The all-tarmac rally will play to the GT-R's strong suits, allowing for the car's prodigious output and highly dynamic chassis to make the most of the unpredictable and twisty stages. But like all production cars, the GT-R will still require extensive modification to be suitable for the race.
Stillen's key areas of modification are: lightening, power, braking and suspension. To save weight, they will be replace the stock seats with race units, and use dry carbon fiber body panels wherever possible - no expense spared.
Power-adding is fairly easy in a forced-induction car, though the GT-R's ECU has been notoriously hard to tweak. Nevertheless, Stillen plans a new performance exhaust, intercooler and an ECU tune for what it hopes to be a big power gain. Keeping that power in check will be a new set of brakes co-developed with AP Racing.
Suspension mods are being kept top-secret, but Stillen is admitting to upgraded shocks and adjustable anti-roll bars at front and rear.
The 2009 Targa Newfoundland gets underway September 12 and runs through September 19, so the team has just 6 months to build the car up from scratch. Keep your eyes peeled for more on the race and the Stillen GT-R entry as the event approaches.
