From R34 dreams to V35 reality: Wasi Uddin’s Nissan Skyline V35 350GT Coupe
For car enthusiast Wasi Uddin, the rare Nissan Skyline V35 350GT Coupe offers the perfect blend of luxury, power, and the fulfilment of a lifelong automotive dream
Among car enthusiasts worldwide, the 'Nissan Skyline' is a legendary moniker, synonymous with performance, speed, and an ever so successful motorsport heritage. Models like the R32, R33, and the iconic R34 GT-R have cemented the Skyline's reputation globally, evidently reflected by their ever increasing resale prices.
The Nissan Skyline V35 350GT Coupe, which separated from the GT-R lineup in 2007, was somewhat overlooked. However, for Wasi Uddin, a founding member of Super Tuner Bangladesh and a passionate car enthusiast, this Nissan model represents a dream fulfilled.
Wasi recently acquired a V35 350GT Coupe. In Bangladesh, high import duties on large-displacement engines make cars like these a rare sight.
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"Mine is the only one in the country," Wasi proudly claims.
His love for cars has led him to own various performance vehicles, from Honda Civics to Mitsubishi Evolutions. However, he believes the Skyline V35 offers a unique "blend of luxury and power that few others can match."
This Nissan Skyline V35 is the eleventh generation of the legendary Skyline series. Built on Nissan's FM platform, the same one underpinning the 350Z, it is powered by the formidable 3500 cc naturally aspirated VQ35DE V6 engine, delivering a maximum of 276 horsepower and 363 Nm of torque from the factory.
Despite being about 100 kg heavier than the 350Z, the V35 compensates with a more upscale interior and added features. Wasi's unit has been further enhanced with aftermarket modifications, making it even more unique.
"The trunk and hood are original carbon fibre from the US. Inside, it has an aftermarket carbon fibre steering wheel and gear knob sourced from Hong Kong," he shares.
Carbon bits aside, it has aftermarket smoked headlights, body kits, Nismo brakes and shock absorbers, and a set of 19-inch Work Emotion rims wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. To car enthusiasts, this is a visual stunner and an attention-seeker on the road.
"Most people don't know what car it is, and they're in awe when they see it," Wasi laughs. He kept the exterior badge-less, further adding a layer of mystery to an already rare car.
Wasi isn't finished with his upgrades just yet. He plans to install HKS exhausts, lightweight pulleys, a high-performance engine gasket, and upgrade the air intake system in the near future.
In terms of driving, the rear-wheel-drive platform has been nothing but a revelation for Wasi, who by now, has experienced all types of drivetrains, from front-wheel-drive in his FD2 Civic Type R to all-wheel-drive in his Mitsubishi Evolution VII.
"Driving a rear-wheel drive is something else. Those who have driven one know what I'm talking about," he says. For Wasi, the rear-drive layout brings a level of engagement that previous cars didn't offer.
Unlike his FD2 Civic Type R, which was too rigid for everyday driving, the Skyline V35 strikes an ideal balance. Wasi acknowledges, "The Civic was fantastic, but it wasn't comfortable for daily use."
He explains that it wasn't practical as a daily driver, and even his family disliked riding in it. In contrast, the V35 provides a smooth, luxurious ride with plenty of power when required, making it perfect for both city driving and more spirited trips.
With endless modifications planned, Wasi's Skyline's journey has only begun. For Wasi, the perks of the Nissan Skyline V35 350GT Coupe is beyond what makes it special—it's a realisation of his automotive dreams. With Bangladesh's five year import restrictions, Wasi's dream of owning a R34 GT-R in Bangladesh may remain out of reach for now. Hence, the V35 is literally the next best thing he could get.
