1997-1999 Nissan R390 GT1

The Nissan R390 GT1 was a sports car built by Nismo and Tom Walkinshaw Racing for competition in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was developed from the ground up to compete in the GT1 class, which was the top class of sports car racing at the time. The car made its debut in 1997 and competed in three consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans races until 1999.

The R390 GT1 was powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V8 engine that produced around 600 horsepower. It featured an advanced aerodynamic design with a low-slung body and large rear wing for high speed stability. The car also had a sophisticated four-wheel drive system that provided excellent traction and handling on all types of surfaces. It was one of the most technically advanced cars of its time and was considered a serious contender for overall victory at Le Mans.

In 1998, the R390 GT1 achieved its greatest success by winning the GT1 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was driven by a team of four drivers: Eric Comas, Masahiko Kageyama, Anders Olofsson, and Naoki Hattori. They completed 351 laps over the course of 24 hours, finishing ahead of their nearest rivals by a margin of six laps. This was a historic victory for Nissan, as it was the first time a Japanese manufacturer had won the prestigious endurance race.

The R390 GT1 also had success in other endurance races, including the Suzuka 1000km and the FIA GT Championship. In total, the car achieved five victories and 10 podium finishes in international racing.

Despite its success, the R390 GT1 was retired from competition after the 1999 season due to changes in regulations that made the car obsolete. However, it remains one of the most iconic and memorable sports cars of the 1990s, and its legacy continues to inspire fans and enthusiasts around the world. #racing #racingcars #cars #carstr #grownostr