Some experts say gaming increases grey matter in the brain. Others say it improves motor skills and spatial awareness. None of that has been scientifically proven, but they sound like factoids that might receive a few nods of approval around here.
A far more tangible outcome of gaming is the influence that racing titles have on tuner culture. You won’t need any clues as to which game owner Ryohei was playing when he dreamt up the livery for his 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-T, as there’s a pretty big hint on the custom-paintedVoltex carbon fibre GT wing.
But even if the influence hadn’t come from Need for Speed, the impact that racing games, in general, have had on the tuning community, films, streetwear, music and street culture is undeniable.
I think it’s safe to say that car and game design are art forms with just as much artistic weight as sculpture or paintings. In the same way that a Picasso painting might influence another artist’s sculpture, car design influences game design and vice versa.
Of course, games like NFS arebased around actual hero performance cars, but giving players the ability to customise them with aero kits, wheels and liveries must account for some level of artistic exchange between the digital and real worlds.
Quite obviously, a certain film franchise about driving fast, furiously may also have had some influence on Ryohei and this build. The vinyl graphics were printed and applied by Art Factory Graphics, who worked with Modern Image to create graphics for The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
As I’ve said before, I never really got into gaming and although I’ve seen all of the Fast and Furious franchise films, none are on my top 10 list. That being said, I love everything about Ryohei’s car, from the livery to the under-glow. Considering the car was built two years ago and not 20, the early-2000s vibes are spot on.
The kit combines C-West and one-off parts, while the front fenders are from Okubo Factory. The headlights and tail lights are custom, as is the Candy Violet-based paint.
From the bodywork upgrades to the graffiti-style graphics and a stance courtesy of Airforce air suspension, the Skyline looks like it’s just been discovered in a basem*nt lock-up at Universal Studios.
And the wheels? Work Meister L1s in a meaty spec: 19×10-inch -17 offset front and 19×11-inch -29 offset rear. Toyo Proxes Sport tyres in 245/35R19 and 285/30R19 front and rear respectively put some serious rubber on the road.
Popping the bonnet opens another portal into the past, with the GT-T’s RB25DET NEO engine having been rebuilt by Top Secret. The 2.5L DOHC 24-valve inline-six is now making 550hp with help from a pair of Tomei Poncam camshafts, an RB26 six-throttle intake, GT-R intercooler, and a large Trust/GReddy TD06-25G turbo.
Poking out from the Car Shop Glow carbon rear diffuser is a full Trust/GReddyTiPower Extreme titanium exhaust.
The interior features Ryohei’s handiwork in the DIY panel trimming, plus a bolt-in roll cage, Bride Zeta IV seats, an Avenue steering wheel, a wild hand brake lever, andthe Nismo gauge cluster. You really can’tmiss theprizmatic sparkle details and LED lighting either.
So, what do you guys think? Will this Hollywood video game street tuner style live on for our great-grandchildren to scratch their heads about? I sure hope so.
Toby Thyer
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tobythyer.co.uk
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11 comments
3:10 pmJune 11, 2024GeronimoAE86
Pretty important to distinguish gaming from simulators and not confuse the two. Both help build hand eye coordination and timing but I think games like NFS and even gran Turismo lack in that department compared to Iracing and the like.
NFS is probably one of the worst games for a person to actually play if they are even remotely serious about driving. I grew up on the GT3 Playstation game but that’s all we had. These days it’s not uncommon for gamers to walk right into a full size car and win races. But I’d also argue that is due to their age rather than the game. It’s just less risk to start in a game financially and physically.
You guys write good articles to keep the lights on though. If I didn’t know NFS was one of the main backers or perhaps even owners of the brand at this point I wouldn’t have even noticed. Toby is good at the marketing bullshart.
Some of the early NFS games were really fun due to their arcade feeling though. Definitely a good game for kids if they aren’t too into cars but want a game to play.
2:16 amJune 12, 2024Toby Thyer
I think you may have missed the point of the story, which was simply a comment on artistic exchange
But you’re right, there’s a big difference between simulators and console games designed to be just a bit of fun.
I’ll take your marketing comment as a compliment, gotta keep that business Daddy happy
4:40 amJune 12, 2024GeronimoAE86
The marketing comment was a compliment!
5:09 amJune 12, 2024Toby Thyer
Cheers Geronimo
10:36 pmJune 11, 2024takumifujiwara13954
People with half a brain would not be foold by NFS games making them better drivers in real-life. They have always been games that's designed for fun time, not serious simulators. That said, old NFS does help prepare me to be a better driver before I got my license, by keeping my driving clean.
4:41 amJune 12, 2024GeronimoAE86
Fair enough Takumi. Well said.
7:44 pmJune 11, 2024Lachlan
Love the creativity here, especially on a chassis that is seeing less and less of it with every increase in value. There's a lot going on but it's all well thought out, and executed at a high quality. More than enough power to have fun with too.
3:07 amJune 12, 2024Yossarian
Great car! So refreshing to see instead of the usual bolt on overfenders and dull paint jobs!
5:20 amJune 12, 2024Just Gary
Cool car and great photogaphy & write-up!
Long before the Fast & Furious franchise and NFS, the movie American Graffiti both celebrated a generation of gearheads and influenced several more generations. Cars, music and fashion are all there. Check it out sometime- it'll be well worth your time.
6:24 amJune 12, 2024Funkmeister_89
I love the car but my only critique is the engine bay. I'd be embarrassed to show that off.
What is that mess of wires and random HID bulb next to the battery?
7:41 amJune 13, 2024Bruno Jupiter
As I said. Most of you are casuals.
