Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II (R34)

Aussiereg

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posted on 3 years ago — updated on 3 years ago

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Damian Rigby takes a look into the Tamiya Nissan GT-R V-spec II (R34) kit in 1/24 scale.

In-Box Review of the Sports Car Series Kit #258

INTRODUCTION

The Nissan GT-R R32 was released in 1989 as a base machine for Group-A racing. It was upgraded and became the R33 in 1995 and then R34 in 1999. In February 2002 a limited edition of the GT-R was released, called the "Nur" (after the Nurburgring circuit) equipped with the N1 racing specification engine and offering the upgrades of the V-spec II and the M-spec cars. The Nur was marketed as the last of the straight-6 engine GT-R, and the 1003 (718 V-spec II and 285 M-spec) vehicles produced under this spec sold out within 1 day!

Released in October 2000, the V·Spec II had increased stiffness in the suspension (even stiffer than the original V·Spec) and had larger rear brake rotors. It also came equipped with a carbon fibre bonnet equipped with a NACA duct, which is lighter than the aluminium that all other GT-R bonnets were made from. Also different on the V·Spec II was an iridium center console and aluminium pedals.

This kit provides parts for both V-spec II and V-spec II "Nur" versions.

Production of the R34 ended in 2002, as a result of new gas regulations which came into force in 2000.

THE KIT

The box is typical Tamiya, sturdy and top-opening with an attractive image on the top and plenty of detail on the sides. Opening the box, immediately the Tamiya quality and professionalism is obvious. The sprues are individually bagged and sealed, and a neat tight fit to prevent too much rattling around.

The instructions are a single sheet folded to less that A4 size, with information on the vehicle, hints and tips on construction, and details on option selection.

There are 5 sprues as follows:

Sprue A - metallic dark grey, contains floor pan, drive train and exhaust parts.

Sprue B - white, contains interior tub and parts, and body fairings.

Sprue C - chrome, contains wheel option 1 and light parts.

Sprue D - clear parts. Excellent clarity and no excessive thickness.

Sprue E - metallic dark grey, contains wheel option 2 and brake parts.

Additional parts are the main body, 4 rubber tyres, a small sheet of mesh for the grilles, masks for the clear parts and a small decals sheet.

Detail is very fine and crisp, there is no visible flash or seam lines to clean up. Sprue gates all appear to be logically located in areas where clean-up will be minimal and not intrusive.

Once we get into the construction steps, the sequence is as follows:

Steps 1 to 7 - steering, rear suspension, exhaust, drive train, brakes, front underguard, wheels (NOTE - this is a curbside kit, no engine and the hood is part of the main body).

Steps 8 and 9 - interior tub

Step 10 - windows and front bumper.

Step 11 - main body.

Step 12 - tail lights.

Step 13 - bumpers and side fairings.

Steps 14 to16 - main assembly.

Step 17 - rear wing assembly.

Step 18 - front lights and side mirrors

Step 19 - rear wing.

Although a far cry from my usual 50's and 60's muscle cars (this kit was a competition prize), I am really looking forward to building this one. It looks excellent in the box and knowing Tamiya it should build up beautifully.

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