---Nissan Team Europe Z32 Group A 1989---
---Livery Concept/What-If---
In the mid-to-late 1980's, the Nissan Motor Company had a vested interest in the forming of the Group A class, especially in Japan. Their main model for competition use being the Skyline GTS-R HR31 at the time, and ended up being a car that was very capable car when first arrived. With the car having over 430HP, it won the AJTCC Manufactueres championship in 1986, but it quickly became apparent that the advent of the newer Toyota A70 Supra's newfound dominance, as well as the Sierra's practically beating everyone else everywhere else, Nissan would need to think of what to replace the GTS-R. This calls for a choice: we go with our newer Skyline now, or what about giving the newer Fairlady a chance...?
Livery from 1988 ETCC program. Would-be drivers: Win Percy(GB), Allan Grice(AUS), and Anders Olofsson(SWE)
Firstly, the engine would be bored to go over to the 3000+cc, which meant the minimum weight of 1100kg (about the weight of the previous HR31). However, the weight with the added 1.4x multiplier (and added ballast for those change) rose it to the 4000-4500cc class regulations. The new minimum weight to 1255kg, over 150kg to the Sierras, which sat at 1100kg. The belief, however, is that the added twin turbos and better stiffening of the chassis and the now 500+HP would balance out the added weight. With the completed car, they went testing for an appearance in Europe.
The problems would arise as the higher weight was doing havoc on the rear tires and front brakes, which the former fell off in 20-lap runs, and brake line failures and blown discs were all to common in the lead up to a further development. Testing drivers Win Percy and Allan Grice tried their best to wrangle the car, to be more compliant with their driving styles, but to no avail. The engineers tried their best to have it so that the car's balance should be more neutral and less impactful on the tires, even de-tuning the engine to help with tire life. After six months, the project got cancelled, and all development was directed to the currently known 'Godzilla' R32. An as they say, the rest would've been history.
Photo Credit:@24HuresdeLoL/Gran Turismo 7
ALL RIGHT TO
Nissan Motor Company
Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd.
Yokohama
BBS
SECA 100 Octane
Gran Turismo 7
Polyphony Digital
