Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-Tune up for purchase – #9 of 19 in the world, priced above RM2.1 million

The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) is one of the most iconic JDM cars in the world. Paul Walker drove a silver and blue one in 2 Fast 2 Furious, and for Initial D fans, Kozo Hoshino from team Purple Shadow piloted a V·Spec II Nür. This makes them highly collectible, and among the many variants that were created, the rarest and priciest of them all is the Nismo Z-tune, and one has popped up for sale. This one here is up for sale for USD$510,000 (RM2,123,155).
The dealer behind this exceptional beast is Contempo Concept HK Motors, which as the name suggests, is based in Hong Kong. The Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-tune in this case, is a 2005 model, and only has 3,100 km registered on its mileage. As far as condition goes, this one would certainly be appropriately labelled as “immaculate.”
But what makes the Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-tune so rare, desirable, and in this instance, ridiculously expensive? Time for a history lesson. The Z-tune was intended to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Nismo in 2005, where only 20 units of the special edition will be made during the day. The one on sale here is #9 from that total.
Unfortunately, production of the GF-BNR34 (R34) Skyline GT-R came to an end in 2002. Therefore, Nismo had to purchase 20 used R34 GT-R V-Spec models that needed to have less than 30,000 km on the odometer, and meet strict body and mechanical condition assessments by Nismo before they can even be considered to be made into Z-tunes.

Even then, only 12 examples of the 20 were individually-picked and acquired by Nismo (including this one). The remaining examples from number 13 through 20 were donated by owners who wanted to convert their V-Spec to Z-tune cars. Although Nismo planned on building 20 cars, only 19 (including two prototypes) were made before production of the Z-Tune was ceased.
The Z-tune transformation process isn’t by any means simplistic either. Let’s start with the engine, which is based on Nissan’s Le Mans GT2 and GT500 racing experiences. Firstly, the original RB26DETT engine gets bored out from 2.6 litres to a new displacement of 2.8 litres. From there, Nismo provided the Z-tune’s engine with a strengthened block, stroked crankshaft, new forged and fillet-rolled camshafts, forged pistons, IHI turbocharger, new exhaust manifold, carbon-fibre driveshaft, and a redesigned intake plenum.
But wait, that’s not all. The engine is further aided by twin oil coolers, an improved radiator and intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors with a more forceful injection pump and a Z-tune electronic control unit. How dramatic are these modifications? Very. For starters, the heavily-revised engine is now allowed to rev up to 8,000 rpm. As for power, where the standard GT-R V-Spec’s straight-six produced 276 hp, the Z-tune yielded 493 hp along with 540 Nm of torque.
In terms of performance, the Z-tune was capable of hitting the quarter-mile in just 10.06 seconds, according to Nismo. To put that into perspective, the current 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo will make the quarter-mile in 10.80 seconds. Other performance highlights include a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds, while the top speed is said to be well over 327 km/h.

The engine isn’t the only highlight here. Nismo also completely stripped and rebuilt the car from the chassis up as part of the Z-tune transformation. Nismo engineers reinforced and stiffened the chassis seam welding in key areas, and added carbon-fibre to the strut towers and transmission tunnel and the engine bay. An upgraded suspension setup from Sachs, along with a specially designed Brembo handbrake system are also part of the upgrades.
On the surface, the bodywork also gets redesigned to feature the same functional components used in Nismo’s GT500 race cars, including engine bay vents on the hoods and fenders, plus wider fenders for wider wheels. Also fitted are aggressive new bumpers and adjustable rear wing done in carbon-fibre. Completing the look are 18-inch alloys in black, Z-tune silver paintjob and new front seats.
What makes the Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-tune so special? Well, now you know. Keep in mind that this car can essentially be declared “handmade,” given the amount of work that has gone into it. However, does the comical price tag justify a car like this?

Nissan Titan Warrior Concept could make production

The future looks bright for the Nissan Titan Warrior Concept as it could very well make its way into production, Automotive News reports. According to Rich Miller, senior manager of Nissan truck and SUV product planning, while it is a rather niche market, it is one that the brand is considering nonetheless.
“This is more than a design exercise,” said Miller. He added, ”we’re making a big commitment to the pickup segment with the new Titan, and we’re also looking at where else we might take it now.” Acknowledging that the off-road pick-up truck segment is a rather small one, Miller stated that it still has the potential to guarantee good business with loyal customers.
Currently, owners who take their trucks off-road depended on aftermarket specialists to have them customised. This part of the business, according to Miller, is where Nissan is looking to “reclaim.” As the Titan Warrior is Nissan’s first foray into the performance truck segment, he added, “if we were to go ahead with it, we would also have to look at an engine enhancement for it.”

Currently, the Titan Warrior, based on the Titan XD Crew Cab, sports a 390 hp Cummins 5.0 litre V8 turbodiesel engine and is mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox. It made its first debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) decked with aggressive visual elements such as aluminium skid plated, extended fender flares and 18-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 37-inch off-road tyres.
The Titan Warrior Concept should be up against segment-specific rivals such as the Ford F-150 Raptor, Ram Power Wagon and the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Although it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see it on our shores, but do you think Nissan should have a go at it? Share your comments below.

Nissan Rogue Warrior unveiled, a winter-ready X-Trail

Making its debut at the 2016 Montreal International Auto Show is the Nissan Rogue Warrior, an extreme concept meant to demonstrate the brand’s ‘Conquer All Conditions’ marketing crusade. Only this one has dedicated itself to take on the harshest winter conditions, with its own modifications to do so.
To ensure that snow will not trouble the Nissan Rogue (or X-Trail to us), it gets a full heavy-duty snow track system, with tracks measuring 76 cm in height, 122 cm in length, and each individual track measuring 38 cm in width. The installation of the tracks now results in a ground clearance measuring 58 cm.
Obviously this doesn’t just involve swapping out the standard alloy wheels, which is why Quebec-based Motorsports in Action (MIA) not only had to make adjustments to the Rogue’s suspension, but also modify its bodywork and apply custom snow guards.
Everything else on the Rogue however, remains stock. This includes the SUV’s all-wheel drive powertrain, which includes a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 170 hp and 237 Nm. Even the brand’s Xtronic CVT continues to feature in this concept.
Has any of this worked? Well, judging by the accompanying video, the Nissan Rogue Warrior looks to be unstoppable as it trudges its way through the snow. According to Nissan, the concept has a top speed of 100 km/h, and is capable of scaling a 45-degree grade in groomed snow.
Unfortunately, a vehicle like this wouldn’t have much of a purpose here, seeing how winter isn’t part of our annual seasons. However, you can get yourself a road-going version of the Rogue Warrior, an X-Trail that now comes with an Impul styling package in Malaysia, from RM149,715.05.

Ghosn dashes Tesla’s claim to autonomous cars soon

Renault-Nissan head honcho Carlos Ghosn has poured cold water on Elon Musk’s claims that Tesla will have a fully autonomous car on public roads in the near future. While Ghosn announced a year ago that Renault-Nissan would have an autonomous vehicle on the roads by 2020, Musk said a Tesla would be able to drive itself, coast-to-coast across the US, “within 24 to 36 months.”
Speaking at a reception just before the Detroit motor show, Ghosn said, “I understand there is a marketing war, a lot of announcements; that’s fair, everybody wants a piece of it, but at the same time judge on what is on the market.” It was reported by Autocar UK that Ghosn is insistent that a true self-driving car is still some years in the making.
He called into question the definition of an autonomous vehicle, saying if it was just a matter of lane-changing and station-keeping, the technology was already here, or almost ready. “But if you’re talking about autonomous driving in a city, with crossroads or the car making decisions in complicated situations, then frankly I don’t think it’s going to be ready before 2020,” said Ghosn.

Ghosn pointed out self-driving did not mean a lack of user involvement. “What is very important is that we don’t want the consumer to be just able to buy the car; we want him to be able to drive it,” he said. He added that many people give up driving because they can’t, due to age, health or handicaps.
“This technology is going to enable you to drive until you don’t want to any more. You will be able to drive no matter what your handicap, no matter what your impairment is. With this technology, you’re going to be able to drive at 80 years old, 90 years old. This is important as the planet’s population is getting older,” said Ghosn.
Nissan unveiled the IDS Concept – a self-driving EV – at the Tokyo motor show in October 2015. Designed for both manual and piloted modes, the IDS Concept features a 60 kW battery along with ‘Artificial Intelligence’ that adapts the car’s driving modes to the driver’s preference.

Nissan Titan Warrior Concept makes debut in Detroit

Nissan is out to make a statement following the introduction of its all-new Titan XD pick-up truck in the US. For this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the automaker has brought out this, the Nissan Titan Warrior Concept. Ford F-150 Raptor fans, we hope your faith is still strong.
Although declared as a concept, the Titan Warrior still utilises the factory fully boxed ladder frame of the Titan XD’s Crew Cab body style. From there, bespoke visual elements are added to create a design which Nissan describes as unapologetic, aggressive and athletic.
As no changes were made to the truck’s chassis, the Titan Warrior retains the Titan XD Crew Cab’s wheelbase and length. The concept truck does however get a bump in ride height by 71 mm (from 1,999 mm). Now standing at 2,070 mm tall, Nissan can now fit custom 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, along with a long-travel suspension setup.

The wheels are fitted with large chunky tyres as well, a move that requires widening the truck by 76 mm on each side, bringing the total width of the Titan Warrior up to 2,200 mm. Next, Nissan turned their attention to create a “modern armour” look befitting of a “warrior”.
This includes enhancing the Titan’s grille for a more aggressive look, while the front and rear fenders have been flared to promote a muscular outlook. The signature headlights also receive a light makeover, and are now accompanied by custom LED lights. At the rear, a quad-tipped exhaust system is integrated into the rear bumper. Other visual statements include a large front skidplate, as well as a carbon-fibre rear cab spoiler, tailgate spoilers and roof-mounted LED off-road lights.
Inside, the Titan Warrior extends the rugged performance look with a strong, angular dashboard layout. There is a custom-built steering wheel that is milled from one block of aluminium, lit panel-mounted gauges and there are auxiliary toggle switches to handle additional off-road accessories.

The seats are covered in a carbon-coloured seat fabric trimmed with Magma orange accents. Other interior trim pieces meanwhile, are made of carbon-fibre, polished chrome and leather with accented Magma orange stitching.
It’s not all show and no go either. Pop the hood and you’ll find a Cummins 5.0 litre V8 turbodiesel engine and a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The mill has 390 hp at its disposal and probably enough torque to pull down a tree, or enough for a Sunday cruise.
What do you think of the Nissan Titan Warrior Concept? Would you rather have this or the Ford F-150? Or Dodge Ram 1500? Or something else entirely. One thing’s for sure though, that name, Titan Warrior, is certainly memorable.