The GT-R"Father of GT-R" Kazutoshi Mizuno's book
The GT-R"Father of GT-R" Kazutoshi Mizuno's book
Couldn't load pickup availability
Share
A world first. The cover and spine are made from autoclaved carbon fiber. The same material used in the R35 GT-R.
Only 3,500 first edition premium books will be sold worldwide, each with a unique serial number and a handwritten signature by Kazutoshi Mizuno.
A limited edition premium book comes with a unique serial number inscribed inside.
This publication contains the untold stories behind the development of the R35 GT-R, including his philosophy of Monozukuri (the art of craftsmanship), insights on customer perspectives, and the hidden technological wonders beneath the skin.
※ This book is the first in the world to be bound with autoclaved carbon-fiber panels on the cover and spine. This material is identical to the one used on the actual R35 GT-R. The book will also be imprinted with a unique serial number and will not be available in bookstores. Sales volume will be limited based on pre-orders.
For R35 GT-R owners, which will hopefully find a place in their own cars.
Why did "the world's best performance car and one of the top brands with world-class product value" seemingly emerge out of nowhere in just three short years? And why has its appeal not faded after more than 15 years since its launch? The book contains clear answers to these questions.
In planning and developing the R35 GT-R as the "playing manager," Kazutoshi Mizuno incorporated unique advanced technology and know-how, as well as innovative marketing plans and brand strategies that he had cultivated on his own. However, the fundamental essence of the GT-R has not been disclosed to the media, let alone to Nissan's stakeholders. This decision was made because he had determined not to disclose it to the public until its value had been proven in the market, more than 10 years after its launch. "If the market evaluation or judgment had been negative, I would have taken all the secrets with me to my coffin," according to Mizuno.
And now, after more than 15 years, the markets have given their thumbs up, and Mizuno has decided the time is right. This book is like no other for R35 GT-R users, enthusiasts, and engineers who will influence the future. Authored by the very man responsible for the car's creation, the text effectively communicates the distinctive narratives associated with the development of this multi-
purpose supercar. It includes insights into "advanced and unique original technologies, the philosophy of Monozukuri and conceptual origin, as well as the thought process and pathway to conceptualization."
Some examples of untold stories. Why is the R35 GT-R faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo S from 0 to 100 km/h or around the Nürburgring racetrack, even though it has 10 fewer horsepower and is 100 kg heavier? Why do so many drivers survive unscathed after crashing into a wall at speeds of 200 km/h? How was it possible to establish a world-class brand in such a short period of time with zero advertising budget?
The author has refrained from publicly discussing these distinctive philosophies, insights into the essence of things, and technologies.
This book is authored by "Mr.GT-R" for owners who adore their GT-Rs. This book serves as the “bible” for the R35 GT-R, revealing numerous untold stories in a format that resonates with the actual car.
A world first. The same carbon-fiber material used for the interior of the R35 GT-R is also used for the cover.
In the process of selecting previously unpublished content and rare photos, Mizuno focused on the "R35 GT-R = a sense of oneness between car and driver," refinement reserved only for authentic products, and the vintage value that increases over time. For this reason, the cover and spine of the book are actually made of carbon fiber (as shown in the photo above), the same material used for the center console of the GT-R until the 2013 model year. Challenge Co., Ltd.,
which is responsible for producing nearly all of the carbon fiber components for the R35 GT-R, will manufacture the panels for the covers using the same facilities and methods employed for the R35GT-R at the company's main plant.
The finish is identical to the carbon-fiber rear wing of the R35 GT-R, with "50 to 60 microns thick, two coats of clear with matte black" carbon panels, and the title of the book stamped in gold foil. This reproduces the matte, three-dimensional quality that Mizuno was particular about in the development of the R35 GT-R. (*Please note that the paint is still under development, and specifications are subject to change during the development process.)
The dry carbon panels used for the covers are baked at high pressure in an autoclave oven at Challenge's main plant, using the same process employed in the production of parts for airplanes and top-level racing cars.
As the production of the R35 GT-R nears its end and the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles, Kazutoshi Mizuno believes that now is the time to speak up.
The GT-R has been featured in numerous magazines and special books published worldwide and its popularity never seems to wane. However, these publications are written by critics and writers from an external perspective, relying on hearsay and the manufacturer's press material. Looking at the automotive industry today, amidst the global transition to electric vehicles (EVs), there has been a notable surge in interest, including speculative interest, in high-performance sports cars with gasoline engines. This has resulted in abnormal increases in the market prices of these pre-owned cars.
"The Nissan R35 GT-R, which has been on the market for 15 years, is approaching the end of its product life, and each year's models sell out immediately after their launch. As such, I believe it is the right time for me to share the complete story behind the R35 GT-R. This includes my development philosophy and my obsession with products, my scenario for creating the world's top ultra-high-performance supercar within a short timeframe, while at the same time establishing it as a top-tier brand in the market, as well as the unique world-class technologies which enable exceptional performance, features, and reliability concealed within the car."
The book "My Philosophy and My Original Technology R35GT-R" includes both English and Japanese texts, and each book is numbered. In addition, the first edition is limited to 3500 copies worldwide and will be personally signed by Kazutoshi Mizuno as a special first edition offer.
About the author
Kazutoshi Mizuno, Head of Project KAs. LLC
He has served as both the project manager and development manager of the Nissan R35 GT-R, as well as the development manager of the Nissan Skyline,350Z, and Infiniti FX35 & 45. Additionally,
he has experience as the team manager and chief engineer of the Nissan works Group C endurance championship race team. Known globally as "Mr. GT-R" and the "Father of GT-R," he is a charismatic and influential figure in the automotive world.
1980s: Responsible for vehicle package planning and the development of models that have maintained their popularity, such as the P10 Primera, R32 Skyline, A31 Cefiro, S14 Silvia, and C33 Laurel.
Early 1990's: Mizuno served as the team manager, chief engineer (and designer), and race engineer for the Nissan works team, participating in the Group C endurance championship series. The team won all the championship series they participated in. In 1992, the team accomplished the remarkable feat of winning every race they entered, including the team's inaugural 24 Hours of Daytona in the U.S.A.
Late 1990's: As the head of development for front-engine, rear-drive high-performance vehicles, was responsible for the development of popular models such as the R34 Skyline, S15 Silvia, and C35 Laurel. Also responsible for the advanced development of the next-generation high-performance FM integrated platform package.
Early 2000's: Under the leadership of Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Mizuno played a key role in the early success of the Nissan Revival Plan by launching five high-end, high-performance models in just three years. These models included the V35 Skyline, Z33 350Z, and Infiniti FX35. Also responsible for the advanced development of the next-generation ultra-high-performance PM integrated platform package.
2004~2013: Carlos Ghosn entrusted Mizuno with full responsibility and authority for the development of the Nissan R35 GT-R project. In just three and a half years, Mizuno developed
the Nissan R35 GT-R, a multi-performance supercar that surpassed the performance and features of Porsche, the undisputed leader in performance cars, as well as Ferrari. At the same time, Mizuno cultivated the R35 GT-R into a world-class brand that was mentioned in the same breath as these established European brands.
Contents
Chapter 1
・My philosophy and vision for the ultimate R35 GT-R.
・My engineering philosophy is, "sharp and lean, the ultimate Waza (skills of Monozukuri) creates timeless beauty."
・The traditional concept of Monozukuri is based on "the spirit of Omotenashi (hospitality) with foresight and the artisan Waza that have been cultivated over the years," and it is the source of my philosophy and the R35GT-R.
・The key word is “purposefulness.”
Chapter 2
What makes the R35 GT-R?
The sensational user experience.
· The passion for cars I put into the R35 GT-R and the sensation it creates in the hearts of customers.
· The world's only "Multi-Performance Supercar" is designed to provide greater freedom of mobility. It represents my lifelong pursuit for the ideal car, offering ultimate freedom and everlasting value, as pursued and created by the R35 GT-R.
· The history of the R35 GT-R began at the starting grid of the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
· The origin of the R35 GT-R, the inspiration, conception, and essence of the PM platform package, and the journey to its development.
· The development of the world's first PM integrated platform package began with the V35 Skyline prototype.
· "World of GT-R'' is a collaborative effort with the customers.
· Without a history or brand power, it was possible to relentlessly pursue the essentials for creating the ultimate rational supercar.
Chapter 3
Bringing performance to a whole new dimension.
A car that can handle 300km/h in everyday use.
· Uncovering the stories behind supercar performance.
· Formidable barriers and challenging technologies. Even at 300 km/h, the tire maintains the same shape as when driving at 100 km/h.
· Vehicle packaging performance and the realization of the original "Optimal Weight Theory."
· My commitment to customers as an automotive engineer.
· Ensuring exceptionally high manufacturing precision and assembling it on the same mass production line with other models.
· New Nissan Performance Centers (NPCs) have been established around the world for sales and maintenance services.
· The development team exclusively participated in races to develop both the car and the team members.
· “Dojo Yaburi (challenging rivals on their own turf)” is the keyword for creating a world-renowned top brand in just one year with zero advertising budget.
· Why I was entrusted with full authority by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn to create the R35GT-R under an unprecedented organizational structure.
· My conflict-torn days.
· It was akin to establishing a small independent company (team) within a large corporation such as Nissan, where an individual would oversee the global team.
Chapter 4
Unveiled for the first time, the original technologies and ingenuity that went into the R35 GT-R.
· Why can the R35 GT-R boast exceptional performance, with the best high-speed capabilities and the ability to enjoy driving anywhere?
· Development of a unique independent transaxle for the R35 GT-R, along with a carbon-fiber propeller shaft.
· Why is a 1,700 kg vehicle with only 500 hp able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, making it the quickest in the world?
· How is it possible to drive the R35 GT-R at 300 km/h on the Autobahn with only one hand on the steering wheel and still have a conversation with the passenger?
· Why was the world's best aerodynamic performance (aerodynamic drag, downforce, and interior quietness) achieved with a seemingly standard coupe-like appearance?
· Why are we receiving words of awe and gratitude from around the world for "surviving unscathed even after crashing into a wall at 200 km/h?"
· Why did we choose the Nürburgring and German Autobahn for development instead of using our in-house test tracks?
· How was the R35 GT-R developed? A series of unimaginable "out-of-the-ordinary tests" that defy common sense.
· How did Kazutoshi Mizuno, with a hodgepodge team, manage to develop and nurture an unprecedented car?
*Photographs are examples. The contents and order of the table of contents are subject to change.
【Specifications & Appearance】
Size: A4, 188 pages
Format: Hardcover made with dry carbon fiber panels. Stamped with a serial number. English and Japanese text.
Package: Comes in a premium storage box.
Only 3,500 first edition premium books
Each with a unique serial number
Handwritten signature by Kazutoshi Mizuno.
(Carbon and paper specifications and the contents of this publication are subject to change during the development stage.)