car [Nissan Skyline GT-R Z-tune]

Nothing prepares you for the phenomenal traction this coupe generates. On public roads, you run out of guts before you run out of grip.

We pushed the car hard for an hour or so over the mountain roads south of Tokyo, and the Z-tune just took everything in its stride, constantly tempting us to use a heavier right boot.
Along with its reinforced chassis, this GT-R also gets specially tuned, race-spec Sachs three-way adjustable dampers that cost $20,000 a set.

Jump on the perfectly balanced six-piston monoblock Brembo brakes, and you'd better be ready for nearly 2G of deceleration.
Yes, that's a 9,000-rpm redline.

Its twin-turbo 2.8-liter turbocharged straight-six cranks out 500 hp at 6,800 rpm and 398 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm.
The Z-tune uses a titanium exhaust system and includes coolers for the various differentials. Note also the aircraft-style fittings for the fuel system.

The completely hand-rebuilt Skyline GT-R Z-tune uses carbon-fiber fenders and hood that subtly reshape the entire front end of the car.


A specially fitted 200-mph speedo and titanium gearshift knob hint at the Z-tune's true colors.

In Japan, the left is right.
Inside, the leather and Alcantara-covered seats are comfortable but need more side support considering the car's cornering ability.

Wheels are 18-inch diameter LM GT4 GT500 rims made by Rays and wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires.