Godzilla Part II
If you thought the GT-R was cool already, Nissan is about to really make it hurt. A limited-production GT-R SpecV model is scheduled to go on sale this year in Japan. The SpecV will have a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a carbon-fiber grille, and carbon-fiber brake ducts. It will only be available in Ultimate Black Opal. As the GT-R should have been from the get go, SpecV models will be a two-seater. Non-SpecV models are all four-seaters. Carbon-fiber bucket seats will be supplied by none other than Recaro.
Horsepower is estimated at 550. With a new boost controller, the SpecV will have greater torque in the mid-range while having better fuel economy in the low-end. In addition to the new carbon-ceramic brakes, the exhaust will be titanium-coated. Overall driver feel will be enhanced acceleration and braking over the already superb GT-R. Carbon, titanium, and more horsepower... things we all crave. Too bad, the SpecV is not yet scheduled for US release. We'll just have to wait and see if Nissan USA feels there's a market for a newer badder Godzilla.
What Are you Doing with...
Jonathan Wong
Normally you take random calls from our in-house random extraordinaire, Charles but since he took over the editor's duties this month, we gave JDM Wong the shameful task of calling a random reader, in this case our own Tetsu - all on US time. We love waking people up at 4am. This will show them it's always wise to put that phone on silent or shut it down when you're getting that shut eye! Want a random call from Charles next time? Email us your phone number at mailsack@superstreetonline.com.Tetsuya Ogushi,Saitama, Japan
(phone rings multiple times, then connects to a Japanese message system that cannot be understood, hang up)
(try again, phone rings multiple times then finally connects to a live voice)
Tetsu: Moshi-moshi?
Jonathan: Hai-hai Tetsu. Ohayogozaimasu! What time is it?
Tetsu: It's vely earry. I am sreeping now.
Jonathan: Oh, it's 4 in the morning. Sorry.
Tetsu: What do you want?
Jonathan: Nothing really. I can just email you. Did you have a long night at soapland?
Tetsu: What?? Please don't calling me this earry anymore.
Jonathan: You're funny Tetsu. When are you coming back to the States?
Tetsu: (click)
Jonathan: Hello? Tetsu?
(phone redial)
Tetsu: (rings)
Tetsu: (sighs) I am velly angly now. (click)
Jonathan: Oops.
Classic Super Street
Ten years ago, Hondas dominated the import car scene, and Super Street was no exception. We had tons of great Hondas. The April 1999 issue had classics like Steph Papadakis' drag EF/EK Civic to sneak peaks of the upcoming S2000. Also an old school DA Integra on Mugen M7s and a CRX that put Ed Bergenholtz on the map. And of course, our now editor in chief, Jonny Wong, was still the FNG.