The Super Craze Part 2

I feel proud of what Nissan has accomplished through the GT-R R35 by bringing Japanese sports car to a whole new level and making it recognizable. Back in the days, JDMs where famous but were never enjoying the same fame and prestige like the Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Everyone from tuners to enthusiast to fanboys to critics, almost everyone loves the new GT-R but I am afraid to say that I am not one of them. I remembered when the first few R35s reached the country, it carried a price tag of around RM 700,000, which I think is at least 2.5 times the price that R34s were selling when it first reached Malaysia. Having an increase in engine capacity, increase in power output, extra gadgets, a new luxurious interior and a change in status, certainly calls for an increase in price tag but it certainly is out of reach by most people. Also because it did so well against other more luxurious European Supercars as mentioned in Part 1, the price tag of RM 700,000 seems cheap because you get a car as fast as the European rivals but the reliability of a Japanese car. What a bargain ! Another issue for me is the road tax as I have mentioned in other posts. The previous generation GT-Rs used to have the 2.6 liter, RB26 engine with affordable road tax and the new 3.8 liter VR38 engine's road tax is in a higher bracket and most people will stay from it but then again, if you can afford one, the road tax seems like nothing.

The amount of money you have to pay extra, annually

I think one major factor that makes the R35 such a popular sports car not only among the GT-Rs but also among other makers is the availability of JDM sports car. Since the mid 2000s, with every JDM sports car ceasing production one by one, there were not much choice left if you want to buy a JDM sports car. Although around that time Nissan had the Fairlady 350z, which is due for replacement and the Skyline 370GT, which is boring and Honda had the Civic Type R FD2 but that was it. While the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STI were still going strong but these 2 do not exactly fit the 2 door coupe category. So, when the R35 was launched, it shook the world. It is the fastest JDM and is not even 1%, boring. It became everyone's dream car and seems perfect in every way. So, it became the obvious choice to buy and certainly on the roads of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it is really easy to spot one. Especially since used ones are getting cheaper where you could buy one with just under RM 200,000 now. Heck, even my buddy have one and I predict more R35s would be seen driving down the road.

Various JDM and their Launching Date

Personal opinion time ! When I think of the GT-R R34, I have an image of a brute, muscle car with a strong, square jaw for a front bumper. It really makes me feel like its fast and furious and maybe that is why the late, Paul Walker (R.I.P.), loves it so much. However, when I think of the R35, I felt it has a softer design, giving it a more luxury feel especially with the interior. JDMs are famous for having the most basic interior with only what is necessary. Despite having said that, I think it looks great especially the facelift in 2012 but it is just not my style. I am also not a big fan of the dual-cluth gearbox and wished there is a 6-speed manual variant. I guessed you had to have a dual-clutch gearbox to handle that power, have quick shifts and join the Supercar club, since other Supercars are using dual-clutches too. I think I sound like an old dinosaur that is not capable of following new innovations but as the saying goes, enthusiasts drives with 3 pedals. In conclusion, the sight of a R34 makes me giggle like a small girl but a R35 would just make me go, "Oh look, a R35". Definitely would take a R34 anytime over the R35 for me and I look forward to getting a manual ride for my next sports car.

Basic but functional and completed by the sight of Manual Shifter

No offence to women and other transmission drivers

The Super Craze Part 1

The Nissan Skyline GT-R have always been called the "GODZILLA" of the JDM sports world for its super performance. For 3 generations since 1989, there was only one engine and one transmission used by the GT-Rs and the last GT-R R34 rolled out of the Nissan factory in 2002. Little did we know that, that was the last time we saw the RB26DETT appear in any other cars. In 2007, the GT-R name was resurrected after a 5 years hiatus with the launching of a brand new model, the Nissan GT-R R35. Many things have changed since the last GT-R was around and this time, only 3 things are remained from the GT-R's heritage; the GT-R name, chassis code and signature 4 round tail lights.

Godzilla, 1989 - Present (Front)
Signature 4 Round Tail Lights (Rear)

GT-R Badge

First of all, the new GT-R ditches the Skyline name-tag and now is a completely separate model featuring its own design unlike its predecessors that were Skylines on steroids. The engine is replaced with a new 3.8 liters, VR38DETT, Twin Turbo V6 engine that outputs 480 bhp (the highest ever made by a GT-R), coupled with a new 6 speed Dual-Clutch gearbox. Fans had to say bye bye to the well loved Inline-6 engine to welcome a new V6 engine. All is well because it still has 6 cylinders and the twin turbo is here to stay. However, we no longer can find a GT-R with manual gearboxes because technology made gear shifting by hands obsolete and your hands just could not handle the immense power that these big engines are producing. Do you see manual variant made available for Supercars such as Ferrari or Lamborghini or McLaren ?

The Old - RB26DETT, 280 bhp

The New - VR38DETT, 430 bhp (2007), 530 bhp (2012), 600 bhp (Nismo, 2014)

Now with more power and the latest transmission installed, the Nissan GT-R is granted a membership to the Supercar status that have eluded the JDM models except the Honda NSX and Lexus LFA. Soon, enthusiasts around the globe started to compare the R35 with European Supercars and was even featured in Motor Trend's, World's Greatest Drag Race video, where the R35 won against Supercars such as Ferrari Italia, Audi R8 GT, Mercedes Benz SLS AMG and others. It is known that owning a R35 is great because it is the King of JDMs both at being the most expensive model and the most powerful model yet. When put against European brands, it is always a winning situation and I will tell you why. Let's say you win a Ferrari Italia in a drag race, you prove that the R35 is even better a Supercar than the Ferrari with all its history and if you lost, it is ok because the R35 is way, way cheaper than a Ferrari and you would expect to lose. A win would be a bonus. Nissan really did a good job and not bad for a car maker that has never made a Supercar before.

World's Greatest Drag Race that costs US$ 1.5 Million

Ferrari Italia vs Nissan GT-R vs Audi R8 GT vs Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

New Technology

Back then in the 80s to the 2000 era, it used to be just manual and automatic transmissions. However as technology becomes more advanced, new development was made. The result is the dual-clutch gearbox among many other new inventions or innovations. There are different variants (wet vs dry) and different names from different brands such as the DSG from Volkswagen. I have not driven one yet but I have heard various stories especially from Volkswagen owners all over the Internet. I remember watching 2 videos that compared manual and dual-clutch variant of the same car. It really tells a lot about the difference and what the still new dual-clutch gearbox can do.  Really an eye-opener.

Video #1 for Volkswagen Golf GTI MK5

Video #2 for Mitsubishi Evolution Lancer X  (Time 35:33).

If you have watched the videos like I did, you will realize why it is the trend of the new automotive world where supercars, sportscars and even your everyday cars are using dual-clutches. I am sure you could look it up on the Internet for the benefits of this transmission. So, I am not going to give you an elaborate introduction on this great invention. The only thing about it that catches my attention is the fact it is faster than the traditional manual gearbox. That is until my friend bought a Nissan GT-R R35 that uses a 6-speed Dual-clutch transmission. Since his graduation, I seldom see him because of his work but one day I was visiting his house and talked about his GT-R. He surprised me by telling me he has not driven the GT-R for 2 weeks and the cause is none other than the transmission.

GT-R Dual Clutch Gearbox

According to him, one piece of clutch is for the 1st, 3rd and 5th gear while the other clutch is for the 2nd, 4th and 6th gear. It so happens that one of his clutch is burned and needs to be replace. He could not do it for 2 weeks mainly due to work but also because he could not drive as the gears won't shift. My main concern besides the troublesome feature is the price. One piece of clutch for his GT-R cost about RM 15,000 and when you replace one, it is better to replace the other one too because it is most likely quite thin. I am not sure whether it is just the GT-R or that every clutch for dual-clutch transmissions are that expensive. That is the price for new inventions. I might as well drive a traditional manual car or perhaps leave the expensive toys to the more financially able crowd. Nevertheless, a great invention.

Car Shopping

It is common to sell and upgrade your car after sometime and the same is happening in my family. The family MPV, a 2001 Toyota Estima Aeras G is 12 years old and we had it since 2006. It has served its purpose for 7 years now and my dad think it is time for an upgrade. So, we went looking for a Toyota Vellfire for 2 days viewing more than 150 cars. This is not a post about the new car as there will be plenty of time for one when the car arrives. While I was shopping, I saw a few hot cars that I think is not common.

First up is a Nissan GT-R R35. While you may think, what is so special with a GT-R when it has been around for years and is popular that once in a while you will see one on the road. Now, what make this so special is that this is neither a premium nor a black edition but a rare SpecV. Although I forgot to take a photo of the biggest difference between the standard and this beauty that is the 6 spoke black monoblock rims and larger brake rotor, other difference such as the lip on the front and the spoiler at the rear with the different exhaust.

Next is a W212 Mercedes Benz E-Class. What actually attracted me is the outrageous yet awesome WALD bodykit it spots. Although not in the photo, there are just too many grills/fins that even I can handle. It simply makes one who is not into continental car considering to get one of these bad boys. Do check out the large diffuser in the rear and the quad pipes arrangement. Just stunning.

Now we have an Audi R8 V8 here. Nothing special with this R8 because it is a simple basic 4.2l model but I do have a special bias for a R8. Among all common consumer, when asked about supercars, most would answer your standard Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maserati and Porsche. However, for me it has to be the R8. It does not cost more than other supercars but it looks just as great especially in the Iron Man movie series. The brake rotors is definitely something to admire.

I also saw a Ferrari Italia. I do not really care for Ferraris but this is a nice one. So, here it is.

Local Sightings

When my cousin came for visit from Singapore, my family and I showed her around. We went for many meals in places such as Bangsar and Suria KLCC, and Lowyat for her technology needs. This was a chance for me to go and see whether I could get any luck with cars or not because areas like Bangsar is filled with nice cars.

My luck was good as I found some great cars but the 2 main types that I always see during that day are Nissan GT-R R35 and Mazda RX-8. I was surprised with the few R35 but not surprised with the many RX-8. I managed to get some photos of my sightings and hope you enjoy. Here are some of the RX-8 photos but I did not capture all.

with Veilside Front

with Veilside rear and Mazdaspeed spoiler

facelifted and Audi TT

Here's the photo of the R35 but one was modded and so cool.

high spoiler

big black rim