We just experienced firsthand the unbridled awesomeness contained within the body shell of Nissan's new über-Mechagodzilla, the GT-R. Apparently, Nissan is a true believer in the car's kickassedness and would prefer if owner's didn't eff it up with superfluous wings, flares and other accoutrements that have no hope of making the car better than it already is. Those who have imported a JDM GT-R to the United States will find this page in their owner's manual that warns in no uncertain terms against pulling a Paul Walker on their GT-R. Just leave the car be, folks. You can't do better than what Nissan already did, so don't try.
UPDATE: Before you even ask, yes, you can get this on a T-shirt. Someone has already fired up Cafepress.com to produce tees in both white and black (even more colors available if you hit "black" link) for $14.99. We've ordered
[Source: COBB Tuning Blog via Japanese Nostalgic Car]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Carlos @ Feb 29th 2008 4:03PM
I bought a T-Shirt too
Adam @ Feb 29th 2008 6:24PM
Should have waited! Better version:
http://www.cafepress.com/fx1335
ronnie schreiber @ Mar 1st 2008 9:56PM
Even better, quality embroidered goods, not cheap CafePress dreck!:
http://www.rokemneedlearts.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_list&c=16
Someone below raised the issue of copyright infringement vs. fair use. The question of fair use is a good one. If the GT-R owner's manual is copyrighted, you can't reproduce the whole manual, obviously, but the fair use statutes do allow use of excerpts for the purposes of criticism or review. The one illustration is an excerpt, only one of many illustrations in the manual. I suppose if a shirt vendor were to reproduce that one page and add some kind of original editorial comment, like, perhaps, a translation, that might very well be kosher as far as copyright law is concerned.
Of course, original artwork of the car, just like photography, should be completely protected.
Lady Chinese @ Feb 29th 2008 4:06PM
ok...so I'm nowhere as uber-impressed with this car as the rest of the world...but I find this type of Manufacturing humor refreshing. Props to Nissan for having the walnuts to pull this off. Very funny.
Tagg @ Feb 29th 2008 4:27PM
I still like it but they took a great and neutered it with electronic gizmos and the bizarre Nissan rated track requirement.
This car still looks amazing in person and found myself to be very impressed with it at the Detroit show.
Ricky @ Feb 29th 2008 5:10PM
@ Tagg
Since when did the GT-R NOT have a bunch of "electronic gizmos". That is the essence of the GT-R
DonatoM3 @ Feb 29th 2008 7:27PM
Not to mention that the GPS official track speed limiter is only for the Japanese models and not the US models.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 29th 2008 8:35PM
DonatoM3:
This is not confirmed yet. Nissan confirmed the US version doesn't have the GPS track mode, but it didn't say whether that means it's always limited or never limited.
Tyler Mayes @ Feb 29th 2008 4:08PM
Oh, man I'm getting one.
Seoultrain @ Feb 29th 2008 4:08PM
can anyone translate?
joe @ Feb 29th 2008 4:22PM
If you follow through on the links, someone stated for purposes of translation:
"The first line says “Incorrect Modification”, and the second line says “Illegal Modification”. I don’t see what law it could have broken in Japan, but I suppose they meant it would be “illegal” in Nissan’s eyes."
Carlos @ Feb 29th 2008 4:27PM
Illegal modifications would be removal of a catalytic converter, emissions device, or safety device.
John Johnson @ Feb 29th 2008 4:13PM
Honda: Do this.
garlinski @ Feb 29th 2008 4:17PM
ALL Japanese and Korean Brands need to put this in their manuals. Then I won't have to have a Hyundai Accent with 17's and a huge wing on it's ROOF with a muffler that sounds like a blender tryig nto pass me on the right. Good grief people.
I'll take one in XL.
TwinTurbo3000GT @ Mar 7th 2008 1:30PM
all cars PERIOD need to do this. A lumina or saturn with a huge wing and crap is just as bad as anything else. I think the police should be able to give tickets to people with bad taste lol. 3 strikes and they crush your car.
John R @ Mar 1st 2008 11:20AM
Don't focus squarely on the Asian brands. I've seen plenty Neons, Foci, Cavy-Cobalts, Camaros and Mustangs with "Illegal Modifications".
stefan @ Feb 29th 2008 4:24PM
And on the back of the t-shirt there should be, do not tune the GTR unless your HKS, blitz, top secret or mine's!
Sean Morris @ Feb 29th 2008 4:29PM
Nice , I saw that in the manual and asked Cobb to post it up.
Its the "Don't rice out your R35 GT-R" warning.
http://2009gtr.blogspot.com/2008/02/do-not-rice-out-your-r35-gt-r.html
2nd - 3rd gear blast on the street:
http://2009gtr.blogspot.com/2008/02/r35-gt-r-flyby.html
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 29th 2008 4:31PM
Whatever Nissan. Full of yourselves lately, eh?
Enjoy your French overlords.
Alex @ Feb 29th 2008 4:36PM
It's legal to import a foreign car to the US ? As long as it respect emission/safety laws or what ?