2005 Nissan GT Calsonic Impul Z Miniature 1:18: The Blue Icon of Japanese Super GT
In Japan, few race cars are as iconic as the 2005 Nissan GT Calsonic Impul Z. With its body based on the Nissan Fairlady Z33 (known as the 350Z in the West) and the traditional blue Calsonic paint job, this car not only shone on the track but also became a true cultural symbol of Super GT. The Impul team, led by former driver and legend Kazuyoshi Hoshino, made the blue Calsonic a recognizable icon on any grid. In 2005, this car marked the beginning of a new era for Nissan in the Japanese championship.
RACE CARS
Driven Vault
9/4/20253 min read
History and Origin
The car was created to compete in the JGTC (All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship), which in 2005 would be renamed Super GT. After years of racing the Skyline GT-R, Nissan decided to adopt the body of the new Fairlady Z (Z33) as the basis for its competition cars.
Thus, the Nissan GT Calsonic Impul Z was born, continuing the tradition of the partnership between Nissan, Calsonic, and Team Impul, which began in the 1980s. The model was entered in the GT500 category, the championship's top division, designed for the most powerful machines.
Driven by Yuji Ide and Satoshi Motoyama, the car faced historic rivals from Toyota (Supra) and Honda (NSX), cementing its position as a key player in the season.
2005 Season: Results and Impact
In the inaugural Super GT season (2005), the Calsonic Impul Z competed in every race in the GT500 category. Although it didn't win the title, the car demonstrated consistent performance and was an essential part of Nissan's development in the following years.
It achieved good results at classic tracks such as Suzuka and Fuji Speedway.
It stood out for its reliability and iconic presence on the grid.
It finished the season reinforcing the Impul team's tradition as a pillar of Japanese motorsports.
The blue Calsonic was so recognizable that, even without dominant victories in 2005, it remained one of the most beloved cars among fans.
Cultural Impact and Exclusivity
The 2005 Nissan GT Calsonic Impul Z transcended the track and became part of Japanese and global pop culture. Featured in racing video games such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, where it is adored by JDM fans.
Its blue Calsonic livery became a trademark, being replicated on several Nissan Super GT cars over the decades. It is one of the most collectible cars in miniatures and diecasts, manufactured by brands such as Tomica and Hot Wheels.
Rare Trivia
Skyline to Z Replacement: 2005 was the first year Nissan replaced the Skyline GT-R with the Fairlady Z as the basis for its GT500 cars.
Impul Name: The team was founded by former driver Kazuyoshi Hoshino, nicknamed "Hoshino Impul," one of the biggest names in Japanese motorsports.
Blue Tradition: Since the 1980s, Calsonic has maintained the same blue paint job on Nissan cars, creating one of the strongest visual identities in motorsports.
Design and Engineering
Although based on the street-legal Nissan Fairlady Z, the 2005 Calsonic Impul Z was essentially a competition prototype, designed specifically for the demands of Super GT.
Visual and technical highlights:
Wider bodywork with aggressive aerodynamics for maximum efficiency in high-speed corners.
Giant rear wing, essential for generating downforce on technical circuits like Suzuka and Fuji.
Iconic Calsonic blue livery, which has become one of the most recognizable paint jobs in the history of Japanese motorsports.
Reinforced tubular chassis, unlike the street model, ensuring rigidity and safety.
The design combined the classic silhouette of the Fairlady Z33 with pure racing elements, transforming it into a unique machine.
Technical Specifications
Despite its similarity to the street-legal Nissan 350Z, the 2005 Calsonic Impulse Z GT500 was much more radical.
Engine: Nissan VQ30DETT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
Power: ~500 hp (limited by GT500 regulations)
Transmission: 6-speed sequential transmission
Wheel drive: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Minimum weight: ~1,100 kg (according to regulations)
Top speed: Over 300 km/h, depending on aerodynamic setup
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza racing tires
This combination made the Calsonic Impul Z an incredibly fast and reliable car, ideal for the intense, gate-to-gate battles of Super GT.
2005 Nissan GT Calsonic Impulse Z
The 2005 Nissan GT Calsonic Impul Z wasn't just a race car: it was living proof of Japan's passion for motorsports. It marked Nissan's transition into Super GT, bringing the Fairlady Z to Japan's most competitive tracks and keeping the legendary partnership with Calsonic and Team Impul alive.
With its unforgettable blue paint job, its power on the track, and its presence in games and collectibles, the Calsonic Z is remembered as one of the greatest icons of Super GT and the JDM universe.