How long has it been since Nissan introduced the R35? The Skyline GT-R's replacement was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, meaning that the first GT-R not related to the Skyline will turn 17 later this year. Despite being technically outdated, the R35 is anything but a has-been.
Tang from CSL AutoTime has recently pitted the Japanese coupe against a Stingray with the Z51 performance package, and – save for a dig where Tang didn't engage launch control – the R35 outperformed the V8-powered American sports car without breaking a sweat. Over the course of three races, the R35 posted a best of 10.98 seconds at 202 kilometers per hour (i.e., 126 miles per hour).
On paper, it's easy to understand why Godzilla still knows how to tango. In addition to the hand-built V6 that develops peak torque earlier in the rev range, the GT-R is more powerful than the Corvette as well. Almost 100 ponies up on the C8, that is, which makes a world of difference in a straight line. Pretty similar in terms of peak torque, said cars couldn't be more different under the skin.
Think rear-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive, rear mid-engine rather than front mid-engine, a pushrod V8 with no forced induction whatsoever against a dual-overhead-cam V6 with a twin-turbo setup, and eight speeds compared to six for the rear-mounted transaxles. The Nissan's transmission comes from BorgWarner, whereas the C8 uses a Tremec.
Photo: CSL AutoTime on YouTube
The GR6 is synonymous with the R35, but in the Tremec's case, did you know the TR-9080 DCT is also used by the Maserati MC20? Front-engine Mazzers equipped with the MC20's 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine, on the other hand, use the ZF 8HP torque-converter automatic.
The House of the Trident is slowly but surely abandoning internal combustion in favor of electric powertrains, but in stark contrast to the Italian automaker, GM has committed hundreds of millions of dollars for the production of the sixth-generation small block. Already confirmed for pickup trucks and large SUVs, the next-gen small block will surely be used by the C9 as well.
Regarding the Japanese automaker from Yokohama, we do know that a successor to the R35 is coming with styling cues from the Hyper Force concept. Ponz Pandikuthira, the senior vice president of Nissan North America, noted that a powertrain for the R36 has yet to be locked in. Be that as it may, Pandikuthira did confirm that Nissan is looking at Formula E racers for inspiration.
Whether that results in a battery-electric vehicle or an internal combustion engine with a high degree of electrification, only time will tell. What's important is that Nissan takes as much time as it needs to decide on what is best for the GT-R going forward. But alas, due to increasingly restrictive fuel economy and emission regulations, the R36 is certain to alienate a great number of R35 enthusiasts from the GT-R.
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
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