Lando Norris captured the spotlight at the Japanese Grand Prix media day by arriving in a notably modified Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. The McLaren driver, known for his love for cars, showcased the stunning vehicle at Suzuka, impressing crowds as he brought an element of street racing flair to the prestigious event.
Earlier in the week, Norris teased enthusiasts with a Tokyo Drift-style video on social media, hinting at the car’s dramatic entry to the Grand Prix. Modified by the renowned Japanese firm Liberty Walk, the R32 boasts significant enhancements that elevate its performance and aesthetics. It’s fitted with an external oil cooler at the front, complimented by an aftermarket intercooler and an upgraded turbo system, encapsulating the car’s racing pedigree.
Inspired by Kaido racers, the vehicle features a pronounced front splitter, a wide body kit, aftermarket wheels, and a prominent rear wing. Inside, the modifications are equally striking, with the interior stripped down to racing essentials like racing seats, a racing steering wheel, and door bars replacing standard door cards. These alterations serve a functional purpose, providing essential safety measures for the driver. Even the gear stick has been swapped for an extra-length aftermarket version, enhancing the driving experience further.
This collaborative project brings together the expertise of Liberty Walk and Quadrant, Norris’s own media company. Speaking with Motorsport.com and other media outlets, Norris expressed his enthusiasm for the iconic R32 Nissan Skyline, saying, “Yeah, thanks, my car is nice. Actually, this one is not going to be my one, but [it’s a] R32 Nissan. It was just a cool project with Liberty Walk that I got to do with Quadrant, nothing to do with McLaren or Formula 1, it was just my love for cars outside of Formula 1.”
Norris’s passion for diverse automotive styles is evident. “I mean a lot of people know I like my cars and I have different cars and things like that, but it’s not just new modern cars that I like. In fact, I like more vintage stuff, but I also like variety, and this is something that is very different to European cars,” he said, highlighting his admiration for vintage vehicles which contrasts his profession in modern racing.
The significance of this venture lies not only in its automotive appeal but also in its cultural impact. The R32, a smaller yet beloved classic in the JDM world, reflects a side of automotive culture less familiar in Europe, yet highly celebrated among enthusiasts worldwide. Norris acknowledges this, noting the R32’s unique charm: “It’s probably very illegal, which is great, and I think that’s why a lot of people like it, so yeah, it’s just a cool experience to do something with them, and with the Quadrant team as well.”
The unveiling of this ‘illegal’ R32 Nissan Skyline marks a memorable collaboration and showcases Lando Norris’s diverse automotive interests, blending traditional racing with street style, hinting at exciting future projects both on and off the track. As the Grand Prix unfolds, the buzz surrounding Norris’s latest venture emphasizes not just his racing prowess, but his contributions to automotive culture as well.
