Skyline GT-R Documentaries

For those of you who are not familiar with the Skyline story or would like to know more about the legend behind Nissan's halo cars, watch the following videos.

1. Nissan Skyline GT-R (Duke Videos)

Official Description: The original ‘beast from the east’, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is an icon for power, speed and advanced Japanese automotive technology. With straight-6 engines capable of being tuned to over 1000bhp, 4WD, intelligent torque-splitting differentials, rear-wheel steering and enough electronics to keep a space station going, the R-32, R-33 and most recent R-34 models are mechanical ‘tour de forces’. 

But what do they go like and what speeds are they really capable of? Our new Duke DVD traces the GT-R’s technical development and tuning options, and then puts you in the hot seat for several memorable rides. How about a lap of the old Nurburging with ‘ringmeister’ Dirk Schoysman at up to 190 mph with drifting at 160mph? Or a ride on a GP track in the ultimate racing Skyline – the Falken Tyres R34? If that’s not scared you, an Autobahn blast at well over 200 mph in a 600 bhp Prospec-NISMO R34 should do the trick! If you thought only ground-hugging 2-seater sportscars with names like Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche could be called 'supercars', think again!

2. National Geographic: Inside Supercar - Nissan R35 GTR

Official Description: Nissan’s iconic GT-R, Japan’s hit car from the 60s to the 80s, is re-launched at the Tokyo Motor Show for international sales. This cult car has a PlayStation video game of its own (Gran Turismo IV), is a character in an anime series, has starred in a Hollywood movie and is about to be the basis of a Manga comic. Gain exclusive access to the story behind the car during its final 12 months of production. In a first for the company, Nissan’s top executives – including CEO Carlos Ghosn and Senior VP of Design Shiro Nakamura – reveal the creative, manufacturing, engineering and marketing challenges of updating the GT-R and rolling it out worldwide as they prepare for the Tokyo Motor Show.

Enjoy the videos folks!

Italia Auto Ulu Yam Dawn Run

Finally managed to have a shakedown run to get a feel of the new car. I guess theres no further need to hide the identity of the vehicle as its pretty obvious. Its a 1997 R33 Skyline GTR (BCNR33).

I invited Temujin, a member of the Skyline Club of Malaysia, to come along in his R32 GTR (BNR32) which had recently come out from GT Auto with a dyno figure of 380 bhp. He too wanted to have a shakedown session to get a 'feel' of the Angry Kermit (his car is green you see).

The meeting point for this weekend's run was at Petronas Batu Caves and as the title of this post clearly indicates, we were running with the Italia Auto boys (IA). I arrived at 7 am and it was a massive turnout. Nearly 40 cars, mostly Italians (Alfas and Fiats) but also some Frenchies, a Lotus and our JDMs (Temujin's R32 GTR, my R33 GTR and ToE's R35 GTR).

The weather was beautiful and the sun had just risen as we roared our way past the lake on the outskirts of Kampung Batang Batu (the settlement before Ulu Yam town). The car handled really well and is a testament to my foreman who serviced it after I had purchased the GTR. He made sure that the car was refreshed, not only in terms of consumables but also with parts that needed to be replaced due to wear and tear (long story). Although I do have to say that the twin turbo setup which makes quite a large amount of power, takes some getting used to especially when taking sharp corners (nearly did a drift at one stretch of the road). Gotta get used to braking early and ease off in the turn then power out.

From Ulu Yam, we then made our way to Gohtong Jaya to have breakfast at the mamak next to Hotel Seri Malaysia. Had a great time catching up with some of the IA guys and looking at each others' cars. Some Golf GTI buddies of mine from the Volkswagen Golf Club of Malaysia, who were in the area, dropped by to have a look at the GTR. Got to catch up with them as well before they headed down to GT Auto for a dyno day.

Here is footage taken by ognam of IA, which he edited into a video for our viewing pleasure. Especially liked that early bit of the silver car rolling into the Petronas station ;).

Till the next run which will take place in 2 weeks time - hehe - drive safe everyone.