GT5 Transcripts/Nissan Calsonic IMPUL GT-R (SUPER GT) '08

The Nissan team had fought hard in the Super GT series with the Fairlady Z until the 2007 season, but 2008 was the year to roll out the new GT-R out onto the track.

The new Super GT spec GT-R was built for vehicle specifications that were to be introduced in 2009, so it was entered as a specially approved vehicle. The A-pillar and roof of the base vehicle remained the same, while the height was lowered to 1,100 mm and the width was expanded to 2,000 mm, to the very limit of the regulations.

The underside of the body was greatly cut, the front nose was lowered as much as possible, and the front and rear wings were widened to the limit. Because of this, the GT-R had an intimidating look that greatly set it apart from the rival NSX and SC430, crouching low as though ready to pounce.

The mounted engine was the naturally aspirated VK45DE V8 engine introduced in the 2006 season for the Fairlady Z, and there were no notable changes. Still, the new GT-Rs immediately took 2 successive wins as soon as the season began, and in the end it had won 7 races out of 9. It was still lacking stability due to it being its debut year, so no single car went as far as to dominate the series, but the GT-R's still played the starring role in the 2008 race season.

The Calsonic IMPUL GT-R of team IMPUL led by Kazuyoshi Hoshino renewed their drivers for this season. With the new combination of Tsugio Matsuda and Sebastien Philippe behind the wheel, they placed 2nd in Okayama in the second race, won at Suzuka in round 6, and won at the final round in Fuji. They ranked 4th in the series, just under the full Nissan works team NISMO, an impressive achievement to say the least.