America is going slightly crazy over the R34 Nissan GT-R right now. While we agree that it's one of the coolest Japanese classics, maybe it shouldn't cost as much as a Lambo. That raises an interesting question: can the R34 be considered a supercar?
Its successor dominated the performance car scene about a decade ago. The R35 was the ultimate supercar killer, thanks to its AWD system and twin-turbo power. And when prices and build quality went up, people began to argue that it actually is a supercar of sorts, even with the engine located at the front.
From a technological standpoint, the modern GT-R was indeed "super." For many years, the best European engineers couldn't figure out how such a heavy car went so fast without that many cylinders. We also can't ignore the fact that each VR38 engine is hand-built by a skilled technician.
So what's stopping it from being in the same league as a Lamborghini, the interior build quality? Be serious here; when is the last time you looked at a Gallardo's radio with admiration?! It's mainly down to the badge.
Helping the R34 embrace its supercar identity, this 3D rendering by artist Hycade paints a glossy widebody image worthy of a photoshoot. With Cyberpunk-style music blasting in the background, the machine slowly shows each part of its digital body kit. While we'd kill for a real V-Spec II in Midnight Purple, this is just as good.
The best view of this monstrosity is from the back, where it proudly shows titanium exhaust tips, a wing as wide as a 747's, and beautifully boxy fender flares. There's also a hint of the modern Nismo design language in the red stripe and the way the spoilers are done. If such a thing existed in the R34 GT-R era, Nissan would probably have an easy job spinning off a separate and quite successful sports car brand.
From a technological standpoint, the modern GT-R was indeed "super." For many years, the best European engineers couldn't figure out how such a heavy car went so fast without that many cylinders. We also can't ignore the fact that each VR38 engine is hand-built by a skilled technician.
So what's stopping it from being in the same league as a Lamborghini, the interior build quality? Be serious here; when is the last time you looked at a Gallardo's radio with admiration?! It's mainly down to the badge.
Helping the R34 embrace its supercar identity, this 3D rendering by artist Hycade paints a glossy widebody image worthy of a photoshoot. With Cyberpunk-style music blasting in the background, the machine slowly shows each part of its digital body kit. While we'd kill for a real V-Spec II in Midnight Purple, this is just as good.
The best view of this monstrosity is from the back, where it proudly shows titanium exhaust tips, a wing as wide as a 747's, and beautifully boxy fender flares. There's also a hint of the modern Nismo design language in the red stripe and the way the spoilers are done. If such a thing existed in the R34 GT-R era, Nissan would probably have an easy job spinning off a separate and quite successful sports car brand.