Now that images of the Nissan GT-R are almost becoming commonplace, Nissan has upped the ante a bit with a series of pictures of the GT-R prepped for the GT500 class in Japan’s Super GT series. The shakedown test took place yesterday and today at the famed Suzuka track under the watchful eyes of the NISMO team. At the wheel were NISMO regulars Satoshi Motoyama, Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda. Apparently the test went off without a hitch, which is as expected given the experience of the team.

More images after the break
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As regular readers know, I have a bit of a thing for Nissan’s modern Zed car. The car is just so good, that its’ joy to drive under almost all conditions. Equally happy on windy roads as it is in the snow (with winter boots of course) it is truly a world class all around sports car. When I saw the Nismo model sitting there waiting for me, I just had to give it a go. I mean, what could be better than taking a world class sports car, stiffening the chassis, beefing up the suspension and a bunch of other track tested bits and bites?

The 350Z Nismo wears a Super GT inspired body kit that gets mixed reviews. The more reserved among us (read fuddy duddies) feel the skirts and step ladder wing are a bit over the top, while others seem to thing designers could have gone a bit farther with the wing. Either way, there is no mistaking that this is missile is destined for track usage.
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Regular readers here in The Garage know that I’ve got a soft spot for the Nissan’s twisty warrior, the 350Z. In stock form it’s one of the best all around sports cars I’ve ever driven, besting many cars that cost more than double. This season, Nissan is upping the ante with a hi-po version that’s decked out with the full line of Nismo upgrades.

Beginning with the cosmetic stuff, there is a full aero package that was inspired by the factory Super GT Championship winning cars. This body kit doesn’t only look good though, as it provides additional downforce at high speeds that will be most welcome on lapping days.

One of the great things about 350Z owners is that many of them actually do take their cars to local track days. The Nismo is even better equipped for the track, with a tweaked suspension, free breathing exhaust and big Brembo brakes to slow things down. Horsepower is up to 306.

Read the full details from Nissan after the break
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Nissan Motorsports, otherwise known as NISMO has a stellar history in the Japanese Super GT Championship, having won 2 out of the last 3 years. For 2007 they have introduced a V8 powered Fairlady Z to the series. At the same time, they have ramped up their support for customer teams across the globe.

Today’s press release actually doesn’t give too much information about the actual car, other than the fact that the car is powered by a 4.5 liter V8. The sole picture released shows a complete carbon fiber body.

Nissan press release after the break
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Nissan press release

Round 5 of SUPER GT was held at Sportsland SUGO. The XANAVI NISMO Z (#23) with Satoshi Motoyama and Tsugio Matsuda took a 2nd place finish after an exciting and fierce battle. The MOTUL AUTECH Z (#22) with Michael Krumm and Richard Lyons started from 5th, finishing on the 3rd step of the podium. The number of spectators totaled 50,100.

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