Slot.it Nissan R390 GT1

Le Mans 1998 Pre-Qualifying

Driven by K.Hoshino, A. Suzuki & M. Kageyama

History

After returning to sports car racing in 1995, Nismo had some measure of success with their Skyline GT-R LMs which had competed in the GT1 class. However, these cars were quickly outpaced by the influx of new manufacturers who were using loopholes in the GT regulations to build racing cars that bore little resemblance to their GT1 class competitors. This led to such machines as the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1, as well as the development of the McLaren F1 GTR. Nismo's Skyline GT-Rs therefore needed to be replaced with more purpose built machinery.

Turning to Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), Nismo began development of the R390 GT1, named to follow in the tradition started in the 1960s with Nissan's R380. The first decision for Nismo and TWR was the choice of engine. The previous Skyline GT-R LMs had used the trusted RB26DETT Inline-6 motor, but the design was old for a racing car, employing an iron block which added weight. Nismo instead chose to resurrect an engine from the Nissan R89C, a racing car from the Group C era. Its engine, the VRH35Z, was a 3.5L V8 which used an aluminium block, as well as having a lower center of gravity and a better ability to be used as a stressed member over the RB26. Thus the engine was upgraded and designated VRH35L, and would produce approximately 641 hp (478 kW) at 6800 rpm.

The car's styling group was led by Tony Southgate, a member of Tom Walkinshaw Racing and the designer of the Jaguar XJR-9 which had won at Le Mans. Due to this, the R390 GT1 bears a resemblance to the Jaguar XJR-15, which was also developed by TWR and based on the XJR-9. Development of the car was achieved in a small amount of time, especially due to not having to scratch-build an engine. Nismo and TWR also had to build a production version of the R390 GT1 in order to meet production regulations. Only two road-legal R390's were built, with one road car ending up in storage at Nissan's Zama, Kanagawa facility.

For 1998 the R390 was modified, most notably in the extension of its rear bodywork to create more downforce naturally, thus creating a "long tail" version.

Racing

Completed in time for the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans, the three black and red R390 GT1s were fast in their first competition. One R390 GT1 was able to qualify in 4th on the grid and 2nd in its class behind a Porsche 911 GT1, while its partners qualified 12th and 21st. During the race both cars were able to perform admirably, but around halfway through the race two of the three R390s suffered mechanical failure. The third R390 was able to survive the rest of the race, finishing 12th overall and 5th in class, although many laps down from the race winners.

For 1998, Nissan returned, this time with four R390 GT1s. The cars were slightly upgraded, with more downforce able to be generated by a longer rear tail, and a new rear wing placement for less drag. Although Nissan was easily beaten in qualifying by Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, Nissan was able to achieve considerable success in the race. As an achievement of its own, all four cars were able to finish the race. With this, Nissan was able to finish 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 10th overall, being beaten only by the Porsche 911 GT1.

Following the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans, rules for the GT classes were changed, mostly to end the amount of manufacturers attempting to use loopholes. This meant Nissan was forced to abandon the R390 as it was no longer legal. Nissan instead turned to the LMP classes, developing the R391 prototype for 1999. This program would also be short lived and Nissan would end up leaving Le Mans.

A total of eight R390 GT1 race chassis were built over the two years of the program.

Source: Wikipedia

As a reviewer, I was spoilt to receive 3 Slot.it cars in one go, the Mazda 787B, the Jaguar XJR 12 and this Nissan R390 GT1. All exceptional cars with excellent running characteristics.

Take each one by itself and it is stunning, compare it to an average slot car and it excels, but compare them to each other and you find that it is tricky. They have the same motors and similar chassis. The Nissan however has a 26 tooth crown gear compared to a 28 tooth crown on the Mazda and Jaguar. The Nissan rides a fraction lower then the other cars. It is not as smooth as the Mazda though - why? I can't determine. I don't have any means to measure smoothness, but the Mazda is definitely the smoothest and seems the fastest (I don't have a timing system set up on my track yet - hopefully soon.

The chassis has an adjustable pod and can take an anglewinder motor setup if desired.

The build quality is great as you would expect. Details that look good are the etched grills and engine components under the rear window. The rear spoiler is very secure and robust so no spare spoiler is supplied. The light (lenses) look great and cry out for a lighting kit to be added.

The pale blue paint and orange highlights look great as you can see from the photos. No fault to any of the tamo on the body.

My sample had a drop of glue on the rear of the car - hardly noticeable, but it slipped though quality control. My other gripe is the driver's helmet has most of the visor painted over with a Nissan logo. A slip-up on the tampo machine I expect. No way the little guy could see out of there.

This Nissan R390 GT1 Long Tail #32 Pre Qualifying Le Mans 1998 model is available now for less than £45. The Calsonic model - Nissan R390 GT1 - #32 3nd Le Mans 1998 and the Clarion model - Nissan R390 GT1 - #30 Le Mans 1998 are on pre-order for 2010 also for less than £45 each.

Another must have for Slot.it fans. I can can see collectors getting all 3 cars.

DT - November 2009