SPL = Special

For the GT1000+, having a fortified mill allowed for increased power by way of bigger turbochargers. While several of the GT1000 kit’s components carried over, other parts like the turbos had been upgraded. The GT1000 system relies on a pair of GTII 7867 turbochargers rated at approximately 540 horsepower each, while the GT1000+ has been fitting with a set of prototype SPL turbochargers mounted to GT1000 cast exhaust manifolds instead.

Although the turbocharger specifications remain shrouded by confidentiality, HKS estimates that these turbochargers raise the GT1000+’s output to 1,200 horsepower and 940 lb-ft of torque to the wheels.

Clutch Player

[pullquote]HKS INVESTED HEAVILY INTO IMPROVING THE GR6 TRANSMISSION[/pullquote]Generating more horsepower exposed a vulnerability in the GT-R’s driveline, as the GR6 dual clutch transmission has proven to be reliable to up to around 700 horsepower. HKS invested heavily into improving the GR6 transmission, developing its own proprietary solutions to strengthen the gearbox for more than double the factory output. The end result is HKS’ GR6 Transmission Gear Kit with Clutch Upgrade package, which fortifies the GT1000+ gearbox. The track proven kit (tested extensively on the GT1000 during development) includes strengthened transmission components such as thicker gears and steel (instead of aluminum) plates and shift forks.

To transfer power through the gears, HKS developed its own clutch pack solution. The HKS clutch pack features an original design with a deeper basket to hold two additional clutch plates without having to use thinner disks and plates. The new design also employs improved oil seals and a ball bearing (instead of a needle bearing). HKS states that these changes result in a greater capacity for oil pressure and improved support at higher engine speeds, with reliable performance and daily drivability, as proven in the GT1000 test program.

 A New Legacy, on Track

What’s better than kicking off a new year celebrating the performance heritage and legacy of your company? Setting a track record at that venue before thousands of automotive enthusiasts and fanatics. At the HKS Premium Day held at Fuji Speedway in January 2014, Nobuteru Taniguchi got behind the wheel of the GT1000+ project car and made a few very hot laps around the track.

He set a new class record with a 1:39.853 lap time. To put this in relative terms, a stock GT-R ran a 1:53.047, the Top Secret Super GT-R1000 ran a 1:45.499 and the HKS Technical Factory/Varis Kamikaze-R ran a 1:43.221.

[pullquote]THE PRO CLASS WILL ONLY NEED TO ABIDE BY TWO RULES, WEIGHT AND TIRES[/pullquote]As HKS makes refinements to the GT1000+, the vehicle is almost ready to take a cruise to the Land Down Under for the World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) in October. For the first time, WTAC will have a special “one make” class just for the R35 GT-R. The Tuner Class will require competitors to conform to a more restricted rulebook, while the Pro Class will only need to abide by two rules, weight and tires.

According to WTAC’s Ian Baker, “Creation of this class has been in the works for two years. We’ve worked closely with Yokohama Tire, who also works closely with HKS. Our discussions led to the creation of the R35 class, since few would be competitive in any of the existing classes due to weight, limited tire options, etc. We’re excited to have HKS and Top Secret competing for Japan while Willall Racing and Croydon Racing Developments will represent Australia.”

As HKS readies itself for the world stage, many ask, “Will the GT1000+ carry on the HKS legacy of setting track records?” October is less than 100 days away, stay tuned to find out.