This was the lowest of all the dragstrip ferociousness we could expect from a 3,000-horsepower, all-wheel drive monster.
Drag racing is perhaps the most destructive and abusive form of auto racing. Drag racing can cause more damage to cars than any other form of road-course racing in a matter of seconds and a distance of only quarter of a mile.
Drag racing is almost entirely dependent on horsepower and torque. Drag racing cars are often much more powerful than any circuit racing car. Combine that with a powerful launch from a stop and you’ve got a recipe for many broken parts and even more dreams.
This Nissan GTR with 3,000 horsepower ran the quarter-mile in 7.25 seconds after a rebuild. After being warmed up, the GT-R ran in the high six second range. All-wheel drive cars launch stronger than rear-wheel or front-wheel drive cars. They have a prodigious grip that can turn gearboxes and transfer cases into mush.
Surprisingly though, none of these components were affected by the GT-R’s failure. We can confirm that the engine’s internals are safe. In this instance, the turbocharger’s turbine wheel caused an unexpected failure. It was launched across the dragstrip and into the catch fence, looking like a 10,000 RPM shuriken. The cameraman was just inches away when it sped off the dragstrip into the catch fence. It then bounced off the fence and came to rest on the ground. Although the edges looked chewed up, the overall effect was intact.
It exploded from the exhaust when it failed. It was little more than a 90-degree elbow escaping from the front bumper. It made a loud noise when it released, which was reminiscent of something from a sci-fi movie. Gidi immediately stopped the car.
The GT-R’s wound was only superficial and the GT-R was ready to race again and set new records.