanese Touring Car Championships and was never officially exported outside that nation. That said, examples of the RHD coupe have been privately exported all over the world and this Z-tune version is the final NISMO-produced form that answered any and all shortcomings that the R34 GT-R may have been perceived to have.

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