THE GTR SHRINE - HKS Skyline GT-R
HKS
Skyline GT-R
| Ever
since its introduction last year, Nissan’s Skyline GT-R has been a
favorite starting point for Japanese tuners. Why? It’s among the fastest
and most stylish Grand Tourers on the planet. Companies such as Veilside
and Blitz have already transformed the sporty Nissan into top-speed
monsters that have registered 200-plus-mph on various circuits around the
world. One of the more well-rounded examples is produced by HKS, the Mt.
Fuji of Japanese aftermarket firms, which has given it just the right
amount of force and flair. |
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Bathed in metallic black paint with bright fluorescent decals splashed on its
doors and rocker panels, the Skyline looks ready to rumble with anything on the
road or track. A large wing accentuates the car’s rear while 18-in. white
alloy wheels give a rally-racing flavor. The theme continues inside with
torso-hugging racing seats, large gauges on the center dash and a carbon-fiber
shift knob.
Turn the key and the engine comes to life with a roar, courtesy of HKS’s
custom exhaust system. Step on the throttle pedal and the head-turning coupe
leaves the line as if flung from a catapult, with all four tires biting the road
surface at once. The acceleration is linear at first…but when the tachometer
needle sweeps past the 5000-rpm mark, make sure you have a firm grip on the
steering wheel. The HKS Skyline explodes forward, snapping your neck and firmly
pressing you back into the seat. Wham! The shift to 2nd gear is met with a chirp
from the tires and another violent forward surge. By the time you find 3rd gear,
you’re well past the national speed limit. How quick is the HKS Skyline GT-R?
Well, my stopwatch revealed a 0-to-60-mph run in about 4.5 sec., putting it in
the same class as the Lamborghini Diablo. Top speed is around 180 mph.
How did the folks at HKS manage to get so much performance from a 2.6-liter
inline-6? For starters, they installed a larger turbocharger and intercooler, as
well as a new head gasket, fuel-management system and custom camshafts. The
result: 375 bhp at 6120 rpm and 362 ft.-lb. of torque at 4570.
When it comes to the twisty stuff, the HKS Skyline GT-R has few equals.
Cornering grip is excellent, thanks mostly to Nissan’s ATTESA all-wheel-drive
system and sticky Yokohama Advan 245/40ZR-18 tires. The car will understeer
slightly through low-speed corners; however, body roll is virtually nonexistent
and turn-in response is crisp and immediate. Credit here goes to the HKS racing
suspension consisting of stiffer shocks and springs.
The only unfortunate aspect of the HKS Skyline GT-R is price; it doesn’t come
cheap. The stock Nissan Skyline GT-R is available in the U.S. through MotoRex at
US$89,500. The HKS engine upgrade costs an additional US$6000 or so; tack on another $1000 for the suspension kit. Worth the price? It
is if you’re in the market for a capable everyday commuter that’ll keep pace
with today’s fastest exotics. Better stock up on Cup O’Noodles.
