The Record Breaker That Crossed the Ocean

Jordan Sawalgah | BCNR33 - 1995
HKS T-002

(Main Text)

"This car is truly a 'unicorn' to me. A sacred, one-of-a-kind entity with no substitutes," says Jordan Sawalgah, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona—a resort town in the scorching desert—speaking passionately about his beloved HKS T-002.

The T-002 is a legendary "record breaker" developed by HKS, based on the second-generation Skyline GT-R, specifically the BCNR33. Looking back at its record, it first set a time of 58.716 seconds at Tsukuba Circuit TC2000 in 1995. Although it narrowly missed the title of the first tuning car to break the one-minute barrier at Tsukuba, which Mines (BNR32 N1 / 59.783 seconds) claimed due to a slight difference in development timing, HKS quickly surpassed its rival with a significantly better time, showcasing its pride, technical prowess, and determination.

Then in 1997, shifting its focus from street car position to Tsukuba Attack, HKS transitioned its machine development leadership from the product development department to the racing department. They aimed for the "0→300km/h Attack" at the high-speed oval of JARI (Japan Automobile Research Institute) in Yatabe, Tochigi Prefecture, pushing the limits of technology at the time (RB26 Step 3 spec: IN 280 degrees/10.9mm lift, EX 290 degrees/11.3mm lift cams, GT3037S turbines, producing over 900ps). As a result, amidst the fierce competition among renowned tuners to break the "20-second barrier," the HKS T-002 shattered the record with a time of 17.640 seconds, leaving the tuning world in awe.

"I first learned about the T-002 when I was 14 years old. The footage of the 300km/h Attack on Video OPTION changed my outlook on life instantly. I watched the car gripping the high-speed bank at Yatabe so many times that the VHS tape wore out. Since then, I've been completely captivated by power and speed, constantly seeking intense thrills with various cars after I got my license. I've driven a twin-turbo Gallardo with over 2000hp, reaching a top speed of 211mph (337.6km/h) in a half-mile (0.8km), but I've never encountered a machine that surpasses the impact the T-002 had on me when I was 14," Jordan recalls.

Having achieved success in business at a young age, Jordan now boasts an extensive collection of speed machines in his secret garage. From hot rods to new and old super sports, rare vintage cars to youngtimers, his diverse lineup clearly reflects his passion for cars. Among them, the most cherished is the HKS T-002, which he won at a collectible car auction (BH Auction/BINGO) held at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon.

"I never imagined my unicorn would be auctioned in Japan. I was genuinely shocked when I found out about it online and immediately contacted the auction company to participate via phone bid from overseas. There were rivals in the auction, but I was determined not to lose. I was prepared to bid whatever it took," Jordan says.

The fact that T-002, a genuine record breaker, ended up with a dedicated car enthusiast like Jordan is a stroke of luck. Remarkably, Jordan managed to obtain a license plate for T-002, making it street-legal in the U.S.

"In the U.S., vehicle registration regulations vary by state. Since I work in the business of registering special vehicles, I intended to officially register T-002 from the start. After winning the bid, I had HKS perform detailed modifications to make it more streetable while preserving its original intense performance. MAX ORIDO (Manabu Orido) even did a shakedown at Tsukuba to ensure the perfect setup," Jordan explains.

The current spec sheet for T-002, which crossed the ocean to Arizona, reveals an engine built around the RB26 2.8L KIT (Step 2) with a GTIII-5R (prototype) single turbine, controlled by F-CON V Pro, producing 713ps (Rev 9000rpm) and 80.4kgf-m of maximum torque. The suspension is equipped with HKS HIPERMAX MAX IV GT LIMITED EDITION, and the wheels are blindingly white ADVAN Racing GT (18×11J front and rear), shod with ADVAN A052 tires (295/35-18 front and rear), suitable for both street and track use. The interior is completely stripped down, with the dashboard removed and replaced with a simple raw carbon panel, exuding the austere aura of a racing machine.

"This car never ceases to amaze me. Besides the mind-blowing performance, I'm particularly impressed with its drivability. The HIPERMAX custom suspension offers ideal compliance, maintaining grip and traction even on rough roads while providing a comfortable ride. Scottsdale's roads are well-maintained, but the desert areas can be full of potholes. Of course, I avoid those places, but I'm still amazed by the car's stability. The sound is incredible, like a jet fighter, so I don't drive it in town during the day. Sometimes I enjoy it on the street at night, but with a gas tank of only 5 gallons (18 liters), long trips are out of the question. This car's home is undoubtedly the test track," Jordan asserts.

Watching the HKS T-002 tear down the long, straight roads of the American West with a roar reminiscent of a jet fighter was truly a sight to behold. It felt like witnessing a legendary record breaker from Japan's tuning history embarking on a new journey in America, imbued with an indescribable romance.

"In the future, I plan to take T-002 to the racetrack and give it a proper run. It's a dream come true to build new legends with the unicorn that changed my life in one fell swoop," Jordan dreams aloud.

(Catchphrases)

P104
"A sacred, one-of-a-kind entity with no substitutes. Yes, this is truly a 'unicorn.'"

P106
"The T-002 set a record-breaking time of 17.640 seconds in the 0→300km/h Attack."

P108
"Its acceleration is like a jet fighter. And yet, it's surprisingly comfortable to drive."

P110
"T-002, now in its second 'car life' in America, carries an indescribable romance."

(Captions)

P104
"The T-002, imbued with the spirit of HKS, has been modified for street use while retaining its original performance. The top mount of the HIPERMAX MAX IV GT LIMITED EDITION is stamped with 'Serial No. 00/00,' suggesting a special prototype was used."

P106
"In 1995, the T-002 set a lap time record of 58.716 seconds at Tsukuba Circuit TC2000. In 1997, with performance pushed to the extreme, it set an astonishing record of 17.640 seconds in the 0→300km/h Attack at the high-speed bank of Yatabe, shaking the tuning industry. The T-002 is truly an 'ultimate' legendary record breaker."

P107
"Currently, the T-002's engine is built around the RB26 2.8L KIT (Step 2) with a GTIII-5R (prototype) single turbine, controlled by F-CON V Pro, producing 713ps (Rev 9000rpm) and 80.4kgf-m of maximum torque. The suspension is equipped with HKS HIPERMAX MAX IV GT LIMITED EDITION, and the wheels are blindingly white ADVAN Racing GT (18×11J front and rear), shod with ADVAN A052 tires (295/35-18 front and rear). The interior is completely stripped down, with the dashboard removed and replaced with a simple raw carbon panel, exuding the austere aura of a racing machine."