The most impressive feature of the VR38DETT power plant is its linear power delivery, creating a quick-responding, well-balanced engine with minimal lag. From as little as 2,200 rpm, the engine develops 350 lb-ft of torque or greater. "As we continue testing the VR engine, we will eventually find out if this well-engineered motor can handle more boost and power than most anticipate," explains Shen, "but at this time, the biggest downfall is the GR6 dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission, and its reliability at handling 700 lb-ft of torque or more." Another major concern is the electronics of the car, namely the secrecy surrounding the OEM ECU, on which Nissan seems to have no intention of releasing any information. "I don't think Nissan could have imagined how far aftermarket tuners would have progressed with the R35 in such a sort time frame," says Shen. "The R35 was once said to be untouchable, and we have just begun to scratch the surface, but the progress has been nothing short of amazing."
Just one month after purchasing the R35, and installing and tuning the HKS GT570 kit, Shen clicked off an impressive 11.41-second quarter-mile time at 125 mph, prompting NHRA officials to advise him that any further runs would require the use of a fire suit and roll cage. "I was kicked off the track when I posted a mid-11-second pass on my very first run," he explains, "but I wasn't ready to drill and weld a cage into my GT-R just to run down the track. It will be interesting to see how the GT-R will do, now that it's making an additional 100 lb-ft of torque." With HKS soon to release the F-Con IS engine management, and GReddy their turbo upgrade setup, it's going to be a very interesting year for the R35, indeed.
Vehicles currently owned, or owned within the past three years
Alex's Garage
- Ferrari 360 Stradale
- Ferrari 430
- Ferrari 430 Scuderia
- Porsche Carrera GT
- Lamborghini Diablo
- Lamborghini Murcielago
- Lamborghini LP640
- Lamborghini Superleggera
- Ford GT, supercharged
- BMW 750
- Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R
- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R
- Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
- Nissan R35 GT-R
"I know people will hate me for saying this, but the car I think is really bullshit is the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Even though it's all raced out with carbon fiber, that thing is way overpriced; it's a Ferrari stooge's fu*king dream car! I hate that car-it's a $330,000 pile that I only drove for 800 miles before I couldn't stand it any longer and had to sell it. The people who've never owned a Ferrari will say, 'Oh man, look at this Ferrari with carbon fiber and F1 technology!' That's total bullshit.
"If I had to rank the GT-R, it would definitely be in the top three, perhaps number one or number two-right bellow the Carrera GT. The reason why it's a tossup between the two is I've never maximized the full potential of the Carrera GT. I am not a good enough driver to realize its true being, and every time I jump into that car, it's a handful with its lightweight construction. Even though it's a naturally aspirated vehicle, it still pumps out 557 hp. The R35, however, is such an easy car to drive and enjoy on the streets. Ranking the R34 in the top five is another easy decision. It would either be tied or a close second to the Lamborghini Superleggera. Dollar-for-dollar, the GT-R is the best bang for the buck."
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