Toshikazu Tanaka
Z-tune - 2004

(Main Text)

"In 1996, NISMO launched the 400R, a complete car based on the R33 Skyline GT-R, as an experimental challenge. However, NISMO's main business continued to be the development and sale of tuning parts. This led to the establishment of Omori Factory in 1997, providing a place where we could directly install tuning parts on customers' cars. I became the manager in 1998 and later took on product planning and development. Our customers felt secure with NISMO, appealing to both hardcore tuning enthusiasts and more casual customers. To guide them through the tuning stages, we created concepts like S-tune for street use and R-tune for circuit use. But something was still missing—thus, the Z-tune concept was born. It was meant to represent the top-end, the ultimate in performance, although we had no specific ideas at that time."

With a calm demeanor, Toshikazu Tanaka reminisces about the past. Tanaka joined NISMO (then Nissan Motorsports International) in 1988, running through the '90s alongside Nissan's motorsports activities. He managed teams in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the R33 GT-R, supervised the Super Touring team, Nissan Racing School, and NISMO Junior Team (GT300). He became the manager of Omori Factory as he mentioned, during which the Z-tune concept was born and began to take shape.

"NISMO takes pride in its motorsports expertise. However, we hadn't delved deeply into creating street-tuned cars. At the time, the tuning car boom was at its peak, with many tuners building incredibly fast cars. We wanted to test our skills against them to see where we stood. So, we organized a serious competition against the world's top tuners."

This was realized at the NISMO Festival in 2000. As one of the events, the 'GT-R Tuning Car Battle' featured the R34 GT-R Z-tune prototype. According to the release, "We envisioned enthusiastic customers who wanted to push their cars on circuits and modified the vehicle with factors necessary for FISCO (Fuji Speedway), installing what we considered the ultimate menu for a street-based car." Specifically, they tuned an N1 engine, replaced peripherals to achieve approximately 600 hp, and built matching suspension, drivetrain, and brakes for a time attack setup aimed at circuits.

"We won overwhelmingly, to the point of receiving complaints from other tuners. In terms of testing our skills, it was a success, and we understood our current position. It also helped change the brand image, showing that 'NISMO could go this far.' The most significant outcome was finding meaning in the Z-tune. The concept of the NISMO complete car emerged as a harmonious blend of mainstream dealer products and the somewhat outlaw world of tuning cars."

Dreaming of the ultimate (Z) was quintessentially NISMO—an approach that pursued unrivaled speed first. Once the specific concept was decided, the Z-tune aimed to strike a balance, neither purely a racing car nor an inconveniently tuned street car. The challenge was to create a car that was not only fast on the track but also well-balanced for everyday use. This required surpassing previous complete cars like the Silvia 270R and R33 GT-R 400R.

"Creating the Z-tune was challenging in ways distinct from building racing cars. As the ultimate model, it had to surpass the packaging of the 400R. The primary focus was on body reinforcement and weight reduction, involving intricate processes like modifying the body shell and adding carbon parts. A solid body is essential, or even the best powertrain and suspension would be wasted."

Tanaka inspects the underside of the Omori Factory's own unit as he speaks. It took approximately four and a half years from the prototype's triumph at the tuning car race to its market release. The lengthy development time was partly due to the complexity of the task, but the main obstacle was obtaining approval from Nissan Motor. In the early 2000s, under Carlos Ghosn's leadership, Nissan had launched projects for the new GT-R (R35) and Fairlady Z (Z33), marking a transitional period. The Skyline name was set to be retired, with the production of the GT-R (BNR34) ending in August 2002.

"With the end of new production, we faced the dilemma of whether to give up. After much soul-searching, we decided to use high-quality used cars. Despite being used, we couldn't compromise on quality. Every part had to meet new car standards, doubling the effort required. Our driving force was the desire to release 'NISMO's ultimate GT-R' to the world."

For Tanaka, this was a dream. He joined NISMO with the aspiration of creating top-class complete cars that would gain global recognition.

"In developing the Z-tune, I was inspired by European tuners who made valuable modified cars, such as RUF and early AMG. RUF, in particular, provided a lot of learning opportunities. At that time, Japan lacked a culture that appreciated such value. I wanted to establish such a presence in Japan. This led to the decision to produce only 20 units, priced at an astronomical 16.9 million yen each. There were, of course, uncertainties. Nevertheless, our goal was to be recognized as a top tuner brand and to become an object of admiration. The development team faced significant challenges, and they likely felt a great sense of accomplishment. Personally, I'm proud we were able to bring it to market."

On December 20, 2004, NISMO launched the 'NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune,' a complete car based on the Skyline GT-R (BNR34), limited to 20 units. The number 20 commemorated NISMO's 20th anniversary. The stringent criteria for base vehicles included mileage under 30,000 km, and considering the handcraftsmanship required, 20 units were likely the maximum. As mentioned earlier, this resulted in a car that would later gain global value, fulfilling Tanaka's dream of creating a modified car recognized worldwide.

Moreover, the knowledge and technology gained from the Z-tune project supported NISMO's ongoing business and solidified its brand image. This extended to restoration modifications. In addition to the 'NISMO Heritage' program, which revived discontinued OEM parts, the 'NISMO Restored Car' initiative launched at the end of 2020, aiming to restore cars to new or better-than-new performance (Clubman Race Spec/CRS). This experience with the Z-tune, a non-new car project of just 20 units, enabled the implementation of such programs.

This legacy extends beyond Japan, attracting global attention. In this sense, the NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune continues to shine as a "star" admired by GT-R enthusiasts worldwide, not a fleeting meteor but a beacon of lasting brilliance.


(Catchphrases)

P148
"Even with the end of new production,
we never gave up and pursued the 'ultimate.'"

P151
"The knowledge and technology gained from developing the Z-tune have become NISMO's assets and pride."


(Captions)

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The NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune is a complete car based on high-quality approved cars with less than 30,000 km on the odometer. The disassembly and reassembly of modified parts were carried out with racing car precision. The power unit, RB26DETT modified to Z2, is a 2.8L engine with GT500 engine expertise, producing over 368 kW (500 ps) and over 540 Nm (55.0 kg-m) of torque. The body parts include special CFRP bumpers, blister fenders, and hoods. Suspension is by SACHS, brakes by Brembo, and wheels by RAYS, featuring top supplier technology.

P151
Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd.
NISMO Division
Managing Executive Officer
Toshikazu Tanaka
Growing up in NISMO’s motorsports field, Tanaka became the manager of Omori Factory in 1998. He led product planning for S-tune, R-tune, and Z-tune, particularly focusing on the development of the NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune. His contributions include establishing the NISMO Festival, launching the GT-R NISMO GT3, achieving significant race activities, and overseeing the young driver development project.

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New Value for Restored Cars
NISMO Restored Car

In addition to the 'NISMO Heritage' program, which revives discontinued OEM parts, NISMO has defined a new concept for restored cars with 'NISMO Restored Car.' This program transcends mere visual restoration, aiming to "restore performance in a visible way" across all areas. The body undergoes "white body torsional rigidity measurement" and "body dimension measurement" based on NISMO standards during restoration. Repainting is available in desired colors, and interior coordination can include upholstery from the R35 GT-R. The engine is fully disassembled, overhauled, balanced, and tested on a bench to restore it to new performance levels. After completion, the car undergoes chassis dynamometer testing and test drives by professional drivers before delivery. The program caters to the Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34), handled at NISMO’s direct stores and available as complete cars.