Thanks Mark! The NISMO Z relies on its excellent mechanical grip for most of the drive, but was stable down the first half of the Estoril straightaway. Some might remember this was where Ayrton Senna squeezed his McLaren teammate Alain Prost against the pit wall tro prevent him from passing. No worries about THAT happening with the cone chicane in place! The aero downforce of the NISMO bodywork would really come into play at higher speeds.

 

You're welcome on the blog and also quite correct in saying the GT-R's performance is on an entirely different level. But that's a blade that cuts two ways: out-of-the-world performance is matched only by out-of-the-world maintenance costs! After talking with a Brembo engineer about the specs of those HUGE 14.96" brake discs, it was clear I'm not in that class (at least financially). And you better believe that I'll be reporting on any extended track time with either of these fabulous cars! Just know that I envy NISMO Z owners as much as those lucky enough to take delivery of a GT-R.

 

Might add this to my signature!

"Just know that I envy NISMO Z owners as much as those lucky enough to take delivery of a GT-R." dkmura

Love my Nismo Z!!! I think it would make a great platform for a SCCA T2 racer. Too bad the SCCA turned down Nissan's request to run it.

 

I agree. I think it would have done very well.

 

The rationale was that, particularly with updating/backdating of packages, that the NISMO Z package was too different to be classed. As for T2, the new 370Z will be the next best hope, depending on the comp package allowed.

 

Any other questions/thoughts on the Fall '08 issue, including the NISMO Z vs. Godzilla article? Hey, that even sounds like a Japanese B-movie title!

 

WOW- only three responses from the NISMO drivers on this thread? I thought this article (NISMO vs. GT-R) would generate WAYYYY more interest...

 

honestly I haven't found the magazine in any of the bookstore close to my place (all listed as "good") I'll try again tonight... but having a "half nismo" a little tuned I already know what she's capable of.. even against a GT-R. (on a track I mean)

 

i need to pick the magazine first! im slacking.. to much schoolwork. The blog is cool though. can't wait to read it

 

Sorry you haven't had any luck with finding the issue. Try talking with the store manager--they should be able to get you a copy. Nissan Sport also sells individual copies (as well as subs) and can send them directly to you!

Not sure what you mean by a "half nismo"...?

 

BTW- the Nissan Sport blogsite was hacked into and had to be repaired. You can once again leave messages on each thread instead of being blocked.

07nismoz- Did you pick pick up a copy yet?

 

I'll do it :-)
half nismo because I have a nismo, but with HKS hypermax 3 sport, cusco RS diff, and something else... so doesn't handle anymore like a nismo, but way more on the "extreme" side.

 

Modded Nismos FTW!

 

Been trying to find the issue for a while, but finally found it at the local Borders. I'm glad to see that the Nismo was able to keep up with the GT-R...even though the drivers were at different skill levels. The GT-R is obviously in a different class and I'm sure if there was an equally skilled driver in the GT-R the Nismo would've been quite a bit further behind. I agree, the article could've been a bit more descriptive, but good article none the less and thanks for the blog! After hearing this, I can feel a little more proud of owning a Nismo

 

Hope to see a full blown track test and/or comparo in the future. The first one was hampered by rain. This second one hampered by electronic and passenger seat nannies.

 

Glad to hear you finally got the latest issue of Nissan Sport Magazine. But there's quite a difference between "the Nismo was able to keep up with the GT-R", when you can come from 20+ seconds back to catch and pass the supercar! Yes, there were considerable differences in driver skill levels, but THAT is apparent at any track event you go to.

The point is, keep working on your own driving skills and realize that not only will they help prevent accidents on the street, but they are possibly the biggest factor on the track. The NISMO Z is certainly capable enough, even against the superlative qualities of the GT-R! THAT knowledge should be heartwarming for every NISMO owner out there!

 

Not sure what you mean?

 

that is the "big" point that a lot of people don't usually understand...
and, honor to you to point something like that on press.
car manufacturers and general audience press like to tell the story that any time their car are faster, better, easier to drive, safer... but forgot to tell the "real person" story. that a real person will NEVER use the potential of the car in anything different than and emergency.
they never tell that a pro, driving your own car is so damn fast and in control of the car itself that nobody, not even people spending 50 weekends on the track could be as fast or "safe".

but... with A LOT of practice... you will be at least 80% of that... than.. your natural talent might provide another 10%... but you'll never cover that last 10% that years of practice, accidents, teamwork and hard work to shave that tenth of a second that make a pro.. a PRO.

of course... you'll never spank the *** of a GT2 with a miata... but with a decent car like the nismo, you can be fast enough to have a lot of fun and go to the track without the frustration that FOR SURE everybody there will pass and umiliate you.