10 Best Cover Cars from the first 100 Issues

05| XS Engineering Skyline GT-R

Top Cover 05 XS Engineering Skyline GT-RCircuit
Peak Horsepower: 850 @ 7,850 RPM (DTS Dyno)
Issue: 49 / January 2007
Published Time: 1:07.63 – Auto Club Speedway Infield

XS Engineering showcased its prowess as a chassis and engine builder with this widebody R32 Skyline GT-R. Featuring a fully-built RB26 engine displacing 2.8-liters, the R32 put down 850 horsepower to the pavement while maintaining adequate boost response for circuit duty. With full suspension and aero work to complete  the build, the R32 had all the bases covered to compete in the 2006 Street Tuner Challenge. Time-attack icon Eiji “Tarzan” Yamada was chosen to pilot the GT-R on the infield of the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Tarzan delivered a scorching 1:07.63 lap time, capturing both the Unlimited AWD title as well as the Overall Championship. In addition, the XS R32 held the track record at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, NV, which stood for four years before being broken.

At the 2008 IDRC finals, XS Engineering’s Eric Hsu brought the GT-R out to compete in the GT-R Challenge. He competed against R32’s, R33’s, R34’s and R35’s, coming out on top with his quickest sprint of 10.427 at 137MPH.

UPDATE
The GT-R may have a new owner soon. If the transaction goes through, it will very likely get the financial backing necessary to make further development progress, get out on the track and set new records.

Read the original article here