Being a student at Nissan Gakuen, the technical institute in Japan, must be quite enjoyable. Aside from acquiring skills that are likely to lead to a prosperous career in the automotive industry, they also participate in creating some truly intriguing automotive creations. You might recognize their Fairlady Z crossover and wagon (the wagon utilizing a Leaf’s hatch), but Gakuen students are also engaged in restoring older models. Three of these projects will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon next month.
Each vehicle, developed by students from Nissan’s Aichi and Kyoto facilities, is distinctly unique. One project features a last-gen Nissan Micra reimagined to resemble a Bluebird 312, incorporating some original Bluebird components. Another is a modified Skyline R30 sedan, inspired by its two-door RS Silhouette Formula variant. However, my personal favorite is a classic Nissan Sunny that has had its fenders expanded and now resembles a KPGC10 Nissan Skyline GT-R tailored for drifting.
Let’s discuss the Micra/Bluebird hybrid first. The students refer to this as the March Eloura; “March” is the Japanese designation for the Micra, while “Eloura” is a fabricated term that merges “era” and “luce,” the latter being Italian for “light.” While this may involve a lot of conceptual buildup, the Gakuen team has designed something that almost resembles a modern Pike car, featuring its retro grille, round headlights, and chic white roof and wheels.
The Re30 Skyline Silhouette—“Re” symbolizing “reborn,” “respect,” and “remake”—intends “to embody the spirit of motorsports” from the 1980s, as per a translated Nissan statement. The splitter is extreme, to say the least, leading up to the Skyline Silhouette’s recognizable and heavily ventilated hood, featuring seams on both sides. The sharp rear wing positioned at the base of the windshield completes the appearance, and naturally, Work Equip 01 rims suit an ’80s JDM creation perfectly. The students wisely preserved the blue interior of the sedan, a choice that clearly makes sense.
Finally, we arrive at the Sunny. Similar to the Re30, this project aims to reflect the excitement of vehicles from an earlier era, specifically the 1970s. The cartoon-like fenders reportedly required considerable trial and error, which is hardly surprising; sculpting that voluptuous shape until it’s just perfect appears to entail countless man-hours. Under the hood resides an SR20DE four-cylinder engine from an S15 Silvia, and the interior has been reupholstered and adorned with wood grain. It’s unfortunate that we lack images of it, as it sounds delightful.
Currently, our only disappointment is that Nissan has only issued one photograph for each vehicle, so we’ll need to wait until the Tokyo Auto Salon begins on January 9 for a closer look at these remarkable builds. In the interim, congratulations to the students involved. They have truly excelled as always and have much to take pride in here.
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**Nissan Technicians Rework Classic Skyline Sedan into Silhouette Racer**
The Nissan Skyline is celebrated for its high performance, engineering excellence, and iconic aesthetics. Among its many versions, the classic Skyline sedan is particularly adored by both car enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados. Recently, a team of talented Nissan technicians undertook an ambitious endeavor to convert this classic automobile into a silhouette racer, garnering significant attention in the automotive world.
### The Skyline Legacy
The Nissan Skyline, especially those models from the late 20th century, is well-known for its combination of aesthetics and power. With a rich legacy in motorsports, the Skyline has proven to be a strong contender in various racing categories, particularly in Japan. The silhouette racing category, distinguished by its unique body shapes and aerodynamic enhancements, provides a platform where creativity and engineering talents can shine.
### The Transformation Process
Transforming the classic Skyline sedan into a silhouette racer comprises several critical steps, each demanding meticulous detail and a deep comprehension of automotive engineering.
1. **Design and Planning**: The initial phase involved comprehensive design efforts, where technicians collaborated with designers to create a body kit that would enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics while respecting the essence of the original Skyline. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software was utilized to visualize the modifications and ensure optimal performance outcomes.
2. **Body Modifications**: Technicians commenced by stripping the automobile down to its chassis. The body was subsequently modified to incorporate broader fenders, a lowered stance, and a more aggressive front and rear fascia. These modifications not only improved aerodynamics but also imparted a more commanding presence on the track.
3. **Weight Reduction**: Prioritizing enhanced performance, weight reduction was imperative. Technicians substituted heavy components with lighter materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum. This involved the hood, trunk lid, and various interior components, ensuring the car retains its competitiveness in its category.
4. **Suspension and Chassis Tuning**: The suspension system saw upgrades to meet the demands of racing. Adjustable coilovers were added to facilitate precise tuning of ride height and stiffness. Moreover, the chassis was reinforced to endure the increased stresses of high-speed cornering and acceleration.
5. **Powertrain Enhancements**: The central feature of the silhouette racer is its engine. The team selected a high-performance turbocharged engine capable of producing substantial horsepower and torque. Enhancements included a larger turbocharger, upgraded intercooler, and a custom exhaust system, all contributing to better performance metrics.
6. **Safety Features**: Given the nature of racing, safety was of utmost importance. A roll cage, racing seats, and harnesses were installed to safeguard the driver during high-speed maneuvers. Fire suppression systems and upgraded braking components were also added to comply with racing laws.
### Testing and Fine-Tuning
After the transformation concluded, the Skyline silhouette racer underwent extensive testing. Technicians meticulously adjusted the suspension settings, engine performance, and aerodynamics to certify the vehicle’s capability to meet the demands of competitive racing. Track days were organized to collect data and implement necessary adjustments, enabling the team to perfect the car’s performance ahead of its official introduction.
### The Impact on Motorsport
The reimagining of the classic Skyline sedan into a silhouette racer not only highlights Nissan’s engineering skills but also celebrates the brand’s illustrious motorsport legacy. This initiative serves as an inspiration for both automotive enthusiasts and professionals, showcasing the innovative potential within classic automotive frameworks.
As the silhouette racer prepares for its inaugural competitive events, excitement builds among fans and rivals. This project underscores the enduring allure of the Nissan Skyline and affirms its legendary status within the realm of motorsports. With adept technicians steering the operation, this classic car is poised to leave its mark on the racetrack, merging nostalgia with state-of-the-art performance.