We've said it before and we'll say it again: The Skyline GT-R is an outright amazing machine. You may think that it's just the one sided attitude of uppity auto magazines that the GT-R is all that, but the car's potential is undeniable. Take this BNR34 Skyline GT-R, tuned by Autech Tsukada. Weighing in at more than a ton and a half, Autech's R34 is still able to clock Tsukuba Circuit in under a minute, and in street form no less.
Autech Tsukada, also known as ATTKD, is a hardcore JDM racing shop that lives for only one thing: to run super low lap times. Owner of one of the fastest naturally aspirated 350Z's in Japan, as well as a monstrous black R32 GT-R race car, ATTKD's white R34 GT-R is one of its rare street projects. But, don't judge a car by its full interior. Although this 3064lb Nissan is laden with twin turbochargers, an iron block and a complex all-wheel drive system, ATTKD has managed to clock a 58.6-second lap time at Tsukuba Circuit during shakedown testing sessions.
The recipe for on-track domination began with the engine. ATTKD removed the RB26DETT engine and tore it apart to install a HKS 2.8L stroker kit. Consisting of a new crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, the stroker kit uses increased displacement to push more power to spin the twin HKS GT2530 turbochargers. Held in place by the stock exhaust manifold, the HKS snails exit into an ATTKD titanium down pipe and into a refreshingly stealthy ATTKD titanium exhaust system. Breathing in through a pair of HKS Power Flow intakes, the GT2530 turbochargers blow into HKS intercooler piping and an ARC front-mount intercooler. Sharing space in the nose with a HKS oil cooler kit, the ARC unit helps keep the intake charge temperature under control.
Fuel is provided by a Nismo fuel pump and Power Enterprise 800cc/min fuel injectors, which collide with a regular 17psi of boost. The exhaust camshaft has been changed out for a JUN Auto 280-degree unit, while the intake camshaft has been replaced by the technically intriguing HKS VCam system. The VCam system replaces the intake camshaft and allows the use of variable valve timing on the intake side whenever the system is activated. Interfacing with a HKS F-Con V Pro engine management system, the VCam system has been used by ATTKD to maximize the power band for more than just high-RPM track use.
Although the stock RB26 six-speed transmission and drivetrain setup has been proven time after time to hold more than 750whp, ATTKD demanded more. A Hollinger six-speed sequential transmission was sourced for this car, allowing split-second shifts that are carried out faster than any human being could even begin to process. The stock clutch has been changed out for a 630whp-ready ATS carbon clutch, which feeds into an ATS carbon limited-slip differential. Autech Tsukada also produces all the fluids used in this R34, from the motor oil on down to the differential and transmission fluid.
Prodigious power and a slick sequential transmission are always welcome items on a track, but a successful street/track car must possess the full package. In order to repeatedly and consistently stop this massive white missile, ATTKD installed a set of Endless six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes. Fit with huge 355mm front and 330mm rear two-piece brake rotors, the Endless calipers squeeze Endless NA-R brake pads and have proven to be fade-free lap after lap at Tsukuba Circuit. Covered by gold Volk Racing CE28N forged aluminum wheels, the brakes are ultimately only as good as their connection to the asphalt. Luckily for the driver, ATTKD uses Dunlop Direzza Z1 tires, in a grip-inducing 265/35/18 size.
As impressive as the ATTKD-tuned RB26 engine, drivetrain and braking setup is, the real jewel is the adjustable Autech suspension system. Accented by a set of Ikeya Formula suspension arms and ATTKD roll center adjusters, the ATTKD coilovers provide the perfect dampening settings, set up using hours of trackside research. Giving the R34 balance and control, these coilovers allow the heavyweight GT-R to dance like a flyweight and drive like a car half its size. Dry carbon fiber is also used as part of the diet regiment, showing up in the doors, hood and trunk. All the carbon body parts, including the front bumper and GT Wing, are produced in-house by ATTKD. The lightweight body parts are immaculately molded, with the doors passing for OEM replacements to the passing eye. Offsetting the weight of the six-point roll cage, the carbon body parts combined with the lightweight Recaro bucket seat and stripped backseat to help bring this R34's hefty curb weight down to a reasonable number.
The key to building a great street-legal track car is not that difficult to figure out, especially if you've got years of experience to build upon. ATTKD's R34 GT-R is not your average 631whp Skyline, and ATTKD is not your average tuner garage. Changes have been made to the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, body and interior, but every piece has been engineered and thought out to provide a distinct advantage. So it's no wonder that when you take the mighty Skyline GT-R, and then add in Autech Tsukada to the equation, you end up with success.