Feature – Inside The 2006 Super GT GT500 Nissan 350Z
By Brian Jones, Photography by the author
When it was still in production, the Nissan Skyline GT-R nameplate dominated racing. The R32 model solidified the car’s reputation with Group A victories and the later R34 model was prolific in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC).
But when the R34 Skyline GT-R was retired from the JGTC GT500 class for the 2004 season and replaced with the then-new 350Z, fans didn’t know what to expect. It had been readily apparent for a while what Nismo had in the works. The 350Z’s twin-turbo VQ30DETT V6 race engine had been run and tested in the GT500 Skyline GT-R during the 2003 season, replacing the RB26DETT engine in a move considered sacrilege by many fans.
The VQ30DETT was a twin-turbocharged 2,997cc V6 engine designed and homologated for the JGTC and Super GT race series (JGTC would be renamed Super GT for the 2005 season – Ed.). Nismo published estimates that the engine produced around 500ps (493hp), capped as per the GT500 class rules, and 521 lb/ft of torque.
Both turbochargers breathed through 29.6mm air inlet restrictors and without them the engines were capable of more than 800hp. The engine design was made to be as efficient as possible with smooth exhaust manifolds and sculpted carbon fiber air inlets. Of special note is the front facing carbon air duct, which feeds cold air through two carbon trumpets and into a composite intake manifold as the 350Z accelerates forwards.
With tiny air restrictors in place and a class limit on horsepower, Nismo engineers tuned the engine setup for as much torque as possible using huge amounts of boost. Their desired powerband was similar to that of a WRC rally car, more torque than horsepower, and the Super GT 350Z program eventually switched in 2007 to a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter VK45DE V8 engine. The current Nissan GT-R continues to use this V8 powerplant.
This Super GT Nissan 350Z was raced in the 2006 season by Michael Krumm, Sakon Yamamoto, and Richard Lyons (replacing Yamamoto in Round 4) and finished the season in 4th place.
It was the final and ultimate evolution of the VQ30DETT-powered Nissan 350Zs and bears little resemblance to a production 350Z. As per Super GT rules, only the factory production floor pan remains, on top of which an extensive cage structure is built. The front and rear are tube-framed and the entire widened body of the racecar is carbon fiber.
The interior of the 350Z is mostly carbon fiber as well, down to the felt-covered dashboard and pedal box covers. The extensive array of switches and controls allow the driver to read all important engine data, adjust brake bias, swaybar stiffness, control the air conditioning, ECU mapping, and communicate with the team. There is also a center mounted LCD screen, which displays the rear view behind the car and allows the driver to anticipate otherwise unseen overtaking cars.
Driver Richard Lyons has described driving a Super GT racecar as similar to a formula car with a roof, in terms of handling and response. The 2,425lb 350Z uses a double-wishbone setup front and rear with inboard bellcrank actuated dampers, similar to a formula racing car. Note also how highly mounted the steering rack is in proportion to the engine, which is done to eliminate bumpsteer on the heavily lowered chassis.
Together with non-staggered 330/40-R18 Bridgestone racing slicks and 18×13-inch Rays wheels, the Super GT Nissan 350Z is modified to the point of almost becoming a Le Mans Prototype under the skin.
With a highly tuned engine, formula car-style suspension setup, racing slicks, and heavy aerodynamics, this Super GT Nissan has little to do with its production counterpart. Its main compromise in terms of competing against LMP or formula cars is its 500ps power cap and need to resemble the 350Z in silhouette.
Always loved the way the 350Zs looked. Never get to see them much up close on the web though. Engine setup looks complicated compared to a n/a V8, no wonder they switched. How come the front splitter isn’t bigger?
Rulebook limitations? I don’t see why a team like Nismo would want to skimp on front aero after seeing the rest of the car