NISMO R34 GT-R Z-Tune: Time For Tea?

Before Nurburgring lap times were de rigueur and NISMO made 500hp Skylines

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 5 August 2015 / Loading comments

Even in the enviable NISMO back catalogue, the R34 Skyline Z-Tune stands out as something A Bit Special. A final swansong for the Skyline GT-R and a 20th birthday present (project?) for NISMO, it's the kind of car to send JDM fans into an absolute frenzy.

NISMO only decided on the Z-Tune project after R34 production has ceased, meaning 20 low mileage cars had to be sourced for work to begin at the end of 2002. The mechanical overhaul was as comprehensive as you might expect, resulting in 'at least 500hp' as well as 398lb ft. NISMO claimed a 10.06 quarter-mile time when a 911 GT3 only just nipped in under 13...

Here is the Z-Tune at the Nurburgring, introduced with some music that could have been straight out of Gran Turismo menu and being driven expertly well. Note how quickly it chomps through gears, how fiercely sprung it looks and the way it just overspeeds the rear tyres in the slower corners. Yes, we see a lot of Nurburgring laps, but to watch such a legendary car on the track is most definitely worth a few minutes.

Watch the vid

here.