Feature: Code Name: GODZILLA

Let's face it, the 1998 recreation of the movie Godzilla was pretty terrible. Matter of fact, it was downright horrible. It was a classic that failed to deliver what the original had. Thats the feeling that GTR enthusiasts felt after Nissan had ended the production of the GTR on the R34 chassis back in 2002 (with the exception of the Z Tune). The GTR was such a monster upon its creation that it was nicknamed "Godzilla," and with a 6 year production hiatus, Godzilla striked again. This time in a new, exotic package labeled simply as GTR. Enthusiasts were skeptical, everything they had loved about the previous GTR was tossed in favor of a completely new platform. Out was the Skyline name, RB26 inline 6, and 6 speed transmission, and in was the VR38 V6, the lightning fast dual clutch transmission, and the sub 7:30 Nurbuhrgring lap times. Exotic Owners cowered, GTR purists cheered. Fast forward to present day, the GTR is still holding it's name, with even faster lap times, more technology, and more aftermarket support. Owner John Hume turned it up a notch.

"I got into cars after the first Gran Turismo came out; I was able to tinker with the cars, and dive in and see the performance difference. It eventually turned into a hobby of mine." Having owned a fleet of cars which include a 2000 Eclipe, 2003 Evo, 2006 Evo MR, and a C6 ZO6, John still appreciates his GTR the most. "I wanted a factory fast car that i didn't have to dump tons of money into, so i got the C6 Z06, big 7 liter V8, 505 horsepower, but traction was limited, and I knew I needed something else. The GTR was my dream car in Gran Turismo" laughs John "and getting one legally into the states at the time proved almost impossible. Now that they were available in the U.S. I had to have one. Everything about the car I liked, the looks, ergonomics, interior, engine output, the way the transmission performed, everything drew me to the car. This is the best car I've owned."

John had purchased this stunning GTR with only 3k miles on the clock. "I purchased it from an old man who decided it was too rough for him, and bought a Bentley Continental GT." Truly a blessing in disguise. With the car in his possesion, John's intentions were to leave it stock. "Right now it's got about 600 horsepower, I'm used to the speed, and it doesn't excite me anymore. I'd like to tack on another 200 horsepower or so" says John with a calm demeanor. As if these cars weren't already fast enough. Crazy man.

To get to this 600 horsepower was less work than you might think. Remember, this new version of Godzilla comes from the factory with 480 ponies, and responds to mods extremely well, so well in fact that you can count the engine mods on one hand. It all starts with a set of AAM intakes, which suck in air like it's going out of style. once it's fed through the factory turbo's and combusted, it's spit into a set of Harmon Motive downpipes. The downpipes assist the exhausted air into the well known HKS midpipe, and finally finds it's way escorted though a Meisterschaft exhaust. Truly a sound to die for. All this automotive ear candy is fine-tuned by none other than a COBB Accessport, which seems to be the solution of choice when i comes to taming a wild Godzilla. "My favorite part of the car... I'd have to say the exhaust. Stock sounds so tame, doesn't sound fun to drive, as soon as you change out the midpipe and rear section, it sounds awesome under wide open throttle in the cabin. Sounds like a Ferrari, almost F1 in a sense, especially with the dal clutch that shifts really, really quick. People always know when I'm coming, they hear the car and say "oh there's John," so it's a very distinct sound."

John's GTR is his hobby car, daily driver, and track toy, more of a balance of all 3. "I'm really into the track, and go to Buttonwillow Raceway" says John. "I wanna hit as many track days as possible, and while it's recreational for now, it allows me to better myself as a driver, and better my times. The stock GTR is already in the modified class as far as the Redline Time Attack series, that means I have to compete against Sierra Sierra, COBB Tuning, and other Big names." While the GTR is a heavier car, it certainly puts down impressive lap times, even in stock trim. "It's a heavy car at 3800 pounds" laughs John, "The steering isn't as fast as my previous Evo's were, but it feels light on it's feet."

"On the track you find it's almost more power than you can handle! You have to be really precise with the throttle input, otherwise you'll be fighting the rear end from kicking out." Helping Godzilla keep it's tail between it's legs is a corner balanced set of JRZ RS Pro Coilovers. Believe it or not, you can improve the mighty GTR's suspension. A set of Whiteline sway bars up front and out back put the sway in check while reducing body flex. We all know how Godzilla moves, but how does it stop? With massive factory Brembos clamping down on a set of AP Racing J-Hook rotors, and a set of aggressive CL RC8 brake pads, it stops just as well as it goes.

Moving to the exterior of the beast, instead of scales, and claws, you see aggressive stanced black GTR favoring a set of equally aggressive Volk RE30 19" Wheels wrapped in Toyo R888's, while providing rolling cover for the incredibly sexy Brembo brakes. A Stillen front lip replaces jagged sharp teeth, and the combination of the Meisterschaft exhaust and signature GTR taillights replace the terribly long tale. But just like the real Godzilla, this Godzilla breathes fire too.

The interior is everything you'd want it to be. Luxury and simplicity work hand in hand here, with a large display screen monitoring engine vitals, and comfy heated leather power seats. John plans to swap out the seats eventually due to their 100lb curb weight each, but for now he's gonna ride them out because, as he says, "they're pretty dang comfy." Lucky man.

There you have it folks, a classic David vs. Goliath combo. John Hume has taken a recreated beast, pissed it off, tamed the wild thing, and still plans to further pursue the beast within. With over 600hp on tap, rocket ship launching, and tons more potential to be had, keep an eye out for this beast from the east, and everything it has to offer.