Having experienced the signature Pentroof port matching, this GT-R's intake manifold meets with 1000cc/min Denso injector-sprayed juice, which flows through a Kitabayashi-massaged cylinder head. An HKS V-cam aftermarket variable valve timing kit helps keep things civilized at idle, but 264-degree HKS camshafts let themselves be known anywhere above 4200rpm. A Tomei fuel rail, Sard fuel pressure regulator and B&M ignition box satiate the RB26DETT's thirst, as NGK Race 8 spark plugs ignite precious high-octane fuel above over-bored 87mm HKS pistons and H-beam rods. Nismo exhaust manifolds meet the previously mentioned turbos, exiting through a Pentroof dump tube, Nismo high-flow catalytic converter and a Pentroof custom original exhaust. High temperatures are held at bay by a Pentroof aluminum radiator and oil cooler kit, while GReddy underdrive pulleys combat power-leeching parasitic losses. A Cusco tower brace finishes off our own inspection of the engine bay.
A violent forward lurch is the only hint of the HKS transmission package, which includes a lightened flywheel, triple-plate clutch and reworked gearset. Amazingly, pedal feel is hardly affected. Transferring power to the rear is a Nismo carbon driveshaft, feeding into a Cusco one-way limited-slip differential. A Pentroof custom transmission and differential pumpkin coolers keep fluids on chill.
By employing driver Yasushi Kikuchi, who has experience in the Super GT series with the Green-Tec Porsche Boxster and in Super Taikyu with the Zels Advan Evolution, the Pentroof team might stand a chance at that 57-second target. But to put things into perspective, the new R35 GT-R has run in the one-minute, three-second range at Tsukuba.
When the time comes, the big day will bring on Voltex canards and a GT wing, as well as a custom Pentroof rear diffuser, front splitter with undertray and brake ducting. In current street form, the car wears only a simple and understated Nismo body kit. 17x10 Advan RC wheels, wrapped in faithful regulation 255/40/17 Bridgestone Potenza S tires. Brakes-wise, Brembo four-piston brake calipers bite 13.5-inch rotors up front up, Alcon two-piston calipers are paired with 13.1-inch rotors out back; Performance Friction brake pads are deployed throughout.
Some prodding is required when discussing the suspension. Pentroof proprietary shocks and springs, based on TEIN RS coilovers, secure TEIN tension/radius rods and Pentroof upper and lower suspension links. The remainder of the original suspension arms is secured by a set of stiffer Nismo polyurethane suspension bushings. Any further fine-tuning of body roll is addressed by ARC adjustable anti-roll bars.
Kikuchi's assets will be well looked after via the Recaro CS seat and five-point Willans harness. Portside of the Nardi steering wheel, HKS bling keeps the driver aware of boost level, water and oil temperature.
The cabin showcases Kitabayashi's attention to detail with a 10-point custom Pentroof roll cage and complete seam welding of the chassis. Oddly, an HKS EVC boost controller and F-Con V Pro ECU rest exactly where the passenger's right knee would bang into during high-speed maneuvers.
Although we're a little hesitant to state that the Pentroof R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R will reach its goal for sure, we're certain it should be able to set some records along the way. With open class time attack entries breaching the 53-second threshold at Tsukuba, it shouldn't be long before street class entries (such as this GT-R) start to encroach on the ASM S2000's 57.398 lap time. Now, if we could only find a way to get Kitabayashi's R32 over here and into the Ultimate Street Car Challenge. It is a street car, after all.
R32 Nissan Skyline GT-REngineEngine Code: RB26DETTType: 2568cc, inline six, iron block, aluminum head, twin turbocharged and intercooled