GT5 Transcripts/Nissan R390 GT1 Race Car '98

Nissan, in an effort to claim the ever elusive title of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, developed a GT1-class machine in 1997 with TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing). Tony Southgate created the basic design and placed a VRH35L, a twin turbocharged 3.5 liter V-8 which is a favorite from the days of Group C cars, into a carbon monocoque body and added an orthodox suspension.
That year, the R390 was entered in Le Mans without sufficient testing and did not fare well. To rectify their mistake Nissan made big changes to the R390 for the following year, including adding ABS and TCS. Also, the stock gearbox was swapped in favor of one made by X-Track. With adequate amounts of testing, Nissan engaged in a full assault at the 1998 race with four R390s. The No. 30 car was driven by John Nielsen, Micheal Krumm, and Franck Lagorce, the No.31 by Jan Lammers, Eric Comas, and Andrea Montermini, the No.32 by Aguri Suzuki, Kazuyoshi Hoshino and Masahiko Kageyama, and finally, the No. 33 by Satoshi Motoyama, Takuya Kurosawa, and Masami Kageyama.
Porsche, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW were all present at that year's Le Mans, making for a fierce struggle. In the end, the Porsche cars were too strong, posting 1-2 finish. but the No.32 R390 managed an impressive 3rd place. This marked the first time an all-Japanese team had made it to the podium.
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