|
On the original Zero-R, two reclining Recaro seats replaced the stock items. However, on this particular car the owner has just fitted a BNR34 seat on the driver side, which he is trying out for a bit before making his final selection on seat choice. Ahhh, must be nice to have money. Gauge-wise, the 360 km/h rated speedo and other meters have been left untouched; and are now joined by a host of modern toys like a set of Defi gauges, the HKS Black Limited EVC boost controller, HKS torque split controller and the HKS V-Cam unit. To keep an eye on Kobe's traffic, an Alpine hard-disk navigation system takes center stage in the interior; while small details like the HKS shift knob and HKS Zero-R original steering wheel finish things off.
But, no matter how many promises and talk of numbers or power curves, there is nothing like taking a car for a drive to find out what it's really like. Could this be the ultimate street GT-R? Wishing to find an answer we kindly accepted the keys to the Zero-R from Mr. Kikuchi, who let us take the car for a very memorable drive. It's special to drive a Zero-R: there are only two on the road in Japan, and the latest modifications have transformed it into a spectacular ride. As with every 2.8-liter GT-R, you feel the extra capacity the instant you get on the gas. The engine feels gutsier and more willing to pull at lower rpm. But, the Zero-R has a few tricks up its sleeve thanks to the V-Cam. This little gadget maximizes engine breathing continuously, boosting power and torque at every engine speed; but it's from 2,500 rpm and 6,500 rpm that you really feel it work.
GT2530s might be one of the smallest turbine kits you can put on an RB26; but on a 2.6-liter engine without variable valve timing, they always feel very laggy until about 4,500 rpm when they begin to generate some real boost. On the Zero-R they come into play at 3,000 rpm with well over 1 bar of boost available. Out on the streets, this translates to immediate acceleration no matter what gear you're in. But it's when you really tap into those 600 PS that the Zero-R begins to fly. Despite the maps on the HKS F Con V-Pro not being fully refined yet, there is an impressively smooth and unrelentless power delivery. Needless to say, 600 PS is a hell of a lot of power; and it's almost comical when you look at the needle on the speedometer rise. The BNR34 Getrag transmission feels just perfect with a nice and tight shift pattern making the best of all the engine's capabilities. The AP Racing brakes offer a strong bite at any speed, just make sure you look in the rearview mirror before jumping on them.
HKS has definitely made one of the most impressive GT-Rs out there. Sure there are more powerful ones, but finding such widespread electrifying performance is not as easy. Having accessible power in any gear and at any speed is precisely what makes the Zero-R such an exhilarating drive. The most ultimate GT-R ever? We certainly think so.
|
