Tamiya 1/24 Kure Nismo GT-R

The Nissan GT-R (Japanese: 日産・GT-R, Nissan GT-R), is a sports car and grand tourer produced by Nissan, unveiled in 2007. It is the successor to the Nissan Skyline GT-R, a high-performance variant of the Nissan Skyline. Although this model was the sixth-generation to bear the GT-R name, it is no longer part of the Skyline line-up. The GT-R is built on the PM platform, which is derived from the FM platform used in the Skyline and the Nissan Z models.

After more than six years of development, the production version of the GT-R was unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and featured the VR38DETT engine and other new technologies. The overall body is made out of steel, aluminium and other materials such as carbon-fibre. The GT-R was sold worldwide, unlike its predecessors which were only sold in a limited number of markets. The GT-R has had several facelifts, updates and special editions throughout the years. The GT-R was praised and received various accolades by automotive publications for its performance and practicality at a relatively-low price. It is one of the fastest production cars in the market. It has also competed in various motorsports.

This kit is based on the fourth generation Skyline and represents the pinnacle of that series. Molded in black and silver, the kit is a curbside with a full race interior and an exterior that is festooned with all the aerodynamic aids required for the Japanese GT Competition series. The car in the kit was sponsored by Kure, a Japanese manufacturer of automotive maintenance products.

The kit provides a full front and rear suspension that fit onto the chassis pan. The forward section includes the bottom of the engine and transmission. The prepainted aluminum wheels are held in place via stub axles that fit into polycaps.

Interior is quite complex thanks to the full roll cage. This cage is built up in sections as you need to install interior bits after parts of the cage have already been installed. You are provided decals for the instruments and for the seat harness as well as the seat insert.

Then the body is assembled. You have basically a one piece shell with separate windows. Unlike later Tamiya GT kits, this one does not include masks so there will need to be some careful masking done as several of the transparencies have intake vents to mask around. There is a fairly complex wing assembly along with various vents on the body side. On the underside is a flat forward panel and a diffuser for under the aft section. When the body is done, it fits onto the completed chassis.

Instructions are well done with Tamiya paint information provided. Decals are for the box art car which will be a breeze to paint as the body is overall gloss black. Most of the interior is aluminum  so there is some contrast between inner and outer. Decals are nicely printed and even as old as they are, should work well. You are also provided decals for the rubber tires.

As always, Tamiya produces kits that they think will sell well in the home market and this is a prime example of that. The kit is well molded, well engineered and will produce a superb replica once completed.