2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Blitz brings RWD, manual-equipped GT-R
Click above for a gallery of the Blitz Nissan GT-R
You'd have to go to great lengths to improve on the Nissan GT-R, but judging by the number of R35s on hand at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan's top tuners are making a serious attempt. One GT-R that caught our attention comes from the aftermarket firm Blitz, which ditched Godzilla's all-wheel-drive system and fitted a manual gearbox in an attempt to make the GT-R a credible contender in Japan's D1 drift series.
With the complex ATESSA-ETS setup and rear-to-front drivetrain removed, Blitz has created the first rear-wheel-drive GT-R and addressed one of the main complaints about the R35 – it's weight. While the stock seats remain (Blitz plans to fit a set of Bride buckets later on), it's nixed the air-conditioning and a number of other components, along with replacing several interior panels and the hood with carbon fiber pieces. A Hollinger sequential unit replaces the dual-clutch gearbox and a NISMO GT R34 LSD resides in the rear. The twin-turbo'd 3.8-liter V6 remains unchanged, but the exhaust has been swapped in favor of a Blitz cat-back.
In addition to a set of gauges to keep tabs on boost, oil temperature and oil pressure, Blitz fitted its own ZRR dampers at all four corners, along with a set of BRW09MAG forged magnesium wheels, sized 20x9.5-inches (+38) up front and 20x10-inches (+18) in the rear. Each is shod in super sticky Dunlop SP Sport DSST Ctt (we think 600s) rubber, with 255/40s on the front and 285/35 out back.
The Blitz GT-R is still under development, so it won't be campaigning in D1 until 2010. Not that it matters, we're just enamored by the sight of an R35 with a clutch pedal. Check out the gallery below for some shots under the Blitz GT-R's body.
Gallery: 2009 TAS: Blitz Nissan GT-R
[Source: Blitz, Autoblog Chinese, GTRBlog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
firstplace 8:00PM (1/15/2009)
They ruin a perfictly good GTR.
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Steve Neill 9:13PM (1/15/2009)
I don't think so. If you knew about old Skyline's, you'd know that it's common for tuners to take the AWD Attesa out, and replace it with RWD from a GTT. And as for the Manual, it's better suited to enthusiasts tastes.
I think they did a great job, and I commend them for it.
Now all they need is the much stronger RB26DETT under the hood...
KeatMP 9:53PM (1/15/2009)
I agree with Steve.
I would much rather have a manual gearbox and rear-drive.
Joe 11:52PM (1/15/2009)
Nissan ruined perfectly good Skyline brand when they created GTR. Many Skyline purists will call Blitz's attempt progressive from Nissan's travesty
pmiddle5 11:43PM (1/15/2009)
Whats stronger about the RB26 again? I wasnt sure since no one knows what this motor will put out in modified form. Also would like to add that this motor has some major advantages over the RB oh like, displacement.
IK 11:57PM (1/15/2009)
afaik, the rwd models are preferable for many owners because of the reliability and maintenance factors. considering that the car is both old and foreign-market only, people don't want to have to deal with getting parts/specialists from japan to fix their cars. who wants to decipher japanese manuals when trying to fix an obscure part.
and don't forget, the awd system in the skylines are very complex. even the ones in the R32 GTR have several yaw/pitch sensors around the car - electrical problems = suicide.
as for this car, I don't think it was such a good idea. if they wanted a rwd skyline, they should have gotten a G37 and worked their way from there.
naggs 4:12AM (1/16/2009)
honestly, why not just TT a 350z?
Steve Neill 10:32AM (1/16/2009)
@ pmiddle5:
This does not have an all steel block, and the term "there is no replacement for displacement" does not take affect at the tuning mark, when you consider the fact that there are alot of reliable RB's out there with more then 1000 horsepower.
pmiddle5 1:06PM (1/16/2009)
I see no reason why the VQ cannot produce significantly more power then the RB. The lack of an iron block does not mean the end of the world
RJ 3:07PM (1/16/2009)
Watch for the Ring time to suddenly drop by a whole minute...
Afterall, that super complex AWD and transmission is THE tool that enables the GTR to have good track performance, despite its weight and relative lack of power.
Trent 8:04PM (1/15/2009)
285? isn't that a bit narrow for that kind of power? I mean, My dad's tundra only makes about ~290hp at the wheels and his 275's get real loose real easily.
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Hike15 8:07PM (1/15/2009)
but ur dad's tundra probably isn't on high performance tires...
captainslow 8:10PM (1/15/2009)
That's basically the idea behind drifting. You WANT the rear tires to break loose, so the rear end of the car can easily swing out and "drift."
Mr. Luke 8:49PM (1/15/2009)
trucks have to weight on the bed.
Sherief 8:04PM (1/15/2009)
Yes, please.
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Trent 8:07PM (1/15/2009)
Though they aren't Z/Y/W rated either.
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Eric 8:08PM (1/15/2009)
You make a valid point, but trucks are not the same as sports cars. Also, this car is intended for drifting.
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chconline 8:13PM (1/15/2009)
A real manual transmission? Nice!
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Mr. Luke 8:49PM (1/15/2009)
YEAH! I wish that were an option from NISSAN
Brian 8:21AM (1/16/2009)
Funny, no one ever exclaims how amazing the front-engined, rear-transmissioned Corvette is...