Nissan GT-R

The GT-R road car may not even be on sale yet in Japan, but the race version has already had its first shakedown test at the Suzuka race circuit. This GT500-class GT-R will race in the Japanese Super GT series – perhaps the world’s most exciting GT series – against highly modified Honda NSXs and Lexus SC430s.

The rules limit GT500 cars to 500bhp but allow huge modifications in aerodynamics and chassis construction, making them quicker than European-spec GT racers like the Aston DBR9.

Yoshitaka Iijima, Nismo team director for Super GT, was optimistic after the test: ‘We obtained positive feedback on the car’s potential from the drivers. We are aware of the GT-R’s popularity and racing heritage. We will make our best effort to win the championship next year.’