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? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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