500 Horsepower Nissan Skyline GT-R to Make Speed World Challenge Debut

<center><b>UPDATE: <a href="http://files.automotiveforums.com/media/v /AutomotiveForumscom2004-2005/video/gtrn1streetsofwillow.wmv.html"><font color="red">Video of the GT-R N1 on the track</font></a> is now available for download!</b></center>

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We have been anxious to make this announcement for a few months now, and finally here it is!

<img align="left" border="1" src="http://files.automotiveforums.com/media/d/1742-4/FirstLook.jpg"; alt="Detailed Photographs of the 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R N1">
The AF 350Z Project had in its initial plans participation in the SCCA Speed World Challenge GT Class, and everything was progressing by the schedule. However, back in December of 2004, we spotted and quickly acquired a 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 Super Taikyu Race Car (Visit the Gallery of the Car). It has an extensive winning history, which comes from its technology and quality - as the car was built by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) in Japan. In 2001, our car, then #23, ran by Totomu Fujitsubo racing team, missed overall series championship by 1 mere point to the Falken GT-R (Visit the Gallery of the #23 (pronounced Ni-San in Japanese) Fujitsubo GT-R)
<img align="right" src="http://files.automotiveforums.com/media/d/1343-2/PB040298.jpg"; border="1" alt="AutomotiveForums.com's Skyline GT-R history includes a successful racing career under the Fujistsubo banner in Japan">

We like to see this as a continuation of the AF 350Z Project in spirit, as we are remaining loyal to Nissan and our fans around the world.

<b>The reason for such drastic change in plans?</b>
As incredible as the 350Z would have been as a race car, we do not believe that it could have ever matched the performance of this factory-built GT-R endurance race car. Of course anything is possible with money, but injecting that much capital into the 350Z would have been simply inappropriate and irresponsible, considering an opportunity of acquiring this GT-R arose.

<b>Why SCCA Speed World Challenge?</b>
We believe that this series provides incredible excitement for the audience, featuring amazing and diverse race cars. The series consists of 10 50-minute sprint races around the best tracks in the nation. Our competition will include Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Saleen Cobra, Pontiac GTO, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Porshce 911 Turbo, Cadillac CTS-V, Audi RS6, and Volvo S60R.

<b>The Nissan Skyline GT-R has NEVER competed in a full season of professional road racing series in North America!</b>
AutomotiveForums.com will be the first to pass this milestone, with many future opportunities arising with the next-generation R35 (or R36) Nissan Skyline GT-R introduction in 2007.

<b>The GT-R has an incredible racing history</b> - some of its accomplishements include:
In Group A racing series, the GT-R won every single race, winning 29 races in 4 years of the series' life.
In JGTC, the R32 GT-R dominated the series until the regulations were modified prohibiting all-wheel-drive systems (when the GT-R was the only 4wd competitior in the series), forcing NISMO to convert the JGTC GT-R race cars to rear-wheel-drive only. Even then, the GT-R continued to collect victories, with the last one being the overall series champion in JGTC GT500 2004 - the last year of its competition. In the same year, in GT300, the 350Z took home the victory, showing just how dedicated Nissan is to racing in Japan. The GT-R and the Z have always been and always will be sister cars, especially with the next GT-R featuring a VQ engine.<img align="left" border="1" alt="Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 at the Streets of Willow" src="http://files.automotiveforums.com/media/d/2528-2/IMG_0196.jpg">;

The uniqueness of the present situation cannot be overstated - this is the opportunity for the GT-R to shine in a series where not a single Japanese vehicle has recently succeeded and the manufacturers (namely Cadillac, Audi, and Volvo) dump countless millions of dollars into the development of their race program.

We have assembled a race team and have already concluded our first shakedown test of the car, which went beyond expectations. (Testing of the '01 Nissan Skyline GT-R N1 Race Car at Streets of Willow)

<img align="right" border="1" alt="Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 at Hot Import Nights" src="http://files.automotiveforums.com/media/d/2893-2/IMGA0274.jpg">We made the public debut at the Hot Import Nights in Los Angeles, California, on March 5th. There is a large gap between the automotive enthusiast culture and the racing world, and one of our goals in this motorsport endeavor is to close this gap by the intoroduction of the Skyline GT-R, an icon and a legend, in racing, where it will shine more than at any car show. (View Pictures of the GT-R N1 stealing the show at Hot Import Nights)

We will need your support every step of the way. Please spread the word about our plans at your local car club meets, your friends in general, and where ever else you feel appropriate.

We are currently throwing around some ideas of an official AutomotiveForums.com Event that would feature this car and provide some of the members rides on a race track.

As with the 350Z Project, we will soon launch a website dedicated to the coverage of this motorsports effort, ensuring that the AF members are always informed and the first to know of any developments.

Thank you all!

<table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="100%"><tr><td valign="top"><font face="verdana" size="2"> <img src="http://www.automotiveforums.com/inc/img/logo.gif"><br>; <img src="http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/logo.gif"><br>; <b><u>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</u>:</b><br> <b>March 1, 2005</b> </td><td><font face="verdana" size="2"> <b>CONTACT:<br> Igor Sushko<br> Automotive Network<br> <a href="http://www.automotiveforums.com/corporate/contact.php">Contact</a><br>; <a href="http://www.automotiveforums.com">http:www.automotiveforums.com</a><br>; <br> OR<br> <br> Dan Gardner<br> Gardner Automotive<br> Communications<br> 310-489-3094<br> </b> </td></tr></table>
<center><i><b><font size="+2">Automotive Network to Embark Upon World-Class Racing Effort</font></b><br> 500 Horsepower 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R N1 to Make Speed World Challenge Debut</i></center> <p> <b>GEORGETOWN, Kentucky</b> - Automotive Network, Inc. (ANI) today announced plans to enter an extremely rare Nissan Skyline GT-R in SCCA's Speed World Challenge series. Built by Nissan Motorsports Japan, and formerly raced by a championship-winning Japanese race team in the Super Taikyu series, the car boasts:<p><li>An inline six cylinder 2.6-liter twin-turbo engine producing 500 horsepower <li>Mono-block Brembo brakes <li>ATTESA E-TS Pro 4 wheel drive system <li>Volk TE-37 Racing Wheels 18x9.5 <li>Ohlins shocks <li>ARC oil cooler <p> The extremely rare, one-of-a-kind car has already taken home the following victories: <p> <li>2001 CP Mine 500 km endurance race <li>2001 Suzuka 300 mile endurance race <li>2001 Fuji 4-hour endurance race <li>2003 Suzuka 1000 km endurance race <p> The car will be extensively tested during 2005 in preparation for the 2006 race season. This introduction marks the first-ever entry of a Skyline GT-R racecar in a road-racing series on this side of the globe. <p> <center><b>-more-</b></center> <p><b>Automotive Network, Inc./ Company to Enter First-Ever Skyline GT-R <br> 2-2-2-2</b> <p> "The entry of this extremely special car in the Speed World Challenge series will help leverage what Automotive Network accomplishes online, and help us make a non-Internet world connection," said Igor Sushko, founder and president. "We're excited at the potential that such a car competing for the first time ever in this series brings." <p> Automotive Network, Inc is the leader in connecting the auto enthusiasts via the Internet. ANI operates AutomotiveForums.com, which was launched in November of 2000. The site has seen tremendous growth since then. Currently, more than 308,000 members enjoy AutomotiveForums, with 500 new users signing up daily.<p> <center><img src="http://www.automotiveforums.com/img/gtr-pr.jpg"; border="1" alt="2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 Super Taikyu Race Car">
</center>

Congratulations.

awesome news

Congratulations :)

Whoa, that's cool. Good luck at the races.

WTF...we got a skyline???? and i do mean WE

Yes, we do. :iceslolan

According to Falken GT-R team's crew chief, only 8 R34 N1 Super Taikyu GT-Rs were built. Today, only 4 remain, and ours is the only one outside Japan.

AutomotiveForums.com is in one darn exclusive club now :naughty:

sad to see the 350 go but you can't complain about a skyline!

Thats strange, I could swear I posted in here yesterday when the thread started, oh well.

Woo Hoo, congrats to all those that made it possible. So what happens to the 350?

TS out

The plan for the 350Z is to put it back together now that the cage is in.... street car with a cage?

WoW! That is awesome news! Congratulations! :smile:

we should change the Blue AF logo Skyline to this cars colors

man those babes are hot. If you're planning to come to Australia let me know I'll be your official AF photographer.

omgnekkidsekspicnoworbannage

whats that thing in pic Dash 5? and where can i get one?

Congratulations! Now us AF members have things to be proud of. Good luck on the races, hope everything goes smooth and safe.

Sencirly,
Ran

Wow amazing news congrats!

Speed World Challenge isn't the one on speed channel. HEHEH i'll get to see this thing in action. Should be a killer season good luck. Yay we have a skyline :evillol: :ylsuper:

Igor,

I am still gonna beat you when I get back:D

Nice ride.

Where are the cars specs? 500hp, what cams, turbos, ecu management, etc.

Igor,

I am still gonna beat you when I get back:D

Nice ride.

Where are the cars specs? 500hp, what cams, turbos, ecu management, etc.

You'd be surprised if I told you, but at this point we're making it our policy not to divulge the technical specs.

I can't belive that a Nissan Skyline has never completed a full racing season in north america. I wish your crew the best of luck and can't wait to see the car in action.

You'd be surprised if I told you, but at this point we're making it our policy not to divulge the technical specs.

Igor,

PM me the specs. I can keep a secret. :)

whats that thing in pic Dash 5? and where can i get one?

The dash is Pi System 2, available at Pi Research (http://www.automotiveforums.com/sponsors.cgi?http://www.piresearch.com).

Damn, is that skyline paid for? :)

so who's gonna be driving....you Igor?? have u driven it??

So is this car the exact same model as the Falken GT-R?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/Gafoto/falken.jpg

It looks identical and the horsepower figures are the same. Course I got my information and picture from Gran Turismo 4... The Falken is a blast to drive!(virtually).

So is this car the exact same model as the Falken GT-R?It looks identical and the horsepower figures are the same. Course I got my information and picture from Gran Turismo 4... The Falken is a blast to drive!(virtually).

That Falken car pictured is the Nurburgring 24 hour car. The 24 hour car had a little different motor, and a widebody.

The AF car is a stock N1 motor and normal width fenders. In 2001 the AF car came in 2nd overall to the Falken car by 1 point.

Tetsuo Suzuki from Shift that came over for the test at Willow Springs, actually built and prepared both the Falken Super Taikyu car and the 24 hour Nurburgring car.

so who's gonna be driving....you Igor?? have u driven it??

Igor drove it for the first time at the test at Willow Springs with better than expected results.

hey igor u live in Lexington i just realized this i live like a hour away can i some see the car PLEASE. i don't even have to touch it just let me stand in like a 10ft aera of it or take a picture from far away idc just want to see it. If did i'd cry i know i would. One of the finest automobiles in the world and a guy a hour away from me gets to drive it.

You'd be surprised if I told you, but at this point we're making it our policy not to divulge the technical specs.


R34 N1 turbos, 264 cams. In the ball park?

Anyway, Good Luck with it Igor, nice to see you finally got one:D

hey igor u live in Lexington i just realized this i live like a hour away can i some see the car PLEASE. i don't even have to touch it just let me stand in like a 10ft aera of it or take a picture from far away idc just want to see it. If did i'd cry i know i would. One of the finest automobiles in the world and a guy a hour away from me gets to drive it.

The car is currently not in Lexington. It is being tested out on the West Coast.

It should be making its way across the country soon though.

R34 N1 turbos, 264 cams. In the ball park?

Anyway, Good Luck with it Igor, nice to see you finally got one:D

Stock cams. Its pretty much all stock.

Gotcha.

Thanks, that is all I wanted to know.

Way to go TEAM AF?!?

Sean,

Do you do this for the love of the cars? I am just wondering?

Why SCCA Speed World Challenge?
We believe that this series provides incredible excitement for the audience, featuring amazing and diverse race cars. The series consists of 10 50-minute sprint races around the best tracks in the nation. Our competition will include Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Saleen Cobra, Pontiac GTO, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Porshce 911 Turbo, Cadillac CTS-V, Audi RS6, and Volvo S60R.

Congratulations on your race program. Just for the sake of accuracy though, there haven't been any Saleen Cobras in World Challenge in a couple of years, but there are currently a couple of Ford Mustangs and Saleen SR351 Widebodies running. Audi won't be running the RS6 anymore either. Other than that, I completely agree with your assessment of World Challenge. It's a blast. :smile:

Have you guys already submitted your VTS to SCCA? What kind of times were you seeing at Willow?

C.

No audio RS6 are they running a differnt car or not running at all?

I think that if it is stock bottom and internals, its closer to 400hp@wheels, and rather 500 at crank. I knew about this for a few months, was just waiting for Igor to say something about it. :)
It has mild motor modifications, but nonetheless awesome

I think that if it is stock bottom and internals, its closer to 400hp@wheels, and rather 500 at crank. I knew about this for a few months, was just waiting for Igor to say something about it. :)
It has mild motor modifications, but nonetheless awesome

It would be more like 375awhp, gtrs have a more than 20% drive line loss.

Awesome! Now when is AF going to build a hot rod?

No audio RS6 are they running a differnt car or not running at all?

Champion Audi will not field a team this year. They are talking about putting something together for 2006.

Randy Pobst will be driving a Mazda Touring Car in World Challenge and there is no official word on whether Michael Galati has a ride. We've been told that things are in the works, but nothing definite yet.

STaSIS Engineering will field a team in Touring Car.

http://www.speedvisionwc.com/news/05press25.html

C.

Saleen Cobras in World Challenge in a couple of years, but there are currently a couple of Ford Mustangs and Saleen SR351 Widebodies running. Audi won't be running the RS6 anymore either.
Have you guys already submitted your VTS to SCCA? What kind of times were you seeing at Willow?
.

The VTS- we are working on now.

As far as times at Willow - we are not releasing any of that information.

We are a little disapointed that the Audis are not going to run this year. Hopefully they will be back for 2006.

I think that if it is stock bottom and internals, its closer to 400hp@wheels, and rather 500 at crank. I knew about this for a few months, was just waiting for Igor to say something about it. :)
It has mild motor modifications, but nonetheless awesome

It has no real modifications. Its just a Nismo built N1 motor for Super Taikyu. It actually rated at 490 hp at the engine.

It would be more like 375awhp, gtrs have a more than 20% drive line loss.

We have not dynoed the car yet. But that information will only be for us anyway.

Michael Galati without a ride that is suprising. So it looke like the bmw will be the guys to beat this year.

Sean,

Do you do this for the love of the cars? I am just wondering?

Yes I just do this for the love of cars.

Just need a few people to convince my wife that its the thing to do. Rent and bills suck when I spend too much time playing with cars.

The things that I am supposed to be doing back up. Get me in some trouble.

Oh well, its not everyday you get a chance to play with a real race car.

The VTS- we are working on now.

That should be interesting.

As far as times at Willow - we are not releasing any of that information.

K. Not like that kind of info is hard to find anyway. :smile:

We are a little disapointed that the Audis are not going to run this year. Hopefully they will be back for 2006.

There will be plenty of competition in 2005 without Audi. With the rules changes, this should be a good year.

C.

where in the west coast is it i wanna see it !!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Galati without a ride that is suprising. So it looke like the bmw will be the guys to beat this year.

Which team? There weren't any BMWs in GT last year and it doesn't look like anybody will run one in '05 either. I would bet that Cadillac will dig in and get the win this year that they fully expected to walk away with last year.

C.

McMillin Motorsports, LTD raced 2 BMW Team PTG prepared car last year didn't they? Also which series was it the Turner motorsports cars ran? I thought that team PTG was going to race this year or is that just a rumor?

Turner only raced in Touring if I am not mistaking.

maaaaaaaaan, all i can say is wow that is one gorgeous piece of mahinery. congrats.

The uniqueness of the present situation cannot be overstated - this is the opportunity for the GT-R to shine in a series where not a single Japanese vehicle has succeeded and the manufacturers (namely Cadillac, Audi, and Volvo) dump countless millions of dollars into the development of their race program.

Well, I do want to point out this one mistake in the article. Speed World Challenge GT has had a championship winning Japanese car that's currently retired to Honda's Museum. May I present the Realtime Acura NSX as driven by Petey Cunningham. Speed World Challenge GT champion of 1997, second in championship standings in 2000, five wins in 2001 - also second in championship,

http://www.speedarena.com/artman/publish/sportscar_news/article_3727.shtml

http://www.speedarena.com/artman/uploads/gt/600_400_temp_006.jpg

Thanks for that - appropriately corrected.

Excellant. Now more of my fellow Americans will finally learn about the Skyline GT-R. The best car ever F**k**g made.

You call that a race car? It doesn't have 20" spinnaz or superlow springs (suitably modified further with pruning shears) or enough stickers or ANYTHING. Pfft.

McMillin Motorsports, LTD raced 2 BMW Team PTG prepared car last year didn't they?

Oh, yeah. They came and went so quickly, with so little buzz, that I forgot all about them. Although that's no excuse because I had a few encounters with them at Sebring that should qualify as memorable. Mostly involving them passing me like I was standing still or not hitting me when I had spun and actually was standing still.

Also which series was it the Turner motorsports cars ran?

Turner runs multiple BMWs in World Challenge Touring Car. They don't run World Challenge GT, but they do run some cars in the Grand Am Cup series, GS class.

I thought that team PTG was going to race this year or is that just a rumor?

I certainly haven't heard any rumours to that effect. Care to pass yours along?

C.

Excellant. Now more of my fellow Americans will finally learn about the Skyline GT-R. The best car ever F**k**g made.

Not for the 1/4 :grinno:

But, yes I agree the best car ever e'ffin made for the money.

very sweet :)

Looks really good. I hope to see it in action some time. Are any of the races at Limerock this year? or ever?

Better question, can moderators get special pit passes or something for their home races? After all, Speed World Challenge is going to be at Burke Lakefront Airport and Mid-Ohio this year and I was planning on being there for both. :naughty:

In all seriousness, though. I respect you guys for taking on what's going to be a near insurmountable challenge. Except for Realtime's Acura NSX(which was a 1990 pre-production NSX that, in its later life, needed Vortech supercharging to be competitive with the Vettes, Audis, Vipers, and Porsches), there hasn't been a competitive import in the series. Heck, Goldin Racing Bros., the East Coast's brightest rotary gurus, barely got their FD into the field and were complete non-factors.

Once we're actually competing in the series beginning in '06, I imagine the pit passes would not be difficult to get ahold of.