How long has it been since Nissan separated the GT-R from the long-running Skyline? Considering that R34 Skyline GT-R production concluded in August 2002, more than 20 years ago. It's also worth remembering that the GT-R nameplate became its own thing in the latter part of 2007, meaning that December 2024 will mark 17 years since Nissan opened the order banks for the sports grand tourer.
According to CSL AutoTime founder and presenter Tang, the R35 in the video below is a 2021 model produced for Thailand. It's hand-built V6 puts out with 578 ps and 632 Nm of torque which converts to 570 horsepower and 466 pound-feet at full song. Over in Japan, the 2021 model year GT-R makes 570 ps (562 hp) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of twist.
Tipping the scales at 1,754 kilograms (3,867 pounds) and capable of hitting 100 clicks in under three seconds, the R35 uses a dual-clutch tranny with six forward ratios to its name as opposed to seven for the S550-generation Shelby GT500 and eight for the C8-generation Corvette. Gifted with all-wheel drive, Nissan's heavy-hitting R35 clocked 10.98 seconds in the quarter-mile, with Tang driving.
Impressive for a car whose powerplant and transmission were developed in the first half of the 2000s, but alas, not good enough. Pictured next to the GT-R, the funny-looking truck isn't your usual Isuzu D-Max. Instead of the original 146 ps and 394 Nm, the four-cylinder diesel hiding underhood now makes a ludicrous 750 ps and 1,350 Nm. That would be 740 horsepower and 996 pound-feet, which is more peak torque than a 6.6-liter Duramax V8.
Better still, the Isuzu is a stripped-out affair with Hoosier skinnies up front and performance yet road-legal rubber out back. Said to weigh in the ballpark of 1,600 kilograms (3,527 pounds), the mid-size pickup truck blitzed the quarter-mile in 10.91 seconds, therefore beating the almighty Godzilla.
Photo: CSL AutoTime on YouTube
With a five-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, that is, which is all the more impressive. However, the D-Max isn't as comfy as the GT-R on public roads. In fact, this particular example of the breed isn't even road-legal because of its extensive modifications.
Once related to the Chevrolet Colorado for the US market, the D-Max entered its third generation in 2019 for the 2020 model year. Internally referred to as RG, this generation also spawned the badge-engineered Mazda BT-50. Prior to Mazda's partnership with Isuzu, the hideously underrated BT-50 was twinned with the T6-gen Ford Ranger.
Isuzu made its name with super dependable diesel engines and trucks, but going forward, the Japanese manufacturer intends to launch zero-emission powertrains and vehicles, including FCEVs. Back in November 2030, the company announced that electrified products would be deployed across all commercial vehicle segments by the year 2030.
Unfortunately, it appears that Nissan's aging R35 will be replaced with an electric vehicle as well. According to Nissan program design director Giovanny Arroba, the Hyper Force concept from the 2023 Japan Mobility Show is the automaker's “vision for a next-generation electric high-performance supercar.” Based on the GT-R-specific circular taillights and the blurred GT-R logo, the Hyper Force concept is more than just a concept.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News