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The R390 GT1 emerged from Nissan’s partnership with legendary British firm Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), known for Le Mans victories with Jaguar. Developed for GT1 class regulations requiring street-legal versions, Nissan embraced the spirit by building the road car first, unlike competitors.

The R390 GT1 became the fastest and most expensive road car ever developed by Nissan. While campaigning only for 1997 and 1998 Le Mans races, its impact was immense, achieving Nissan’s most successful Le Mans result to date.

The heart is Nissan’s VRH35L twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V8, rooted in Group C era racing. Race trim produced 650 PS (641 bhp) at 6800rpm, while the street-legal version was rated at 549.9 bhp.

Performance was staggering: 0-100 km/h under 4.0 seconds, with 0-60mph in approximately 3.3-3.9 seconds. Top speed reached 354 km/h (220 mph). Power went through an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox to the rear wheels.

The stunning form was penned by Ian Callum at TWR Design, incorporating family features like 300ZX headlamps and twin front grilles. Underneath lay an all-carbon fibre monocoque based on the Jaguar XJR-15.

The 1998 specification introduced a long-tail carbon fibre shape, extending length by 13 centimeters. This aerodynamic refinement, honed through extensive wind-tunnel testing, improved airflow and addressed previous cooling issues.

The road car featured launch control and traction control limiting fuel to individual cylinders when detecting wheelspin. Suspension utilized upper and lower A-arms with coil springs, inboard shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars.

Stopping power came from massive AP 14-inch vented disc brakes with six-piston calipers and ABS. The combination of advanced chassis technology and aerodynamics enabled the R390 to compete with purpose-built prototypes.

While primarily a race machine, the road car included standard road appliances, full instrumentation, and leather-covered racing seats. The competition lineage showed through the short-throw sequential gear lever and tiny racing steering wheel.

The intent was extreme performance without compromising street driveability. One restored race car required door panels, glass windshield, and minimal upholstery just to comply with road regulations, showcasing how close the original was to a bare prototype.

The 1998 race was the program’s redemption. The updated long-tail R390 GT1 achieved Nissan’s most successful Le Mans result, securing 3rd place overall and capturing four of the top ten spots (3rd, 5th, 6th, and 10th).

The R390’s legacy extends beyond racing—the VRH engine design was sold to McLaren, becoming the basis for their M838T and M840T engines in models like the MP4-12C and 720S. Its Gran Turismo appearances cemented its status as a gaming icon.